My daughter was super excited to attend a two-week theater camp. We pretty much built our summer schedule around it.

We've both been underwhelmed. I haven't found them to be all that organized, and I resent trying to come up with a complicated costume for a 15-minute play in which she has 3 lines. (given that they reuse the same themes for multiple weeks, you'd think they might have a few costumes on hand.) And the hours are very difficult for working parents, with no extended day available. They also don't really take the kids outside to play, despite having a playground next door.

The one thing they're doing very well: I feel like she's made more friends in this camp than in the others she's done this last two years. That's not a small thing, and that alone makes me think about enrolling her next year.

DS will return to Valley Mill. This was his 1st time, and he loved it. The activities are great, and he (and I) like the long sessions which allow for friendships to develop vs 1-week camps where the kids change from week to week.

We'll go back to TIC. Our son loved it.

No to Sandy Spring and TIC. My son did not like them, which is a shame. Everyone I've spoken to says their kids rave about them both.

Anonymous wrote:We are not returning to the same camp next year. It served a very specific purpose for us this year (we relocated) and next year I'd like to try Valley Mill - the outdoor activities including swimming are closer to my idea of what summer camp should be about.

Valley Mill is fabulous -- we're in our 3rd summer and will go back next year -- but the swimming lessons are a weak point. If swimming is important to you, choose a different camp.

Week in the park - definitely would do again.
County Rec Dept clubs - nope. None again.
Missed Camp Sonshine -DD was bummed we did not do it this year.
Missed MoCo park camps - loved these last year but hated the lack of 1/2 day option this year. Would likey do whole day next year.

Youngest kid's preschool "camp" - ok if I need full time care next time.

Vienna Community Center Playground Camp. It's very reasonably priced, laid back, the counselors have been great, and DC likes it. However, it ends at 5 pm and it has been super challenging for pick up. I had to hire someone to help with pick up so it added to the cost.

Returning to Camp Letts and Imagination Stage. Not returning to MoCo Summer Adventures - Kids loved it, but time is inconvenient.

Ours are pretty set at this stage - returning to Calleva, Home Run, Silver Stars - didn't go to Casa this year but it was missed so back probably next summer. Tried Sidwell Explorers with a session of soccer instead of the all soccer camp and it was a big hit. Sidwell camps in general are run very well.

I'm taking a poll at the end of the summer, but so far looks like we'll be returning to Sidwell Explorers. Jury is still out on the others.

Love Congressional

Not returning to Beauvoir. Returning to Calleva.

We are not returning to the same camp next year. It served a very specific purpose for us this year (we relocated) and next year I'd like to try Valley Mill - the outdoor activities including swimming are closer to my idea of what summer camp should be about.

Go to the county and take swimming lessons BEFORE next summer!

I'm not returning because of the cost. I thought it would be worth it because they said they would give DC daily swim lessons. Everyday I ask about swimming lessons, the response is "Not today". Going to try a swimming camp next summer, but need recommendations.