Chesapeake Family Life March 2022

Maryland's offbeat and uncommon eclectic museums FrEE free free | |september |september march | oCT 2021 2022 2020 FrEE 2020

UNIQUE LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCES

College Students Cash in as Camp Counselors

INSIDE: maryland summer camp directory M ARCH 2022

|

chesapeakefamily.com

1

YEARS The Big Picture 70 + Films 4 Days 2

chesapeakefamily.com M ARCH 2022

March 31 to April 3 2022

March | ChesapeakeFamily.com

in this issue 26

Features

Family Fun

12/ CBD IN YOUTH

26/ MARYLAND ECLECTIC MUSEUMS

Is it safe?

14/ CAMP PER USUAL? Unique Leadership Experiences

16/ CAMP COUNSELOR College students cash in as camp counselors

Visit the offbeat and uncommon

Special Section

18/ CAMP DIRECTORY

13 14

DEPARTMENTS New & Notable 07 / Play and Donate Used Sports Equipment

05 / PUBLISHER'S LETTER

Beating the March blues away

08 / Domestic Violence Toolkit 09 / FreeSave4College Funds Now Available 10 / Relieve Hives at home 11 / Park Spotlight: Irvine Nature Center

28 / THINGS TO DO IN MARCH

Things to do for grown-ups, kids and families in March

M ARCH 2022

|

chesapeakefamily.com

3

Vol. 31 No. 5 PUBLISHER Donna Jefferson ext. 212 djefferson@jecoannapolis.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jillian Amodio Laura Boycourt Nancy Parode Kerrigan Stern ART DIRECTOR Jenny Patrick C. ext. 202 AD DESIGN Jessica Kannegieser EVENTS AND ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER Claire Darcy ext. 204 ClaireK@jecoannapolis.com ADVERTISING Linda Benkhadra linda@jecoannapolis.com 240-277-4215 PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY: Jefferson Communications, LLC 121 Cathedral Street 3A Annapolis, MD 21401 Phone: 410-263-1641 Fax: 443-782-1495

Chesapeake Family Life - Summer at Key March 2022

These materials are neither sponsored by or endorsed by the Board of Education of Anne Arundel County and all other Maryland counties, the superintendents or the schools.

The acceptance of advertising does not constitute endorsement by Chesapeake Family Life of products or services. Advertisers are not given special consideration or placement in editorial content. The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement or listing that is not in keeping with the policies or standards of this publication. Jefferson Communications assumes no financial responsibility for errors in advertisements. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any part of Chesapeake Family Life, by any means without permission, is strictly

prohibited. ©2021 Jefferson Communications, LLC.

Find us on Facebook & Twitter: Facebook.com/ChesapeakeFamilyMagazine Twitter: @ChesFamily ChesapeakeFamily.com

March 26, 6pm & March 27, 1pm Towson University balletchesapeake.org 4

chesapeakefamily.com M ARCH 2022

2020 2021

CIRCULATION AUDIT BY

The acceptance of advertising does not constitute endorsement

by Chesapeake Family of products or services. Advertisers are not given special consideration or placement in editorial content.

The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement or listing that is not in keeping with the policies or standards of this publication. Jefferson Communications assumes no financial responsibility for errors in advertisements. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of any part of Chesapeake Family, by any means without permission, is strictly prohibited. ©2011 Jefferson Communications, LLC.

publisher's letter

M

aryland Kids Fest is scheduled for Saturday, March 12, 2022.

Chesapeake Family Life is combining the Camp Fair with the STEAM Fair for the Maryland Kids Fest. One day of fun, experiences and education at the Pip Moyer Recreation Center in Annapolis. Hands-on activities for kids and information for parents to help them find the perfect summer solution for their children.

STEAM workshops to participate in, summer camp displays and information, engineering contests, and much more. Don’t miss it!

Bring on spring

T

ake off the heavy coats, and hopefully put away our snow boots.

It’s time to think about outdoor activities and summer camp and fun places to visit.

Summer is a great time for kids to try something new and to test their abilities. It can be at home with added responsibilities, or as a volunteer, or at camp. We have two articles addressing camp leadership opportunities. One article describes camps that specifically focus on developing leadership skills in kids.

Nearly every summer camp is looking for counselors, and even counselors in training (CIT) who tend to be younger. A job as a camp counselor offers kids more than financial compensation. “College Students Cashing In as Camp Counselors” features interviews from camp administrators across the DMV. The American Camping Association says that “being a camper or counselor has great impacts on people. Not only do they gain independence by being away from home or college, but they learn teamwork skills by sharing a cabin with others, learn

problem-solving skills by working in a close-knit environment, and experience a life-changing summer.”

