Recession doesn't mar summer camp season

Posted by Gina Chen / The Post-Standard July 02, 2009

Camp directors across Central New York were worried this summer might be a slow one for camp -- given the economy.

But they were happily mistaken. It's shaping up to be a pretty normal camp season around the region. Read my full story about summer camps by clicking on "continue reading entry."

If you're still on the hunt for summer camp for your kids, there's still time. Browse the online version of The Post-Standard's "A Camp for Everyone!" guide.

By Gina Chen
Family Life editor

Summer camp directors in Central New York were bracing for a slow summer, as the nation struggles through its second year of the worst recession since the Great Depression.

But they got a welcome surprise. Enrollment is on track to be normal this summer.

"I was really ready to be humbled by a decrease or the status quo," says Martha Cameron, director of community programs and the Manlius Pebble Hill Summer Program, which is seeing increased enrollment this summer. "I have to tell you I'm surprised."

Last summer, about 530 children attended the MPH Summer Program. So far, 561 kids are enrolled, Cameron says. The program saw 15 financial assistance requests, up from the 8 to 10 in previous years.

Other camps in Central New York are seeing a similar trend -- increased or steady enrollment with hints of the recession's impact.

The Jewish Community Center of Syracuse's Camp Rishon saw more sign-ups for the less-expensive camps, although they expect to see more total campers than normal. Prices ranges from $143 per week to $274 per week for members, depending on the activity.

Last year 300 campers attended, and so far 241 have signed up, says Lori Innella-Venne, the JCC's director of children, teen services and camp. Signups continue through summer.


"I think we all went into this summer with a little bit of caution," Innella-Venne says. "We're spending cautiously right now. In the end, we may end up just where we were last year."

Lourdes Camp at Skaneateles Lake, Camp Beaver Lake in Baldwinsville, City of Syracuse camps and the camp run by Tawn Marie's Dance Center in Liverpool are all seeing enrollment on par with last year.

The camp run by Gifford Family Theater at LeMoyne College has 39 kids enrolled for this summer, compared with 32 in 2008, says Steven Braddock, artistic director.

Camp directors aren't sure why numbers are steady or up. But they say it may be related to the recession. Parents may be relying on camp more because they need to spend more time at their jobs.

Or families may be scrapping the big vacation and staying home instead.

"They may be pulling back," says Mike Preston, director of Lourdes Camp, which offers overnight and day camping. "Instead of going to Darien Lake for a week, let's let Suzie or Johnny go to camp for a week."

Preston says parents may be requiring that kids pick one choice for camp, rather than let them attend several.

That's what Stephanie Salanger, a mom of three from Liverpool, is doing. Last year, the family spent about $500 on summer camp, with her two oldest children attending three weeks of camp each. Her youngest, age 3, stays home with her.

This year, the girls could pick one week of camp each, plus they could attend Bible camp at church. Total cost: about $200, Salanger says. She made the change to save money -- and her sanity.

"Really, there are so many options out there that you get caught up in investigating them," Salanger says. "Before you know it, your summer is over, and you've spent a lot of money."