Camp Vent!!

[SarahKate]

I'm not going to get into how I feel about OP's vent, because I think there's been plenty of feedback.

But I personally think camp is a WONDERFUL thing for the kids, whether it's a resident camp or a daytime camp.

I only wish that I had that opportunity when I was a kid. My mother worked full-time and I was "supervised" by my grandmother who lived with us at the time. I put it in quotes because I really wasn't supervised and had my run of the place. Camp would have been a great thing for me.

I actually left my full-time job last December and am working on building my own from-home business. Money is coming in, but things are tight. BUt I've made it a priority to give this experience to our 7-year old daughter. I've asked her grandfather's for money to help out and I've also paid for some on our own.

We are very fortunate that in our area the Girl Scout day camp is only about $115 a week (lunches included). She LOVES it there, has built great friendships, and the counselors seem to love what they're doing. So she goes to camp a week or two at a time, is home with me a week or two, and then she'll also be going to a camp at our local theater center. For us, it's a nice mix of her having downtime at home but also gaining awesome experience.

If you are able to afford a camp, even if just for a week, it's an experience your child(ren) will never forget!

 

[momx2]

Okay, now I understand better where you're coming from. I agree with you on finding a blend of structure and free time. I can remember being a kid and not doing camp or any activities, and I'd get bored after a few weeks. Also, all of dd's friends live in other neighborhoods, so we pretty much have to drive them everywhere. Which is fine, just takes some planning. Different than when I was a kid and could ride my bike to friends' houses.

I can relate, except as a kid we lived in the county and there were no camps or friends to ride my bike with, just me. Talk about being bored. I couldn't wait for school to start!

 

[trainingupmy4princes]

I guess I am most confused about the gripe about laundry during the week. I have 4 kids and I end up needing to do laundry at least every 3 days. I can't see how you are going without doing laundry all week? 6 people times that many clothes would be a lot of laundry if left until Saturday. I am also wondering why this is such a hardship? I mean you are a SAHM with no kids to take care of because they're at camp during the day so why would it be so hard to do a load of laundry? If my kids are gone during VBS it makes house cleaning,laundry, etc. that much easier because I can get it done with noone underfoot, whining, arguing with each other etc.
I am not trying to flame I am just wondering as our family is big as well and laundry piles up quick for us. Maybe there's a trick I don't know about.

 

[JoiseyMom]

I get what you are saying. I am glad you came back, because I was getting the feeling that you felt kids that stayed home were deprived I see that is not how you feel

My three children do go to tennis and golf camp. But they only last a week.

We live in a small and safe community, so I imagine that does play a big part in why they are able to hop on bikes and go.

Nope...I would never judge how other kids spend their summers...everyone is different. DD13 bff didn't go to camp this year because of her Bat Mitzvah, and her mom didn't want her traveling.. but I know her DD is going a bit stir crazy.

Last summer we were only sending them the first 7 weeks, and they weren't happy about it. But we had a family vacation planned that took priority. My kids do adore camp, and they do know that it can stop at any time. I love that my DS8 comes off the bus bursting with news about how great his day was and how much fun he had. This is such a wonderful change from school!

I went to the same camp from the time I was 5 until I was 16. I did work there from the time I was 13. The summer I turned 17 was my last summer before I went off to college and I decided I didn't want to go back. WOW..did I regret that big time. I went nuts being home!


And to the person that said too much scheduling is bad for kids...well my DS is ADHD and scheduling is just what he needs! He loves his summers.

Every person is different, every family is different and so are communities. I had culture shock moving from Brooklyn to NJ. Things here were different and I adjusted. I also wouldn't judge either city or state..they both did things differently, since life in the towns were different. Live and let live.

