June 2012 / Commerce Connection/
VIEWPOINTS Every two months, the Chamber surveys its membership on a topic of relevance. Eager for summer, we wanted to learn how working parents handle their children being out of school and what options they have.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS SUMMER IN CHAMPAIGN COUNTY? 35% Area festivals 28% Grilling out 24% Hitting the pool 21% Visiting local parks & forest preserves 6% Other OF WORKING PARENTS WITH CHILDREN BETWEEN THE AGES OF 5 AND 12, WE ASKED: During the summer, who attends to your children while you’re at work?
In the past few years, have you sent your children to a summer camp or daycare program in Champaign County? 83% Yes 15% No 2% Not applicable
What program did you send your child to? Would you recommend it/ them?
20% 20% 44%
7%
17%
A parent A babysitter, older sibling or grandparent A day care or summer camp program No one, they are old enough to take care of themselves Other
YMCA, Champaign Park District, FCA Camp -- TOTALLY would recommend. Chesterbrook Summer Camp. Yes (would recommend), because of all the activities and field trips they take the kids on that also allow them to continue to learn. Champaign Park District Theatre Camp; Sholem Sharks Swim Team; UI Sport
3
Camps (Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball); and yes, I would recommend all of them, especially to offer a variety of experiences. Champaign Park District day camps are the best. They have one adult for every 8 kids, are safe, convenient and they take amazing field trips and even swim lessons are included! Parkland’s College for Kids, Savoy Recreation, Champaign County YMCA- I would recommend them all. Urbana schools has great summer programs - I am sending both of my kids to a new program they started this year. It is only two weeks long, but it looks amazing!
AS A WORKING PARENT, WHAT ARE YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGES WHEN SCHOOL LETS OUT FOR THE SUMMER? The cost associated with putting my child in daycare/camps. Finding a safe, reliable sitter. Identifying fun, challenging camps and programs. Trying to continue learning during the break so there is no “drop” in educational progress. Summer activities that last all day while I am at work and Monday through Friday. Transportation - especially for 1/2 day specialty camps. Providing safe and interesting activities at a reasonable cost. Most of the classes/lessons/events geared for children take place during the day, which makes it very difficult to get kids involved. For instance, swim lessons are 10 to 11, which no working person would be able to take their children to. There are a few weeks at the beginning of the summer and at the end where care is difficult to find for private school students. Not retaining knowledge learned during the school year. Finding the best day camps that offer affordable programs with before and after care with a variety of activities.