2023 summer camp reviews

[Anonymous]

We've done a couple of camps at Glen Echo for teens. Some of the classes are OK with lots of diversity, but others are a miss with maybe 1-2 kids each and many well-to-do kids and clicky girls. Also some camps were canceled due to low enrollment. Glad they told us 1.5 weeks before, but we had to scramble to find something else that would fit. Since every other non-Glen Echo camp was full, we were stuck with finding another camp in GE that was avail at the same time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Calleva has been a disappointment again this year. It was so good pre-covid, but I think doesn't have the staffing it needs. This week, DS's group had to stay at Riley's lock the first day because neither counselor could drive the bus. They've also been told that they aren't allowed to leave the state for the Thursday overnight, which means they won't go anywhere different/special.

This is really disappointing, especially with how expensive Calleva is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Calleva has been a disappointment again this year. It was so good pre-covid, but I think doesn't have the staffing it needs. This week, DS's group had to stay at Riley's lock the first day because neither counselor could drive the bus. They've also been told that they aren't allowed to leave the state for the Thursday overnight, which means they won't go anywhere different/special.

This is really disappointing, especially with how expensive Calleva is.

And they are spending tomorrow at Riley's lock too -- this was advertised as the advanced group and Riley's lock is basically flat water. I have emailed the office to ask for a partial refund. I'm really disappointed.

[Anonymous]

We've done a bunch this year:

-All three kids (11, 9, 7) loved Camp SciKidz, at the Holy Cross location. Staff were outstanding and they did some really cool projects
-KAH Adventure Camp for the 11 year old, another win, as usual
-Ice skating camp through MoCo Rec, at Wheaton Ice Arena for the 9 and 7 year olds, which both loved. It was a pain having to pack extra clothes and gear and dig out cold weather clothing, but they had a lot of fun
-Sports camp through MoCo Rec (also for the younger two) which we chose mostly because it was at our local playground. It's not the most exciting, but the counselors are responsible and the kids are having fun.

My biggest takeaway is what a pain it is to have different kids at different camps in a given week. This year was the first we tried that and I'm not a fan. But overall, I'm glad the kids have enjoyed their experiences. FWIW, all three camps have taken my oldest's peanut allergy seriously and held onto the EpiPen/Benadryl while they were there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Calleva has been a disappointment again this year. It was so good pre-covid, but I think doesn't have the staffing it needs. This week, DS's group had to stay at Riley's lock the first day because neither counselor could drive the bus. They've also been told that they aren't allowed to leave the state for the Thursday overnight, which means they won't go anywhere different/special.

This is really disappointing, especially with how expensive Calleva is.

This hasn’t happened to us but my dd says that they just found out that certain drivers (age? Maybe license type?) are not allowed to cross state lines so I can understand why they’re scrambling. I would hope they would make it right financially for you. Apart from this hitch, our experience this year is that they are finally back to pre Covid quality.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone have any reviews for sleep away camps? I've been looking for recommendations for my middle school boys for next year. Would go as far as Maine.

It’s recommended a lot on this board, but my DD just finished her fourth year at Sandy Hill. She adores it and will go until she ages out. The longest session a camper can do at any one time is two weeks and they also have a one option.

[Anonymous]

Kids had a great experience at Lowell this year. I thought they were aging out and this would be our last year, but they want to go back. Great news for my convenience, not so much for my pocketbook.

[Anonymous]

My 10-year-old has been at Burgundy Farms camp all summer and has had a great time. New classes every two weeks and especially liked the MakerSpace camp they did this year. She also reports the daily swimming classes are fun and the once-a-week inflatable waterslide is the best. I'm a little disappointed they weren't able to get their photo app to work this year, but that's a small thing.

[Anonymous]

My just turned 11yo did a week at Ancestral Knowledge for the first time and really liked it. It’s definitely for outdoorsy kids. They were out in the woods carving/whiting wood, building camp fires, tracking animals, learning about nature, lots of games etc built in. Came home tired and dirty every day. On the last day they cooked their own food as a group over a camp fire.
Only downside is they’re not super responsive to emails. I realized once they started though that it’s because they’re not really email people… they’re woodsy people…

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone have any reviews for sleep away camps? I've been looking for recommendations for my middle school boys for next year. Would go as far as Maine.

It’s recommended a lot on this board, but my DD just finished her fourth year at Sandy Hill. She adores it and will go until she ages out. The longest session a camper can do at any one time is two weeks and they also have a one option.

Great to hear as DC starts a session there soon.

[Anonymous]

Two very Christian sleepaway camps:

Wamava - Amazingly inexpensive, close by, in Linden VA. Sunday drop off, Saturday pick-up.

Ligonier - Significantly pricier, a long haul to get to Ligonier, PA. Sunday drop off, Friday pick-up.

Kid reported that Ligonier had more activities, but Wamava was more relaxing. He appreciated Wamava's attached bathroom for waking up in the middle of the night to pee (Ligonier, you have to walk to a central facility) and slightly more plush cabins. Thumb's up for both of them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We've done a couple of camps at Glen Echo for teens. Some of the classes are OK with lots of diversity, but others are a miss with maybe 1-2 kids each and many well-to-do kids and clicky girls. Also some camps were canceled due to low enrollment. Glad they told us 1.5 weeks before, but we had to scramble to find something else that would fit. Since every other non-Glen Echo camp was full, we were stuck with finding another camp in GE that was avail at the same time.

Glen Echo Park camps are often excellent if you get a really good leader - mainly the art teachers, we've found. Regardless you always get the entitled Bethesda crowd, if you live there, you know - and that includes rich and rude girls, every time.

[Anonymous]

My rising first grader loved Headfirst Multisport at St. Alban’s last week and we will probably send her back next year. This week’s day camp seems fine but not as much of a hit as the sports camp. The major bummer is that this week does not feature daily swim lessons because of some unexpected construction on the pool, which stinks because a big part of why we chose this camp was the daily swimming lessons.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My 10-year-old has been at Burgundy Farms camp all summer and has had a great time. New classes every two weeks and especially liked the MakerSpace camp they did this year. She also reports the daily swimming classes are fun and the once-a-week inflatable waterslide is the best. I'm a little disappointed they weren't able to get their photo app to work this year, but that's a small thing.

Do you know if they have bus service?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone have any reviews for sleep away camps? I've been looking for recommendations for my middle school boys for next year. Would go as far as Maine.

My son loves Kabeyun, an all boys camp in New Hampshire that deemphasizes athletics and competition and instead offers waterfront activities, adventure activities and hiking, and arts and music.
https://kabeyun.org/

I have more ties to Maine girls’ camps but have some experience with Kabeyun. Second this recommendation.