. family life .
CHOOSING A SUMMER CAMP There’s Still Time To Sign Up!
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ummer camp is a time to build memories – a place for kids to wile away the summer hours but also a time to develop new interests and skills. Camp professionals are teachers and mentors who influence, advocate, shape and protect their campers. “Not only do camp programs help families with childcare needs in summer,” said DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Seasonal Programs Manager Vanessa Gerideau, “our goal is also to provide the child with benefits of social interaction, emotional development, physical activity and an introduction to leisure activities that could really have an impact on their childhood.” But from all the summer camp options available in and around the District, how do you pick a summer camp that’s right for your child? The American Camp Association (ACA, acacamps.org) provides
by Elizabeth O’Gorek Students pose at a Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) camp at Friendship Heights Recreation Center. DPR camps focus on building soft skills and exposing children to life-long leisure activities. Image courtesy: DPR
resources for parents to help them through the decision-making process. There are many factors to consider together with your child’s individual interests and comfort. Safety, camp philosophy, staff and training, camp location and cost are all important factors.
Overnight or Day
Seeing healthy values in action! Polite Piggy’s is committed to focusing on the whole child - mind and body. The camp is relationship-centered, with an eye towards equity and inclusion, and, above all, days full of curiosity and joy. Photo: Polite Piggies
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You and your child will determine if they are ready for overnight camps, which generally take campers beginning at around seven years of age, or if a day camp is better suited to your needs or their level of comfort with being away from the family. In the District, day camps are offered for campers as young as three or four years old by DPR, DC Adventure Camps, Busy Bees Music and Arts Camps, Headfirst Summer Camps and others. Gerideau says that day camp should probably not be a child’s first experience being with a group of children. She says although the DPR day camps have accommodated such needs before, it is probably wise to have children experience playgroups or a half-
