The community needs to “buy into it”
Summer is challenging! Our girls (and in many communities, boys) are home for ten weeks. Day camp is expensive, and every year the bar keeps getting raised due to community social pressures. Kids can be equally happy with a low-frills camp, and parents do not appreciate the financial outlay for an entertainment program with so many “extras” when all they really need is quality childcare.
It’s time for a Nachshon ben Aminadav! For the younger elementary students (up to fifth–sixth grade) in communities where most people do not go to the “country,” school should continue through July. In the mornings, there can be a lighter curriculum with a different teacher, focusing on reviewing the year’s lessons, on Yahadus, parshah, and current events, with no homework or tests, and plenty of stories, games, and contests. (A secondary benefit would be that kids would retain the knowledge learned and not need to relearn it all come September). Teachers can either continue into July or seminary students seeking experience can be hired instead.
After lunch, a camp program would be provided, with high school counselors overseeing a low-budget program including swimming, sports, crafts, creative activities, and a weekly local trip, making sure to create an atmosphere of ruach and wholesomeness. Teachers who need extra income can get involved at an administrative level. Older students could either go to overnight camp, or still have regular day camp, albeit with less frills. Schools would obviously charge another month of tuition and a camp fee, which would be much cheaper than day camp.
This idea can’t work without a school affiliation. Stand-alone low-frills day camps are rarely successful since campers (and parents) are reluctant to participate in a “nebby” program.
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