I spent one summer as a tennis counselor at an overnight camp in the Berkshire Mountains. As a 19-year-old responsible for about ten middle school aged girls I learned a lot, going from a student myself to a teacher and counselor. It was overwhelming at first. But by the time camp was over I was more confident in myself, my tennis skills had improved dramatically, I had new friends from around the world and I was more aware of my own responsibilities. I would highly recommend the experience.

Don’t miss KIDS Fest on March 12 at the PIP Moyer Rec Center in Annapolis. There will be STEAM activities for all kids and camp directors for parents to meet. See more information on page 25.

Save the Date March 12, 2022 Pip Moyer Rec Center

Your Camp Guide Inside!

Check out these pages for camp info.

Leadership Experiences for Kids Page 14 Leadership Growth for Counselors Page 16

Donna Jefferson, Publisher DJ@jecoannapolis.com

Camp Directory Page 18

JOIN T HE CONVERSATION facebook.com/ chesapeakefamily magazine

pinterest.com/ chesfamily

twitter.com/ chesfamily

instagram.com/ chesapeake_family

M ARCH 2022

|

chesapeakefamily.com

5

6

chesapeakefamily.com M ARCH 2022

new & notable LIFESTYLE

TRENDS

D

EDUCATION

HEALTH

NEWS

Pass, Pick, Play Donate Used Sports Equipment

onate used sports equipment to Pass, Pick & Play, a partnership created by the Armstrong family, to provide children from financially-challenged families in the Annapolis area with free sporting goods.

The 2022 sports equipment donation drive will start Monday, January 31 and go through Friday, March 11.

To donate gently-used sports equipment, please go to one of the following locations: • • • • •

“Pip” Moyer Recreation Center (PMRC) The Key School Calvary United Methodist Church Anne Arundel Medical Center Discoveries: The Library at the Mall

The distribution event will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at the “Pip” Moyer Recreation Center from 10 am to 12 noon.

This is a community-wide effort across all youth age groups.

For more information, please contact LaKeisha Simmons at lmsimmons@annapolis.gov or 410-2637958 or Kim Elek at kim@mcreynoldselek.com or 410703-3433 “Pip” Moyer Rec Center 273 Hilltop Ln Annapolis, MD

M ARCH 2022

|

chesapeakefamily.com

7

new & notable 10 domestic violence-related deaths in Maryland involve a gun.

County Health Officer Dr. Nilesh Kalyanaraman said the new toolkit is one more step in the GVIT’s efforts to keep communities safer and reduce gun-related violence by addressing the link between domestic violence and guns. “Many residents may not know that women, men and young people can all be victims of domestic violence,” Kalyanaraman said.

“By working with community members, law enforcement and domestic violence advocates to support evidence-based gun violence reduction policies, we can all play a role in preventing violence in our closest relationships.”

Youth Gun Safety Toolkit

Domestic Violence Toolkit Goes Live

T

Stop Violence Against Women

he Anne Arundel County Department of Health’s Gun Violence Intervention Team (GVIT) online Domestic Violence Toolkit is live online at aahealth. civilspace.io/en/projects/domesticviolence-toolkit.. The goal of the Toolkit is to decrease the number of domestic violence incidents in Anne Arundel County and encourage victims to reach out to loved ones and local authorities for assistance. Domestic violence is a social problem that impacts the entire community. 29 Maryland residents lost

8

chesapeakefamily.com M ARCH 2022

their lives to domestic violence in 2019.

Domestic violence impacts all socioeconomic groups.

Components of the Domestic Violence Toolkit

In addition to state and national statistics, the toolkit provides information on the warning signs of abuse; legal options that can protect victims and local community groups that work with survivors to rebuild their lives. Research shows that the presence of a gun in a domestic violence incident increases the risk of injury or fatality. Nearly 7 in

A Suicide Prevention Toolkit and Youth Gun Safety Toolkit are also available from the GVIT. All toolkits can be found at https://aahealth.civilspace.io/en.

The GVIT was established on August 12, 2020, following an executive order

by County Executive Steuart Pittman.

The Team operates under the auspices of the Department of Health. Work is done through collaborative meetings and workgroups with over a dozen partner agencies to use a public health lens, data and community engagement to reduce gun violence.

