We can’t afford camps of any kind

[Anonymous]

I'm not at all saying that it hasn't been a weird time, it has, I was merely commenting on another comment about kids ability to entertain themselves. Camp/activity threads always turn into a who has a better childhood argument and it doesn't always come from us boomers or Karen's as some posters like to put it, it also comes comes from who think kids have to have these things to have a good childhood.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Look, in general it is the truth, kids can't entertain themselves anymore. OPS problem is more complicated I agree, but this whole thread started because camps are outrageously expensive.

Many kids have had a solid year of entertaining themselves at home, including mine. My 5 yo is starting kindergarten and the last time she was outside of my care she was 3 as her preschool closed this past year. She's doing camp to get ready for K. It's a weird time.

She will love it! That’s wonderful. It will be a big help for the fall and be so fun.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I feel like a failure.

How old are your kids?

Turning 6 over summer. I’ve been on the Arlington parks site. I found one open class for mid August, in Fairfax for $370, for 4 days. I’d rather buy us a rack of pool/park day passes for that $$ and hope we can find kids at playground. I’m working weekends, but will be home during week. My parents can’t provide care, but we can visit as soon as they are vaccinated. I like the idea of occasional babysitter so she has someone besides me to interact with. Even little kids need breaks from their parents and sitters have younger energy. That’s something that’s more affordable as well. Her father is unable to help during weekday daytimes, but is amazing on weekends

Next year we’re hoping more of the regular day camps/school programs
will be open. We will be managing that differently, and I will be back to work full time. I know we’re lucky I have this flexibility, but it’s dramatically changed our options.

I feel you OP. It's not an been an easy year work wise for many due to COVID. This advice may be late for this year but the key is to start searching for camps early (like December and January). Many camps offer financial aid but i am not sure that option is still available at this point. Also there are county camps for around $250 but you have to sign up the day they open. The key is to search for these camps ahead of time and note their registration dates. Set alarms/reminders.

Also a summer pool pass at a local pool is also another option since you are not working during the week.

Best of luck finding activities.