When you add high gas prices and a weak economy, many parents simply can't afford to send their kids to camp this summer.

A tighter budget has forced Yate Roberts to find some creative ways to entertain her five children this summer.

"We're just pretty much taking shifts," said Roberts. "I have a teenage daughter and nieces, and we're taking turns around each others' work schedule."

Roberts has paid for summer camp and daycare in the past for her kids, but she says these days with high gas prices hurting her household budget, it's just too much.

"It is just too expensive right now, especially if you have a large family," said Roberts.

In fact, the Junior Lifeguard Camp at Westside Park costs more than $100 a week per child. Recreation Supervisor Jeff Moffit says the city's offering financial assistance to parents like Roberts.

"We do offer scholarships in each program that we offer, because we know that there are people out there who are going through some tough times," said Moffit.

Roberts says she can use all the help she can get.