Not long ago, the pressure to carefully plan my children’s summer months loomed over me like an unwelcome obligation. I felt compelled to fill every moment of their break with enriching activities, predominantly at day camps that required advance registration, sometimes even months before summer arrived.
The commitment for overnight camps is even more demanding. Registration can begin while the school year is still fresh, with hefty deposits needed for a chance at securing spots in highly sought-after programs. The midnight “application rush,” where parents scramble to claim their children’s spots at elite camps, is a competitive sport all its own. I can’t help but admire the determination involved. After all, what better transition for kids than from the structured environment of school to the lively atmosphere of camp? A couple of weeks of relative peace could seem like a small price to pay after the chaos of May, allowing parents a brief respite before their kids return home.
However, this summer, I have decided to forego the allure of summer camps. This decision isn’t solely based on financial savings or the avoidance of potential credit card debt, although those are certainly appealing aspects. I’m consciously opting out of the meticulously organized schedules offered by seemingly innocent institutions like the YMCA. Despite its wholesome image, the YMCA often represents the luxury end of summer camps.
Indeed, two weeks of engaging activities through the YMCA can set you back nearly $2,600. From personal experience, add a few hundred dollars for appropriate bedding and overpriced branded apparel. I’ve spent the last few summers transporting my children to various locations, some requiring flights, only to find that they often choose not to return. This summer, I might prefer to invest in a golf cart instead.
Yet, our summer won’t lack for structure entirely. We won’t be relegated to the couch with tablets in hand. Instead, we’ll relish our days at the beach, and perhaps utilize our newfound free time to maintain journals or visit the library after we’ve had our fill of sun and surf. We plan to embark on adventures at our own pace, exploring nearby towns and local museums.
While my desire for a completely laid-back summer may seem appealing, it’s not the path I’ve chosen for this break. However, will the freedom of having four children at home feel more manageable? We intend to embrace this flexibility and make choices that cater to each family member’s needs as they arise. I look forward to spending quality time with my children, enjoying local wildlife, meeting friends, sailing, and indulging in activities like Bingo, swimming, and exploring tidal pools. Perhaps a more spontaneous schedule is what we all need.
With 77 days free from the demands of school, our “no plan” approach could prove to be a wise choice. The money saved could allow for a mountain getaway or perhaps even that golf cart, but we’ll see how the summer unfolds. After just a week of the delightful chaos that comes with having two energetic boys, a spirited daughter, and a toddler with special needs, I may find myself reconsidering the necessity of camps. Nevertheless, I’m determined to embrace the freedom I’ve overlooked in past summers. This could be the summer filled with adventure and memories, blurring together into one beautiful experience—one worth pursuing.
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Summary
This article discusses the decision to opt out of summer camp commitments in favor of a more flexible and spontaneous summer experience with family. The author reflects on the financial implications and the potential for memorable adventures without the constraints of organized camp schedules.
Keyphrase: Choosing to skip summer camps
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