Camp Vent!!

[MaumeeMom]

Sorry, that comment may come across as snarky but with reason...

My DH is volunteering at a charity golf event this week. He takes vacation time off of work to volunteer from 5AM to 9 or 10PM all week. We buy a volunteer uniform shirt for $30 (or $35, something like that) every year because each year is a different color or logo or something.

It is hot and dirty work sometimes. His shirts are dirty and stinky (and sometimes coffee stained due to the early wake up bell) by the time he gets home. I wash this shirt every night after I tuck him into bed and it is clean and fresh by the time he leaves at 4AM. I guess that is one of the reasons why he loves me.

It is a week and it isn't a big deal - this is just something I do for my family.

 

[JoiseyMom]

Sorry, that comment may come across as snarky but with reason...

My DH is volunteering at a charity golf event this week. He takes vacation time off of work to volunteer from 5AM to 9 or 10PM all week. We buy a volunteer uniform shirt for $30 (or $35, something like that) every year because each year is a different color or logo or something.

It is hot and dirty work sometimes. His shirts are dirty and stinky (and sometimes coffee stained due to the early wake up bell) by the time he gets home. I wash this shirt every night after I tuck him into bed and it is clean and fresh by the time he leaves at 4AM. I guess that is one of the reasons why he loves me.

It is a week and it isn't a big deal - this is just something I do for my family.

Nope not snarky at all, and I understand why you do it. I would too. My vent was that for what they are charging for camp that the shirts should all be included since they require the kids to wear them on trip days.

Every year kids get a camp shirt, just one, but they don't go on trips and are only needed to be worn during color war. They have changed colors at one point. For the program DD is in, they are different then the other camp shirts, so I cant even use the previous years. I just feel like I am being nickeled and dimed if you know what I mean.

If you go on DCL you pay a premium, but kids clubs are free, soft drinks are free, room service is free. They don't get you here and there for the little things like some other cruise lines do. I just expected more from this camp for what they charge. It is disappointing and annoying.

 

[disneymom3]

OP, I can understand the vent. That is a lot of money and only getting one shirt. Gotta be honest with you....I would expect DDs entire summer wardrobe to be provided and washed by them!

My son too! And this summer, I again, will have the pleasure of joining him, although staying in a less adventurous "mom's tent".

And the "no laundry needed" is not a joke... It's a fact and I was scolded for suggesting a shower & a change of clothes!

My nephew went to church camp when he was about ten. He came home and said to his mom with a big grin that she would not have to do ANY laundry because he had worn the same clothes all week! He was so proud and she was so mortified!!

 

[JoiseyMom]

OP, I can understand the vent. That is a lot of money and only getting one shirt. Gotta be honest with you....I would expect DDs entire summer wardrobe to be provided and washed by them!

LOL.. I wish!! Kids are having a blast so far. They both come home tired and very happy. DD is looking forward to the "out of state trips". I had to think about those and then realized yes, they have 1 trip to Manhattan (I know it is NY..but I have trouble thinking it is out of state!!) and a few trips to PA. No over nights this year. That is next years program, unless she wants to do the LIT program (and gets accepted into it).

 

[jax677]

I am just curious, what else have they expected you to pay for above and beyond the original 6K and the extra t'shirts?

To me its like a 5 star hotel, some things will be useful/wanted to some patrons, but not all. It just depends on what you expect or want. Maybe some of the kids are planning on wearing the stinky shirts all week?

 

[kaytieeldr]

Some surrounding towns have wonderful programs..but I don't live in those towns. I wish my town would run a better program.

This is NOT a criticism in any way... do you work? If not, why not get involved in (or taking on) making your town's camp better for next summer?

 

[kaytieeldr]

I called this morning and was told they are $15.00 each. Just seems insane considering...

Fairness? Each camper pays the same six thousand dollars, right? Each camper gets one shirt. But it would make sense, since each participant pays the same amount, that each gets the same perks. It's not unreasonable that campers wanting additional tangible items be expected to pay for them. It would seem the alternative would be to give each camper three shirts, and raise the cost of camp to $6,030.

 

[kaytieeldr]

If you go on DCL you pay a premium, but kids clubs are free, soft drinks are free, room service is free.

But they're free for everyone. All campers get one shirt free. If the campers in one program (or any camper, for any reason) wants more than one shirt, it's reasonable that the camp would charge for the additional shirts. It's the camper's/parents' choice to obtain supplies over and above what's included in the tuition.

 

[disneyfan007]

I only spend $250/week for a sleep away camp - DS 12 will be embraced by the comfort of a WW II canvas tent, but although not air conditioned, is on a platform 2 feet from the ground, in case it rains. Oh and he has a cot, that he circles with mosquito netting. No laundry needed, because we will pick him up in the same clothes we dropped him off in, and he will have had the time of his life - and be planning next year.

Sounds like Boy Scout Camp. When my son was younger we would visit on Wednesday, he had the sames clothes on we dropped him off in. Would not leave until he showered. Picked him up on Saturday, yep, same clothes he put on Wednesday. By the time he became a teenager, all the younger kids were "gross" and "stinky" he seemed to forget he was the same way when he was their age! We won't mention the coons.

