Cub Scout $$ vent, am I being cheap?

[mrsbornkuntry]

Scouts isn't free. Everything costs money. It helps if everyone knows upfront 'you can't do everything' and 'no one is expected to do everything'. Its a miracle everyone can show up for the regular meeting days

With GS, if a leader knows there is a need for financial aid it can be accomodated without help from council, it just takes extra planning and effort. If there is a lot of need it might require long term planning with inexpensive trips in the meantime. My council helped me figure this out.

A $200 trip is an opportunity for scouts to figure out 'can we make this happen' and then 'how do we make this happen', they don't need to know anyone requires financial aid except in the most general way.

More than 1/3 of the girls in my troop will never camp, not even go to a camp for a day trip. Hotel divas And that is OK. We do a lot of different types of overnights so everyone can participate in something.

Cub Scouts in my experience is different from Girl Scouts in this way. The trips aren't presented to the boys, the boys don't come up with the ideas and aren't even told how much they cost. All of that is communicated only to the parents. The only time my sons know anything about them is when they have to do something specific for it, like their last camping trip DS had to pack his own daypack for a 3 mile hike. He still never knew how much the trip was going to cost.

That is something I really liked in Girl Scouts, it is really a good learning experience for the girls and helps them work as a team to make decisions.

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

That's basically how it works here. It's rare to have the whole family go. Then again, I've had one go from Tiger through Webelos & we have never done the family camp-out, never did the summer camp (they require you to volunteer 1 day/week & I couldn't do it plus summer school issues), etc.. One year they did a sleep-over on a sub, we didn't go. My son now is a Webelos 1 and it's rare we do the family activities...either the dates conflict or other issues.

*Usually* the dens do activities on their own & then about once a month there is a pack activity offered as a family activity -- in the past it has been bowling, movie, bike ride, mini-golf, etc... and then they put in a big event at least once.

This year it is sleeping over at the airzoo in Michigan. I'm just taking my one scout & my older boy. It's $50 for the scout since he's building a rocket and then only $10 for me & my other son (unless he needs to build a rocket -- they need a min. of 20 rocket builders). It's the first time we have opted to go to this. My DH, DD & youngest DS are all staying home.

I guess I never gave it much thought for us NOT going to the extra events. My boys never thought anything of it since the entire pack never went to any of these things, they weren't the only ones not going. It was just put out there as an extra family thing to do & I know they are constantly asking for volunteers who want to set something up as that month's family activity. There haven't been a lot of takers. So, we go with the activities of the ones people are willing to plan. I do understand you can't volunteer for it but could your DH volunteer to plan some? It's just a thought. Our committee meetings are scheduled though.

What usually happens with the local activities is that the pack covers the scout but any family members have to pay on their own.

I do know Girl Scouts & Cub Scouts are run much differently, so it's like comparing apples & oranges for how things are run. Cub dens are not really boy lead like Girl Scouts.

Our popcorn money covers the cost of books, neckherchiefs, awards (I'm one of the awards persons, so I know that's not cheap! I know I usually spend at least $50/month on awards & I'm only responsible for the Webelos! After Blue & Gold it won't be that much but right now, everyone is cramming to get the required awards done for their ranks!) plus Council gets a cut of the popcorn. Our pack also buys the derby cars.

What you're describing is how our last pack was run. But this pack is much smaller and do all of the activities as a pack. I do like that siblings are welcome because I am usually on my own with the kids, actually that's one reason I don't volunteer, DH is usually gone, he works from 6am to anywhere from 7-11pm, so I'm on my own and have other things going on as well.

I actually think that because most of the leaders in this pack attend the same church (also where the meetings are held) they tend to discuss scouts during church events as well, and we don't attend that church.

 

[Becky2005]

I think one thing that is getting mixed up between Girl Scouts & Boy Scouts is at least around here....there was no big monthly meeting of all the levels of Girl Scouts.

Maybe I need clarification of this trip. I was under the impression that it was offered as a PACK event (i.e. Tigers through Webelos 2) could attend vs. a DEN event that is specific just to what would be the equivelant of a "troop" in Girl Scouts.

My son's Den only has 8 boys but the Pack has something like 60 boys.

When my DD was in Girl Scouts we never had a monthly meeting with all the girls from Kindergarten through 5th grade -- Nope, never happened. Now Council would plan events but that was up to each troop to find out about it, etc...

