'Camp paints a pricey picture for parents in need'
I saw an article in 7DAYS for a summer camp for the kids that involves drawing and painting.
I thought it would be great for my kids, until I saw the price - Dhs900 for a five-day camp. That’s almost Dhs200 a day - to play with some paint and crayons!
Now it’s a long time since I went to summer play schemes, as they were called in my day.
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There was no camping - come to think of it, there’s no staying over at these ones either, so why are they called camps? Anyway, back in the day we used to pay the equivalent of Dhs30 and we’d be there 8am-5pm. During that time we’d get to paint, draw, play, eat lunch etc.
If they took us swimming or bowling you paid extra but it certainly didn’t come to Dhs200 per day.
I know people are in business and trying to make money but they’re basically holding parents to ransom - and some don’t have any other option but to send their kids to these camps - minus tents.
It’s exploitation.
It’s just business I hear you say, well it’s not good business in my opinion. Right, I’m off to help my kids practice their dirham drawing skills, so we can pay for the camp and I don’t have to leave them at home with the cat.
Lawrence, Dubai
Comments
by britannia88
Monday, June 18 2012, 3:56PM
“It's simple - they can charge whatever amount simply because they know there's people who can and WILL pay. So for every person who complains, there's several others who will write a cheque without blinking. It's called business.”
by FatBhoyTim
Monday, June 18 2012, 2:53PM
“Oolab, if you know of an "ordinary saloon" that can drive the Liwa sector ... I'm all ears.”
by JosieZA
Monday, June 18 2012, 11:05AM
“Oolab, WOW, you truly have an insight into how all families function in Dubai. Perhaps you should write a book.”
by Oolab
Monday, June 18 2012, 9:51AM
“These pious comments really do make me smile..
People moaning about a business seeking to make money of all things & yet these are the same people who'll happily spend a small fortune on: a lavish brunch, piece of designer clothing, purchase a 4 x 4 when an ordinary saloon will do, employ a slave (whoops maid) to pander to their brats.”
by JosieZA
Monday, June 18 2012, 8:02AM
“In some cases the "camp" prices have increased from DHS800 in 2011 to DHS1300 in 2012 ! When I approached the person in charge of this camp and asked them what was new in this years camp they said " There is no change from last year Ma'am" Then why such a price increase ? All I got was a shrug and a smile. Rest assured I will not be sending my children to camp this year. In fact there are many families staying in Dubai this summer and between us we can organise activities that entertain and do not cost an arm and a leg.”