JenOni

summer camp

Summer Camp: How I Selected the Right Camp?

SummerCamp

 

As a full-time working mom with a 3rd grader, summer camp is a necessity.    Summer camp is always a challenge in terms of finding a convenient location, before and after care hours, an affordable weekly cost and availability of  financial assistance.    After researching some of the camps offered in the area, the most convenient to home only operates until 3:30 with no after care provided.   My 2nd choice offers the convenient location,  however,  it is  cost prohibitive.    The 3rd choice is operated by the before and after care provider but the location is too far.   One  advantage Y membership is you can use all locations that are within the same network and Ys offer income-based financial assistance.

How I Prepared for Summer Camp Registration

  1.  Started the process early, February is ideal.  I know it sounds early but as the saying goes “the early bird catches the worm”.
  2. If needed apply for financial aid sooner than later.    The Y offers income-based assistance and you also save on the weekly rate if you are a member.   The location I selected allowed a 3-month membership only to take advantage of the reduced camp weekly cost for members.
  3. Registered for each of the weeks needed.   The Y requires a registration deposit for each week.

Some of the benefits of choosing this location are before and after care hours at no additional charge.   A discount for the weekly cost due to income-based financial aid and the ability to register as a member for only three months.

Summer Camp

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

photo source: microsoft.com/images

Whenever Memorial Day ends, I feel like we are a few steps closer to summer but it’s bittersweet.  School will end in a few weeks and then summer camp begins.    This year my 5yo DD graduated from her enrichment kindergarten class.     Once summer camp begins I always feel like July 4th is here before we can take a deep breath.  

I have learned over the past two years how important summer camp is every year.   It gives my kids an opportunity to meet new friends, try something new (which is sometimes difficult) or simply stay busy over the summer with activities….   The YMCA offers a wide variety of half day and full day camps and for working parents the before and after care offered is a blessing in disguise.   I am fortunate my kids were able to participate in a summer camp over the last two years.  This year we are trying a new location so I am hoping they have a wonderful and fun filled summer camp experience.

I remember going to overnight camp for a week and that was quite an experience.   It may be a consideration somewhere down the road.  For right now I’m just fine with day camp!   Wishing all my campers a summer filled with great memories.

 

CocoaMommy

Summer Camp at YMCA

This summer I wanted to enroll both kids in the same camp program.  Well I learned that the local YMCA offered camp for my 3yo DD and 9yo DS.  A few years ago someone told me about scholarship offered by the Y for services.   When I inquired about the scholarship, I had to complete application and provide all the requested documentation.   I received an answer within 2 weeks.   Both kids are going to  a full day camp program at a reduced weekly rate.   I know parents have preferences when it comes to summer camp however if you live in close proximity to a YMCA do not overlook the programs they can provide for your kids.   The scholarships offered are an added bonus.  For my 3yo DD, her weekly themed program includes includes arts & crafts, music, swimming, weekly visitors based on theme covered and games. For my 9yo DS, his weekly program includes art, music, swimming, field trips and sports.