Barring any more snowstorms, we are now officially into summer and the Club will be opening our doors for our summer program.

As anticipated, there has been an extremely high demand for our program and although we wish we could accommodate every child and family, it is just not possible.  We take safety and quality very seriously, and therefore limit numbers to what is appropriate for our building and our staffing.  However, if you are one of the unlucky ones on our waitlist, our colleagues at Appleseed Daycare will take children up to age 7, and make sure to check back in with us over the summer to see if anything has changed.

For those who are certain to be attending – have we got a great summer for you!  We kick of the first full week of the summer with our Elementary Adventure Camp and from there it is go go go.  Back by popular demand is our art camp, and due to the children’s love of art and Miss Gina our Art Instructor, this year we will have not one but two art camps – one in July and one in August.  We will also have our Teen Backpacking Camp, now in its third year and once again ably lead by Ashley and Elizabeth.  Thanks to Vail Epic Promise we will also be taking children aged 8 and up to the Heavenly Discovery Camp.  Look out for dates when your child will be going up and make sure you sign that waiver!  We will also have three water days over the summer (pack those swim suits), Color War, field trips, swim sessions and daily brain gain – to keep their minds ticking over during the long break.  On August 4th, the whole Club will go to Valhalla to watch a children’s version of Shakespeare on the Lake.  This year’s play is ‘Love’s Labours Lost’ and family and friends are welcome to join us for this FREE and fabulous event.  Each week of the summer is themed, and programs and activities will revolve around topics such as the Circus, Outer Space and Camping.  So even if you are not signed up for field trips or extra activities, there will be constant activities at the Club to keep your child active and engaged.

And, when they are being active and outside it is important that they are dressed appropriately.  PLEASE do not send them to Club in flip-flops.  The majority of accidents on the playground come from inappropriate footwear.  Sneakers or sandals with covered toes and straps are the best way to ensure your child doesn’t hurt themselves.  Also send them in clothes that can get dirty, dusty and spend time in lost property.  If they burn, then please send them with sunscreen and a hat.  Long sleeves are also a plus.  And don’t let them bring anything to the Club that can’t get lost or broken.  We discourage electronics, as summer is about being outside with your friends, but also would hate for expensive equipment to get damaged.  Leave phone and iPad time for home, when they are too tired from all the fun at Club to do anything elseJ

A note on costs.  The Club did not increase our fees this year, despite increases in staffing and programs costs.  Our Board and staff are adamant that we will keep our prices as low as possible for as long as possible.  Despite this, we still get complaints about the cost of our summer program.  A family paying the full price for the summer is still paying only 50% of their child’s costs.  Along with daily fun activities and field trips, we also provide breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack free of charge.  Scholarships are available for families who need assistance and we do serve foster and homeless children free of charge.  However, if you are in a fortunate position, please consider joining our Club $25.26 and help us to ensure that we can keep only charging 50%.

And finally, PLEASE make sure that you read the white board and the displayed notices at front desk EVERY day – they will provide you with all the information you need to know to ensure a great day every day.  Also like our Facebook page to see photos and updates about all the fun we are having, and sign up for Remind to ensure that you receive any alerts or vital information.

We look forward to an amazing summer – and no more snow!