A P RI L 9 -10, 2 0 2 5 • vol . 6 4 iss u e 22
News from Plainfield • Joliet • Shorewood • Lockport • Crest Hill • Bolingbrook • Romeoville • Downers Grove • Westmont • Woodridge • Lisle • Niles • Morton Grove • Park Ridge & more
By randy whalen For the Bugle
How to find the right fit for summer camp Many adults fondly recall their days at summer camp. The increase in households with two working parents has made it more important than ever to find a camp to accommodate youngsters who need to remain engaged and entertained throughout over summer vacation. That reality has led to more summer camp options, but it’s not always so easy finding one that’s the right fit for a child. No two children are the same and kids change quite a bit as they grow up. So a camp that worked for an older child or even one that accommodated a younger camper may not make the perfect fit this summer. With that in mind, parents can consider these tips to find the right summer camp for their children. • Ask around. Even if no two campers are the same, it can benefit parents to ask around when shopping for a summer camp. Summer camp spots are limited and it’s not uncommon for competition for available spaces to develop, which can make it more difficult to gather information. However, ask neighbors whose children have outgrown
summer camp if there’s one they might recommend (or would not recommend). • Pursue a package deal. Though package deals might not result in lower rates, approaching a camp with the parents of your child’s friend or friends may work in your favor. Kids undoubtedly will be more excited about camp if their friends will be there as well. Camp officials may see these quasi-package deals as beneficial and a quick and easy way to fill spots. • Ask kids how they want to spend summer. Specialized camps run the gamut from sports camps focusing on a particular sport to general outdoor recreation camps to camps that cater to young musicians. More general camps offer a wide range of activities throughout the summer, and that might appeal to children less interested in specialized camps. Ask youngsters for their input before making a final decision. Involve kids in the search by showing them websites of prospective camps and asking them what they think of each one. If attending an in-person consultation, bring kids along so they
can form their own impression. • Make sure the camp suits your schedule. Kids’ preferences are not the only opinions to consider. In households with two working parents, moms and dads must find a camp that aligns with their work schedule. Many camps offer halfday sessions and/or full-day sessions, but some offer just one or the other. If parents need full-day sessions, they might need to begin
their search early to ensure they can secure a spot before they fill up. • Identify what you can afford. Camp costs vary significantly, so parents should identify how much they can afford before they begin their search. Doing so may eliminate various camps right off the bat, saving parents precious time as they try to find a camp for their children before spots fill up. Many towns offer local camps at schools, and these
may be an affordable option. Parents also should know that many camps allow them to pick certain weeks or days of the week a child will attend rather than insisting kids attend camp for the duration of the summer. Summer camp season is right around the corner. Parents and children can work together to identify a camp that will ensure this summer is filled with fun.
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Keep summer days fun and busy when camp ends Many adults have fond memories of attending summer camp when they were children. The American Camp Association reports that each year more than 14 million children and adults take advantage of the camp experience. Summer camp is a place for kids to learn new skills, make new friends, experience being away from home for extended periods of time, and explore new locales. Summer camp program lengths vary. Some children attend local camps that may last a week or two, while others attend sleep-away camps that last a little longer. Since summer vacation typically lasts between eight to 10 weeks, parents may discover there still is plenty of downtime after summer camp ends. Here are some ways to fill the gap between the end of camp and the start of a new school year. Schedule a vacation What better way to keep the magic of summer going than by rolling summer camp right into a family vacation? Give kids time to enjoy a few days to relax at home, but then buckle up for the next adventure. This can be a trip away from home, or a series of day trips or activities guided by all members of the family.
Organize a sleepover exchange Parents of school-aged children can coordinate with one another to fill up a week or more with sleepovers. Each family can take a night or two, and the kids can jump from house to house extending the fun with one another. Sleepovers can occur inside the home or under tents in the yard. Recreate favorite camp activities at home Why not take what makes camp entertaining and try it at home? Copy the camp’s itinerary and engage in similar activities, such as canoeing or nature hikes. On nights when the weather cooperates, everyone can gather around a fire pit to roast marshmallows. Enroll in a recreational program Some towns offer free or low-fee activities to residents through their parks and recreation departments. If budgeting does not allow for a camp experience, there are likely town-wide activities that can fill the gaps until it’s time for children to go back to school. Some even may offer after-hours childcare options for parents who have scheduling conflicts with work. When summer camp ends, parents have different options they can explore to keep children engaged and supervised until a new school year begins.
