21 · Wednesday, June 16, 2010 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com Summer Registration Alternatives to summer camp Not every family can afford summer camp or chooses to have their children attend. But faced with two long months of vacation from school, what options are there for keeping children occupied during the lazy days of summer? A top-run, private, sleep-away camp can cost around $10,000 for the season. In today's tight economic climate, many families are choosing to scale back expenses, and that includes pricey summer camp. However, just because cost is a factor, it doesn't mean that children can't attend camp this season. Parents simply need to do their research or come up with other creative alternatives. First, investigate the opportunities in your area. Summer camp doesn't have to mean eight weeks of recreation in the middle of the wilderness. There may be locally run businesses that also offer summer programs. For example, many private day care organizations open up their doors to campers for the summer. They may set a limit on age. Also, churches, synagogues and other houses of worship may offer a summer recreation program. If you are a parishioner you might be eligible for a discounted rate. Don't forget to check out the YMCA or other clubs in the area. They typically offer a summer program. Some places offer payment plans to spread out the financial responsibility, while others may offer scholarships based on financial need. Find out if your child's elementary school has a program for the summer. Some may offer crafts, sports and other activities for a few hours during the day. This is a benefit to parents who have to work and cannot have their children home alone Summer camp for your kids could be as simple as neighborhood parents each day. Bus service may rotating supervision of vacationing children. be available. Older adults, such as grandparents or other If you've exhausted other options, get creative. If you have a number of reliable friends or relatives, also may be able to assist in "camp" neighbors, you can set up a camp rotation. duties during the summer. Children, students Each member of the camp group will be and seniors often have a reduced admission responsible for the kids on a particular day. The rate to museums. Spending time together will responsibilities rotate among the other par- help generations bond. If you missed the registration deadline for ents. This enables free time for adults during the summer, and the potential to stagger work summer camp or simply cannot afford it this schedules and accommodate children being year, there are other alternatives to keep children engaged during the vacation months. out of school. Summer School Elementary and Secondary Enhance Your Child's Summer And Provide a Head Start For September FUN FOR Sweep him away FATHER'S DAY FOR HIM Please call for registration details now. · Tutoring, Remediation & Enrichment · Skill Builders · Foundation Skills for High School · Standardized Exam Preparation · High School Credit Courses Individually Designed Programs! Crescent Nursery School Limited spots still available for our themerelated summer camp in July and August running Monday - Thursday 9:00-12:00 for children 2.5 - 6yrs by qualified ECE teachers. Lots of fun and interesting activities including cooking, science, exploration and treasure hunting just to name a few! Nestled in a quiet residential neighbourhood on the banks of Wedgewood Creek we offer a fun and nurturing environment for your child's summertime fun. Please call (905) 844-3432 to book your spot now! Also: Now accepting September registration in our afternoon program for Preschool and Jr. & Sr. Kindergarten. Come experience the Crescent difference! $25 CALL NOW! 25 SPECIAL OFFER 5 SESSIONS OF DANCING NEW STUDENT OFFER By Yourself or with a partner (OVER 21 YEARS OLD) Chisholm Educational Centre 1484 Cornwall Road, Oakville, ON L6J 7W5 | 905.844.3240 | www.chisholmcentre.com 186 Morrison Rd. 905.844.3432 crescentnurseryschool@hotmail.com