Most of us grew up being able to participate in activities after school, such as choirs, sports teams and academic clubs. However, many after school programs go on the chopping block every year as schools contend with greater need and smaller educational resources. For families struggling to make ends meet, this may limit or take away altogether a child's activities outside of the classroom. Consequently, we're seeing more and more children unsupervised and at loose ends in the hours between finishing school and when their parents get home. In this article, we'll look at some cost efficient activities and community programs that will fill the gaps in your child's education.
A shaky economy doesn't negate the need for fun and educational activities after school, with sports being the most popular and expensive. Besides administration fees, parents have to pay for equipment, equipment maintenance, uniforms, transportation costs, and sometimes out of town accommodations. There are several ways to reduce these costs and make sports more affordable for your family. Start by shopping for equipment and supplies off season. Items like hockey gear are much cheaper in the warm months when they are discounted. Don't hesitate to buy used equipment like sticks, balls, skates and nets that are in good condition. You can score great equipment at 40-70% less than retail at second-hand stores that carry used sports equipment. You can also ask the team if they have used uniforms that you can purchase or rent. Don't let old equipment sit around the house either! Sell it through newspaper classified ads, online or at a consignment shop for cash or store credit. This is a great way to offset the cost of new equipment.
For music lovers, there are also many ways to reduce expenses. Rather than purchasing a new, high-priced instrument that your child may become bored with, think about leasing. Many retailers financially support school music programs by providing leases that you can pay for on a monthly basis. This pay-as-you-go method is perfect for a youngster who is learning an instrument for the first time. If you notice that they do not like it, you simply terminate the agreement. Many music and second-hand retailers also provide used sheet music and instruments at discounted rates.
Membership and tuition fees make up a sizable portion of the price of extra-curricular programs. If one-on-one instruction is too pricey for your household, then there are more affordable choices. Organizations including the Scouts, Little League, Boys & Girls Clubs, and the Y offer low-cost membership charges and activities.
If you are looking for activities after school for younger children, check out your local church, community center or library for play classes with small fees. Some offer kids crafts or other programs for free and they are fun and well supervised. For older kids, volunteering their time for a worthy charity or organization is an excellent option. Community run programs are always looking for volunteers and the activity looks great on college applications. - 30224
A shaky economy doesn't negate the need for fun and educational activities after school, with sports being the most popular and expensive. Besides administration fees, parents have to pay for equipment, equipment maintenance, uniforms, transportation costs, and sometimes out of town accommodations. There are several ways to reduce these costs and make sports more affordable for your family. Start by shopping for equipment and supplies off season. Items like hockey gear are much cheaper in the warm months when they are discounted. Don't hesitate to buy used equipment like sticks, balls, skates and nets that are in good condition. You can score great equipment at 40-70% less than retail at second-hand stores that carry used sports equipment. You can also ask the team if they have used uniforms that you can purchase or rent. Don't let old equipment sit around the house either! Sell it through newspaper classified ads, online or at a consignment shop for cash or store credit. This is a great way to offset the cost of new equipment.
For music lovers, there are also many ways to reduce expenses. Rather than purchasing a new, high-priced instrument that your child may become bored with, think about leasing. Many retailers financially support school music programs by providing leases that you can pay for on a monthly basis. This pay-as-you-go method is perfect for a youngster who is learning an instrument for the first time. If you notice that they do not like it, you simply terminate the agreement. Many music and second-hand retailers also provide used sheet music and instruments at discounted rates.
Membership and tuition fees make up a sizable portion of the price of extra-curricular programs. If one-on-one instruction is too pricey for your household, then there are more affordable choices. Organizations including the Scouts, Little League, Boys & Girls Clubs, and the Y offer low-cost membership charges and activities.
If you are looking for activities after school for younger children, check out your local church, community center or library for play classes with small fees. Some offer kids crafts or other programs for free and they are fun and well supervised. For older kids, volunteering their time for a worthy charity or organization is an excellent option. Community run programs are always looking for volunteers and the activity looks great on college applications. - 30224
About the Author:
Getting your children involved with after school activities is a great way to keep them busy and supervised until you get home. And luckily, there are lots of options for after school programs that are inexpensive and easily accessible.
