Families can’t afford summer camps for kids

The cost of summer camps for young children is proving prohibitive for many families no longer able to afford the privilege.

That’s according to new Galway East TD and mother of three Anne Rabbitte, who has suggested that some clubs scale back on prices – particularly for families with two and three kids.

Deputy Rabbitte added that the cost was exacerbated by the fact that the vast majority of summer camps end at 2pm or 2.30pm and the services of child minders then had to kick in.

“That means summer camps could set parents back as much as €300 per week”, she added.

The mother of a 14, 13 and eleven year old said that some hurling and football clubs run excellent summer camps – but other organisations often charged rates that were not acceptable.

“Some kids would love to do a summer camp every week of the holidays but it is simply not affordable”, she said.

But Mick Hehir, who is involved in Tuam Hurling Club – and as the former Chairman of Coiste Iomana na nOg has organised several summer camps – said that the Cúl Camps, for example, represented great value for money.

The Tuam Garda said that it cost less than €3 an hour and each participant benefited from trained coaches, all appointed by the Galway Coaching and Games Committee. And the €55 cost for the week also includes a sports kit.