Summer camps expensive way to beat heat

To a large extent such camps are turning out into big business for many with a hobby course that costs Rs 3000-5000 on an average for a month's time ending up delivering a lot less than what it promised, say many parents.

"It is only after you enroll your child in such a course that you get to see the materialistic aspect of summer camps which are supposed to be an educational as well as activity centre for children," says Anita Sharma, a retired teacher who conducts recreational activities for children, free of cost.

"Putting the blame on summer camps would not be fair since a strong demand in the market for them has led to an abundance of these camps. It is the responsibility of parents to focus on quality services," says Tarjeet Bhasin, who runs a summer camp here.

"Keeping kids engaged and happy during vacations is a tough task on hand. With our patience and sanity dipping, we zeroed in on an educational summer camp providing a range of activities from craft, dance, swimming to public speaking offered by a school. However it is difficult for working mothers to monitor what exactly our child got to learn there" says Ella Sharma, who works as an insurance agent. MORE