By Karen Cimino Wilson
[email protected]
Cabarrus County park officials don’t want the economic downturn to prevent residents from sending their kids to camp this year, so the county has lowered registration fees for the 2009 Discovery Day Camp program.
“In light of what’s been going on, we want to be proactive and still encourage people to come to camp by making it not cost quite as much money,” said Londa Strong, director of the Cabarrus County Parks and Recreation Department.
The 2009 Outdoor Discovery Day Camp at Frank Liske Park is a nine-week program designed to be a fun learning experience about the local natural environment. Online registration begins Monday. Campers can register for a single week or for all nine weeks.
The Cabarrus County Parks Commission approved the fee changes to keep participation strong despite the economy.
The county reported that 575 children participated in the 2008 Discovery Day Camp program. An average of 63 children participated per week. There were 13 siblings enrolled.
Those who sign up for all nine weeks of camp will pay $765 this year, a $90 savings over last year. Participants who pay by the week for nine weeks will pay $1,000, a $125 savings over last year. Multiple family members attending camp will receive a 15 percent discount if they pay up front.
The 2008 Discovery Day Camp program generated $61,423 in revenue and had $55,702 in expenses.
Revenue is expected to be about $51,000 this year if the participation remains about the same as last year.
Supply and rental fees, trips, miscellaneous expenses and staff hours will be reduced to ensure the program does not go in the red, Strong said. Staff hours will be reduced by not taking field trips.
The Discovery Day Camp begins June 15 and ends Aug. 14 this year. The camp is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Each of the nine weeks will have a different theme and will include educational sessions, arts and crafts, trips, games, sports and movies.
Spaces are limited each week and registration is first-come first-serve.
For more information, call Ben Sharpe at 704-920-2702 or visit the Cabarrus County Parks and Recreation Web site at http://www.cabarruscounty.us/Parks/discoverydaycamp.html
• Contact reporter Karen Cimino Wilson: 704-789-9141.