Anonymous
Post 07/25/2023 11:15     Subject: 2023 summer camp reviews
We actually had a great experience at the DCPS middle school program for our rising 6th gradee.
Anonymous
Post 07/25/2023 11:13     Subject: 2023 summer camp reviews
Anonymous wrote:Does anyone have any reviews for sleep away camps? I've been looking for recommendations for my middle school boys for next year. Would go as far as Maine.


My son loves Kabeyun, an all boys camp in New Hampshire that deemphasizes athletics and competition and instead offers waterfront activities, adventure activities and hiking, and arts and music.
https://kabeyun.org/
Anonymous
Post 07/25/2023 09:50     Subject: 2023 summer camp reviews
Does anyone have any reviews for sleep away camps? I've been looking for recommendations for my middle school boys for next year. Would go as far as Maine.
Anonymous
Post 07/25/2023 09:49     Subject: 2023 summer camp reviews
My kids have done a few weeks at SSSA camps. This is their third year. They have done some sport camps and some academic camps. They love it! Transportation is so easy, they just really have their act together.
Anonymous
Post 07/25/2023 09:23     Subject: 2023 summer camp reviews
My son is in his last week at AFYP at GMU and he's loved every minute of it. The staff is great, they keep them engaged all day (I was worried it wouldn't be active enough but he's worn out when I pick him up), and the plays they do are so stinking cute. He's already telling me that next year he wants to skip the tae kwon do camp he did during the first couple of weeks of the summer and just do AFYP for all of their sessions.
Anonymous
Post 07/25/2023 07:48     Subject: 2023 summer camp reviews
Calleva has been a disappointment again this year. It was so good pre-covid, but I think doesn't have the staffing it needs. This week, DS's group had to stay at Riley's lock the first day because neither counselor could drive the bus. They've also been told that they aren't allowed to leave the state for the Thursday overnight, which means they won't go anywhere different/special.
Anonymous
Post 07/25/2023 04:04     Subject: 2023 summer camp reviews
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Summer at Potomac?


We’ve been at summer at Potomac for years and it’s consistently good. My kids love it.

We did the Potomac soccer camp last year and it was awful. They had the kids watching hours and hours of movies every day (like 3+ hour per day). There was supposed to be swimming, but they were very disorganized so the kids changed into swimsuits some days and then didn't have time to get in the pool. At max, the kids got to swim for 15 minutes per day. Some fancy soccer coach was running it, but it was literally the worst camp my kids have ever attended. Lazy, unengaged counselors. Zero programming outside of soccer and minimal soccer playing. And it was extremely expensive.
Anonymous
Post 07/25/2023 02:41     Subject: 2023 summer camp reviews
Second summer doing the Italian Cultural Society Italian camp (rising K), so well-run and fun.
Anonymous
Post 07/24/2023 10:42     Subject: 2023 summer camp reviews
Can anyone report on CTY this year after last year's cancellation debacle?
Anonymous
Post 07/24/2023 09:34     Subject: 2023 summer camp reviews
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Starting a thread early in the hopes that people can provide reviews and feedback on camps as their kids go through them during the summer.

My kids are in Calleva this week, and it has been very well-organized. Kids come home happy and exhausted. One of my kids is entering K in the fall and could not be happier — the Cubs program for 4-5 year olds has been fantastic. My older kid has been at Calleva for a few years and says that despite the rainy week, they have been doing lots of fun activities.

How are other camps going this summer?


Thanks for posting this. I hadn't heard of Calleva. We are in DC and it looks like they might pick up in DC, where we live. Good to know about.


Fyi for calleva: it fills up within 30 minutes of registration opening in January. If you want it, you have to be on top of your planning.


Valley Mill is another camp like that, we did for 2 summers in a row, multiple pick ups in DC.
Anonymous
Post 07/23/2023 21:34     Subject: 2023 summer camp reviews
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:My kid with special needs who struggled at other camps did great at Camp Louise! The staff was communicative before and during, and really problem solved to get through the harder days.

(Jewish Sleepaway camp)


We have found that Jewish sleep away camps are really good at inclusion. My autistic child has thrived at URJ 6 Points Sci Tech Academy.


Could either of you discuss what accommodations the camps made? Smaller cabins, quiet meals, higher camper/counselor ratio, choice of activities, ability to walk away if overwhelmed?

What made your child successful?


Mostly what made my child successful is an in depth conversation with the inclusion staff before camp started so that they knew her/knew where she would likely struggle and need support. They also wanted to know her strengths so that they could be sure to provide her with leadership opportunities.

The specific accommodations that she benefited from included: guaranteed first time drop off (camp has us sign up for drop off spots so that everyone doesn't arrive at the same time and we are guaranteed to get the earliest spot), previewing schedule changes (this was most important, especially at the beginning), quiet area for Friday night shabbat celebration (usually very loud), ability to step out when overwhelmed, and adult (as opposed to college student) inclusion staff keeping a closer eye on things in order to problem solve before things became big deals. Choice of activities was part of the regular program for everyone.


Very similar to our experience there. Early arrival, clear schedules, adult support (I think this is really where we struggled in the past, with just young staff), breaks and quiet spaces. And yes, those pre-camp calls were key - knowing in advance what kind of behaviours could pop up and possible triggers.
Anonymous
Post 07/23/2023 21:16     Subject: 2023 summer camp reviews
DS - heard into 7th - did camp Horizons for the first time this year. Very positive experience.
Anonymous
Post 07/23/2023 21:01     Subject: 2023 summer camp reviews
We tried Sonshine this year - Germantown. My DD liked it. I feel they were very organized and kept the kids busy. Drop off/pick up was easy. The only touch of religion I saw was a note that the counselor sent home that had religious overtones to it (I knew going in about the amp background) but it was not a big deal and I would send my DD back next year.
Anonymous
Post 07/23/2023 20:55     Subject: 2023 summer camp reviews
Anonymous wrote:Summer at Potomac?


We’ve been at summer at Potomac for years and it’s consistently good. My kids love it.
Anonymous
Post 07/23/2023 20:53     Subject: 2023 summer camp reviews
Just jumping on the band wagon - we have a friend whose DD has needs and she does very well at Louise - for a few years now. I don't know the specifics of what they do for her succeed at camp but maybe being out of the home/school setting helps. She has ADHD, some behavioral issues and maybe HFA. As a side note, the camp has been around forever, my Mom went there as a kid!

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:My kid with special needs who struggled at other camps did great at Camp Louise! The staff was communicative before and during, and really problem solved to get through the harder days.

(Jewish Sleepaway camp)


We have found that Jewish sleep away camps are really good at inclusion. My autistic child has thrived at URJ 6 Points Sci Tech Academy.