Economic downturn takes toll on parents
Vancouver Courier
July 31, 2009
By: Christine Hibbert, executive director, Jericho Kids' Club Child Care Society

To the editor:

I was interested to read Janaya Fuller-Evans report regarding lower than normal registration at local summer camps.

As with the programs noted in this article, our organization has also seen some decline in summer camp registrations. However, the greatest concern for us is not so much the loss of the experience for the kids, but the overall effect on families affected by the economic downturn.

As a program for school-age children, the majority of our registrations are from families who use child care on an ongoing basis throughout the year.

We are seeing an increase in families requesting changes to, or full cancellation of, their registration, as the effects of the recession play out in their lives.

Although we will miss having some of these kids in the program and know that they will be missing out on some great fun and experiences, we are also struggling to find creative ways to keep the options open for families who still need our services. Many parents work through economic necessity.

We are hearing stories from parents who are struggling to support their children. It is hard enough for them in good times to support their families and even harder with less money available.