 

[princessmom29]

I'm sorry and it may just be me but you have stated the cost like 3 times. Does it make you feel better to throw that it cost you 6k out there?? I would NEVER pay that much for a day camp for my children. My kids and I spend the summers doing things together and going on trips together so 6k could go for some very nice trips here. We have residential camps that do not even cost that much and are wonderful camps for the kids.

Ithink this post gets to the heart of the matter. i live in Alabam, but have not always. I have friends who live all over the world and have done my shar of world traveling. I have a pretty good idea what things cost in different areas of the country. $6000 dollars for a 8-9 week summer camp is outrageous by most standadrds of living in most places. That is over $500 a week for child care for one school aged child! My family in southern California don't pay that for quality childcare and the median home price in their area is $800,000 if that gives you any idea about cost of living there. I just can't see any need to pay that much for child care anywhere. Surely there are less outrageous options availible that don't have all the luxury amenities? Is it just a status symbol type thing to be going to this particular camp? I mean really. I could pay for a year of tuition at a state university for what that summer camp costs!!

 

[sunnyday123]

Well buying extra was not presented as an option. And to be perfectly honest for 6k, they should give this small group of kids that do this travel program (only 2 groups boys and girls) 3 shirts.

Well it is a big deal since they are sent to this camp for the perks... Perk 1) I don't have to prepare lunches 2) they provide towels (see I don't have to do laundry) 3) they launder the kids bath suits (see I don't have to do laundry) 4) air condition transportation

Yes, the perks are great which is why my kids are sent there. That is why this suprises me and bothers me.

I do enough laudnry over the summer on weekends with towels and stuff to have to do it during the week too. I really don't want to do extra laundry!! I also don't want to waste soap and water just for 1 shirt..

That was "perk" enough to pay $6k for a day camp? If laundry is that much of an issue, wash the t-shirt out in the sink. Save water and soap!

 

[mum4jenn]

WOW!!! I can't get over the price of this day camp and that the "perks" are lunch, towels, and air conditioning!!!! I would never consider those things "perks" LOL!!!

The expensive day camps here are around are at the most $200 and include lunch and are 5 days 8-5. Most cost much less than that and some you take a sack lunch to.

My dd normally goes to a one week day camp for Drama. THe "perk" for this is that all the campers perform in a play at the end of the week. She has an awesome time and it is only $125 for all week and includes the script,listening CD, t shirt and snacks. The performance is free.

 

[JerseyGirl84]

I live in Jersey too, and the closest day camp also charges $500 + a week. I know alot of the parents work at the camp or drive one of the buses to get free tuition. I sent my oldest daughter there for 4 week for a few summers, but that was all I could afford. Our local camp is Meadowbrook and it's a great camp, just expensive.

I would never beat on anyone for spending their own hard earned money on whatever they want. It's their money.

I agree with the "getting it off her part". The kids come home at dinner time, unwind, eat and then they change. You end up doing laundry at 10pm. It's so easly to get sidetracked with 4 kids.

 

[eeyorethegreat]

WOW!!! I can't get over the price of this day camp and that the "perks" are lunch, towels, and air conditioning!!!! I would never consider those things "perks" LOL!!!

The expensive day camps here are around are at the most $200 and include lunch and are 5 days 8-5. Most cost much less than that and some you take a sack lunch to.

My dd normally goes to a one week day camp for Drama. THe "perk" for this is that all the campers perform in a play at the end of the week. She has an awesome time and it is only $125 for all week and includes the script,listening CD, t shirt and snacks. The performance is free.

My kids go to drama (day) camp- we call it theater camp here. Anyway, it is $80 pre child for two weeks and no shirts, but snack and script is provided and there are two performances one Friday and the other Saturday, tickets are $5 a person so we end up spending another $20 to see the 4 kids perform . So $340 for 4 kids to go to theater camp for two weeks. Not a bad deal huh? Still, I hate writing that check every year but it is worth it.

As for the $6000 camp yikes, I am sure it is worth it to the OP and the child but I would just have to entertain my kids at home if that is what camp cost here. Thank goodness it doesn't! I'm curious as to where all the day trips are going to... (unless it was already mentioned and I missed it)

 

[Dorisk3]

To the OP- I'm in NJ too- and I know how much camps cost. For those of you out there so shocked by that price, don't move to Jersey. If that kills you, think of paying 15,000 for property taxes a year (and we're not talking for a mansion either). We're lucky our town has several good inexpensive camps (and they will thankfully give you 2 shirts!) For the price you are paying, they could hand out a few more cheap shirts!

 

[JoiseyMom]

I am just curious, what else have they expected you to pay for above and beyond the original 6K and the extra t'shirts?

To me its like a 5 star hotel, some things will be useful/wanted to some patrons, but not all. It just depends on what you expect or want. Maybe some of the kids are planning on wearing the stinky shirts all week?