I think i need to re-read the OP again because if this is just her den saying, hey let's do this trip and there are only 8 - 10 boys...that's a little much.

 

[Becky2005]

What you're describing is how our last pack was run. But this pack is much smaller and do all of the activities as a pack.

I actually think that because most of the leaders in this pack attend the same church (also where the meetings are held) they tend to discuss scouts during church events as well, and we don't attend that church.

Ahh...well that just answered the question then. I was being confused on with the activities thinking of how a pack is normally done. So, it sounds like you don't really have seperate dens, just one big pack. Is this the only Cub Scout pack around your area? I know we have several with all the schools, etc...

 

[momx2]

As I have stated, I also have no problem with my scouts only going with one parent, I do have a problem with the $220 price tag, even if it is a good deal for this trip. Our pack does not plan shorter or less expensive trips so "maybe next time" isn't really much of an option, there are only about 3 trips a year so it's either do the expensive ones or do nothing. This is about the third post I've typed about this, am I not being clear? I can't think of any other ways to explain it.




I would actually like to attend a meeting, but they are informal and tend to be more of a "hey, we're all here, let's talk" rather than "meeting tonight at 7" type of thing. And as far as volunteering, also as I mentioned before, I can't. I'm not going into why, I just know that it will not work for my family, I can not volunteer my time in the evenings, instead I volunteer at the schools during the day. I have let them know that I would be happy to provide snacks or bring in supplies when needed, that's what I have to offer. That's great if you can volunteer to help with every single activity your child is involved in, but I can't so I do what I can and I refuse to be talked down to because I don't.

Wow! I am sorry I responded to your thread since my answer didn't suit you. I have read all the responses and there were some talking about how one shouldn't leave the family, so I was responding to them, not particularly you. I never said that you were upset about not sending your entire family.

Only you can answer your original question, because only you know your financial circumstances. Your original question was "am I being cheap?" I don't know, I don't know your financial circumstances. I will say, yes, if I could at all swing it, I would send my 2 boys with their father because I beleive it would be a great time for the three, but if you can't you can't.

If you don't want to or can't volunteer, then voice your concern to the pack leaders and if they don't agree, then find another activity for your boys. Not all things fit a family. I have pulled my girls from things that I don't think are working for them, you have to make those same decisions. I don't lead clubs or do the same things lots of moms do because I am the main bread winner and must work. I take my vacation time to be with my girls, but not for field trips. Some disagree, but this is my view and what works for us. So, if I don't like what is going on in a club or group my girls are in, I pull them out if it doesn't change after my voicing my concern. Sorry you feel talked down to.

 

[luvsgrumpy]

First, I'm thrilled to hear your kids are active in Scouts! DS15 has his Eagle Board of Review in 1 1/2 weeks and DS13 is 1st Class, and I am active on the Committee. My one question, and I apologize if this has been asked before (I skipped a couple of pages), is there any chance of transfering to another Pack in your area that has priorities more closely matching yours? I agree that the cost is very high, especially if there are few if any other opportunities for lower cost activities available. And no, I don't think you are being cheap.

In Cubs, we were always careful to take into consideration the fact that there were x number of families with siblings in the pack or maybe there were hardships, etc. and did as much as we could to keep the OOP costs to a minimum. Hang tough, hopefully in Boy Scouts, things will be different and the boys can take a more active roll in the fundraising themselves and earn the money for the trips they want to take (if they don't want to help raise the money then, they are old enough to understand the consequences)

 

[2Eskiedogs]

My oldest DS(15) has his eagle board of review on the 23rd this month. My DH has been an assistant leader for almost one year now. My youngest DS(10) started out with the pack at his school, only to transfer to a different pack that my oldest was involved in. Our problem with his pack was that they were poorly organized, kids were out of control at meetings, and the committee meetings were organized at the last minute at someone's house. They didn't care or seem to want anyone's input.

My DH and DS(15) were both able to go to Philmont two years ago. It was an expensive trip, but our troop lets the boy's use a portion of their money earned from popcorn sales, to put toward the trip. But as far as a weekend trip, we've never had anything that expensive. I do know that our council, has money available to apply for scouts that need help covering costs for different events.

