They say the early bird catches the worm, but how early is too early to start planning for summer activities? Learn three surprising benefits of registering early for camps and classes, then start planning your summer calendar with Blueprint4Summer – where 2 plan 4 FUN!
Gazing out the window on a chill late-winter morning, the warm summer sun can feel like a distant dream. It would be easy to put off thinking about children’s summer activities at this time of year. May is still months away. The kids are in school, their schedules are packed, and they have so many milestones to pass before summer arrives.
Families still have plenty of time to put off signing their kids up for summer activities, camps, and classes. But should they?
Before putting off your summer planning any longer, consider these three BIG benefits of registering early for fun, engaging summer activities.
1. Get First Dibs on Your Preferred Summer Programs
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, summer camp enrollment was steadily rising from year to year. When COVID-19 came along in 2020 some families opted out of summer camp, but overall demand for summer activities remained high and the limited amount of programs that were available filled up fast. Summer camp season is back on big time for 2021! Families and programs alike have had time to adapt to the “new normal” and are ready to get St. Louis kids back into fun and safe summer learning programs.
Many programs both virtual and in-person will again be limiting attendance this year, so be prepared for sessions to fill up faster now than ever before. If you start your search early, a wider range of programs will still be open and available. You will have more options to choose from and a greater chance that your child will get into the programs and sessions you really want!
This is a particularly important advantage for kids with niche interests or special needs, as those programs may have fewer sessions and fill up faster than others.
In addition to a wider array of programs to choose from, you will also have more dates and times to choose from. This makes it MUCH easier to work summer activities into your schedule. Should scheduling conflicts come up later, you will still have time to adjust your plans.
Simply put, you have TONS more flexibility if you get started early.
2. Find More Opportunities to Save Money
There are many free and low-cost summer programs for kids, but in some cases camp costs are nothing to sneeze at. Waiting until the last minute to sign up can push those prices even higher. Many programs now incentivize parents to register early by offering early registration discounts or charging late registration fees.
Many summer programs provide scholarships and financial assistance to help under-resourced families afford summer programs for their kids. The earlier you apply, the better the chance that there will still be resources available for you.
Whether you’re looking for free summer programs, trying to save on registration fees, or seeking financial assistance for summer camps, you’ll save more money by signing up sooner.
3. Less Stress & More Flexibility
There is no doubt that planning a fun and engaging summer for your child can be stressful. The easiest way to make it that much MORE stressful is to procrastinate. Finding out that what you want isn’t available due to capacity limits can be a frustrating, disappointing experience for you and your child. However, by planning your schedule and registering for summer programs far earlier in advance, you can minimize this stress.
When you register early for summer activities, you have plenty of time for changes and unexpected conflicts can be easily worked out. This will free up loads of time down the road that would’ve been spent making alternative plans, finding camps and classes relevant to your child’s interest, or searching for activities that haven’t filled up yet.
Start Searching for Summer Programs Now!
Time is of the essence, and there is no moment like the present. NOW is the best time to start planning for summer fun! Even if you’re not ready to make a commitment, you can explore your options and research programs that are right for your child. Don’t wait ’til it’s too late! Start searching and planning with Blueprint4Summer STL today with our FREE & EASY tools!
