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More and more parents around the country are considering summer camp as the opportunity of choice for their child. The popularity of the camp experience is increasing nationwide. The American Camping Association (ACA) reports summer camp enrollment has been increasing up to 10 percent each year since 1982. More than nine million children and adults attended summer camp last year, and the number is expected to increase again this summer.

"As parents discover the value of the camp experience for their children, early registration continues to be an important option to avoid the summer camp enrollment rush and to ensure parents that their child has a place in the camp of their choice," states Peg Smith, executive director of the ACA.

Camps commonly offer many types of early-bird incentives to parents and campers. And, just as early-registration incentives are not uniform for all camps, specific dates for early sign-up also differ, usually because of the popularity of camp in specific areas of the country. New England and New York

According to Bette Bussel, section executive of the American Camping Association New England Section, as early as February, some camps in New England are already full with waiting list. "Some camps have discontinued early registration and sibling discounts [a common practice when siblings attend camp together; an enrollment discount of 3 to 10 percent is offered for one sibling] because they no longer need incentives to fill their camps.""I suggest that parents speak to the owners/directors individually about any early-bird registration policy and make their decisions as soon as possible." states Judith Winston, section executive of the ACA New York section.

Typical early-bird incentives include the following:

• Last year's campers receive priority in registration
• Campers receive free camp apparel with early registration by a specified date.
• Camper families can refer other families and receive a 5 percent discount on enrollment.
• A free seat on the bus to camp if registered by a specified date.
• Multiple camp session discounts often save you 10 percent of enrollment costs.

Mid-America Lee Smith of Camp Ondessonk recommends that campers in Illinois be registered by the end of March at the latest. "ACA camps are trying to get the message across that you can't wait until April or May to decide on a camp for your son or daughter. It's not too early to be thinking about summer camp," says Smith.

Examples of early-bird incentives for some camps in Mid-America include:

• Discounts for returning campers who register in January.
• Early registration discounts through December.
• Free T-shirts if registered by February 15 with all fees paid by May 15.
• Discount of $75.00 if paid in full before December 31; discount of 5 percent if paid enrollment by February 15; $50.00 discount for additional siblings; and $50.00 off each additional session.

South Parents can expect early-bird opportunities for summer camp in Texas and Oklahoma to begin in January. "Common times for early registration are mid-January then increasing to late March," says Danielle Shaw, section executive of the ACA Texoma Section.

"In working with a day camp, most of our calls start coming in around the time that schools are having Spring Bread," comments Chris Strevel, section president of the ACA Heart of the South Section.

West In California, many agency/municipal camps open registration on April 1; they tend to have later registrations than private camps. Often private camps start early registration in the fall. "Camps seem to be filling their registrations earlier each year. To guarantee a space in the session of choice, it's a good idea to get started before the holidays," recommends Jay Poulter, section president of the ACA Rocky Mountain Section.

Sign up now? Thousands of camps across the country are available from which to choose, but you must make your plans early. Contact a camp with your questions and find out their suggested times for registration. Find camp contacts through www.ACAcamps.org  or the American Camping Association's 2001 Guide to ACA-Accredited Camps, which is available for ordering online, via your local bookstore or directly from the ACA Bookstore by calling 800-428-CAMP. It's never too early to be thinking about giving the gift of camp to your child.

Founded in 1910, the American Camping Association is a national organization of camp professionals and is dedicated to a firm belief that the camp experience enriches lives and changes the world. ACA is the only organization that accredits all types of camps based upon 300 standards for health and safety.