This has been the first thing. They get new camp bags. Starting the 5th year you go you get gifts. DD has gotten a windbreaker, hoodie, towel, visor, duffle bag, hmmm...I think a blanket. They also have an Octoberfest/halloween event every year. (They want you to bring freinds so that they can sign up for camp!!) They used to have a winter festival but stopped it a few years back. Now they have parents night where the parents can swim do the rock wall, go carts, yada yada, zip lines. All the activities that the kids do, and a catered bbq dinner. We get to go twice since we have kids in lower camp and upper camp!

Even tips are "suggested" and not mandatory. So I was rather surprised that they only got one shirt. Her shirt from yesterday wasn't dirty and she had a cami under it. She said she doesn't need it for tomorrow. I know it is only 15.00...but it is the point. I will be sending a check in next week for 1 extra shirt.

 

[JoiseyMom]

This is NOT a criticism in any way... do you work? If not, why not get involved in (or taking on) making your town's camp better for next summer?

I wouldn't touch my town's politics with a million foot pole!! It is too ugly. Town meetings should provide popcorn . Also any improvements would mean more moeny into it, and the town committee will not approve that, and no one in my town would vote for an increase for an improved rec program.

 

[JoiseyMom]

Fairness? Each camper pays the same six thousand dollars, right? Each camper gets one shirt. But it would make sense, since each participant pays the same amount, that each gets the same perks. It's not unreasonable that campers wanting additional tangible items be expected to pay for them. It would seem the alternative would be to give each camper three shirts, and raise the cost of camp to $6,030.

No...they do not pay the same. I pay less for my DS8 since he isn't in travel camp. I also pay less then someone who signed up yesterday. I sign them up and have to pay by the last day of camp for the following year for the least ex*****ve rate. I also save about 200.00 for a siblings rate.

But since each child in my DD's program are required to wear this shirt on trips then all the kids should be provided with what the kids need. I paid the lowest one could pay for my DD program, unless of course I worked for the camp.

This isn't about fairness. I wasn't thinking only my DD should get more then 1 shirt. I think every child in this program should be. And yes..for the price we are paying I think it is a reasonable expectation.

 

[princessmom29]

To the OP- I'm in NJ too- and I know how much camps cost. For those of you out there so shocked by that price, don't move to Jersey. If that kills you, think of paying 15,000 for property taxes a year (and we're not talking for a mansion either). We're lucky our town has several good inexpensive camps (and they will thankfully give you 2 shirts!) For the price you are paying, they could hand out a few more cheap shirts!

So there is absolutely no lower priced option for child care for the summer?? Nothing at all for school age kids except $6000 summer camp??

 

[JoiseyMom]

Ithink this post gets to the heart of the matter. i live in Alabam, but have not always. I have friends who live all over the world and have done my shar of world traveling. I have a pretty good idea what things cost in different areas of the country. $6000 dollars for a 8-9 week summer camp is outrageous by most standadrds of living in most places. That is over $500 a week for child care for one school aged child! My family in southern California don't pay that for quality childcare and the median home price in their area is $800,000 if that gives you any idea about cost of living there. I just can't see any need to pay that much for child care anywhere. Surely there are less outrageous options availible that don't have all the luxury amenities? Is it just a status symbol type thing to be going to this particular camp? I mean really. I could pay for a year of tuition at a state university for what that summer camp costs!!

Why does that post go to the heart of the matter? The majority of the day camps where I live in NJ cost that much money. That is just the way it is. Am I supposed to move to a cheaper area? I do live in an upper middle class to upper class town. But most of NJ is very expensive. My bff in LI NY pays about 7k for her sons camp program.

Sure I can send my DD to the rec program where she will swim 2x a week and hand around the hot rec center or empty school buildings and do some arts and crafts and be bored from 9 -2. And I should do that why, because Diser's from less expensive parts of the country can't believe what things cost in NJ or NY??

We sent DD to this camp when she was 6 years old. She went to a nearby camp the summer she was 5, and I didn't like it. It was the normal school buses, no ac and a long ride. Everythng was outdoors and just covered structures if it rained. Just plain pools and just not worth the 3k it cost 8 years ago. We then toured her current camp and for the same price got air condition passenger vans, towel service, laundry for bathin suits, hot lunches, pool slides, in door air conditioned activities, and a much nicer campus. We were sold. Yes, this camp might be a bit mroe then the other one today. But they are all in the same ball park.

This is not status symbol at all...I am so far from that as possible. DD gets teased at times since she doesnt own a pair of Uggs or goes shopping at Hollister or Abercrombie!! I am not a keep up with the Jones type of person. This was just the camp that we liked the best. I have 2 local camps within 2 miles from my home, and they are in the same price range and trying to compete with DD camp. My DN has been there and my SIL (who is the status type) didn't like them. She now spends part of her summer at DD camp.

Maybe you should travel to Central and Northern NJ and then out to LI and see what the prices are there. I had major cultur shock 19 years ago when I moved here and tried to find camps for my 2 older sons. I was sticker shocked..but that is what it is.