The signup sheet for Camp Tuckahoe is a little "softer" than it's been in years past.

Ron Gardner, Scout executive for the York-Adams Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, said it might be because of the economy. Overnight camp can be a large expense.

"That could well be," Gardner said.

He is hoping to see better numbers in the coming days, as the council sorts through last-minute signups before the camp's early deadline. After the early deadline, registration costs become higher.

Tuckahoe is not alone.

Day camp directors elsewhere also said parents are making decisions a month or two later than usual as they determine their summer finances, said Peter Surgenor, the national president of the American Camp Association.

Similarly, YMCA resident and day camps started to see a slowdown in registrations in March "when economic news stories became more certain of recession in mid-March," said YMCA camping specialist Gary Forster.

Historically during past recessions and real estate downturns, as many as 25 percent of parents waited longer than usual to sign up for YMCA camp, Forster said, and the average length of a camper's stay declined.

The waiting lists for camps shortened, too, but camp attendance stayed steady.

Tuckahoe, near Dillsburg, has been the summer camp destination for troops in York and Adams counties for the past 60 years, and recently was renovated with a new pool, dining hall and bath house.

Summer camp is where Scouts can knock off merit badges needed for advancement toward Eagle Scout -- the group's highest honor -- or just enjoy a camping experience with friends.

Although the camp has expanded activities by an extra week this year, its traditional camping weeks are a little light, Gardner said.

Groups that come year-in and year-out are not yet signed up, and he said it's hard to figure out another reason other than the economy.

Jennifer Deardorff, senior program director for youth/family and

Bill Scantling of Wrightsville, assistant ranger for Camp Tuckahoe in Carroll Township, spreads hay on new seedlings prior to this year's summer camp season. A camp official said he'll have a better handle on expected attendance numbers in the coming weeks, but as of now, expected weekly attendance for the camp this summer is down. (Daily Record/Sunday News - Paul Kuehnel)

She credits the YMCA's financial aid plan with helping keep enrollment high for its Camp Hickory, which offers much of the traditional summer camp fodder, including archery, swimming and nature activities.

But Deardorff said requests for financial aid are up this year.

Others aren't seeing the same effects.

Steve Winand, co-owner of Shank's Mare Outfitters in Lower Windsor Township, said the economic downturn hasn't affected his store's scheduled summer camps this year.

The rolls are already pretty full, he said.

But Winand in part credits both parents having to work -- more of a definite in a bad economy -- for keeping kids coming to his camps.

He also said the store is closer to parents than the beach, so some families might be opting to come to his camp instead because of higher gas prices.

"The kids need to do something," Winand said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

bburkey@ydr.com; 771-2035

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