Get Help

If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to the Anne Arundel County Mental Health Agency’s Warmline at 410768-5522.

Domestic Violence Hotline 410-222-6800. The hotline provides a safe and secure connection to a trained advocate to assist with the social, emotional, residential and resource needs of individuals who are victims of domestic violence. This includes options of entering the safe house, legal representation for securing a protective order, and other resources to enable an individual to immediately and permanently leave their abuser and feel protected.

National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233. 24/7. English, Spanish and 200+ through interpretation service.

new & notable

CFL

F

ree Save4College funds are available, and applications for the State of Maryland contribution are now being accepted for 2022.

Families may be eligible to receive a $250 or $500.

What Are Save4College Funds?

Established in 2016, the Save4College State Contribution Program was designed to help families, especially those from low- and middle-income households, start saving for college, technical and trade schools for their children. Families that opened a Maryland College Investment Plan account after December 31, 2016 may be eligible for a $250 or $500 contribution to their account from the State.

In 2021, 24,056 eligible applications received a State contribution. 57% of applications received a $500 contribution. 43% of applications received a $250 contribution, for a total of $10,970,500.

“As the Save4College State Contribution Program enters its sixth year of operations, we are grateful to Governor Hogan and the Maryland General Assembly for their continued support,” said Maryland 529 Executive Director, Erin Layton. “Whether a child is pursuing a college degree, a trade, or participating in an apprenticeship

program, it is exciting to see Maryland families get a jump start in saving in this truly unique program.”

To apply for the 2022 application period or for more information, visit www.maryland529.com/Save4College.

Eligibility Requirements for the 2022: • NEW! the Account Holder’s Maryland adjusted gross income for the previous year cannot exceed $112,500 as an individual or $175,000 as a jointly filing couple; • Beneficiary and the Account Holder must be Maryland residents; • Account Holders are required to make a minimum contribution to the Account of $25, $100, or $250, depending on the Account Holder’s income bracket, by November 1, 2022; • Only one application per Account Holder/Beneficiary relationship can be submitted; • Beneficiary may only receive two (2) State contributions in any year. Account Holders who have previously received State contributions totaling $9,000 are no longer eligible.

• Applicants filing Maryland taxes must do so by July 15th (regardless of any other extensions that may be available to filers).

Applications are due and in good order by 11:59 pm on May 31, 2022.

An interactive multimedia experience designed for family fun in the Summer of 2022. Program runs Memorial Day through Labor Day. Magazine delivered June 1.

Reaching over 200,000 families monthly.

r of Adventu e re m s! m u

Families may be eligible to receive $250 or $500

SUMMER FUN GUIDE 2022

An e n ti r e S

Free Save4College Funds Are Now Available

T HI NGS T O DO I N MARYLAND

Sign up for a free copy mailed to your house CHESAPEAKEFAMILY.COM/ SUMMERFUN22 M ARCH 2022

|

chesapeakefamily.com

9

new & notable

How to Relieve Hives at Home Tips from board-certified dermatologists

H 2022

ives are a common skin reaction that causes itchy bumps or raised, swollenlooking patches to appear on the skin. If you have a darker skin tone, hives are often the same color as your skin, or slightly darker or lighter. If you have a lighter skin tone, the hives will look red or pink.

Anyone can get hives, however, women of African American heritage, those who have eczema, and people who smoke cigarettes have a greater risk of developing them.

Tips to relieve hives

To get relief from hives at home, Dr. Del Campo recommends the following tips: • Soothe the itch with a cool, damp washcloth; anti-itch cream or lotion; or

colloidal oatmeal baths.

• Try not to scratch. This can be difficult as hives are notoriously itchy, but scratching irritates your skin more.

Keeping fingernails short can reduce scratching.

• Gently bathe using warm water. When bathing, you want to be very gentle with your skin. Avoid rubbing the itchy skin with a washcloth, loofah, or mesh sponge. It’s best to apply your soap or cleanser by gently putting it on your skin with your hands.

• Use fragrance-free cleanser. Make sure that you use a fragrance-free product rather than an unscented one. An unscented product contains fragrance that’s been covered up so that you cannot smell it. Because an unscented product contains fragrance, it can still irritate your skin.

• Wear loose-fitting, 100% cotton clothing. This can reduce the irritation on your skin.

• Track your hives. If you frequently get hives or your hives last a long time, keep track of them in a journal.

