ST. LOUIS — Summer camp season is in full swing, and many stressed-out parents are still trying to find safe and affordable spaces for their kids. Many summer camps also end around Independence Day, making it harder to find options in the summer camp "dead zone."
"The kids are so excited," said Haley Strebler, a writer with St. Louis Mom. "And the parents are so panicked."
Strebler, who is also a safety and health professional by trade, has two little kids. Last year was the first year she had to plan for summer camp. It was an eye-opening experience navigating what's open, the cost, location, staffing and what her then-pre-kindergarten daughter might even like. She understands the panic that comes from planning childcare as a working parent. Haley said this year she started planning in December.
"I'm a safety professional in my career," said Strebler. "The safety aspect is really important for me that adds another extra layer of trying to research to find affordable with good hours and with safety measures in place."
Strebler said she's looking at staffing, swim safety, and so much more, which can take time. And she has one go-to that she writes about often.
"The YMCA has been a great resource," Strebler said.
The Y has 22 locations including specialty and sleepaway camps. It is also known to have reasonable prices, swim lessons, and traditional camps with start times and end times that coincide with working parents. And the best part? In late June there are still plenty of openings.
"We have a lot of different opportunities still to go," said Sarah Rhodebeck, the executive director of Association of Childcare Services at the Gateway Region YMCA. "So we still have nine or 10 weeks left."
Rhodebeck loves the Y and started working there as a teen. She said safety is always the first concern, even offering swim lessons for kids through its Go For Green Program, which ensures that each kid who goes to day camps can swim confidently and safely in the deep end. It's always a big accomplishment when kids earn their green band.
Deion, a new elementary school camper from Clayton came to the Edward Jones YMCA this year and just earned his green band after passing his swim test two weeks into the Go for Green program.
"It's really good," said Deion. I like this camp!"
Another camper named Reagan said, "When I came, I didn't know anybody, but you're gonna meet a lot of good people. They're really nice, and you're gonna have a lot of friends here."
The YMCA even has sleepaway camps for kids 6 and older in Potosi, where kids can have a traditional overnight camp, an equestrian experience or even learn about leadership. The youngest campers can start with a mini-camp.
Strebler said there are still a lot of other great options on St. Louis Mom, and they have a whole guide of summer camps that are helpful for parents who don't quite have it all figured out.