Summer Camps and Activities Provide 'Parkations' for Families

Most media reports continue to highlight that for this summer, many families will be forced to abandon their normal summer vacation plans.  This trend is widely due to current economic factors including unemployment, rising fuel costs, and most families having less discretionary income. 

The New Lenox Community Park District summer programming options provides an affordable way for families to still treat their children to a “parkation” through enrollment in their many summer camps, activities, and special events they offer.    In addition, many family-friendly events will be held for the entire family to enjoy.  Superintendent of Recreation, Shirley Braglia, acknowledges, “We have seen a positive increase in our recreational programming.  I attribute this to families realizing that traditional summer vacations for families doesn’t have to involve traveling, but can be more affordably accomplished through the use of our park district’s varied recreational programs and parks.”

Such an opportunity for an affordable “parkation,” is the New Lenox Community Park District’s new “Camp Wewannago”.  This camp provides not only a summer fun experience for five days a week, but it also accommodates working parents’ schedules with early morning and evening hours.

Highlights of Camp Wewannago include summer-themed weeks with water days, exciting field trips, as well as other daily fun and activities for children from 1^st to 7^th grade.  The New Lenox Community Park District also encourages families to follow up this weekly fun with a family visit to one of their 36 park sites.   One of the area favorites is their Hibernia Park which includes a free admission splash pad, concessions, boat rentals, and much more.  Most of the park sites are a wonderful picnic setting with some parks even providing barbecue grills for use by the public.  With many camps and activities to choose from, families are sure to be able to combat those “I’m so bored!” blues.

Finally, one opportunity that provides a true summer experience for families is the New Lenox Community Park District’s Proud American Days.  This year’s festival will be held from July 26^th through July 29^th.   The family-friendly festival for over 20 years has been an event that is well-known and enjoyed by thousands.  The lengthy list of events, contests, and activities include a well-rounded summer festival experience for young and old alike.  Full details with regard to a wonderful weekend “parkation” for families at the Proud American Days can be found at www.proudamericandays.org.

The New Lenox Community Park District encourages all residents to visit their website at www.newlenoxparks.org for a full listing of the many programs and camps to enjoy this summer.  So if your plans for this summer don’t include a traditional summer vacation, a “Parkation” may be the affordable option you are looking for.