The Associated Press says a struggling economy is to blame for a slowdown in summer camp registrations:
Some camp directors are hoping parents will use their economic stimulus
checks ...
toward camp tuition. The checks are part of an $168 billion economic
stimulus plan passed by Congress. Under the plan, families who have
filed their tax returns for the year can get up to $1,200, plus $300
per child.
The Flat Rock River YMCA Camp in St. Paul, Ind., recently sent
postcards out encouraging parents to use part of their checks for camp.
So far, they appear to have worked; registrations are up 4 percent from this
time last year.
"I think registrations are coming in because parents won't skimp
on their kids at first," said Flat Rock director Steve Heiny. "Parents
may cut a trip to Six Flags or Disney World, but not summer camp. It's
too important for their kids."
However, surging foreclosures are taking a toll on YMCA Camp Jones
Gulch in La Honda, Calif. Financial aid applications are rising,
Associate Executive Director Jennifer Clink said, and some programs are
seeing a drop-off in registrations.
