July 11 summer camps

Ok ,the summer camp is not as it sounds .The kids here go on holidays from approximately June 20 and return at the end of August . ‘Camps ‘ as they’re known here are big business. You are bombarded with an expectation that you will put your kids into numerous camps over the break . Of course each camp comes with a cost and that’s not surprising . The camp is what we call a clinic , except it will go from a Monday to Friday for a few hours each day . Disappointing, as I was hoping that it would be proper camping and they’d disappear for the week .Anyway you’ve got every sport covered except Aussie rules and cricket . Nothing new there . Bottom line is you’re expected to work, get your kids to numerous camps and pay well in excess of a grand to keep them occupied. There’s a feel of ‘keeping up with the jones’ when asked what camps you’re kids are doing ?.This is another American pastime that we don’t do in Australia . It’s not a bad thing . A built up area like LA needs it .Australia ? No , we’ve got room to move and who cares about a summer camp .I will say this , lifesaving is big here . They call it junior guards. Most of Tex’s class mates do it . I love it . Monday to Friday for 6 weeks the kids train , race , lifesave and get very fit in the ocean . It’s the thing . The kids must prove themselves with tryouts ( a time trial We’re you’ve got to swim 100m in 2min 30 , tread water for 5 mins and swim under water for 10m)They are gone most of the day ,hang out together and the boys and girls mix . Perfect .I just wish Tex had done it .Living in the southbay most kids are dammed smart and are expected to stay healthy. Obesity …. not here .gotta love the comradrie and the localism this creates