Is it too late to Sign Up for Summer Camp?

Publisher of SummerOnCampus.com reports that deadlines for summer camp applications are typically flexible and parents should never assume it is too late to sign up their children.

5{15, 2004--Take heart, parents. Serious deadlines for camp applications are few and far between. So reports Carole Warsawer, publisher of SummerOnCampus.com, a directory for summer camps on NYS college campuses. As late as June, many of the academic sports, and art camps on our site are still accepting campers, especially the commuter programs. Exceptions may include competitive performing arts programs that hold early auditions, selective government- funded academic programs with restraints on the number of applicants, or residential programs where dormitory space may be limited.

We tell parents that, even if you have missed a specific application deadline, chances are they will still have room, especially there if a camp runs more than one session or has more than one location.

By no means do we recommend waiting till the last minute to make plans: Directors need to hire the appropriate number of counselors or teachers so they can retain good staff to camper ratios. Dormitory rooms need to be booked way in advance for residential camps. We just want parents not to assume its too late: Its fine to call or email a camp office in May or June to check availability! Many of them are happy to accept additional applicants, even at the last minute! Last year, our website traffic doubled from February to June -- a sure indicator that June camp surfers are not alone!