Hello Everyone I am new to Long Island

So I've been a member here for some time but never really used it. I've been living here on the island since November now and am still fairly new to everything. I am quite sad to say that my experience has not been great. Due to the fact that I am a stay at home mom we only have one income and it is fairly difficult to survive nonetheless put our boys in camps or sports. My boys have had to spend the entire summer home because I could not afford day camps for both. I felt so disappointed in myself as a mom not being able to give them the opportunity to be at camp like other kids. Coming form Queens, things were a lot different and schools and camps were more supportive of low income families. Both my sons attended camps free for the summer because it was deemed that based on my income they were entitled to it. I was just wondering if there were anyone out there that could help with any information they may have. Maybe just show me the ropes and refer me to places that might be bale to help. I am not poor or anything I mean we do have a house but times are rough. I don't think we should be rich for our children to be able to enjoy some extracurricular activities.

Re: Hello Everyone I am new to Long Island

Hi Yolanda...Welcome

Sorry to hear you're having a difficult time here on the island.
Isn't not easy here.

I would try posting this on parenting. I know the ladies over there will help you out with free activity ideas.

Re: Hello Everyone I am new to Long Island

What township are you in? What school district? Many towns and schools offer less expensive camp programs.

Join the town pool. You can get a family membership and go every nice day. Get the Empire Pass. It costs about $60 for one year and you can go to any state park/beach.

Libraries have a ton of free programs. Ours has magicians, board game-get togethers,etc. They also have book clubs and computers.

Go on your town website. Most have children programs as well as movies/music under the stars.

There are a ton of low-cost/free things to do on Long Island, you just have to look for them.

Re: Hello Everyone I am new to Long Island

Where do you live? Our town has free swim lessons 4 days a week all summer, super cheap sailing lessons, $15 arts and crafts for the entire family all summer, free archery, free dodgeball, volleyball, etc. There is a playground, etc. All the kids play handball together when activities aren't going on.

Re: Hello Everyone I am new to Long Island

Hi!!! Check out the library and lots of get togethers (GTG) on Parenting!

Re: Hello Everyone I am new to Long Island

Welcome. DH and I make close to 6 figures combined and feel we couldn't afford to send DS to things like childrens programs and if we needed to, daycare so I know where you are coming from.

The COL on LI is sickening.

However, the ladies above offered some good ideas.

The libraries and parks are usually free or low-cost.

I also hope that you are teaching your children that it's not about the money-----there's lots of things they can grow up and appreciate that have nothing to do with spending lots of money.

I also am not originally from here, and I have found that it's much easier here vs. in other places to get caught up in the "Keeping up with the Joneses" mentality. Don't do it to yourself!

Re: Hello Everyone I am new to Long Island

Welcome.

Since you're new here - I'll give you the tour -
This is the general part of the messageboard. If you go to the Quick Navigation drop down on top ^^
There are sub-boards that can better answer your question.

Parenting - General
Parents of School Aged Kids - new board for moms with older kids.
Not all parents venture over to the general messageboard.

I know some camps give significant discounts to staff members - so that may be a good solution for you.

The school district camps are generally very inexpensive. ($150/week). Here's an example of my district's offerings:http://northport.k12.ny.us/comsrvs/Summer%20Brochure%202010%20Complete%20File.pdf . They also have mini programs (3 hours in the am) for $70.

You could also try your library. Summer reading is big in our town. We don't participate because the hours don't work for us but I know a lot of the SAHMs do.

Also check out what your town & other towns do - my town has nighttime concerts & plays :Huntington Summer Arts Council - Family Series

My kids are in camp as we both work (it works out to less than $10/hour & they give swimming lessons) - and I went to the same camp as a child. From my experience neither side is happy doing what they're doing. Every morning, Why do I have to go to camp? I hate camp!" "Can't we stay at home like everyone else?" - when they come home, they're happy about their day but getting there it is complete grief . We were the same way - complained about camp, how hot it is, why can't we do something with our friends who weren't in camp, etc.
The summer my mom pulled us out of camp, we went to every museum in Suffolk, every nature preserve. We hated it. So I don't know that there is a winning solution.

If you have a schedule - beach days, games, etc. your kids can have fun - for free. If they're new to the area & you're looking to have them make friends - definitely try the library.

Hope this helps.

Message edited 7/31/2010 7:37:29 AM.

Re: Hello Everyone I am new to Long Island

I don't know anything about camps, but lots of good suggestions above

I just wanted to say welcome and

For what its worth, I grew up on Long Island, my brother and I never went to camp and had the best summers running around our yard, the sprinkler, making up games, going to the park, and town pool. When I was older I worked at one of the 'best camps' on Long Island. and HATED IT-left after only one week.

Re: Hello Everyone I am new to Long Island

Where do you live? Our town has free swim lessons 4 days a week all summer, super cheap sailing lessons, $15 arts and crafts for the entire family all summer, free archery, free dodgeball, volleyball, etc. There is a playground, etc. All the kids play handball together when activities aren't going on.



What town are you in?
this sounds great..