As you make your summer plans with a much greater level of anticipation this year compared to last, your priorities shouldn’t change when it comes to scheduling.

If you’re the type of parent who plans family vacations first and then squeezes in youth sports camps and other activities whenever you can, I think that’s great!

This summer should be no different.

Most youth football camps were canceled last summer during the height of the pandemic. However, even though they are probably taking place in the coming months, there’s a chance the normal week they are held each year might change due to new safety protocols and restrictions at certain schools and facilities.

So, what do you do if several months ago you booked your annual trip to the beach when you normally do, but now you find out the football camp your child always attends has been moved to that same week?

Simple. You keep the vacation reservations.

Because our kids missed out on so many things last summer, it’s very easy to think that those activities should be a priority this year. And if they can be, that’s great. But if not, that’s OK. 

I’ve always felt strongly that family vacations should take precedence over any youth sports-related activity simply because I’m a firm believer that family always comes first.

Imagine the disappointment for your other kids if they find out that this year you aren’t going to the beach because their sibling has to go to football camp. And my guess is if you ask the football player in your family and they are honest, they’d also rather be at the beach. 

I’m not saying that going to a football camp isn’t important. What I’m suggesting is that it’s not the most important activity of the summer.

The summer of 2022 is going to be one to remember for a lot of reasons. It’s important to make sure that the recollection for your family members won’t be: “We didn’t get to go on vacation because of football camp.” 

Jon Buzby has been involved in and writing about youth sports for the past 30 years with perspectives as a parent, coach and board member. Jon is an award-winning writer and his latest book, “Coaching Kids Made Easier,” is available on Amazon. Send comments or future blog topics you'd like to see to JonBuzby@hotmail.com and follow him @YouthSportsBuzz on Twitter.