Every spring, families start thinking about summer camps and after-school programs with the best intentions of signing their kids up for fun-filled, educational programs. Then, the myths start creeping in. Summer camp is too expensive. After-school programs won’t work with my work schedule. All the good programs are already full.
The truth? There are more options than ever for St. Louis kids, and many families are surprised by what they can find when they start exploring what’s out there. Blueprint4 is here to bust a few of those most common myths about summer camps and after school programs.
Myth #1: Summer camp is too expensive.
It’s true that some camps can be pricey, but that’s only part of the story! Across the St. Louis region, there are tons of free, low-cost and scholarship-based programs designed to make summer camp accessible for every family. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of how to find these programs—you can find it here.
Some camps even provide meals and transportation, making participation even easier for your kiddos. With a little searching, many St. Louis families discover programs they didn’t even know existed but fit perfectly within their needs and budget.
Blueprint4 helps connect families with these opportunities so cost doesn’t become the reason a child misses out on a life-changing summer camp experience. Every kid deserves a summer filled with discovery, friendship and fun.
Myth #2: Summer camps are full by the time I try to sign up.
We always encourage families to start planning and signing up early because it’s true—there are more opportunities earlier in the year. But if you’re just starting your search now, that doesn’t mean you’ve missed out at all.
There are still many camps with spots available, and new opportunities are always being added to the Blueprint4 search site throughout the spring. Later in the summer, we also start loading information on after school programs so you can still get a jump start on planning ahead for the next school year too.
Blueprint4 makes it easy to browse camps that still have space available and filter by what matters most to your family.
Myth #3: Summer camps don’t match my family’s work schedule.
For working families, planning summer can feel like solving a puzzle. Matching schedules to transportation and making sure kids are having fun in the process is no easy feat and we get that! But summer camps are actually designed to help you solve that challenge! Many camps offer extended care before and after camp, full-day programming that matches your work schedule, and multiple session options throughout the summer so you aren’t having to constantly find new opportunities.
And when school starts up again, after-school programs continue that support. They give kids a safe, enriching place to go while parents finish the workday. On Blueprint4 you can search for programs that offer before and after care and even filter by time to find sessions in the morning, afternoon and evening or even overnight.
Myth #4: My kids are too young (or too old) for camp.
There is truly a program for every child, and we list them all on Blueprint4. Camps and after school programs span early childhood through high school. For younger kids, camp helps build social skills and confidence, independence away from home, creativity and curiosity, and early learning through play.
Older kids and teens also get many benefits of going to summer camp, though it may look a little different to the camps geared toward younger kids. Camps for older children are focused on leadership opportunities, career and college exploration, and skill building, all while still offering a safe, structured environment during the summer months.
Don’t Let Myths Decide Your Summer
Summer camps and after school programs are opportunities for kids to discover interests, make friends and build confidence that lasts all year long. Don’t let your kids miss out, even if you’re on a budget or feel like you’re getting started late. There are still many great options waiting for you and your family.
Browse camps with open availability and search by age, cost, location and time on Blueprint4.com to find the right fit for your family. Your kiddo’s best summer might just be a search away!