Daughter tried out for a competitive cheer/dance team. After six hours of try outs, came home elated last night b/c she was chosen for this 'select' team.
Along w/that came a huge stack of paperwork with (to name a few) fees:
$400 for camp
$ 80 backpack (WTF?)
$ 80 shoes
$ 85 uniform
$100 practice outfits
$150 music/choreography fee
MANDATORY strength, conditioning, and tumbling classes to the tune of ~$100/month.
And I only got about 3/4 of the way through the paperwork. There are also little nickel and dime costs like 'treat bags' and 'sign fees' and such. They want her attending these classes Mon - Thurs half of June and all of July PLUS practice. That's pretty much her whole summer break. On top of it all theres a full page of 'fundraisers'. Excuse me...I'm paying $1000+ for the privilege of this 'select' team and you want me to FUNDRAISE on top of it?
So....I'm trying not to kill her excitement and pride in making this team by complaining about the over the top exorbitant costs...however, I can't help but wonder if we're suckers. And if we are, how do you tell a young girl that? It means the world to her.
Also, disturbing to me, clearly this is a 'privileged class' kind of sport. I've got a surplus of $4K in checking right now. I've saved $25K already this year in retirement, brokerage, and college accounts. Clearly, I can afford this, but it's bothering me more than it should.
Do I just suck this up and watch my daughter enjoy the sport? Encourage her to try something different? Heck, the little school sponsored pom-pom team is nearly free and does not require the huge time commitment.
Also, forgot to mention, I have a SECOND daughter who is also in this sport and wants to "try out" in two years when she's eligible....aaarghhh