Getting Campy
 
2008 Guide: Summer Camp Sun and Fun

By Carissa Sutherland Ciuca

Though the weather’s still chilly, one very warm date already looms in the minds of many Northern Virginian parents and children: the last day of school. With summer on the horizon, youngsters are daydreaming about the long, sunny days while parents are doing their best to quell distant nightmares. What will the kids do all summer? Where will they go?

With thousands of camp options offered in our area, parents and children can pick from many hobbies and academic interests. From spaceflight and baseball, to acting and art. This guide highlights some noteworthy programs in our region and beyond.

The Art League Art Camp
Youngsters and teens alike tap into their creative sides at The Art League Art Camps every summer. For five days various camps explore new mediums and projects that include drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture. Children participate with their peers in classes that are broken into three separate age groups. And for a fee of about $110-$200, The Art League provides all necessary materials. Pick a basic art camp or more focused artistic instruction, such as ceramics camp, jewelry camp or fiber camp. 105 N. Union St., Alexandria; 703-683-2323; www.theartleague.org

Dulles SportsPlex Sports Camps
Sweltering heat and humidity may have your child aching for air conditioning this summer. At Dulles SportsPlex’s indoor sports camps, kids can stay active and keep cool. The indoor sports facility features camps in soccer, basketball and lacrosse for about $175 each. Or campers can register for the popular multisport camp, which includes activities like flag football, soccer, Wiffle ball, volleyball, basketball, kickball and more. Most camps run from 9 a.m. to noon or 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day for a week. Lunch and T-shirts are included in the registration fee. 21610 Atlantic Blvd., Sterling; 703-430-9966; www.dullessportsplex.com

iD Tech Camps
For children who enjoy video games and technology, iD Tech Camp keeps them happy and learning throughout the summer. Each camp takes place on a college campus, including George Mason University, the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech and College of William and Mary. The camp offers both day and overnight opportunities. Courses include video game creation, web design, special f/x editing and robotics. Students spend an average of five to six hours on the computer each day, and physical activities, such as Frisbee, board games and soccer, break up the computer time. Tuition ranges from around $770 to $1100. Various NoVa locations; 1-888-709-TECH (8324); www.internalcrive.com

Summer Enrichment Camps
Summer Enrichment Camps, directed by George Mason University faculty and students, offer elementary and middle school children problem-solving skills, self-esteem boosters, leadership traits and team-building assets. Campers think critically while enjoying hands-on team and individual activities, stretching the limits of their imaginations. Various sessions touch upon many different interests. For instance, the NewHorizons Leadership Camp allows older children to hone their leadership skills, and a Get Your Hands Dirty Environmental Camp provides younger children hands-on lessons about Earth. The $400 tuition covers all activities, snacks, camp T-shirts and a party for campers and families at the end of the week. 4400 University Drive, Fairfax; 703-993-1819; www.ncc.gmu.edu/enrichmentcamps

Headfirst Camps
Headfirst, the largest provider of professional sports instruction in Washington, D.C., heeds the philosophy that the playing field serves as the best platform for life’s greatest lessons. Headfirst works to provide the best sports and academic instruction to student athletes of all abilities, from age 4 to high school. Campers have the benefit of small groups (6:1 camper-counselor ratios) and are separated by age, grade level and ability. Headfirst offers camps specializing in baseball, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, dance, cooking and more. Some special events and activities campers will enjoy include a climbing wall, a field day Olympics, swimming and a dance party. For day campers, Headfirst offers before- and after-camp care. Most camps cost around $325, but some half-day camps cost less, and some intensive sports camps are more. Most of the camps take place at St. Albans School (D.C.) or The Woods Academy (Bethesda, Md.). 3704 Albemarle St., N.W., Washington, D.C.; 202-625-1921; www.playheadfirst.com

Discovery Creek Children’s Museum of Washington, Summer Camps
Discovery Creek Children’s Museum offers camps about wildlife, environmental preservation and geology at the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna. In the “Adventure Scientists” camp, students test skills and answer tough questions using experiments and unconventional supplies. In the “Got Green” session, young ones learn how to make a positive impact on our environment through recycling, gardening and reusing materials. The eco-friendly lessons extend beyond camp, providing campers with lessons that protect the environment year-round. The camps at Meadowlark cost about $400 per session and run 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna; 202-337-5111; www.discoverycreek.org

Adventure Links Summer Camp
Activate your child’s inner daredevil at Adventure Links Summer Camp. Children ages 8 to 17 enjoy adventurous activities mixed with safety, fun and personal challenge. At Adventure Links, programs expose children to new opportunities and compassion. Campers go rock climbing, caving, canoeing, kayaking, complete a high ropes course and learn survival skills. A large percentage of campers are trying at least one activity for the very first time. Pickup locations are located all over Northern Virginia. Day camps cost around $400; overnight camps are about $700. 21498 Blue Ridge Mountain Road, Paris, Va.; 1-800-877-0954; www.adventurelinks.net

Quilt Camp and Colonial Camp
At the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Quilt Camp, children select their own fabrics and produce a 2-foot quilt based on a square from a quilt in the DAR collection. Young quilters in this program learn the art of hand-sewing and applique from Jan Carlson, a noted quilter of more than 20 years. Basic hand-sewing experience is recommended. Or children aged 8 to 12 can spend a week living in history at the annual Colonial Camp. Wearing historically accurate costumes daily, children investigate and learn about the lives of revolutionary characters such as pirates, spies and balladeers through food, song and dance. Both camps cost about $350. 1776 D St., N.W., Washington, D.C.; 202-879-3240; www.dar.org

