Summer camp: Money not stopping parents from sending the kids

A single mom with three sons, Maureen Wrinn knew she faced tough financial choices after losing her job last fall.

[Kingfish]

shouldn't these children learn the lesson of living within your means instead?

[Jill Tipograph]

I am glad to see positive word spreading about sending kids to summer camp. It is the greatest gift a parent can give a child. Parents will cut other expenses in order to fund camp for their child. And camps will work with families to help them afford the payments.
There is no better way than camp to help a child develop into a happy, healthy, self-confident teen and young adult. The skills, lessons and friends gained at camp remain with you for life. I have seen this in the thousands of kids, teens and families I have helped with summer planning. And it is the mantra I espouse on national TV, print and on-line. Enroll your child in the right camp now!
Jill Tipograph
Founder/Director
Everything Summer LLC
www.everythingsummer.com

[Dixielou]

I have to offer a differing viewpoint. Camp is not the answer for all children. If your child is outgoing and easily fits in, great! If your child is shy, quiet, a bookworm, and a bit of a loner by nature (one who can amuse himself without being part of a group and actually prefers this to being in a group), camp is not the best place.

That being said, my son has close friends that he trusts, family--immediate and extended--close by, and endless opportunities to attend science workshops, zoo workshops, classes in the arts, sports classes, as well as opportunties within his taekwondo school to show leadership skills by teaching students of lower belt rank than he is. He helps out charitable organizations and he has responsibilities here at home as well that he takes great pride in.

He has pool parties with his trusted friends, I work with the parents of these kids to set up cool obstacle courses and challenges, silly relay races using all sorts of materials, pool parties, movie nights, video game challenges, etc. I, and the other parents take turns taking the kids to ride go-karts, go rock-climbing, fishing, etc.

As a family, we also take trips to theme parks and go camping.

My son does not need camp. He is 10, and he feels most comfortable with these trusted pals...and with them by his side, he can work at his own pace to venture out and meet others and be challenged.

He's surrounded by love, laughter, and new experiences, and he is thriving. I am always told how mature, well-behaved, and respectful my son acts.

So while I see the benefit of camp for those who perhaps do not have the opportunity to be challenged, have new and exciting adventures....or perhaps those who have parents who must work outside the home, camp is not the answer for every child. For some children, a camp atmosphere could actually stress them out and leave them frustrated.