Mon 12 May 2008
Hard Times
Posted by Peg Smith under General
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I am fielding a number of media calls about the impact our economy is having on our camp enrollment numbers. At this point in time, we are encouraged that enrollments are generally remaining steady for the 2008 season. It is interesting to note that this remains consistent with our own historical evidence that the last dollar parent’s will ‘cut’ is the one spent on their children. We want our children to still be able to be children - particularly during challenging times.
I wonder if that is why the current ad on ‘play’, now being aired by the Ad Council, is so popular right now? As a society, we have forgotten the important, yes, critical, value that play has in normal human development. We can call it practice or experiential, but we all know that play affords one the opportunity to engage, perform, and take part….all precursors to learning. At camp play means engaging with nature, authentic human connections, and physical activity.
That said, of course, parents still want their children to have a camp experience - especially in tough times.