Ahh Summer. Did it sneak up on you again? Don’t worry, you are not alone. In my role supporting families in North Texas, I can tell you the calls I get this time of year are similar. Summer sneaks up on all of us. It usually hits in May and families look at the calendar and realize (eek!) the kids will be out of school soon. (What happened to March?) You’ll be at work and want to be sure they get the best summer experience possible. With so many options (STEM camp, babysitter, grandma, day camp, sports, music and the list goes on), what is the best for your family?
First, let’s talk about planning for summer. Some say it’s fine to wait until the week before to get your child signed up for care. While this isn’t wrong, it certainly isn’t best practice. Waiting to get your child care can mean you sacrifice your top pick for programs, weeks, and can end up being more expensive. Or worse – your program could be sold out. YIKES! The ideal time to begin planning for summer care is mid-March to early April.
There are a few benefits to starting your search early. Some programs may offer a “summer care preview” during the spring to introduce their summer plans and facilities. We suggest taking advantage of as many of these previews as possible. Often, programs will offer discounts or special deals during their open house. Either way, always take the time to visit, tour and check references on any summer program.
Second, do a little pre-work to make it easier for you! Grab your calendar for June, July and August and plug in dates when your family is away on vacation, dates when family members will be visiting and dates when you plan to be off work. What you have left is which weeks or days you need summer care.
Third, budget doesn’t have to limit your plans. Summer care can be filled with a variety of options without breaking the bank. You can keep the plans simple and use one program, or you can register for the school-based after school program you already attend. Many after-school programs offer a summer camp where families can sign up by the week, as opposed to the entire summer.
While we are talking about camp – Summer camp options are growing quickly. There are camps offered for rock band, skydiving, pottery, science, cooking, and many more. These can get pricy, but there is always a work-around. If your child would enjoy soccer camp but you can‘t afford to send them off to a university for a week, look at what your local parks and recreation department offers. They may offer a soccer-focused camp at a much more affordable price. If your child has an interest in animals, check your local zoo. A variety of camp topics happen each summer at many community colleges, and many are designed for a week or less.
Resident camp, or sleep-away camp, is another option…like Camp Fire’s Camp El Tesoro. Resident camps offer cabins where children stay overnight for a week (or several weeks!). Overnight camps offer a unique experience because of the exposure to nature activities, fresh air, and time without electronics.
Another option is to create a special week with your child – your very own summer camp. Visit local museums, libraries, parks and include fishing, canoeing or a picnic. Camp in your backyard one evening.
Finally, it is important to remember that summer care can include many options to meet each family’s budget and your child’s interests – so our most important tip for summer planning is relax! Summer is fun, and no matter what you pick, your child will have a blast.
If you think you need additional help finding summer care – let us help you! Camp Fire offers a child care and after school referral program to help families identify programs in their area offering child care during the summer and school year for children and youth ages six weeks through 18 years old!
So, if you are starting from scratch or just looking to pick up a few ideas to round out your child’s summer, give us a try.
Two search options are offered: one is a free search and the other is a customized extensive fee-based search. For more details check out our Child Care Locator Service page.
Debra Hanus is the child care resource and referral program director for Camp Fire First Texas. As one of only seven child care resource and referral services in the state, she is a liaison between child care programs and families looking for care for their children. Debra began her career with Camp Fire in 1996 as an early childhood mentor until she moved to her current position in 2009. Before coming to Camp Fire, Debra worked at a national child care provider chain for ten years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Texas at Dallas.
