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Opinion Across The Fence Community needs solution for kids, 10-14 years It's only the second week of June, and already I feel as though summer is in full swing. Between the record-high heat and the constant rush of getting two teens and one 6-year-old everywhere they need to be, my energy is wasting away like an orchid in the Mojave.
Most working parents with children younger than 16 face the same issue every summer: How to keep them safe and entertained without busting the household budget. DJ is working part-time and spending a couple of hours a day in a classroom to boost his chances of passing the TAKS exit tests next year. Zee, who won't be 15 until August, is too old for summer day camps and too young for a real job. Last summer he was a counselor-in-training at the YMCA. This year he planned to expand his lawn care business, attend a variety of athletic camps, and spend at least one month as a CIT before we depart for our European adventure in August. We sat down with the calendar and plotted out the summer's dates, times and obligations in detail. Then the phone rang. "Hey, Mom," I heard. "Can you help me?" My younger daughter works on a construction site. She has to be at work before 7 a.m. and during the summer she's there until 6:30 p.m. The day care where her 18-month-old daughter stays doesn't open until 7 a.m., and the children have to be picked up before 6 p.m. The cost for her care is $90 a week, but it's worth every penny. Her plan was to put 6-year-old Buzz in day camp at the same location. "No problem," I said. "I'll help if I can." Only minor adjustments appeared necessary for our — especially my — summertime schedule, or so I thought. The next crisis came when Baby Daughter found out the day camp cost an additional $80 a week. "Mom, I don't know what to do, I can't afford that much." She's not the only single parent with that problem. I've talked to several others who expressed frustration and concern. I made several calls checking on the price of day care for the 6-14 age group. Wesley Community Center, located near Interstate 40 and Ross-Osage, is one of the most affordable places with one of the best programs. Weekly themes coordinate activities, arts and crafts, field trips and other learning experiences. Meals and snacks are provided. The fee is $80 per child, but they hit their enrollment capacity very quickly. The M.A.A.C., located on Line Avenue just a few blocks east of Sam Houston Middle School, is affordable and takes children as young as 4. It provides daily martial arts lessons, organized games and field trips. It is open from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and costs $82.50 per week. The M.A.A.C has also reached capacity. Kim's Tae Kwon Do Institute has a program that includes martial arts lessons and field trips, including movies and swimming. The fee is $135 per week and, like M.A.A.C., children bring their own lunch and snacks. The Y has great staff, is well organized and focuses on activities and experiences to create good citizens. They also have theme weeks, swimming, movie days, arts and crafts, park time and field trips. The $90 a week fee includes a camp T-shirt. The Y also fills up fast and currently has a lengthy waiting list. Several private day care facilities offer summer programs, but at $90 per week, plus additional activity fees, they're expensive. There is some good news. The Panhandle WorkSource Child Care Services has funds available to help families with low income, those on TANF, teenage parents and children with special needs. It also has a list of providers. Adults in the household must be working or going to school. Call 372-2836 for information or apply at www.panhandleworksource.com. My research reinforced the fact that a tremendous need exists for quality day care and supervision for the city's children. There's an especially large gap for kids from 13-15 who are too old for "camp programs" and too young for real jobs. Zee is putting his CIT training into practice. He'll be taking care of Buzz this summer, and saving my daughter some cash. Other parents I spoke to found similar solutions by employing teenagers. Those parents also planned to stay in touch by phone or make a stop by the house during the day. Babysitting is one avenue where responsible teens can meet a need and contribute to the economy. The Red Cross offers classes and training for those interested in gathering skills. We found a solution to our family's summertime blues, but hundreds of others have not. I have lingering concerns over all the kids between 10 and 14 who will be left loosely supervised this summer. It's a situation that will have a long-term impact on our community, and it deserves the community's attention. Kathie Greer: Columnist and consultant for the Amarillo Independent. She can be reached at kathie@amarilloindy.com. E-mail
comments about this story Posted: June 12, 2008
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