Experiences with REC PAC?

[Anonymous]

This is a topic in the camps thread as well, but I thought other Virginia schools parents (especially Fairfax County) might have more experience to share. REC PAC is the summer fun program that is held in the Fairfax County public schools for 6 weeks during the summer.

I am considering it for my first grade child this summer. Wondering if it is chaos, or structured fun?

Thanks

[Anonymous]

my son had it last year (for 3 weeks) when he was a rising 2nd grader. he had a great time there! we highly recommend it.

[Anonymous]

I worked as a REC PAC counselor the summer before college. Maybe things have changed, but if I ever sign my DC up for it (and that's a big "if"), there is no way she is ever going on the field trips they have, especially the one to the water park (don't know if they still go). There is not enough staff for the number of kids that they have and a kid almost drowned that year because his group lost sight of him. The activities during the day weren't bad, but it mostly depends on the personality of the counselors they have at the location and how "fun" they can make it.

[Anonymous]

I agree please dont sign up. It is chaotic and less experienced staff as compared to SACC. I remeber SACC was on one side of cafeteria and Rec-pac was on the other side. Those kids were running around ,one was on the table. I remeber finding some of there kids in the hall w/ no adult. I worked w/ SACC a couple summers and my kid does it during schhool year too. SACC is always accounting for the kids and making sure there is no issues like bullying etc between children. I will never send my kids to rec pac.

[Anonymous]

My kids hated it. My neighbor's kid who was at the same one liked it. I found it to be loosely supervised, with only minimal organized activities. My kids were too young for the field trips, thankfully. I think you get what you pay for.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree please dont sign up. It is chaotic and less experienced staff as compared to SACC. I remeber SACC was on one side of cafeteria and Rec-pac was on the other side. Those kids were running around ,one was on the table. I remeber finding some of there kids in the hall w/ no adult. I worked w/ SACC a couple summers and my kid does it during schhool year too. SACC is always accounting for the kids and making sure there is no issues like bullying etc between children. I will never send my kids to rec pac.

I am guessing that Summer SACC is subject to more oversight/guidelines as it is daycare, unlike REC PAC.

[Anonymous]

There are always waitlists 99% of time for summer, but no charge. I would just do it in case plus they provide meals aand run longer in summer. No charge for waitlists.

[Anonymous]

OP here,

09:37, I think you are confusing REC PAC with summer SACC. I am looking for experiences only with Rec Pac. There are no waitlists for Rec Pac, no meals, and the program runs from 8:30 to 3:30.

I would especially appreciate experiences with Rec Pac in the Hayfield or Island Creek area. Based on what I've read so far, it doesn't sound too good, but I'm still hoping there are positive perspectives out there. Daughter is not into sports or swimming... makes finding summer activities a challenge.

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

My son has gone each summer for 1 week and has loved it. He asked to go again this summer. However, I choose a week with no field trip!

[Anonymous]

My niece has attended both Rec-Pac and SACC and personally, I didn't see that much of a difference. She liked both programs and I know froma financial point of view, her parents prefer Rec-Pack. I am considering sending my daughter there this summer, I am not too fond of summer camp field trips in general so I like that the Rec-Pack program keeps them in house.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My niece has attended both Rec-Pac and SACC and personally, I didn't see that much of a difference. She liked both programs and I know froma financial point of view, her parents prefer Rec-Pack. I am considering sending my daughter there this summer, I am not too fond of summer camp field trips in general so I like that the Rec-Pack program keeps them in house.

Rec Pac does not keep them solely "in-house." They do have field trips.

[Anonymous]

i happen to be a counsler for recpac for the last 3 years its a great program but you do have some camps where the counslers are lazy so the site might be a little boring but as far as field trips we havent done those for 2 years now the most we migt do is the pool no major tripss

[Anonymous]

My kids love Rec Pac! The oldest is on his 4th summer at Rec Pac and the youngest is on his 2nd summer there. Their site, Laurel Ridge, is super organized, has a structured day, and is fun! There is a director at this site and it is very organized. They are selling pizza every Wednesday from Domino's and they also sell daily snacks for .25 - .75 cents. Again, it's a fun camp! I think the sites that you sign them up at is crucial, but Laurel Ridge is an awesome one! I have NEVER had a problem with this camp.

[Anonymous]

I am the OP... so now I'm sharing my experiences.

I signed my child up for two weeks of Rec Pac and I was pleasantly surprised. There was more structure/organization than I had anticipated -- which was good. The counselors knew my child and she enjoyed being there. I expect that we will do several weeks next year as well. It's a nice option to mix in with other camps for the summer. (We were at Hayfield).