This can help you figure out what’s triggering your hives and prevent them from coming back. Keeping a journal may help you find the cause. If you can avoid what’s causing the hives, you can prevent new hives.You want to jot down the following: • Date and time the hives started • What you were doing before the hives began • Foods and drinks you recently had • Medications you recently took, including aspirin, ibuprofen, and any prescription medications • If you recently felt overheated or sweat heavily • What you were wearing and carrying • If you’ve been feeling stressed Persistant Hives

“If your hives don’t clear after following these tips, talk to a board-certified dermatologist,” says Dr. Del Campo. “Get immediate medical care or go to the nearest emergency room if you have hives, along with any of the following: problems swallowing, feel light-headed or faint, have swelling in your mouth or throat or a racing heart or shortness of breath or trouble breathing.”

10

chesapeakefamily.com M ARCH 2022

new & notable

Irvine Nature Center

I

Park Spotlight

rvine Nature Center is situated on over 200 acres of former farmland which allows for a Nature Center (currently closed), over eight miles of hiking trails, an outdoor classroom, aviary, and Native American site. The trails take hikers around wetlands, wide open fields, and the woodland garden. The garden has been carefully planted with native plants and is surrounded by a fence to keep hungry deer from nibbling on the plants.

There’s a chance that your trip might not make it much farther than the outdoor classroom if your kids enjoy playing outside on a natural playground. Tree stumps and logs are fun to jump on and use for building.

The outdoor kitchen provides a place for imaginative cooks to use dirt, sticks and leaves to create a meal.

The outdoor classroom is used for school during the week and is only available for play on the weekends.

Eight injured raptors now live in the Robert L. Mardiney Aviary, located near the parking lot. These raptors are native to Maryland and after their injuries were unable to live on their own. Enjoy observing their careful stares and strong gripping

claws. A short walk from the outdoor classroom is a bird feeding blind that allows visitors to sit quietly and watch song birds come to eat from the feeders. Hiking trails are accessible from the bird watching area.

Because the land that Irvine occupies used to be a farm, there are a lot of open meadows. Over the years staff has gradually restored the land back to its original state, which means streams and marshy areas criss-cross the property. There are boardwalks and raised pathways that allow visitors close enough to wet areas to observe the birds and critters who make their home there. During the winter months and early spring, without leaves on trees or tall grass, it is easier to observe waterfowl.

The meadows, full of native plants, are beautiful once the flowers have started blooming. Butterflies, song birds and dragonflies enjoy the flowers as much as us humans enjoy watching them. Walking the paths along the meadows is easy and relatively flat. Allow yourself enough time to be an observer. That’s how you will enjoy Irvine Nature Center at its best. It’s a place to savor and not to rush.

QUICK LOOK AT IRVINE NATURE CENTER 11201 Garrison Forest Rd, Owings Mills, MD 21117 explorenature.org

ADMISSION $5 (age 6+.) Members are FREE. Closed on Mondays PARKING Parking free with admission PETS No pets or bikes

M ARCH 2022

|

chesapeakefamily.com

11

CBD Use In Youth Is it Safe? Is it Effective?

C

BD has become a hot topic in more recent years.

The current conversations around things like cannabis and even some other psychedelic substances are quite a bit different than the conversations fueled by the war on drugs in previous eras.

To start, let’s look at the difference between CBD and THC. Both are cannabinoids that are found in marijuana. While there are similar benefits in what both CBD and THC may help treat, the most important distinction between the two is that THC can cause a person to experience a high. CBD on the other hand will not.

The only FDA-approved CBD use for pediatric patients is for specific forms

12

chesapeakefamily.com M ARCH 2022

By Jillian Amodio of epilepsy. While many professionals in both the cannabis industry and the medical field will attest to the fact that CBD and cannabis use does look promising for numerous health conditions and medical purposes, there is a distinction between what is “thought” or “expected” to be true and what has actually been proven by scientific data and evidence.

CBD for Kids?

Jacquie Cohen Roth, MS Founder and CEO of Cannabiz MD says that when it comes to youth, “Pediatrics are not tiny humans, they are not miniature versions of ourselves, their bodies work very differently. There is not a great deal of scientific evidence yet to prove safe

and effective use of CBD on youth.”

She does go on to say that for youth suffering from seizure disorders, there have been some medical advancements and discoveries made resulting in approved treatments.

When looking at safe and effective use for CBD Roth says there is a lot of misinformation out there about cannabis in general. “These plants cannot kill you.” She says. “There is no fear of overdose.” This does not mean that there are no contraindications or adverse effects, it simply means that the risk of severe effects is minimal which is part of the drug’s appeal in looking at how it can be used to effectively treat children and adults suffering with chronic health conditions.

