As a working parent, I learned the hard way years ago that if you’re interested in having your child participate in day camps during the summer months while you’re working – the time to sign up is NOW. Each year, Central California Parent Magazine hosts a camp fair. Parents can come out and speak to the representatives from the various summer camps all in one location. They can register and pay fees on the spot too!
As I got wiser, I learned about how important early registration is. You will have to register early in order to get a spot at all in your child’s camps of interest. I also learned to use my work’s childcare flexible spending/cafeteria plan to save for camp fees throughout the year. I do this so it doesn’t feel like it was a financial hit when the time to register came around.
This year’s Camp Fair is taking place on Wednesday, April 6th from 3-7pm at Manchester Mall. It is located on the northeast corner of Blackstone and Shields, right off of the 41 freeway in Central Fresno. The event is free to attend, and a wide variety of camps will be represented including day camps, overnight camps, enrichment, academic, sports, and special interest camps.
I’ve linked five of the most popular camps year after year (that also fill up fast) so you can preview their information prior to attending the camp, if you’re interested in doing so. You can find the camp invitation on EventBrite here.
5 Popular Summer Camps to Consider (Before they fill up!)
River Camp – Outdoors, on the San Joaquin River, hosted by the River Parkway & Trust (super fun, always sells out)
Equestrian Camp – This one is selling out fast! Reach out to them directly even before the camp fair if you have a child who loves horses.
Science Camp at The Discovery Center – Typically very well run, popular, & affordable. This camp will likely update their website soon, following their Spring Break camp, but they’re worth talking to, for sure.
Zoo Camp – A VERY popular favorite, and there are a variety of schedules and programs that are age-based for your choosing. Students in kinder through 6th grade may attend half-day camps, 6th and beyond have the option of full-day camps. More info will likely be on the website after their Spring Break camp completes.
Gymnastics Beat – This camp is super fun for the kids and one of the most affordable options out there typically and they offer both full and half day options. (They also offer camps on any day Fresno Unified Schools are closed, in case you’re looking for an option for other times during the school year!)
Good luck parents, and may the registration odds be ever in your favor!
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