low cost summer camp?

[Anonymous]

hi folks:

hope everyone is well. i am wondering if anyone is aware of any low cost summer camp options in DC? there are some really great looking options for about $450/week (too rich for my blood). i hear that the DC Parks and Rec option is not fabulous, but i'd love to hear more about it.

thanks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:hi folks:

hope everyone is well. i am wondering if anyone is aware of any low cost summer camp options in DC? there are some really great looking options for about $450/week (too rich for my blood). i hear that the DC Parks and Rec option is not fabulous, but i'd love to hear more about it.

thanks!

Some DCPS schools have camps. I know that Mann does and Oyster started one last year that was very affordable.

[Anonymous]

Girl Scouts have great camps (both day camp and sleep-away).

[Anonymous]

Gallaudet has a Reggio Emelia program in the Clerc center that was less then $300 four years ago. Fabulous facility and flexible drop-off/pick-up.

[Anonymous]

I agree about the Girl Scout camps.

DCPR camps in NW are a mixed bag. My DS had problems at Lafayette a few summers ago - not enough supervision and a trip there one day this past summer confirmed that is still an issue. Same for others who sent kids to Chevy Chase CC.

We were at Palisades RC for another camp last summer and they seemed to be doing well - kept busy and they have the sprinkler. He went to Macomb for 2 weeks and that was fine thanks to good staff. In general, they just do way less activities at DC rec camps than private ones. It depends on the center director and how much program they want to plan.

Audubon comes in at $355/$285 if you are a member. You didn't say what part of the city you are in, but the YMCA also has day camps for $250-300.

[Anonymous]

We did Chevy Chase CC last summer and it was AWFUL. The kids moped around all day, occasionally playing in the pathetic playground, and the counselors were completely unengaged. In aftercare they made the kids sit at a table doing nothing while they waited for us to come. They weren't even allowed to color. It was the absolute worst--I still haven't forgiven myself.

[Anonymous]

The kids moped around all day, occasionally playing in the pathetic playground,

I think you meant to say, "the perfectly nice, brand-new tot lot that was designed for 2 year olds." Because it is a lovely place -- if you are two. Not so much if you're in 2nd grade.

[Anonymous]

Filmore Arts has a fun summer camp and it's pretty reasonable and very well run.

[Anonymous]

Stoddert has a camp per its website. Evergreen Camp in Wheaton Md is pretty cheap. Gymkana at U of Md if you go for multiple weeks especially cost gets reasonable. YMCA Silver Spring or YMCA Bethesda. Sugarfeet Creative Arts.

There is a camp fair in White Flint Mall, Jan 30-31, you can find out about a lot of programs all at once.

DC Rec camps are of mixed to low quality, as PPers have mentioned. They also fill very very quickly, generally registration is in early March and they are full within 2 or 3 days.

[Anonymous]

bump?

[Anonymous]

I don't know, but these high costs and tough logistics (since I don't live in MD or upper NW) make me want to wait until K to start school. Our daycare costs are under $200/wk. Has anyone else in my situation done that? The only thing is that I am not interested in my in-boundary school so I'm playing the lottery...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't know, but these high costs and tough logistics (since I don't live in MD or upper NW) make me want to wait until K to start school. Our daycare costs are under $200/wk. Has anyone else in my situation done that? The only thing is that I am not interested in my in-boundary school so I'm playing the lottery...

I would definitely start the lottery madness for PK to increase odds. Perhaps you can work something out with the daycare for your DC to go back during the summer months.

[Anonymous]

I've maintained a good relationship with my child's daycare, and we use it for Spring Break, Winter Break and Summer Breaks.

[Anonymous]

Some childcare centers offer summer camp (many don't advertise it) I was able to find two centers that were in the $150 a week price range.

I used DPR last year and wasn't that thrilled with it. The kids (3-5) were undersupevised and often the 3-5 year olds interacted with the 6-13 year olds. I too noticed that at 5pm ALL of the kids were grouped together sitting at the tables waiting for their parents to pick them up. The were just sitting there..no coloring, reading, nothing. Some kids were sitting there for an hour with nothing to do.

I was not thrilled that the staff did not check ID before they release my child to a family member.

I guess I shouldn't complain that much..I only pay $100.

[Anonymous]

YMCA on Michigan Ave. It's about $300 for a 2 week session.