DH and DS(15) and DS(10) went on a campout this last weekend. I believe it cost $15 for food, camping was free. There are a lot of scouts that don't participate in the camping in both our pack and troop, but it seems that it isn't the cost, but they don't like camping. We've had some great leadership in both the pack and troop, very watchful of costs, so everyone can have the opportunity. We do a lot of hiking, camping, riding on bike trails, canoeing, and kayaking, so maybe if they don't like one event, they pick another to participate in.

I wish you the best in trying to decide what to do.

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

Ahh...well that just answered the question then. I was being confused on with the activities thinking of how a pack is normally done. So, it sounds like you don't really have seperate dens, just one big pack. Is this the only Cub Scout pack around your area? I know we have several with all the schools, etc...

Dh and I are looking into this and were very surprised to find there is another one, we're going to try to get ahold of the pack leader today (we live in a really small town). There are some other things we aren't pleased with that are going to become an issue with DS10 next year as he becomes a Boy Scout.

First, I'm thrilled to hear your kids are active in Scouts! DS15 has his Eagle Board of Review in 1 1/2 weeks and DS13 is 1st Class, and I am active on the Committee. My one question, and I apologize if this has been asked before (I skipped a couple of pages), is there any chance of transfering to another Pack in your area that has priorities more closely matching yours? I agree that the cost is very high, especially if there are few if any other opportunities for lower cost activities available. And no, I don't think you are being cheap.

In Cubs, we were always careful to take into consideration the fact that there were x number of families with siblings in the pack or maybe there were hardships, etc. and did as much as we could to keep the OOP costs to a minimum. Hang tough, hopefully in Boy Scouts, things will be different and the boys can take a more active roll in the fundraising themselves and earn the money for the trips they want to take (if they don't want to help raise the money then, they are old enough to understand the consequences)

My 8yo hasn't really said if he wants to keep up with it, but my DS10 decided a couple years ago that he wants to be an Eagle Scout, that's his goal. He loves scouting, everything about it and it has done wonders for his self esteem.

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

Ahh...well that just answered the question then. I was being confused on with the activities thinking of how a pack is normally done. So, it sounds like you don't really have seperate dens, just one big pack. Is this the only Cub Scout pack around your area? I know we have several with all the schools, etc...

They separate into dens for meetings, but the campouts, which are pretty much the only other thing they do, are all done as a pack.

 

[darrengs]

Dh and I are looking into this and were very surprised to find there is another one, we're going to try to get ahold of the pack leader today (we live in a really small town). There are some other things we aren't pleased with that are going to become an issue with DS10 next year as he becomes a Boy Scout.

I usually suggest that parents go to their local Councils Scout shop and ask them which Pack they suggest. The people working the Council shop have a pretty good idea of what packs are active as they see the leaders and parents of these packs more often.

My 8yo hasn't really said if he wants to keep up with it, but my DS10 decided a couple years ago that he wants to be an Eagle Scout, that's his goal. He loves scouting, everything about it and it has done wonders for his self esteem.

That is the most important thing that the boys remain in Scouting, as I have stated before it is a great program that I am a believer in.

 

[luvsgrumpy]

My 8yo hasn't really said if he wants to keep up with it, but my DS10 decided a couple years ago that he wants to be an Eagle Scout, that's his goal. He loves scouting, everything about it and it has done wonders for his self esteem.

Every boy is different, DS13 has other priorities (sports) and BS comes second although he enjoys the camping and other activities that are offered and is able to participate in things he would not normally (for instance, our family NEVER camps). I would love him to become Eagle but if he doesn't, that's fine. DS15 is SO involved in everything scouting and like you said, has done wonders for his self-esteem!

Good luck in speaking with the other CubMaster, hope that works!

 

[geffric]

Okay I need to add my opinion -

My sons have been in a pack, troop and now are on to Venturing. DS#1 is an Eagle and Vigil for the OA, DS#2 is life. I have been pack popcorn, Den leader, Tiger leader, and committee chair. At the troop level, I have been Committe Chair and I am Venturing Roundtable commissione and council committee member too. DH was Cubmaster at the pack level and Camping chair at the troop level..

