Normally, on days that both Steve and I are working, they would just go to daycare and that would be that. But, starting last year, we were thinking we should look into something else...for Mila at least. We LOVE our daycare provider, but I wonder if Mila gets bored being there for 8+ hours. There are crafts, coloring and other kids, of course...but I wonder if she'd benefit from summer camp and all the activities they would offer (beach, swimming, field trips, etc.)
Now here's the thing - I've never attended summer camp. There was no way in hell my parents would pay for us to attend such a thing.
But, now that I'm a parent, I totally get it. They are off of school for about 10 weeks. I still have to work full time during that time...and I feel both my kids would benefit from some cool summer activities. I want it to actually feel like a summer break!
Here's another thing - wrap around care can be freaking expensive!
I looked into the YMCA camp, but since we're not members, the cost for camp + wrap around care (7am - 6pm) is $225 per week.
PER KID.
So, $550 per week for both my kids to attend camp.
For one week.
So, um, no.
But what other option is out there?
I looked and found something that's open to residents of our city/town.
The rates are VERY reasonable.
$90/week for Mila's age group.
$50/week for Ava's age group.
But, of course, there's a catch.
Mila's camp is 9:30am - 3:30pm.
Ava's camp is 9:00am - 12:00pm.
Super convenient for working parents.
I still wanted to figure out a way so my kids could attend camp, but that wouldn't cost a freaking arm and a leg.
I picked two weeks that Steve's schedule is such that he is home Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. So he'll be able to drop off and pick up those 3 days each week.
I am then responsible for Thursday/Friday for each week. I cleared it with my supervisor first, of course, since those days will be kind of crazy for me. I'm SO grateful for the flexibility they enable us to have.
Here's what it'll look like those days:
I'll take Ava to her camp (located at the school), then wait for Mila's camp to start at 9:30 (also located at the school). Head into the office and then depending, maybe leave at 11:45 to pick up Ava and bring her to daycare. Then back to work. Then back out again at 3:10 to pick Mila up from camp. Then pick up Ava from daycare.
I'm going to be a freaking taxi for those days!
But, I'm willing to do it, so that my kids can experience camp!
So, they will be at daycare for about a week, then two weeks of camp. Then after that, 4 more weeks of daycare, then my mom comes to visit for 2 weeks. I think that breaks it up enough for them!
If I can manage it, I'm also hoping to take Fridays off over the summer - or every other Friday. Or something. I want to really be around for the girls this summer and have it really feel like summer. I don't want to pack them up each morning and have them spend 8+ hours away from me and home. Besides, we will have a LOT of things to get done around the farm during nice weather. I'd like to be around to help Steve out!
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