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When is the right time to look into summer camp? Summer camp provides children weeks of entertainment, camaraderie and opportunities to learn and grow. It also offers a welcome respite for parents and other caregivers from having to provide recreation for kids during summer vacation, especially if those kids will be attending a sleepaway camp. Many children are emotionally ready to attend camp between the ages of eight and 10. Some need a little more time to mature. Parents may think they have plenty of time to investigate camps. Chances are if the weather has already warmed and summer vacation is on the horizon, then it’s already too late to get kids into most summer camps. According to HealthyChildren. org, a division of the American Academy of Pediatrics, it is important to start researching summer camps as soon as possible. Many start booking as early as January of the current term year. Furthermore, popular programs fill up quite fast. Even though summer weather may be furthest from one’s mind in the middle of winter, this is the time when summer camp decisions must be made. Start by asking for recommen-
dations from others. The difficulty with this approach is that many people are very protective of their camp choices, especially if the programs are particularly popular. They may not be inclined to give up the secrets to their good thing, especially if that means kids will have to compete for limited spots. Parents also should conduct an internet search of camps in the area and look at online reviews and ratings. Find out if the camp is accredited by the American Camp Association. This will not guarantee a risk-free environment, but ACA accreditation is a better bet for providing a camp that is safe and nurturing. Price also may be a factor in the camp decision. Camps are not all priced the same, so it may require doing some math to figure out what is the best value. Location also can be a consideration. Having to drive a long distance away for camp can be a deterrent to some people. Rest assured that families who are a little late to the game may be able to find summer camp accommodations. But they may have to make some concessions.
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BuSINeSS AND ReAL eSTATe
How to boost home value before selling People considering buying or selling a home are facing a unique market. The real estate market has been in flux for several years, and high interest rates have made it more expensive to borrow. The Mortgage Bankers Association is projecting that 30-year mortgage rates will level out to 6.5 percent for the forseeable future. That means that people who have been waiting for changes in the real estate market could be disappointed, and hesitant buyers may finally just bite the bullet and buy even if mortgage rates are not where they hoped they’d be in 2025. Homeowners with properties they are considering listing for sale would be wise to make certain changes that will help garner the best prices from buyers. Make kitchen and bath improvements The kitchen is the heart of many homes. Real estate agents may recommend that homeowners make minor to moderate kitchen upgrades like resurfacing cabinets, upgrading countertops and changing fixtures or hardware to give the room an overhaul. Homeowners also should look to bathroom updates as smart investments that can improve home value.
Katie Severance, author of The Brilliant Home Buyer, characterizes kitchens and baths as “money rooms” that add the most value to a home. Declutter the home Homeowners should clean out items they no longer need. Decluttering can make a space feel bigger, which is beneficial in a market where open concept floor plans remain popular among home buyers. When buyers walk through a prospective home, they want to envision themselves living there, something that is more easily done if the home isn’t overrun with the current homeowner’s belongings. Get to painting Painting a home is a cost-effective renovation with a lot of oomph. Freshly painted rooms appear clean and updated, says HGTV, and that can appeal to buyers. Homeowners should choose neutral colors to accommodate the widest array of potential buyers. Improve the landscaping The exterior of a home is the first thing potential buyers will see as they roll up to view a property or look at a listing online. Homeowners should start by evaluating and enhancing the landscaping. Ensure the lawn is
well-maintained and add plants that provide color without a lot of maintenance. Expand usable space Homeowners can think about add-
ing to the usable space in a home. This translates into finishing basements or attics or even converting garages to rooms. Or it may involve adding a three-season room.
Homeowners can consider a number of improvements to increase the resale value of their properties.
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