Having said all that.. the boys sold popcorn and weaths at both the pack and troop level. At the pack, the money earned went to the pack and was used to subsidize trips. We did have one family that could not afford dues and the pack paid. At the troop level, the boys earned money for their scout account and used it to pay for trips be it council camps, philmont, jamboree, or trips from the troop. If a scout wants to have more he sells more and can use his money anyway he wants.. also camping trips were subsidized by the troop so the out of pocket for each trip was $15 plus gas money for the drivers.

 

[bluehen]

Because a troop is a troop. All for one and one for all. That's part of what they are supposed to be learning. If troop families want to get together outside of troop activities and do something as troop families, go for it. But troops stick together, they don't leave someone out because of finances.

Under these circumstances our troop would have been able to do NOTHING. We had a broad mix of socio-economic situations. Single Mom's currently laid off, Kid's who had parents that would not pay for anything , etc. We had some way for kids to fund raise every month. Some of these kids went to Philmont on this others had a fundraising balance of zero. There is no way a troop can function if we cann't do a trip because an individual cann't go. A lot of kids couldn't afford Philmont. Should the 8 kids that went be deprived of this opportunity. Also I would hazard a guess that 99% of troops out there wouldn't be able to go to Philmont if this were the rule. Also, Philmont, Sea_base and other opportunities are not available outside of scouting.

As for the one for all;

Troops stick together and help one another. It does not mean we are sheep and that all have to do the same thing. Scouting exists in the real world where everyone doesn't get to do everything all the time. Oppurtunities in scouts are earned. The job of a good trip leader is to give everyone the opportunity to attend not assure they can.

 

[bluehen]

Typical conversation from Cub Scouts:

Parent: You know you really need to plan less expensive events so that you are sure that everyone can afford it.

Me (Committee Chair): That's a great idea. Our next Committee meeting is next Monday at 7:30 PM, new ideas are always welcome and I would really like you to present your ideas to the Committee and perhaps you would be willing to help plan some events.

Guess what, I never saw them at a Committee Meeting.

LOL

All we had to say was "great idea thanks for volunteering to lead it". The usual response was sputtering and mumbling about being too busy.

 

[nuke]

Cub Scouts in my experience is different from Girl Scouts in this way. The trips aren't presented to the boys, the boys don't come up with the ideas and aren't even told how much they cost. All of that is communicated only to the parents. The only time my sons know anything about them is when they have to do something specific for it, like their last camping trip DS had to pack his own daypack for a 3 mile hike. He still never knew how much the trip was going to cost.

That is something I really liked in Girl Scouts, it is really a good learning experience for the girls and helps them work as a team to make decisions.

It doesn't start being boy led until Boy Scouts which is grade 6. Sometimes Webelos I and II are starting to be more boy led but the leaders are definitely in the know and not the kids at this stage.
Girls Scouts is not Boy Scouts and besides having Scouts in common they really are run very differently.

Our pack has 15% of popcorn sales going into the boys pack account to be used as they wish towards scouting supplies or events. The troop gives 25% of the sales to the boys accounts.
My son is now in boy scouts and did not make much of an effort to sell popcorn this year. So be it, if he wants to camp he has to use his allowance or find ways to earn the money. It's part of scouting to be thrifty and responsible so we try an encourage that but we do subsidize some things.

 

[angelmav]

LOL

All we had to say was "great idea thanks for volunteering to lead it". The usual response was sputtering and mumbling about being too busy.

Yes, because you just know their lying! If you have the time to give, so must they or they dont deserve any input. Maybe, just maybe this is coming off as intimidating or, gasp, they really dont have your schedule?

IMO the bigger issue is the lack of advance notice and doing this so close to the Holidays when budgets and time are already squeezed to the breaking point.

OP, I would at least inquire into that other pack as it seems this one operates via an inner circle to which your not a part. Unfortunately thats a downside of any activity in a smalltown.

 

[bluehen]

Yes, because you just know their lying! If you have the time to give, so must they or they dont deserve any input. Maybe, just maybe this is coming off as intimidating or, gasp, they really dont have your schedule?

IMO the bigger issue is the lack of advance notice and doing this so close to the Holidays when budgets and time are already squeezed to the breaking point.

OP, I would at least inquire into that other pack as it seems this one operates via an inner circle to which your not a part. Unfortunately thats a downside of any activity in a smalltown.

