Pocono News Section

Economy Takes Some Fun out of Summer

Economy Takes Some Fun out of Summer - Monday, June 15, 2009 at 2:55PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Monday, Jun 15, 2009 @ 02:55pm EST
STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY - Monday was the first day of day camp for the Pocono Family YMCA. Counselors took the kids to the Stroudsburg park.

While spinning on rides was fun for kids, some parents say considering the costs makes their heads spin. Kristina Caprioli is the YMCA Summer Camp Director. She said she's noticed a trend. She explained, "Several families in our before and after school programs have dropped out. Or they only come for just the morning or just the afternoon because they can't afford both right now."

Caprioli said so far about half as many kids as usual have signed up for day camp. It seems parents can't swing the costs or they're saving money to sign kids up later in the year.

Just because your financial situation might be sliding, doesn't mean your kids have to miss out on this fun. The YMCA has scholarship programs. "Every day I'm getting two or three emails of parents wanting to know about the scholarship program.", said Caprioli.

She added it's definitely worth looking into because the camp experience is priceless. The kids have fun, get exercise and make friends. She says that's much better than the alternative for many kids. Chloe English explained, ""I would be watching t-v all alone - bored."

To learn more about the Pocono Family YMCA and its scholarship programs click .