Summer camps see drop in enrollment

TAMPA - More kids are staying home for the summer. A lot of Hillsborough County summer camps report lower enrollment this year.

After 13 years of working with kids at Parks and Recreation centers, Lavaris Larry has seen it all. But for the first time in his career, the job is changing.

"Last year we were able to plan a lot more with a bigger group. But now we have to add groups together," said Larry, a senior recreation specialist.

That's because enrollment at Mango Recreation Center is down nearly 50 percent.

"It's totally different from what it was in the past. We were jammed packed. We had waiting lists," Larry continued.

Not anymore. And his facility isn't the only one seeing a drop. Nearly all Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation centers are reporting a decline. It may have something to do with enrollment fees.

"Because of the budget situation in the county, we've had to raise our fee. It was a $50 summer program and now we're on a sliding scale and it could be anywhere up to $300," said John Brill, Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation.

Brill says budget cuts forced the increase in prices. More than 8,000 kids were enrolled countywide in 2008. This year, that number has dropped to nearly 5,200.

So Brill wonders where are those kids are when parents are off to work.

"Some people say, pay me now or pay me later. Because if we don't get them on the right track they're going to be up to no good, maybe doing something else on their own. And the sheriff's department will have to deal with them."

To see what Hillsborough Parks and Rec has coming up, click on over to their website for events and programs: www.hillsboroughcounty.org/parks/