Less Young People Camping?

michigansandzilla wrote:

winnietrey wrote:
In my opinion, way, way to much money and time is spent on all these youth sports activities. And family time is sacraficed as a result. I think it is a poor choice.

Every parent seems to think their kid is going D1 and this sumner stuff or endless road trips to play some tournment somewhere is the key.

I disagree. And feel it is a poor choice for the families.

But again that is just me.

I couldn't agree more. Most kids aren't going to get scholarships to play ball in college but parents prep them for a life dedicated to high level sports. Why? I encourage my kids to play sports, but not at the expense of my entire summer or vacation account.
Even playing high school band, which I admit is probably something I will encourage my kids to try, costs $1500 for the year and a huge summer commitment. I will travel with my kids until our schedules don't permit it anymore.

I have to totally disagree with the opinions of family life being neglected due to sports.

Our sons family....dad, mom, son 11, daughter 7 all play hockey. Dad also coaches sons team, mom coaches daughters. Their 3 yr old takes skating lessons. In the summer the kids play soccer. Mom is doing a degree as well as works full time. They camp every other weekend together and 3 weeks. One week south all together in the winter.
They spend all their time together, nobody is at a sitters day or night.

Daughters kids boy 11, daughter 9 both play hockey. Mom skates on precision. Dad never misses a practice or game. Mom also takes a course at uni,and works full time. Summer they play soccer or baseball. They ski together. They camp every other weekend and also for 3 weeks in summer. Their kids re not aat sitters either.

Families can be involved with sports and their family time is not intruded on. Maybe it is the way of life up here, I don't know, the majority of families live this way, but to say that family life is affected and money could be spent better is ridiculous.