FORUM: Campfires pushed to back burner for some families

Kids may be reluctant to forfeit the campfires, water play and camaraderie of summer camp. But local parents apparently are taking a wait-and-see attitude on the annual tradition, as they keep a close eye on already-strained household budgets.

Registrations for some day and overnight camps are lagging this year, and more families are requesting financial aid to secure a spot for their children.

The nation has more than 12,000 overnight and day camps, according to the American Camp Association.

The organization expects 10 million kids to take part this summer - about the same as recent years - but predicts more parents will choose shorter or less expensive programs, such as those offered through churches.

"There's a lot of fear, and people seem to be cautious. We suspect people will wait until the last minute because they're so unsure about their jobs and money," said Wendy Brez, spokeswoman for the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region.

The YMCA has experienced delayed sign-ups for several years, she said, and this year is no exception. Normally, about 1,600 kids head for Camp Shady Brook each summer for a six-day mountain excursion near Deckers. And 700 participate in day camps at Y locations in the city.

Requests for scholarships are up, Brez said. Last year, the YMCA supplied $225,000 in financial assistance for children to attend summer camps.

"The need is higher - a reflection of the economy - and we're still continuing to raise funds," she said.

The Girl Scouts of Colorado also is seeking donations to defray the cost of scholarships for its three camps in the state, said spokeswoman Amanda Kalina.

The program provided $120,000 in financial aid last year, Kalina said. About 5,800 girls attended camp in the state last summer, and Kalina said it's too early to tell whether this year's attendance will be affected by the economy.

Parents appear to be reining in travel dollars, though. Colorado College's conferences program, which brings youth to the campus for various conferences, is seeing lower registration numbers, although the number of groups signed up - about 26 - is the same, said Brenda Soto, conferences manager.

"They're guaranteeing fewer participants because of the economic unknown - if we normally had 120 attendees from one group, we're now getting 80 to 60," Soto said.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is holding steady with no noticeable decline in registrations for the 720 slots available for its weekly summer camp, said Katrina Benson, camp director.

Participation in youth sports programs, aquatics, City Auditorium events and other summer activities through the Colorado Springs Park and Recreation Department could be affected by fee increases that start April 1, said Ron Cousar, recreational services division manager.

City Council mandated the increase, which amounts to about $5 per program, according to Cousar, to help balance the city budget.

"We don't think it will have a tremendous impact - we received feedback from folks after they got wind there was a possibility of programs going away. They indicated they'd be willing to pay more to have the programs continue," Cousar said.

About 10,000 youths participated in park and recreation programs last year, he said.

Spring break day camps

YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region

Dates: March 23-27
Time: 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: $40/day members, $55/day others (scholarships available)
Info: 329-7229

Deerfield Hills

Dates: March 23-27
Time: 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Grades: 1-5
Cost: $48; bring sack lunch
Info: 385-5996

Eco Challenge Camp at Hillside Community Center

Dates: March 23-27
Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Grades: 6-8
Cost: $55; bring sack lunch
Info: 385-7900

Hillside Community Center

Dates: March 23-27
Time: 7:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.
Ages: 6 to 12
Cost: $45; bring sack lunch
Info: 385-7900

Go Green at Meadows Park

Dates: March 23-27
Time: 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Grades: 1-5
Cost: $50; bring sack lunch
Info: 385-7940

West Center for Intergenerational Learning

Dates: March 23-27
Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Grades: K-5
Cost: $40
Info: 385-7923