BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Summer is just over 100 days away and with that in mind, now is the time to start thinking about getting your kids signed up for summer camp!
Here's what's available in Western New York, and how you can pick the right camp for your kids.
Some parents may be wondering if using a babysitter would actually be cheaper than sending kids to summer camp.
According to Care.com, it costs about $15.50 an hour to hire a babysitter in Buffalo.
Babysitter
- Average $15.50 per hour, for 30+hrs a week= $465+ per week
Camps
- Average Buffalo summer camp cost: $275 per week
Town Recreational Camps range $150-200
--Ton of Tonawanda and Amherst
Activity camps range from $200-$350
--YMCA, JCC, Tiff Nature preserve, Erie County SPCA, Buffalo Zoo
Special Interest camps range from $350-500+
--Coding camps, Ninja Warrior Camps, Horseback riding
Jennifer Calero owns Fun 4 Kids Buffalo, an online directory with things to do around Buffalo, and has a section specifically for summer camps.
"I suggest parents start by looking at places where they live, where they work, and seeing what's in the area," Calero said. "The ones sponsored by the towns and the community centers are usually the ones that go pretty quickly, mainly because it is a lower cost than a daycare or a traditional camp."
Calero says registration is open for many camps, and others will be opening in the next two months.
"It's really up to each parent to do their due diligence and take a look by reading the reviews," Calero said. "Facebook groups are a great place to get honest reviews as well."
The most important thing is to make sure your child gets the most out of their camp experience.
"I think a lot of the camps are conscious about having things that allow kids to both learn, and have fun, in order to build programs that fit every type of kid," Calero said.
