Affordable Quality Summer Programs

I need to know where to find quality, but affordable summer programs for my kids in either northern P.G. couty or Montgomery County. I have 3 children so as a semi-single mother, the summer can get pretty expensive for me. Even the community center based programs have become a bit costly. I'm generally shelling out childcare expenses equal to my monthly rent. I make a good salary, but not that good. Any help would be very much appreciated

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Unfortunately, those were my first options. The elementary school that my kids attend is actually attached to a community center managed by Maryland National Capital Area Park & Planning. Their prices continue to increase every year. What used to be an average of $180 bi-weekly is now up to $240 bi-weekly. And when you add that up per child, you can see where I'm going. The area based Boys and Girls Club is about the same price, but require additional funds for meals and field trips. They are the cheapest I've come accross, but again, with 3, a bit out of my range. And I don't qualify for any discounts or assistance because according to their salary ranges, I make over the maximum. I've even looked into local church programs and shockingly, their prices were even more expensive. I do appreciate your help and suggestions. I do have 2 teenage sisters that wouldn't mind babysitting, however, my 2 issues are that I don't want to feel like I'm monopolizing their summer in the event that just wanted to do other things, and secondly, for my oldest daughter who's battling some weight gain and large puberty sprout, I need to keep her active and not just sitting around the house. If anyone finds anything more reasonable in the P.G. County/Montgomery County areas, please let me know.

It's hard to find affordable summer programs and summer expenses can add up quickly. You're on the right track looking for community-based programs. Check to see if your local school district offers a summer enrichment program. Those are usually less expensive than private programs. Also check the YMCA, Boys and Girls Clubs and the local rec. center. If you can find a teenager or two willing to babysit or create their own daycare program, that might be less expensive, too, but make sure they are knowledgeable about child safety before you entrust your children to their care. Here's an article on our Web site that might be helpful, too, in terms of what to look for in the quality of a summer program:

What To Look For In a Summer Learning Program
www.greatschools.net/cgi-bin/showarticle/537

Perhaps other parents out there in our community are more familiar with specific programs near you, and hopefully they'll weigh in!

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Affordable Quality Summer Programs

Parent Answers to "Affordable Quality Summer Programs"

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