I never said they were lying. And please OP I am not saying you are any of these. I will say that some (not all or even most)
use Scouts for baby sitting. I was busy too. I have a job, 2 kids, a house. and an aging mother 2 hrs away. But I put spending time with my kids (and others) as a high priority. We have no troop if only the leaders who weren't busy ran it. I also have 15 yrs coaching experience with youth. Saying this I will say that most "input" was complaints leveled at volunteers who give up to 20 days and hundreds of hours as volunteers. We were always told what WE should do, very rarely what I will do. Flame away at this, but when a parent of a boy who has been in the troop 3 years and you have never seen shows up 15 minutes after the meeting is over to complain about some perceived slight.......No, he has no input. We will not spend hours and hours to rework a schedule because some private school that one boy goes to has a recital that weekend. And no we cann't check every schedule of the 9 or so schools that the boys attend before we set the schedule.


As for advance notice. The next years schedule(set by the boys in the troop) was set in May. Big trips are usually planned 2 to 3 yrs out.
You may be right that they don't know the schedule. We pass it out 20 times at meetings and most of these we have to pick up after the meeting. A lot do not get home, however if your boy is in scouts you know there is a schedule and you have all of our phone numbers.

To the OP You are not being cheap. You may be unreasonable if you think the event should not go forward because you cann't attend. If you wish to help the situation go to the leaders asking for help not demanding the event be cancelled. The best thing is that it will teach your kids that they cann't have everything, but can have anything they want if they work for it. IMHO the most valuable lesson to be learned in scouts.

Also if your troop leadership is a closed society ( it happens) run don't walk from that troop or pack.


LOL
rant over
Wayne

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

I never said they were lying. And please OP I am not saying you are any of these. I will say that some (not all or even most)
use Scouts for baby sitting. I was busy too. I have a job, 2 kids, a house. and an aging mother 2 hrs away. But I put spending time with my kids (and others) as a high priority. We have no troop if only the leaders who weren't busy ran it. I also have 15 yrs coaching experience with youth. Saying this I will say that most "input" was complaints leveled at volunteers who give up to 20 days and hundreds of hours as volunteers. We were always told what WE should do, very rarely what I will do. Flame away at this, but when a parent of a boy who has been in the troop 3 years and you have never seen shows up 15 minutes after the meeting is over to complain about some perceived slight.......No, he has no input. We will not spend hours and hours to rework a schedule because some private school that one boy goes to has a recital that weekend. And no we cann't check every schedule of the 9 or so schools that the boys attend before we set the schedule.


As for advance notice. The next years schedule(set by the boys in the troop) was set in May. Big trips are usually planned 2 to 3 yrs out.
You may be right that they don't know the schedule. We pass it out 20 times at meetings and most of these we have to pick up after the meeting. A lot do not get home, however if your boy is in scouts you know there is a schedule and you have all of our phone numbers.

To the OP You are not being cheap. You may be unreasonable if you think the event should not go forward because you cann't attend. If you wish to help the situation go to the leaders asking for help not demanding the event be cancelled. The best thing is that it will teach your kids that they cann't have everything, but can have anything they want if they work for it. IMHO the most valuable lesson to be learned in scouts.
Also if your troop leadership is a closed society ( it happens) run don't walk from that troop or pack.


LOL
rant over
Wayne

Bolding mine. I'm not sure if this was directed at me or in general, but in our pack events are not scheduled at all ahead of time. I know this because when they had the "popcorn kickoff" meeting (WHICH I AS A NONVOLUNTEER ATTENDED BECAUSE I KNEW WHEN IT WAS) they said "we're not sure yet what the money is going to be used for, but some kind of winter "campout" and threw out a couple of destinations including WDW. As a matter of fact, the pack is only 2 years old.

As to this event, my intention is not that they cancel it, but right now it's not even a plan. They sent out the email to see how many would be interested in going (that's what it said) so I was wondering if I was being cheap in wanting to suggest that we plan more affordable outings.

After hearing the negative replies about parents volunteering it really makes me wonder if all scout leaders feel this way. When I drop my boys off I am always encouraged not to stay unless it is the week of a pack meeting. Free babysitting? I drop my kids off at 6:30, drive home and stay there for 1/2 hour, long enough to clean up from dinner, then pick them up by 7:30, hardly going out for a good time . If one of the leaders asked for volunteers I would be happy to if it's something I could do while the kids are at school, pick up patches or make phone calls or whatever, but no one has ever mentioned a need for more volunteers. I have 5 kids, I volunteer where I can, but I can't possibly be involved in every single activity that they do, especially in the evenings when they are all home from school. Please try to keep in mind when you're complaining about people not volunteering that not everyone can and that doesn't make their complaints or ideas less valid. I will concede that some of the situations you mentioned were unreasonable, but I don't think wanting more affordable, local, events is unreasonable.

