Fall Into Summer Camp Now

The leaves are changing, the air is brisk, the snow is falling (already?!)…all signs that mean it’s time to register for summer camp! 

You may think that my first blog post topic is completely irrelevant to the season, but fall is actually a fantastic time to start your summer camp search. There are numerous advantages to early camp enrollment, both for you and your child. 

Here are the top 5 reasons why registering in the fall should be high priority on your to-do list:

1. Save Money! - Almost all summer camps feature their lowest tuition rates prior to Thanksgiving. These prices could be hundreds of dollars less than the final tuition rates in the spring. Camps often couple these lower rates with special discounts or coupons for early full payment or early bird enrollment. Most camps allow you to pay a small deposit to enroll and pay the balance throughout the year through customized payment plans.  Registering in the fall gives you more time to break up payments and create a financial plan that’s feasible for your family.  
2. Earn Money! - Many camps offer referral rewards programs that “give back” at the end of the summer for referring your friends and family.  For example, Rolling River Day Camp offers a tiered rewards program where families can earn a higher dollar amount for every new camper referred (i.e. $50 for the first camper, $100 for the second camper, etc.). The program also includes a special $1,000 off next summer’s camp tuition raffle held at the end of each summer. Enrolling in the fall gives you more time to spread the word about your new camp and encourage friends to sign up too. You will know it’s worth the time when you receive a hefty check in the mail that can be allocated towards next summer’s camp tuition!
3. Go With the Group - Summer camp is a popular pastime on Long Island and as a result, programs or groups often get closed out early. Registering in the fall will ensure your child a spot in the program of your choice.  Additionally, early enrollment gives you a better chance that your child will be grouped with their friends.  The later you wait to enroll, the harder it is to rearrange camp groups.  
4. Getting to Know You - While children are often excited about attending summer camp, for many, it takes time to feel comfortable in this new environment. Enrolling in the fall gives you almost a full year to talk to your child about his/her new camp so it will be smooth sailing on the first day.  Show your child pictures of camp, visit the website and watch the summer yearbook or promotional video.  Many camps also host various events and programs throughout the year to get your child comfortable with the facility and meet other campers.  Rolling River hosts seasonal events such as reunions, holiday camps, parent night outs and open play days staffed by camp supervisors and counselors so new campers feel right at home by June!  
5. Free Family Fall Festivals - The fall is a beautiful time to visit and tour camp facilities on Long Island. Also, it’s easier to picture your children swimming in the pool when it is not covered with two feet of snow! Most camps sponsor free fall open houses or festivals that feature carnival rides, face painting and other fall activities while getting to know the camp facility and staff. These events are a great opportunity to show your child that camp is fun while you receive important information about programming and tuition rates.

If you have any questions regarding summer camp, feel free to email me directly at marissa@rollingriver.com or visit us on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 11am-3pm for