 

[JoiseyMom]

I guess I am most confused about the gripe about laundry during the week. I have 4 kids and I end up needing to do laundry at least every 3 days. I can't see how you are going without doing laundry all week? 6 people times that many clothes would be a lot of laundry if left until Saturday. I am also wondering why this is such a hardship? I mean you are a SAHM with no kids to take care of because they're at camp during the day so why would it be so hard to do a load of laundry? If my kids are gone during VBS it makes house cleaning,laundry, etc. that much easier because I can get it done with noone underfoot, whining, arguing with each other etc.
I am not trying to flame I am just wondering as our family is big as well and laundry piles up quick for us. Maybe there's a trick I don't know about.

Everyone has their schedule...and my laundry is done and ready to go for Monday morning. That is how I have always done it. Not counting sheets and towels I have 4-5 loads each week during the summer for the family. And DD usually does hers. Which is why I wouldn't have much wash to do on Tuesday and Weds nights. Could it be done, yes. I don't want to, shame on me! But the laundry wasn't the point of my vent.

I only have 2 children at home, so I have laundry for 4. My 2 oldest sons are adults and do their own laundry at their own homes . Even when they lived here they did their own! I trained them well!! They cook, do laundry and iron!! Very self sufficient young men.

Yes, currently I am a SAHM, but I do spend a good portion of my day trying to find a job and other things.

 

[MaumeeMom]

I guess I am most confused about the gripe about laundry during the week. I have 4 kids and I end up needing to do laundry at least every 3 days. I can't see how you are going without doing laundry all week? 6 people times that many clothes would be a lot of laundry if left until Saturday. I am also wondering why this is such a hardship? I mean you are a SAHM with no kids to take care of because they're at camp during the day so why would it be so hard to do a load of laundry? If my kids are gone during VBS it makes house cleaning,laundry, etc. that much easier because I can get it done with noone underfoot, whining, arguing with each other etc.
I am not trying to flame I am just wondering as our family is big as well and laundry piles up quick for us. Maybe there's a trick I don't know about.

That is exactly it - it has nothing to do with camp or no camp. What works for one family may not work for another.

I think many of us don't understand the problem with either washing the shirt, having the DD wash the shirt or buy an extra. In the grand scheme of things this is a minor issue. Laundry is just something most of us Moms do without thinking twice about it.

 

[princessmom29]

You just don't get it.


The kids have a summer. They go to camp and do the typical camp stuff. In Brooklyn typical camp stuff includes TRIPS. After camp and on the weekends they hang out doing the typical neighborhood stuff.

The kids don't take part in Ailey work shops. Each winter they attend an Ailey performance at Lincoln Center. (Those poor, neglected kids.)


How exposing a bunch of kids to all the things our wonderful city has to offer is a bad thing is beyond me.

The camps (and I assume after school programs) in my area are not the same as the programs in your area. I don't see it as a right or wrong thing. They are just different.

Actually, you are the one who just doesn't get it, or is being deliberately obtuse. I was not referring only to the one Alvin Ailey example in my post (which I would have thought was obvious) I was using it as but one example of the many, many given here. Come on, surely you got that and are deliberatly baiting me. If not oh well, you guys are just never going to come down off your priviliged ivory clouds and even try to get it. I give up!!

 

[mjkacmom]

Actually, you are the one who just doesn't get it, or is being deliberately obtuse. I was not referring only to the one Alvin Ailey example in my post (which I would have thought was obvious) I was using it as but one example of the many, many given here. Come on, surely you got that and are deliberatly baiting me. If not oh well, you guys are just never going to come down off your priviliged ivory clouds and even try to get it. I give up!!

I don't think you can compare growing up in Mobile, AL vs. Brooklyn, NY. I think it's great they have these camps so the kids can explore the city, which has SO much to offer. My mom grew up in a city (Jersey City), and the highlights of her summer were sitting on the stoop, splashing in the fire hydrant, and being shipped off to be a mother's helper to relatives in more suburban locations.

 

[princessmom29]

I don't think you can compare growing up in Mobile, AL vs. Brooklyn, NY. I think it's great they have these camps so the kids can explore the city, which has SO much to offer. My mom grew up in a city (Jersey City), and the highlights of her summer were sitting on the stoop, splashing in the fire hydrant, and being shipped off to be a mother's helper to relatives in more suburban locations.

