Best summer camps (2021) thread!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone recommend any camps that aren't $500-800 a week?

As the kids get older, there are more options for cheaper camps that are also well run but for the younger age groups you are looking at $450+ for a well run camp (in our experience). Some of the camps run by church groups are much cheaper and also well run.

Camp Columbia at Columbia Baptist is a nice program that is closer to ~$300 per week, which includes meals and snacks. So not too and and my DC seemed to really enjoy it there. They couldn’t do field trips this year due to COVID though. But the church owns a lot of the property all around it so there is plenty of outdoor time.

[Anonymous]

Meant to say “not too expensive …”

[Anonymous]

Brit Am and Potomac soccer camps. Very well-run and organized.

[Anonymous]

For MS - Sidwell online Spark Business Academy. Did multiple weeks. Enjoyed them all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Washington Sailing Marina for my 8 year old. Such a well-run camp and the kids learn so much. The owner is very responsive to any parent concerns.

+1

My tween did a few weeks of it last year when her sleepaway camp was canceled, and we were very impressed. She loved it so much we did it again this summer. Excellent COVID precautions, and their refund policies were clearly stated in writing upfront. I just wish they’d bring back the Maryland bus!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Kids After Hours Adventure. Fun field trips every day, most with swimming involved. Staff is fantastic -- excellent at engaging the kids and communicating openly with parents.

+1 DD loves this camp both pre-COVID and now…

We've also had another great summer with their day camp. We may mix it up with the Adventure camp next summer, at least for my older two (currently 7 and 9).

My kids did KAH’s Adventure Camp/Traveling Teens program and loved it. The only caveat is that there is no aftercare for that so you need to be able to pickup at 4:30. Pre telework era this would have been difficult, but my kids enjoyed it more than day camp.

[Anonymous]

DS loving the FCPA Hidden Pond nature Ctr camp - this week is focused on geology and hydrology (so fishing and getting wet for the latter). We did another camp with them in 2019 that was excellent too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone recommend any camps that aren't $500-800 a week?

Kids After Hours...It was our cheapest camp all summer and the kids' favorite.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone recommend any camps that aren't $500-800 a week?

Kids After Hours...It was our cheapest camp all summer and the kids' favorite.

I’ve been pleasantly surprised by DPR camp. (We’re at two different locations.) I was a bit nervous b/c i have not heard great things, but my kids are happy, facilities are nice, counselors are communicative, and they do weekly pool trips. Maybe we lucked out with our locations or had low expectations.

[Anonymous]

Nats camp has been amazing.

[Anonymous]

My 6 yo DS liked his hip hop and tumbling camp at Perfect Pointe in Arlington. Thankfully there was one other boy in the class and the instructor was also male. Indoors with strict masking. We’re doing another hip hop camp at Adrenaline in Vienna next week. Hopefully that is good. (Both are part day)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone recommend any camps that aren't $500-800 a week?

Kids After Hours...It was our cheapest camp all summer and the kids' favorite.

I’ve been pleasantly surprised by DPR camp. (We’re at two different locations.) I was a bit nervous b/c i have not heard great things, but my kids are happy, facilities are nice, counselors are communicative, and they do weekly pool trips. Maybe we lucked out with our locations or had low expectations.

Please share which locations!

[Anonymous]

My kid entering K loved camp at NPS this summer and he is not always a kid who finds new places easy to fit in to. He came home all a Twitter each day about what he did.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NPS Summer Horizon has been great fun for 6yo

+1 Same age

[Anonymous]

We love Adventure Theatre camp at Glen Echo. We have tried a lot of different camps in the DC area, and this is the one that my kids like best. They learn a ton, put on a fun production at the end, and the counselors are fantastic. My kids aren't especially into theater in general, but this camp makes it exciting for them.