Roth says that for parents and families who keep cannabis or CBD products in the home, they should keep the products safely locked and stored out of the reach of children much in the same way that any other pharmaceutical would be stored.

For a deeper look at CBD use in the youth population, we sought insight from Chad Johnson, PhD, CoDirector of the Masters in Cannabis Science and Therapeutics Program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Pharmacy and the Masters in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics program.

Q: Are there laws and regulations surrounding the use of CBD? A: Federally, CBD and THC are still illegal substances and are only approved for medication and recreational use in certain states.

Therefore, should a patient or parent/ guardian want to begin using or administering CBD/THC (or whole plant) as a potential alternative therapy, it is imperative that they first investigate their state guidelines.

Q: Are there guidelines on pediatric use?

A: What we can say for certain right now comes from the clinical trial results from Epidiolex. When administered to pediatric patients aged 2 years or older with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome

or Dravet syndrome, it reduced the frequency of seizures by 36-41% when compared to placebo. CBD has not been adequately studied (e.g., randomized clinical trials) for treatment of other conditions for which it has claimed to have a positive therapeutic effect.

Q: Can a child on CBD be denied access to it in schools.

A: This has been a popular topic of

debate in many states, and several legal proceedings have occurred over the right of children to have their CBD (or medical cannabis) administered by a nurse at school. Some states have passed legislation allowing CBD to be administered to children in school, however, I would encourage any parent considering this option to speak to the school’s administrators and review your state’s current laws and regulations. In some cases, it may be best to obtain legal advice if necessary.

Q: What should parents know?

A: Do your research before trying an

alternative treatment regimen. The cannabis field still lacks regulation (although it is improving), so it is important to vet the sources from which you obtain information and advice.

Should you decide that administration of CBD would be a good fit for you or your child, consider purchasing your products from a licensed dispensary

that carries reputable brands/products.

Q: What are the differences between available pharmaceuticals on the market and CBD? How should parents decide which approach to take?

A: There are only a few approved pharmaceuticals on the market that contain CBD and THC.

Q: Are there any common myths or misconceptions you would like to dispel?

A: CBD has not been shown to be

a drug of abuse and is tolerated at various doses with minimal side effects.

However, there is still much research to be done in order to fully understand the therapeutic potential (along with dosing regimens) of CBD.

Q: What would you say to those who view CBD and cannabis as illicit and dangerous drugs?

A: According to current research, it is not. I would encourage those who make this claim to consider reading the WHO’s report in 2017 on CBD. However, the cannabis industry does need more regulation and oversight to ensure quality products are being produced for patients.

Read this full article online at ChesapeakeFamily.com/CBDinYouth

M ARCH 2022

|

chesapeakefamily.com

13

camp as usual?

2022

These Unique Summer Leadership Experiences are Helping Kids Learn to Lead

I

By Laura Adams Boycourt

f your teen is looking for a summer camp experience that’s focused on building leadership skills, confidence, and character, look no further than some of the fantastic opportunities offered in the greater Maryland area.

Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Student Leadership Summer Expeditions

High school students (including rising ninth graders) who want to save the Bay and make a difference in their communities can gain first hand experience in advocacy, civic engagement, and watershed health campaigns on one of CBF’s Student Leadership Summer Expeditions.

Week-long expeditions are held throughout the Chesapeake (in Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania) and give students the opportunity to learn from regional experts and scientists and network with their peers.

Rick Mittler, a CBF Student

14

chesapeakefamily.com M ARCH 2022

Leadership Coordinator, says expeditions allow students to immerse themselves in everything pertaining to saving the Bay and provide a solid foundation for a future in environmental advocacy.

“Student leaders travel to unique places, have real-world experiences with local community leaders, scientists, and professionals, and get their hands dirty and wet as they investigate the world around them,” he explains. “Each of these one-of-a-kind expeditions equips students to become the next generation of environmental leaders, whether they are now just beginning their journey or are seasoned veterans.

Student leaders acquire new skills and a deeper knowledge and appreciation for saving the Bay.” Maia Ferreyra, who attended a Leadership Expedition in 2021, says she was able to learn from both educators and her peers to affect positive change.

“The conversations that Student Leaders have about the Bay help us better understand why saving

the Bay is important and allow us to take the knowledge we learn in these experiences and spread it to our own communities,” she says.

