Recently, we were able to drag the camper up to Unicoi State Park for their 2nd Annual Family Camp for All Ages and we couldn't have had a better time. We made some wonderful new friends, had an opportunity to go camping at a beautiful (and shady) spot, and learned some new outdoor skills - all at a very reasonable price. The stay was $110 for 5 nights at a site with electric and water. The camp was $50 for all three of us! There were "door prizes" everyday and no one went home empty-handed. The children had an opportunity to complete their Junior Ranger badges and spend time with their families in the great outdoors.It got me to thinking, why is it that all GA State Parks don't toss the old "Junior Ranger" camp model and focus on this new style of family camping? Our son did a Junior Ranger camp last year at a park more local to us and he had a great time; however, they were limited in the age range for the week to 6 - 9 year old children. There were 16 kids (the max enrollment was 20) and 3-4
adults to manage them. A second week was offered for children 10 - 12, presumably with roughly the same ratio of children to adults. The camp was 4 hours long and most parents left while their children were at camp, either returning home or to work while the 1 - 2 kids in the limited age range attended camp. Perhaps a few families were camping at the park during the week. I do truly believe that all the children became fast friends and felt a great bond during the week; and yet at that age, their exchange of personal information was limited, so whatever bonds formed during the week of camp were lost once the children returned home. Also, though the children were very active for a few hours each day, most returned home to TV, internet, and AC.In contrast, Unicoi's Family Camp had an enrollment of 15 families and nearly 60 people. All but
1 - 2 families were staying at the state park. Most were staying at the park for about the same rate as stated above; however, two families had rented cabins which were approximately $500 for the week. The camp activities were approximately 3 hours each day with three rangers and one manager-in-training completely dedicated to the program for the duration. Some adjunct rangers, staff, and volunteers were used throughout the week for different programs. At the end of the camp day, families spent time together outdoors hiking, fishing, canoeing, building campfires, and enriching the bonds of friendship (nothing makes for fast friends like eating chocolate-covered crickets - thank you Ranger Jessica!).There are obstacles to this family-style camping, of course. Many families simply cannot get away for a week and the traditional Junior Ranger day camp provides those families with a much needed outlet for their children during an otherwise hectic summer. Keeping programs fresh enough for adults to want to get involved and still be simple enough for children is not always an easy task. Yet in a time when so many programs are being cut from the state park budget, we need to explore those financially sound opportunities which can generate revenue for each park.
With the traditional Junior Ranger day camp (20 campers x $25/ week) + (2 families camping x 110/ week) x 2 weeks = $1440; now consider the salaries of 4 staffers (even at minimum wage) for two weeks $1820. A minimum net loss of $400 before the park has even issued supplies for the programs! At family camp the ratio of staffers to campers can be far less since it is presumed that parents will (and do) take care of their own children. The cost is $20 per adult and $10 per child, so let us average the (58 campers to $15/each x 1 week) + (11 families camping x $110/week) + (2 families at cabins x $500/week) = $3080; now assume 6 staffers at the same $5.75/hr = $1380. A possible revenue of $1700! **I am sure that neither of these staffs make minimum wage nor am I implying that is their worth, just that I needed a baseline for the math.In addition, there is money spent at camp stores and gift shops at the park. In particular, Unicoi has a terrific buffet at their restaurant that was the highlight of many campers' week. Not all state parks have the amenities that Unicoi has and thereby might not be able to profit so clearly;
however, they certainly would come away with more than they can with the traditional JR Day Camp model. I encourage each state park to look closely at this program and consider adding it to your 2010 line-up. I am sure that Rangers Ellen, Jessica, and Smith would be happy to share their experiences with your staff.Further, what the families take away is an experience of being together all day without the distractions of work, TV, and internet; of being able to form lasting friendships for children and adults; and the anticipation of returning year after year like the sleep-away camps of our youth. I am encouraged that our family has not left camp behind and returned to our old routines. Just this weekend, the boys went kayaking; something they had not done before family camp. I encourage each person to find this unique and enriching opportunity at a state park near you; and if there isn't one - campaign for it.
