Once a year, I get my son for a whole month during the summer. I love the time we get to spend together and I genuinely wish I could have him stay all the time. But, because he doesn’t stay with me full-time, I have to make certain arrangements during this summer to have someone look after him while I am at work. When I was married, this wasn’t a problem because my ex-wife used to stay home, so she could watch him. But now that it is just me, I have to figure out some kind of way for him to be watched during the day.

Enter the YMCA. I’ve always liked the YMCA, and they run these really nice summer day camps. Now, before anyone starts to give me grief about this being a Christian organization and all that, I’ve been going to the Y for years, and have yet to run into ANY form of religiousness. Aside from their mission statement of “To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.” Thats about all the religion I’ve ever seen at the Y. The people are very nice and helpful, and they make sure the children don’t fight and get some exercise while they are there. If thats what they consider “Christian” principles in action… I’m all for it.

So, I’ve signed my son up for the “Challenge Camp” at a local YMCA relatively close to my work. The only issue I have is well… it costs money. If you break it down on a daily basis, it works out to about $35 a day… Heck, thats less than a night out with a babysitter, so I can’t really complain… but when you have to pay it all in one shot, its a kick in the gut.

They do keep them safe and keeping them out of trouble, so I guess I shouldn’t complain. Thats certainly not something you should skimp on right? Plus it gets my son out and about, and playing with other kids.