I’m pretty sure it’s no shock that our economy is heading in a downward spiral at an increasing fast rate. Jobs are becoming harder to find, travelers are being halted by the average $4 a gallon gas prices, and any type of luxury is few and far between. Now, back in the old days summer camp never used to be considered a luxury for kids, but due to the economical problems we are facing, they are rapidly becoming a joy that fewer kids will be able to enjoy according to CNN.com.

One wouldn’t automatically imagine that the high gas prices would affect a child’s summer camp experience, but in reality it has a drastic effect. First off, the majority of summer camps are located at some remote location in the middle of a forest, which means that the parents must make the hour long, sometimes longer trip to bring their child to the festivities. To remedy this in the past, camps provided door-to-door transport but have had to alter their strategy and they are now implementing drop off points to compromise the positives for both sides of the equation.

Secondly, the rising gas prices are also the cause to the limit on what can be done at summer camps. Bus field trips to remote locations for activities such as, white water rafting, and mountain climbing are no longer feasible. Camps are also now pushing more self-propelled sports such as kayaking, as opposed to speedboats and water skiing in order to save the money it would cost to fill the boat tank with gas. In terms of a healthy alternative this change actually has a positive affect on our children, but it still may take some time getting used to.

Despite the problems, camps are still pushing forward with their services. To help make costs easier, many programs are providing payment plans for parents, and are offering shorter sessions. I’m sure many families who reside in the same neighborhoods are also trying to carpool to cut down on gas costs as well. According to Peg Smith, CEO of the American Camp Association, the future of summer camps is still up in the air.

“The dollar a parent cuts for their child is the last dollar they cut,” she said. And even in challenging times, “it’s good to let kids be kids.”

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Tags: General Auto, travel //