There is "so much to offer" here as well. Oh like grass, and trees, and actual animals that are not in a zoo. Lots and lots of greenspace and nature to enjoy and discover that you just don't get in NYC. Also beaches that are fit for swimming, and deep sea fishing. We have our share of cultural events as well. We have a thriving ballet company, an opea, and a wonderful community theater. Several museums, and a nationally recognized children's science center. This is NOT abut what is offered in various parts of the country. That was never my point at all, and it has been made out to be by others. Cultural enrichment is a great thing, and that was NOT what i was questioning at all. You are completely missing the issue. The porblem is when what is offered becomes more important than what the kids actually need and children become so bombarded with stuff that they no longer get anything out of it. It simply becomes an expected status symbol and is no longer enriching in any way. You can have too much of a good thing. The op's posts talked about go carts and rock climbing, not trips to cultural events, so mabye I chose a bad example to comment on. My gripe was not with culturally enriching trips being bad, but that trying to pack too much into summer camp just is not necessary or a good idea. Culturally enriching trips one or two times a week is one thing, but go carts ect everyday all day is another.

No, I don't think there is any comparision, and I'll take Mobile any day. Best of both worlds!!!! Plenty to do and see, and a great cultural community without the crime, pollution, and rudeness!!!

It's unbelieveable the number of people who obviously believe everyone in the south is stupid!! I am so tired of the stereotypes. Yes we have indoor plumbing and electricity. We also have a rich history and culture all our own that no one north of the Mason Dixon seems to recognize as being culturally significant in any way. I love it here, and wouldn't trade it for any city in the world. I lived in Paris for a while, but really never felt at home the way I do here. It was brimming with "cultural opportunity" but seriously lacking in hospitality and acceptance.

 

[penn19]

But are you paying thousands of dollars for your kids to play sports?

Yes! I will spend close to $2,000 this season alone (spring/summer) with my 8 year olds baseball! He has 3 different uniforms, but if we are in a weekend tournament, and we are traveling, they don't get washed. If I am home and he has a local tournament I will try and wash.

 

[disneyjunkie]

Actually, you are the one who just doesn't get it, or is being deliberately obtuse. I was not referring only to the one Alvin Ailey example in my post (which I would have thought was obvious) I was using it as but one example of the many, many given here. Come on, surely you got that and are deliberatly baiting me. If not oh well, you guys are just never going to come down off your priviliged ivory clouds and even try to get it. I give up!!

PRIVILEGED???????

In your rush to paint us a bunch of parents raising spoiled kids, you must have missed my description of my neighborhood. I grew up and live in a section of Brooklyn called Bedford-Stuyvesant. Although Bed-Stuy is currently going through a gentrification phase, it is far from a PRIVILEGED community.

The majority of the kids served by the camp I'm talking about (which is located in the heart of Bed-Stuy) come from low income families. Many receive some type of public assistance.

The camp (and after school) trips afford those kids an opportunity to visit venues in and around NYC that most would not get to experience other wise.

If that means they don't care about the kids, then I say great!! I hope they continue to not care.

PRIVILEGED IVORY CLOUDS

 

[princessmom29]

PRIVILEGED???????

In your rush to paint us a bunch of parents raising spoiled kids, you must have missed my description of my neighborhood. I grew up and live in a section of Brooklyn called Bedford-Stuyvesant. Although Bed-Stuy is currently going through a gentrification phase, it is far from a PRIVILEGED community.

The majority of the kids served by the camp I'm talking about (which is located in the heart of Bed-Stuy) come from low income families. Many receive some type of public assistance.

The camp (and after school) trips afford those kids an opportunity to visit venues in and around NYC that most would not get to experience other wise.

If that means they don't care about the kids, then I say great!! I hope they continue to not care.

PRIVILEGED IVORY CLOUDS

Well perhaps you should not come across as so culturally superior if you don't want the assumption made. it was you who said New york had "so much to offer" as if it was sooo superior to the backwoods where I am. this is becoming absolutely unbelievable. Privliged does not necissarily mean money. The attitude to which i was referring was one of cultural, not monitary superiority.

