Can I Get into a Last Minute Summer Camp?

As the summer has gone longer, you’ve realized that your child is already out of things to do. However, you still have over half of the summer left. That can cause you to worry that they’ll sit around home, or even worse get into trouble trying to find something to do. As such, you’ve wondered if there are any summer camp options left for last minute lookers like yourself. 

This situation isn’t unique. Many parents start the summer determined to keep their children doing fun things at home. Most believe that they don’t have to worry about a summer camp because they can do it all themselves. However, parents quickly realize that this is not the case. Today, we’re answering this commonly asked question and also offering advice on finding a summer camp at the last minute and what to do if one isn’t available. 

Can You Find a Last Minute Summer Camp?

The answer to this question will depend on where you live, what you are looking for, and how flexible you can be. If you live in a small town, can’t drive out of it, and need a space camp, then you might not find what you are looking for. However, if you are willing to drive a bit and choose, for example, a ninja warrior summer camp rather than a space camp, your options may open. 

In this way, it will be about calling around. While the pages online may say spaces open or no spaces left, there is always a chance that a child dropped out at the last minute or their site hasn’t been updated. Important Notes About Funding a Last Minute Summer Camp

• Make sure to ask your kid what they would prefer and what they wouldn’t like. While they might not get their first preference, it’s essential to know what to look out for when picking what your child will be doing for part of the rest of the summer. 
• If you find a summer camp, make sure to find out what the cast is, what times it will be, what days, what you will need to provide, and what forms need to be filled out ahead of time. It is more than possible to rush through the process only to find out that it’s only a half a day camp and you need to pack lunch as well as supplies. Taking your time even when working last minute can save you trouble later.
• Be flexible about the theme and style when possible. While you might be looking for an educational summer camp, if you want your child to have something to do, you might have to pick a more fun themed summer camp. Also,  if you are looking for an overnight camp, think about a day camp if you can’t find anything. Your kid will still have fun, and maybe you can find a parent there that wants to swap sleepover times during the camp.

What if There Isn’t a Camp?

If you’re signing up at the last minute and nothing is working, you still have a few options. First, summer programs that can work with your child and keep them entertained. Examples of these can be anything from daycare to clubs like the Boys and Girls club. Alternatively, different versions of summer school allow children to continue to learn during the summer. Remember, your children should still be having fun this summer, so make sure it’s something they will enjoy as well.

If none of those strike your fancy, then think about forming a summer camp if you have a group of parents going through the same issues as yourself, think about gathering together to create a summer program for your kids. If you can get five sets of parents, then you’ll have more than enough parents and creative minds to keep your children entertained all summer long. Simply get each parent to take off five days and send all the kids to that parent. Create plans for fun things to do and themes for each week so that each parent will watch the kids, and each week, the kids will have something fun to do to keep them busy.


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