 

[bluehen]

Bolding mine. I'm not sure if this was directed at me or in general, but in our pack events are not scheduled at all ahead of time. I know this because when they had the "popcorn kickoff" meeting (WHICH I AS A NONVOLUNTEER ATTENDED BECAUSE I KNEW WHEN IT WAS) they said "we're not sure yet what the money is going to be used for, but some kind of winter "campout" and threw out a couple of destinations including WDW. As a matter of fact, the pack is only 2 years old.

As to this event, my intention is not that they cancel it, but right now it's not even a plan. They sent out the email to see how many would be interested in going (that's what it said) so I was wondering if I was being cheap in wanting to suggest that we plan more affordable outings.

After hearing the negative replies about parents volunteering it really makes me wonder if all scout leaders feel this way. When I drop my boys off I am always encouraged not to stay unless it is the week of a pack meeting. Free babysitting? I drop my kids off at 6:30, drive home and stay there for 1/2 hour, long enough to clean up from dinner, then pick them up by 7:30, hardly going out for a good time . If one of the leaders asked for volunteers I would be happy to if it's something I could do while the kids are at school, pick up patches or make phone calls or whatever, but no one has ever mentioned a need for more volunteers. I have 5 kids, I volunteer where I can, but I can't possibly be involved in every single activity that they do, especially in the evenings when they are all home from school. Please try to keep in mind when you're complaining about people not volunteering that not everyone can and that doesn't make their complaints or ideas less valid. I will concede that some of the situations you mentioned were unreasonable, but I don't think wanting more affordable, local, events is unreasonable.

Hi;
I was hoping you would not take it that way. I was not aiming my criticism at you at all. The fact that you thought to even ask shows you really care and are not just complaining to complain. If your pack is encouraging you not to stay it would put up a big red flag. Most organizations that I know are begging for help to relieve the overworked volunteers they have. I will say though that if the first contact we have with a parent is a complaint that starts with "You have to" it will hold a lot less weight (note I didn't say no weight) than someone approaching with a suggestion and willing to help with it. Again...none of this is directed at you...more to the people who come on and again tell you to demand of leaders and say how unreasonable they are being. Also almost every meeting we had boys there for a half hour after it is over. When we met the parents and tried to let them know that we would like to get home too (two leaders have to stay) the most common excuse is that the checkout line was long. I may be jaded but when a troop of 40 boys only has 4 very active parents....two of which no longer have kids in the troop.....and all you hear when you ask for much needed help is that they are too busy but you can do this and that it gets old real fast. I usually spent 20 days...6 or 7 of which were my vacation days and about 4 hours a week volunteering with our scout troop. This meant a lot of sacrifices from my wife and my yardwork. I enjoyed it immensely and still hear from a few of the approximately 500 boys i have been a scout leader or coach to.

 

[darrengs]

As to this event, my intention is not that they cancel it, but right now it's not even a plan. They sent out the email to see how many would be interested in going (that's what it said) so I was wondering if I was being cheap in wanting to suggest that we plan more affordable outings.

It sounds like you did exactly what was asked.

Please try to keep in mind when you're complaining about people not volunteering that not everyone can and that doesn't make their complaints or ideas less valid. I will concede that some of the situations you mentioned were unreasonable, but I don't think wanting more affordable, local, events is unreasonable.

I merely suggest that people should attend Committee Meetings and try to become involved because not everyone is aware that not only is their input requested but it should also be welcomed. If your son is in a Pack or Troop that discourages input and is run by a clique then I would suggest as others have that you move on to another unit. Heck I have talked to leaders that were not happy with local units and started new ones.

I understand that not everyone has the time available to volunteer, but it isn't easy for me either. The more people that volunteer the better it is for everyone. It is much easier if people only need to go on a few camping trips and one or two summer camp nights a year as opposed to me and a few others going on 15 camping trips and a whole week of summer camp every year.