Summer Camps for rising 8th grader -- next year

[Anonymous]

I figure it's never too early and I might as well ask for help while everyone's experiences are still fresh ...

DS will be starting eighth grade next summer and has aged out of the all-purpose day camps he has enjoyed. So far he has shown little inclination to try sleep away.

We live in Montgomery County, in the Whitman cluster, and need a camp that runs all day (ie, 3 or 4pm, not just half days since we both work). My son likes sports. He doesn't have any other unusual interests (musical instrument, robotics) and I doubt he would want an academic program, but he has enjoyed doing art and science at traditional day camps. I have nosed around a bit at Georgetown Prep sports camps, Landon sports camps, and Norwood. Can anyone chime in about their experiences with older children in any of these programs? Any other obvious choices I'm forgetting? I noticed that Landon has a three week sports camp for middle schoolers -- has anyone tried that? If I can avoid driving all over the county to a different camp each week, I would love that ...

And, while I'm at it, any recommendations for sleep away camps to try? I think if I'm successful in selling the idea at all, the most he might go for next year is a two week session, ideally not way far from home and not super rustic but not super luxurious either.

I'd be most grateful for any and all help. If past practice is a guide, I need to get organized about this in the fall ...

[Anonymous]

Ive heard of video game programming camps that sound neat for older kids. You could google to see if there are any in your area.

I too would love to send my rising 7th grader to sleep away camp next year. I think he'd like that so I'll be checking back to see if anyone has any good recs. I'd be interested in a soccer sleep away camp too if anyone knows of one.

[Anonymous]

We sent our middle school son to kayaking camp for a couple of summers, which is run through the MoCo Rec department. I think it ran from 8:30-4 or so, and involved a two-night overnight trip to the Chesapeake at the end of the week. It was for middle schoolers specifically (ages 12-14 I think) and he loved it.

Our kids just returned from Camp Hidden Meadows in W. Virginia, which they love - they go for a two-week session and always come home exhilarated and exhausted. It is very well-run, ACA-accredited, and in a beautiful setting. Lots of activities, so there is something for everyone.

I have no experience with Calleva, but it gets rave reviews:

http://www.calleva.org/content/summer-camps

[Anonymous]

Can he be a CIT at one of the camps he has enjoyed over the years?

[Anonymous]

When my DS was that age he did CTY (sleepaway) for 3 weeks, Calleva for a couple of weeks, soccer sleepaway for a week, soccer day camp for a week or two, and scout camp (sleepaway) for a week. It was 5 weeks of sleepaway camps but other than CTY they were alternated with weeks at home.

If you are looking for a sleepaway program I highly recommend Overland. Some programs are residential (in Williamstown, MA), most are travel oriented.

[Anonymous]

YMCA Camp Letts. It's an overnight camp! It's awesome. 45 minutes from Montgomery County.
Google it. He will have a great time!

[Anonymous]

Its really important for kids that age to start some kind of sleepaway program, even if it is only for a week or two. I have an older teen and have seen what happens when kids who have never gone away from home for an extended period of time go for the first time on some kind of extended school trip. Its even worse if they go to college without having spent an extended period of time away from home.

[Anonymous]

Its really important for kids that age to start some kind of sleepaway program, even if it is only for a week or two. I have an older teen and have seen what happens when kids who have never gone away from home for an extended period of time go for the first time on some kind of extended school trip. Its even worse if they go to college without having spent an extended period of time away from home.

[Anonymous]

A friend of mine's kid did:

http://www.calleva.org/content/adventure-camps

They have rafting, kayaking, sailing and an overnight portion I think it's Thursday through the weekend. Might be a good option to try first than sending him away for a week or two and having him hate the experience b/c he's not used to it.

[Anonymous]

My son did a week of Camp Hidden Valley in WV last summer. He seemed to enjoy it.

[Anonymous]

My 13yo son really enjoyed ID Tech camps. You can search them, word to the wise... sign up early. THey sell out and get more expensive as the summer approaches.

[Anonymous]

Another recommendation for Camp Hidden Meadows. My current 8th grader has done it for four years. His 5th grade brother did it for the first time this year. They are very different kids and they both had a great time. It is well run and clean. Kids can do as much or as little as they like.

[Anonymous]

What about some sort of teen tour camp? You leave Monday and come home Friday. Sleep in hotels.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Its really important for kids that age to start some kind of sleepaway program, even if it is only for a week or two. I have an older teen and have seen what happens when kids who have never gone away from home for an extended period of time go for the first time on some kind of extended school trip. Its even worse if they go to college without having spent an extended period of time away from home.

Meh, I don't think "it's really important" at that age. They could easily go as older teens and it would be fine.

[Anonymous]

We did Sandy Hill overnight camp. DC loved it. www.campsandyhill.com