Go ahead and rank and attack away, but you will get no more response from me. I am obviously wasting my time trying to explain something you don't even want to aknowledge.

 

[My sister's princess]

 

[penn19]

Wow..you are being NICE...who a thunk it!! The poster made a very intelligent mature statement. You would have never known her age if it wasn't posted in her sig!

For your information, I never said tennis lessons. And they are not that tightly scheduled! They have periods, just like school!! Wow...and they do not have everything everyday!! The older they get, the more they get to decide what they want to do! Certain things like swim are everyday. Wow...how horrible having kids swim during the HOT summer. For shame. And teaching them how to cook, and mad science and ceramics. Wow..that is such a waste of their time. They should just be sitting in a park looking at each other?? Should they have one on one interaction with the counselors?? Wow...do the shcools where you live do that?? Is there much interaction or are the teaching subject after subject???

How is going to Six Flags every other Tuesday over scheduled? How is her enjoying the shore so bad? If she was home and I took her on these trips with her brother, ya know what.... she would be bored to tears because she wasn't with her peers SOCIALIZING!! Camp gives them such better interaction and friendships then school does! They are on equal footing and HAVING FUN!! The one thing my kids have never said to me about camp is that they are BORED! They have blast...from playing, cooking, singing, swimming, practicing for talent shows and just hanging out!

You are being very ignorant to say that these camps are doing what you say. In my 26 years of being a parent, and dealing with more camps then I care to count over the years, I have only seen one that didn't care about the kids, and the counselors were just there to watch the children. And that is the inexpensive town run one.

So, the kids in my area shouldn't swim, rock climb, boat, go cart, cook, and do all the fun sports and other activities...then what in your vast 31 years of experience is your ideal of a camp program??

Should they just be home watching tv, videos games, playing with freinds, riding their bikes, reading and go stir crazy?? Tell me Miss Expert...what is your opinion!!

I don't know...I think a majority of us grew up that way. Playing with friends on the street, walking out the door and being gone all day just hanging with friends. And I don't know about you but I had a GREAT time doing it. And it sure didn't cost my parents $6,000.....As much as you say it isn't a "status things" it is a status thing. If you are a SAHM mom and your husband was recently laid off, I don't know that it is a great financial move spending $6k for a camp. So what do you get to do while your kids are being entertained at camp all day?

 

[disneyjunkie]

There is "so much to offer" here as well. Oh like grass, and trees, and actual animals that are not in a zoo. Lots and lots of greenspace and nature to enjoy and discover that you just don't get in NYC. Also beaches that are fit for swimming, and deep sea fishing.

Really???? There must be two NYCs. The one I'm familiar with has parks, zoos and yes a farm. As a matter of fact the farm is located in Queens. One minute you're driving down a big city street, turn the corner and BAM you're on a farm!!! I take my students there every October. They love it! But I'm sure you think I should be in the classroom 180 days and not out exploring this great city of ours.

I'll tell my son you said we don't have grass here. He'll be glad to know he doesn't have to go out and mow the pavement in the backyard tomorrow morning. Thanks for the heads up.

It's unbelieveable the number of people who obviously believe everyone in the south is stupid!! I am so tired of the stereotypes. Yes we have indoor plumbing and electricity. We also have a rich history and culture all our own that no one north of the Mason Dixon seems to recognize as being culturally significant in any way. I love it here, and wouldn't trade it for any city in the world. I lived in Paris for a while, but really never felt at home the way I do here. It was brimming with "cultural opportunity" but seriously lacking in hospitality and acceptance.

Oh please, these are your issues not ours. None of us posted anything negative about the south.

 

[JoiseyMom]

I don't know...I think a majority of us grew up that way. Playing with friends on the street, walking out the door and being gone all day just hanging with friends. And I don't know about you but I had a GREAT time doing it. And it sure didn't cost my parents $6,000.....As much as you say it isn't a "status things" it is a status thing. If you are a SAHM mom and your husband was recently laid off, I don't know that it is a great financial move spending $6k for a camp. So what do you get to do while your kids are being entertained at camp all day?

