I'm trying to figure out what to do with my four year old twin girls this summer. Both my husband and I work, so the girls currently go to a wonderful preschool from 8:30am - 3pm. They like it, we like it, it's all good. The school year ends in mid June and starts back up in mid August. The school offers summer camp for six weeks during the 10 week break. Same teachers, same basic schedule, just a little more informal since it's summer.
I'm wondering if I should put my girls in this camp since it would be familiar. Or should I enroll them in the summer camp at another school so they'd have a bit of a break and something different to do? The second school has theme weeks at camp - dinosaur week, pirate week, folk art week, etc. The hours and cost are basically the same. And it's considered to be the "best" school in our area - very artsy and creative. It has a three year waiting list for the regular school year.
Or... should I do a couple of weeks of camp and have the girls former teacher watch them the rest of the weeks? She's volunteered to come be our nanny this summer and do play dates and field trips with the girls we we'd like. Her hours are a little more restrictive (only until 2) but I could make that work.
So basically it comes down to 1) familiar camp at the regular school, 2) theme week camp at another school, or 3) a combination including being at home with a sitter for some of the time. What would you do? Should I worry about offending my girls' current teacher if I don't sign them up for camp at their regular school?
Thanks!
I would think the kids would want a break from school. Or, at least a different school. Isn't that what summer is about? I don't think the teacher would be offended. Many kids go to different camps not at their schools. I think a sitter with field trips and play dates sounds fun, but what do the kids want to do?
We are in a similar situation. Regular school offers a Summer Camp which we have used the last couple of years (kids are 3 & 5). There is anotehr camp that looks like TONS of fun which is what summer should be about. I think we are going to make the move. The 1st week will be an adjustment for the kids. New building, new staff, new kids. I am dreading it a little, but I really think that they will LOVE all it has to offer. Go with what ever seems like it will be the most fun for the kids. They have regular school Sept-June.
Have you thought about asking your girls what they want to do? That might help make your decision.
I would talk to the girls about what they want and ask if they could handle the change. I know my children at that age didnt like change so much but my friends kids were okay with it.
Even though the program at the current school will be more relaxed, I would think your daughters would enjoy a change. Of course, you know your girls best, but I like the idea of option 3, the combination.
I don't think the current teacher would be offended if you chose a different option for the summer.
