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Why I’m Skipping the Summer Camp Circus
Not too long ago, the pressure to fill my kids’ summers with endless activities felt like a self-inflicted nightmare. I hustled to find enriching experiences for them, often booking day camps months in advance, as soon as the first hint of warm weather kissed the air.
Overnight camp? That’s a whole different ballgame. Registration opens while the school year is still fresh, and if you want a spot at the elite camps, you better be ready to pounce at midnight. Picture it: a frenzy of parents scrambling to secure limited spaces, especially for those coveted June sessions. I can’t help but admire the hustle of it all. After all, who wouldn’t want that blissful transition from school to camp? Two weeks of relative peace? Sounds dreamy, especially after the whirlwind that May can bring.
But this year, I’m taking a stand. I won’t be diving into the enticing yet chaotic world of summer camps—not just because it’ll save me a small fortune (or prevent me from spiraling into credit card debt). I’m opting out of the meticulously crafted schedules of camps run by well-meaning organizations like the YMCA, which, despite its wholesome reputation, is basically the Ritz-Carlton of summer camps.
For the price of two weeks of fun at the YMCA—$2,589, mind you—I could have purchased a small yacht. And let’s not forget the extra hundreds I’d spend on camp-approved bedding and overpriced gear. Yes, I’ve spent the last few summers shuttling my kids to various locations, some requiring plane tickets, only to find out they didn’t want to go back. I could have easily been cruising around town in a golf cart instead.
But fear not! We won’t be lounging on the couch all summer, glued to screens. Our days will be filled with beach outings, and we’ll make good use of our newfound free time by journaling and visiting the library when we need a break from the sun and surf. We’ll embark on our own adventures, exploring nearby towns and local museums without a set agenda.
I’m not aiming for a totally lazy summer but rather one where we have the freedom to adapt to each family member’s needs as they arise. I’ll cherish the time with my four kids as we explore nature, connect with friends, and enjoy sailing, bingo, swimming, and discovering tidal pools. Perhaps a lack of rigid plans is just what we all need.
We have 77 glorious days of summer ahead, and our “no plan” plan might just be the best one yet. With the money we save, we could take a mountain trip or even invest in that golf cart I keep daydreaming about. However, after just a week of managing two bickering boys, a spirited daughter, and a special needs toddler, I might find myself reconsidering the value of camps. Still, I’m determined to embrace the freedom I usually overlook in the summer months. Maybe this will be the year where our adventures are so abundant, they blur together into one beautiful memory—a summer worth savoring.
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Summary
This summer, I’m opting out of the traditional camp scene to embrace a more flexible, adventure-filled schedule with my kids. By avoiding the high costs and rigid agendas of camps, we’ll spend our days exploring local attractions and enjoying the beach. With 77 days to fill, I’m looking forward to making memories without the pressure of structured activities.