If you can afford more expensive camps, why are you taking up other people's spots for DPR?
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
I'm pretty sure OP wants a middle class kids camp, with middle class being defined by whatever her household income is. |
Anonymous
Why limit this insane theory to DPR camps? Let's have everyone sign up for the most expensive camps they can afford, so as to leave any of cheaper camps for people who earn less. |
Anonymous
No, OP is wondering why people who can afford it are taking up lower and middle class income spots. I don't think the camp should be all "poor" kids, I'm just wondering why people who have the privilege and means feel the need to compete for spots that could be used up by people who need them more. d |
Anonymous
| I completely disagree. If they pay taxes, they should get a spot. I think there needs to be more integration between economic levels. |
Anonymous
How do you decide who needs them more? What is the upper income limit you think should exist for these camps? |
Anonymous
| Maybe they're able to buy million-dollar homes because they save money doing things like signing up for cheaper summer camps. |
Anonymous
| I don't agree with OP, but am worried this year because I can't afford to pay for the whole summer outright. I usually pay for camp with my tax return, but this year I owed DC, so I won't get enough to cover more than a few sessions. It doesn't mean that it's "unfair", but it does make me a little sad and worried about the second half of the summer. |
Anonymous
|
I think OP has a sincere concern about how much more stressful summer planning is for families who cannot afford camps that are much more $$ than DPR camps. I don’t think s/he was saying that families who are wealthier cannot or absolutely should not take those spots. Everyone knows that any family who is able to register, may do so. But I think it’s totally fine to think about the question s/he poses because the truth is that there are very limited spots for DPR camps and a spot can be a game changer for a family in financial stress. I help a friend who is low-income register for the camps each year and it is a stressful experience. We tried each day this week but only had success on two days, which means that one child is uncovered for a few weeks. This means that both parents cannot work full time during this time. DCist wrote a story last year about DPR summer camps that touched on briefly how much of a lifeline these affordable options can be for certain families.
I’m not really expecting most people to rethink/change their position based on the inequity that OP points out. But after going through the registration process this year, I am thinking about writing to my ANC rep about this issue. According to the article, DC offered 1000 additional spots beginning 2019 but clearly those are filled in a heartbeat too. |
Anonymous
|
I understand OP. I think the issue is DC needs to make
more sots available. The demand is there. For instance, camp registration was at 1200 (noon). I signed on at 1158. Swim camps in cart by 1201 and by 1203 we were #16 & 17 on waitlist- that does move. I’ve reached out to DPR twice to inquire about more classes. Nope but would I /all users received was a survey on how to improve. I guess my comment was skipped. |
Anonymous
I put money aside in my FSA account for my 13&10yo. I just noticed I can not use the funds for care for the 13. Why not is my question? I’m not leaving her in the house all summer. I guess that was a wash. |
Anonymous
| OP you have mental health issues. |
Anonymous
I don’t agree. Refer to PP 2029. I think they captured OP’s concern. |
Anonymous
|
Anonymous
Lots of people who have million dollar homes can afford them in part because they are frugal elsewhere. |
Anonymous
Do you really spend less than $5,000 all year for the 10 yr old? If not, it doesn’t matter because, unlike 529 funds, FSA is not kid specific. |