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Show Page 8 The Ogden Valley news Volume XXIII Issue IX March 15, 2016 Keeping Kids’ Sports Costs Under Control By Nathaniel Sillin Most parents put countless miles on the car driving kids back and forth to various practices and games throughout elementary and secondary school. As for the actual cost behind all that driving--plus uniforms, equipment, lessons, and various activity fees--the numbers are pretty eye-opening. A 2014 study by the Utah State University’s Families in Sport Lab (http://www.usufamiliesinsportlab.com) shows that the average annual family financial investment in youth sports came out to $2,292.42 or 1.84 percent of that family’s gross annual income. Other research done within the program indicates that many parents spend much more–some in excess of 10 percent of gross annual income. Whether that figure sounds low or high to you depends on your child’s chosen sport and the number of years your child participates in it. Whether your child’s interest in sports is temporary or long-term, it is important to plan and budget what you’re spending and find ways to save. Here are some steps to begin with: 1. Link up with other parents. Whether it’s after-school or weekend sports, your first source of information is the parents who already have kids playing the sport. Discuss everything from the best overall program for your child to individual costs and fees associated with play. And don’t forget to ask them how they’ve kept their budget in line. 2. Schedule for the best discounts. Don’t miss opportunities for sales on merchandise or discounts on training and activity fees. Paying early for merchandise, sports camp, or preseason activities can save significant amounts of money over time. Above all, avoid late registration fees. 3. Make sure your child’s health insurance is adequate. Depending on what sport your child plays, you may end up buying additional coverage beyond your family health insurance. Even a night or two in the hospital can cost tens of thousands of dollars, so make sure your child has the right coverage. Some health insurers may sell special sports coverage for minors. If your child is playing an organized sport within a school system or league, they may have their own insurance requirements before they allow your child to play. There may be other coverage options as well--run those options by a qualified financial expert or other parents who are insuring their children against sports injuries. 4. Buy used. Whether it’s equipment or uniforms, see if there are safe options to buy used. Auction sites may provide some solutions and many communities known for particular sports may have used equipment stores that can cut your bills extensively. If your child isn’t destined for the pros, buying used makes a lot of sense–why buy full price if at some point their interest wanes? 5. Buy multiple sizes and neutral colors and styles. If you’ve got a growing child who is likely to maintain interest in a particular sport over several seasons, stock up on clothing in different sizes and go for neutral colors and styles that allow for gender-neutral handme-downs. 6. Negotiate shared transportation and group fees when possible. Again, in partnership with other parents or your school system, see if there are cheaper ways to travel, buy gear, and find play and practice space. Always be on the lookout for cheaper options and set up a network either by email or social media where there’s a free flow of spending tips and discounts that might come in handy. As for lessons, try the classroom approach. If your child wants to improve in a sport, work with other parents to hire an instructor who will do group lessons which will result in a lower cost per family. Bottom line: Even if your child doesn’t grow up with the natural skill of a Manning brother or a Williams sister, it’s possible to introduce them to youth athletics without ruining your family finances. Volunteer and Make a Difference at Wolf Creek Foundation’s 30th Military Family Retreat In early 2006 a chance meeting between Steve Roberts, managing partner at Wolf Creek Utah, and a chaplain from Hill Air Force Base resulted in a program that has served over 1,700 airmen and their families. Twice a year families that have someone scheduled to deploy or just returning from deployment are invited to Wolf Creek for a complimentary weekend that includes luxury second home accommodations, all meals, world class recreation opportunities, a structured program to help both parents and children deal with deployment issues and a dinner dance. This program has held Best Practice status within the Air Force since 2008 and several bases from around the U.S. are working to create something similar for their families. One of the unique qualities of this program is what is done for the children. Several base organizations along with Air Force child development specialists take over the local junior high with a myriad of activities along with focused programming to help these children deal with the inherent fear and uneasiness that comes with a parent’s deployment. The parents go through three training sessions that thoroughly deal with the issues that arise during a spouses deployment as well as re-integration issues when the spouse returns. Several seasoned officers have reported that in their 25- to 30-year careers, they have never been offered anything as beneficial to their families as this program During a typical retreat: • Each family receives a complimentary family photo. Many of these photos as well as pictures taken during the weekend have ended up in an airman’s helmet while on deployment. • Each child receives a teddy bear that has a voicebox for the deploying parent to record a message for their son or daughter. • Families have time to reconnect with each other in a way that is not normally possible. They can choose to participate in the daily recreation opportunities or simply spend time with each other. • Some come to a retreat after their spouse has already deployed; this is always particularly poignant. • Families have opportunities to connect with each other and the spouse left behind leaves with a support system in place. Base commanders and chapel staff spend time getting to know the families during each retreat and families leave with the knowledge that they are not alone. Your Opportunity to Make a Difference - We are looking for volunteers to help serve at some of the meals during the next retreat taking place April 22 thru April 24. Your only commitment will be for one meal during that weekend. All of the meals are buffet style so a volunteer’s main responsibility will be serving occasional beverages, clearing tables and resetting for the next meal. We are looking for six to eight volunteers per meal. The real benefit of volunteering at this event will be interacting with the retreat participants. When you talk to these families you truly become aware of the sacrifice that the whole family makes for the freedom that we take for granted. We invite you to thank these airmen and their families. To volunteer, please call Sue Munson at 801-388-7596 or 801-745-9233. We look forward to seeing you at the next upcoming retreat! I Feel It In The Air I know it’s Easter time again, I feel it in the air. The breath of spring with woodsy tang, And new life everywhere. And spring glides on with magic touch O’er mountain side and glen; And wakens all the sleeping plants For Easter time again. The brooklets leap from rock to rock, As if in joyful play; The flowers peep from darkened tombs To welcome Easter Day. The birds are swinging on the boughs, And trill in ecstasy; They seem to show the world’s great joy Of Easter mystery. Why should we dread the thing called death? It’s just an open door, Where all within is love and peace And joy forever more. “Because I live, you too shall live,” We hear the Savior say. Let’s consecrate our lives anew, On this glad Easter Day. ~ Author Edna Reed |