I grew up in the Projects in Brooklyn, have you heard of them? They were based on your income to live there, so basically low income. I played on the streets with my freinds all the time...except when I went to daycamp. What was wrong with my mom doing that?? There is nothing wrong with hanging out with freinds either. Why does it have to be one or the other, or one better then the other?? They just are different.

I was also on public assitance when I left my ex, since he decided paying child support and being a father to his kids was too much for him. I went back to college got my BS got a job and moved to Jersey to a townhouse where my kids would have a better way of life.

Status?? PULEZE!!

It isn't a status thing.. not at all. I can't control what the camps charge. My DH was laid off for 11 months. Not that my finances are any of your business. You have no idea how much is in my bank account, savings, or investments, or how I pay my bills. For all you know I have no mortgage and am independently wealthy. I could be spending my days selling drugs or turning tricks!! The point is it doesn't matter!! If the money wasn't there, my kids would not go to camp. The money for them to go to camp was available this year, and by the way...this years camp fee was paid last year on the last day of camp.

And what do I do with my "free" time...well eat bon bons and go shopping at Coach of course...then there is my spa time with my private Massuer Charles, then there is the daily mani/pedi, and lunch with the girls. Oh, and I can't forget my daily soaps!! And of course I must get the benz or was a it the bmw this week waxed!! I also have to be around to pay DVCGirl to walk my dogs!!

 

[JoiseyMom]

PRIVILEGED IVORY CLOUDS

Is that the name of the new housing development in Bed Sty?? Maybe it was the one where I live!! LMAO!!

 

[JoiseyMom]

Well perhaps you should not come across as so culturally superior if you don't want the assumption made. it was you who said New york had "so much to offer" as if it was sooo superior to the backwoods where I am. this is becoming absolutely unbelievable. Privliged does not necissarily mean money. The attitude to which i was referring was one of cultural, not monitary superiority.

Go ahead and rank and attack away, but you will get no more response from me. I am obviously wasting my time trying to explain something you don't even want to aknowledge.

The only person attempting to come off superior is YOU. You think that they way your life in the South is the best. That what you feel kids should do is better! You have made judgement after judgement about our livestyles and about how bad camps are for kids.

And btw...NYC does have more to offer culturally then any other city in the USA! That is a fact..it is a wonderful city chock full of things to do culturally and non culturally. A wonderful melting pot of poor, rich, and everything inbetween. There is no place like it elsewhere!! It is wonderful!


Yes..NYC, all five boros are culturally superior to Alabama and another other place in the good ole USA!

 

[penn19]

Yes, I have heard of the projects. Don't get your panties in a bunch! But I am saying that you emphasized over and over it is $6k, it is $6k....yea, got it.....But when I read the other threads on this board, about 8 months emergency fund etc.....Not saying that you aren't independtly wealthy or whatever. I really don't care. But your attitude is that your kids HAVE to go to camp. I am just waiting for your post in another 2 or 3 months whining that you have no money, etc.......That is the problem with a lot of kids/families. The feeling that they are entitled and must go to a camp or somehow their lives are over.
I really don't care what you do with your money or your kids. That IS your business, but sorry I can't muster up any kind of sympathy for a SAHM who gets to send her kids to a $6k camp, necessary or not, and then b****** and moans about doing laundry......

 

[penn19]

The only person attempting to come off superior is YOU. You think that they way your life in the South is the best. That what you feel kids should do is better! You have made judgement after judgement about our livestyles and about how bad camps are for kids.

And btw...NYC does have more to offer culturally then any other city in the USA! That is a fact..it is a wonderful city chock full of things to do culturally and non culturally. A wonderful melting pot of poor, rich, and everything inbetween. There is no place like it elsewhere!! It is wonderful!


Yes..NYC, all five boros are culturally superior to Alabama and another other place in the good ole USA!

nice, really nice.....you can take the girl out of the projects but can't take the projects out of the girl......