National Building Museum Summer Camp
The National Building Museum offers two sessions for the future architect in your family. “Inspired Architects” camp includes a scavenger hunt in a historic home, creating terra cotta tiles, exploring the National Mall and more. Campers in this program are encouraged to take photos and create personal collages. The “Daring Designers” camp intrigues children with more challenging activities, such as designing a container for a two-story egg drop, completing a model bridge and constructing a one-room, one-story home using actual power tools. Both camps welcome children ages 8 to 11 and cost about $375 per week-long session. Tuition includes bottled water and snacks daily. 401 F St., N.W., Washington, D.C.; 202-272-2448; www.nbm.org

Space Flight Adventure Camp
Blast off to Space Flight Adventure Camp this summer. This week-long residential camp appeals to students interested in learning about science, engineering and space flight. The camp combines excitement and fun with hands-on experiences to emphasize true learning. Barracks-style housing is provided with a chaperone in each unit. Tuition for the camp runs about $645 and includes all camp activities, housing, meals, transportation to all camp activities, a workbook and a camp T-shirt. Wallops Island is about a three-hour drive from Northern Virginia. 7290 Enterprise St., Wallops Island, Va.; 1-866-757-7223; www.vaspaceflightacademy.org

Misty Brae Farm Horseback Riding Camps
Whether you’re raising an advanced equestrian or an eager beginner, horseback riding camp at Misty Brae Farm enrolls children who wish to spend a week immersed in the world of horses. The farm offers half-day or full-day sessions where children enjoy riding and horse management lessons. The morning session begins at 9 a.m. and lasts until noon; the afternoon session begins at 1 p.m. and lasts until 4 p.m. Tuition ranges from $250-$375 and does not include a snack, lunch or beverages. In addition to learning and riding, campers can also watch lunchtime equestrian movies and equestrian competitive and instructional videos. 40295 New Road, Aldie; 703-403-6422; www.mistybraefarm.com

Summer Camps on the River
At Summer Camps on the River, families choose a favorite activity and focus on it for one week at a time. Children can participate in sailing or crew camps. The marine science camps, known as “Rappahannock Adventures,” encourage exploration of swamps, bogs, fresh and saltwater marshes. In fishing camp, children learn the basics of fresh and saltwater fishing while exploring some of Virginia’s most prolific and historic waters. Additional recreational opportunities in the evening include volleyball, basketball, swimming, golf, soccer and tennis. One week of day camp costs about $500, or campers can sleep away for about $850 per week. 49 Seahorse Lane, Christchurch, Va.; 1-800-296-2306; www.christchurchschool.org/summer/programs

Sandy Hill Camp and Retreat Center
A traditional, sleep-away, activity-filled camp experience is found at Sandy Hill Summer Camp, where each morning and afternoon is divided into five activity periods. While the order of activities varies by age group and session length, the content of a day is the same for all campers and includes three instructional classes, one elective and one period of free time. Instructional classes range from archery, horseback riding and magic. Then, campers attend different electives every day, enabling everyone to experience a wide range of activities. Electives include sailing on a 39-foot sailboat, speedboat tours, tubing, a movie or special crafts. Finally, campers enjoy daily free time activities, allowing them to swim or sunbathe, shop for a souvenir at the camp store or play a round of sand volleyball. An air-conditioned game room and craft center provide cooler indoor options for fun. After dinner and before bedtime, campers participate in evening activities like campfires, wacky competitions, talent shows and skits. Overnight camps are one- or two-week trips ranging from $675 to $1635, with drop-offs on Sunday evenings and pickups on Friday evenings. For $60 per camper, Sandy Hill offers a convenient Friday drop-off service in the D.C. area. 3380 Turkey Point Road, North East, Md.; 410-287-5554; www.sandyhillcamp.com

adidas Tennis Camps
Young tennis players of all levels will enjoy day or overnight camp at adidas Tennis Camp in either Baltimore or St. James, Md. This camp evaluates players on the first day and groups them according to ability and skill, maximizing both learning and fun while at camp. A typical day includes warm-up and stretching, match play, situation drills, lunch and swimming. Camp highlights include receiving a camp T-shirt, playing exhibition matches, getting a personal evaluation from camp counselors and coaches and winning prizes. Tennis Camp welcomes youngsters aged 9 to 18 and offers day, extended day and overnight options. The extended day option includes boarding and meals. Overnight camp for five days costs around $750, while day camp is around $450. Various locations; 1-800-944-7112; www.tenniscamper.com

Traveling Players Ensemble Camp
For a child with thespian flair, the Traveling Players Ensemble Camp spotlights acting abilities in various themed camps. Children receive theater training and rehearsal time in small troupes and perform in outdoor amphitheaters. Performing outdoors is reminiscent of the origins of theater, when actors toured the countryside, relying on imagination for props and stage sets. Each camp culminates in a backpacking trip to beautiful and historic places, such as the Shenandoah National Park and Colonial Williamsburg. Camp takes place Monday through Friday, with an overnight campout each Thursday. Students learn the steps to pitching a tent, cooking outdoors and are rewarded with swimming at the end of the week. Various locations; 301-573-2521; www.travelingplayers.org

(February 2008)