We asked readers of our weekly e-newsletter, Minnesota Parent This Week, when they start planning camps and other summer activities for their kids — and whether they thought they started too early or too late. It looks like a huge range of planning styles works for our readers: While some start as soon as the clock strikes midnight in the new year, others are happy to wait until almost the last school bell.
I am already thinking about it. I want to have a plan so that I can be ready to sign them up as soon as possible and they will still have spots open.
— Laura Williams, Minneapolis
I like to write down ideas as they come so I have a list come summer time but I also watch for events that come up as well. Especially anything with fireworks.
— Brenda Martin, Champlin
During last summer. My child is young so he couldn’t do much last year. I remember what programs my friend’s older children enjoyed and have plans to sign my son up as soon as I can.
— Courtney Kampf, Lakeville
Planning started in December! I’ve already received numerous e-mails, newsletters, and offers of reduced prices from camps. I’m okay with starting now as it gives more time to review the options.
— Di James, Hopkins
In January. I start early and wait for information to be available. I don’t feel this is either too early or too late and that it is necessary to start in January.
— Lori Gingerich-Boberg. St. Paul
For Girl Scout camp generally in January or February (which seems way too early to me). With others like church camp it’s not until late spring as it is coordinated through the church. So if I have to book it on my own for the kids: early; if it’s planned by another: later in the spring.
— Lesley Farnham, Richfield
February, when all the camp information and camp fairs start. Seems too early but I want to make sure we have all the choices available!
— Sharon Mott, Maplewood
Two years ago I started in April and felt I started too late. Last year I began in February and it worked out perfectly. I will do so again this year.
— Cheryl Hudson, Minneapolis
Start in March. I would rather be safe than sorry. I like to get confirmation no later than April that they have a spot.
— Natalie Dunagan, Chaska
I start planning summer camp activities in April. Sometimes I think I start too late… There’s so many things for kids to do, but working it into our schedules when we work is hard to do.
— Tammy Osman, St. Louis Park
I’m always looking for summer activities for my daughter. I start filling in the calendar with things that sound like fun for her and then we finalize the calendar in April.
— Mitsy Lutz, Eagan
Usually in April or May when information from the different programs come out. Some of them fill up fast.
— Lisa Larson, Minneapolis
In the past I have started in February, but since my kids are older now, I wait to late spring to coordinate what activities their schools might offer.
— Jane Schmitz, Eden Prairie
I start about one month before the summer holiday arrives. I feel that is plenty of time.
— Angela Cheyne, Inver Grove Heights
In May. By then we usually have our family summer plans figured out.
— Donna Krouss, Golden Valley
The beginning of summer. Too late.
— Brenda Ingwald, New Hope
