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Summer camps-fresh ideas

 

 

Despite the fact we haven’t had our first, real, snowfall yet in the DC Metro area, it’s almost the time when many parents start thinking about summer plans for their kids. While the economy will no doubt alter the patterns of camp selection for many of us, most kids will still attend some type of organized camp experience this summer, often with an enrichment component. So, if your kid is looking for something “different” here are a few ideas to jump start your thinking:

 

If your kid is a future rocker, there are several camps/ classes to choose from. DayJams is a national chain of rock and roll camps, based in Connecticut, offering summer programs in Rockville and Alexandria. Kids are placed in bands for the week, write an original song, create their own CD cover and band t-shirt, spend a few hours a day in music class, and perform at a Friday night concert. This is the junior division of the National Guitar Workshop, which is geared towards adults and older, serious students. Their program is offered in McLean during the summer. Year round programs can be found at another chain, B2Rock (McLean and elsewhere) as well as the Paul Green School of Rock (Vienna), where students learn to cover the most famous pieces from rock history. Local venues, likeJamminJava (also Vienna, VA.) have a roster of outstanding instructors, and have been considering putting together a summer camp performance program as well.

 

Those interested in robotic, game modeling, website design, etc; have almost limitless choices in this area. IDTech, located on the Georgetown campus during the summer, offers a full menu of choices for kids interesting in sharpening their cyber skill, but George Mason, as well as FCPS, among others, offer these programs too.  Another company offering computer camps in our area, is CyberCamp.

 

Want to learn how to be a radio DJ? George Mason opens their studio up to campers for 2, 1-week sessions during the summer as well as their television studio for those kids interested in a future as a news anchor.

 

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) offers a roster of one week camps for rising 8^th and 9^th graders and is open to students attending any school. Offerings vary each summer, but are heavily weighted in the areas of engineering, robotics, electronics and computer technology. Classes fill up very quickly, so keep an eye open for the program guide, which usually isn’t available until late May or early June.

 

Kids who want to learn more about animals and their care may enjoy Frying Pan Park's summer camp program. (Those interested in equestrian facilities and Hunter and Jumper Horse Shows, will want to check the fall schedule for the park).

 

Equestrians might be interested in the offerings at the Madeira School in McLean.  Be warned though, this camp fills up FAST! In fact, a lottery begins Jan. 12th for a spot in this enormously popular camp.

 

 Thespians have many fine choices to select from, but a few examples include the Theatre Lab at the Kennedy Center, The HarmonShakespeare  Theatre Company (be alert- these fill up fast!!), and Imagination Stage (which also offers programs in film making).

 

If your child has dreams of competing on top Chef, consider cooking camp. L'Academie du Cuisine in Bethesda, and The McLean Community Center, both hold courses for children, teens and adults.

 

If your child loves to write, or needs to hone their skills, consider a week at The Writers Center, in Bethesda. Choices range from poetry to fiction and creative writing.

 

Readers have also mentioned the Summer Safari camps (classes too year-round) at The National Zoo. Check them out. These fill up very quickly also, so stay on your toes.

 

Of course every private school offers some array of specialized camp programming during the summer, especially in the areas of sports, writing, art, and drama. So, if a course your child wants at one school is full, try another.