By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
How the municipality funds and delivers its summer camp programs is now under review.
Following a motion brought forward by Chatham councillor Brock McGregor, C-K council directed staff to undertake a review of various camps with a report to come back in the fall.
According to McGregor, there’s been “significant feedback” from the public regarding an increase in the cost of camps this year, as well as concerns about the registration process, noting the camps have been an important “low-cost resource” for local families to provide supervision for youth during the summer months.
“The goal is to get a broader view of what our camp system looks like,” McGregor told The Voice, adding the report will examine the cost structure and attendance at various camps this season, along with data from the 2023 camp season.
Cost, revenue and operational budgets will be examined based on location; programming will be reviewed; options for registration fee changes will be looked at and forwarded to the C-K budget committee and the possibility of funding supports will also be part of the probe.
Earlier in April, the municipality approved fee hikes that led to some camps costing close to double what they did last year.
The weekly rate for the Stay-N-Play camps that take place in numerous communities around Chatham-Kent have risen to $135 from $61. KIDventure camps, held at the Erickson Arena in Chatham, will see rates shift up to $205 per child per week, up from $127.
It’s the first time camp rates have been increased in five years.
