Second year at Valley Mill, two boys. Love it even more this year.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

Did he say why? Maybe not into tech that much? This is my DS's 3rd year. He *loves* it, including the games they play during athletics. He's in 2 sessions and definitely wants to go back next year.

NP here. My son LOVES TIC camp, too. This is our 4th year doing it. But my nephew did not enjoy it. He's more of a jock/outdoors type and it wasn't a good fit for him.

At IMG in FL and will most likely do again next year

Will be going back to Good Counsel Art & Choir Camp and SSFS

To the PP who said they're disappointed in HeadFirst...why? Which location? This year? My kid is a camp newbie and has just started at the Oakton location this week and likes it so far, curious to know more. Thanks!

Anonymous wrote:wait, I'm totally shocked that they separate girls and boys activities in this way. What is this, the 50s?

I was sold on sending my son there, but don't want to support a non-egalitarian camp that reinforces gender stereotypes. I hope it's an inaccurate depiction here. (If I am seriously considering this type of camp, I would call the camp to check if this is true- not just go by anonymous descriptions.)

I'm sending both my kids to this camp Vally Mill, this year for the first time. The gender separation surprised but didn't offend me. I will be able to report back at the end of August.

Immediate PP her, at Valley Mill, that is

wait, I'm totally shocked that they separate girls and boys activities in this way. What is this, the 50s?

I was sold on sending my son there, but don't want to support a non-egalitarian camp that reinforces gender stereotypes. I hope it's an inaccurate depiction here. (If I am seriously considering this type of camp, I would call the camp to check if this is true- not just go by anonymous descriptions.)

Headed back to Lowell this summer, but I've heard rumours that the camp gets more "clique-ish" in 2nd and 3rd grades as the kids start to notice which kids are coming from public and which from Lowell or another private. I hope it isn't true, but we'll report back.

Returning to Pinecrest Summer Pavillion but this may be our last year. Great imaginative camps for younger kids, but I think as my DS has gotten older he needs more. Also, the offerings are pretty repetitive every year.

My daughter went to Valley Mill last year and we've signed her up again this year. She really loved it. I love that she was outside and came home, as many others have posted, filthy, exhausted, and happy. However, it's a bit 'old school'. The girls don't have sports like the boys do - they have synchronized swimming. ?!?! And it doesn't surprise me that they don't get to play in the creek (I wasn't aware of that) - they do more 'girly' things like crafts and gymnastics and theater. I'd prefer to expose them to a wider variety of activities, but I suppose the girls enjoy it. (I know my girly girl does...) I kind of wish I could sign her up for the boys camp!!!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Has anyone sent their GIRL to Valley Mill?

Yes, my girl loves it. She loves arts and crafts and that it's a girl only space -- apparently, they can get competitive with the boys on things like singing songs loudly, which she loves. I'm sorry that the girls don't get to play in the creek like the boys do, but she doesn't seem to care.

Just reading this thread from last year - why are the girls now allowed to play in the creek?

So disappointed with headfirst ....

Anonymous wrote:Has anyone sent their GIRL to Valley Mill?

Yes, my girl loves it. She loves arts and crafts and that it's a girl only space -- apparently, they can get competitive with the boys on things like singing songs loudly, which she loves. I'm sorry that the girls don't get to play in the creek like the boys do, but she doesn't seem to care.

Anonymous wrote:Mine responds to Silver Knights Chess each summer. I always think he will get bored but he doesn't.

What location? We had the opposite experience.