To learn more about this summer’s planned expeditions, visit cbf.org/ join-us/education-program/studentleadership/summer-expeditions.

Montgomery County Summer Leadership Challenge

Offered by Montgomery County Recreation Youth Development, the challenge is a two-week program for kids ages 13 through 16. The SLC features workshops in a number of areas including leadership, job readiness, and teambuilding. SLC sessions then conclude with a Capstone project to benefit the local community.

“The goal (of the Summer Leadership Challenge) is to empower participants to inspire positive changes within themselves and within their community,” explains Marhonda Williams, Manager of Montgomery County Recreation Youth

Development. “Teenagers establish lasting friendships, develop a sense of responsibility, learn to work effectively in groups, build accountability, and gain the confidence to solve problems independently.”

For more information about the Summer Leadership Challenge, visit mocorec.com

USNA Summer Seminar

For juniors hoping to make the United States Naval Academy their college choice, Summer Seminar offers the opportunity for prospective students to get a first hand look at the USNA experience.

Academy faculty and midshipmen lead Summer Seminar candidates in a week of physical, academic, and moral training. From learning the ins and outs of daily life at USNA, participating in mock Sea Trials, and engaging in a variety of academic workshops, high schoolers immerse themselves in what it takes to be a midshipman and

CFL

a leader at the storied school on the Severn.

To learn more about USNA’s Summer Seminar, head to usna.edu/Admissions/ Programs/NASS.

Maryland Leadership Workshops

For the campers (known as delegates, in this case) who chose to enroll in Maryland Leadership Workshops, it’s a sure bet that they’ll leave the experience with two things: leadership prowess and friends for life. Just ask Rick Gross, former MLW camper and counselor and now the camp’s Program Specialist.

“The skills that we developed from MLW are skills that we use for a lifetime,” Gross says, noting that the friendships forged are equally long lasting.

Anita Anderson, Director of Development and Engagement for Leadership Maryland, says the camp operates on the premise that all delegates have the capacity to become effective leaders.

“We go in with the philosophy that everyone has the potential to be a leader, and it’s our job to draw that out and give them the environment where they can explore that.”

From exploring ethics and diversity to honing leadership styles and engaging in social activities, MLW helps delegates work through the processes, successes, and challenges of leadership.

For Gross, the workshops also give delegates who might not normally have the chance to lead in their everyday lives the opportunity to do just that and apply what they’ve learned in real-world settings.

“Our delegates are making leadership decisions. Good ones, bad ones. We’re helping them manage those things so by the time that they get back to school, not only are they more confident, but they’re more experienced.”

Visit mlw.org/summer-programs for more information.

3RD FLOOR VIEWS

PODCAST WITH JANET

JEFFERSON

NEW TOPICS EACH WEEK STREAMING EVERY FRIDAY

2:00PM

FACEBOOK.COM/CHESAPEAKEFAMILYMAGAZINE

M ARCH 2022

|

chesapeakefamily.com

15

M

aryland, with an impressive 455 programs, hosts various camps for neighborhood children in areas across the state—providing not only a fun summer for kids but employment opportunities for young adults as well.

“Hiring a college-age camp counselor is appealing because most have had the opportunity now to live on their own and face the challenges that life brings,” says Grant Larson, the summer director at Camp Wabanna. “Collegeage counselors have the benefit of having all of their high school years behind them. Having made mistakes or had successes that they have now been able to reflect on, and see areas where they grew…is a helpful perspective when counseling junior high and high school-age campers.”

Becoming Role Models

And as camp leaders like Larson

16

chesapeakefamily.com M ARCH 2022

know, the pressures of camp can make diamonds. According to fellow Camp Director Liz Heilbronner of Camp Horizons, LC, a college-age counselor fulfilling the role of exemplar helps mature campers during their summer.

“The ideal camp counselor is someone who is passionate about being outside, working with kids, and impacting lives,” she says. “We have found that young adults fit this mold perfectly, as they are more mature than the campers they oversee, have a desire to teach youth what they know, and love to be seen as a role model.”

Krista DeLone, Retreats and Teen Leadership Assistant Director for YMCA Camp Tockwogh, agrees. “Having a role model for our campers that’s different from their parents is really awesome for kids. When it comes from a collegeage kid or someone closer to their age, it’s way more appealing and can make such a bigger difference in a kid’s life.”

The counselors themselves can also

see the positive impact they’re having on their campers. “At school, I am solely responsible for my own success and my own life, whereas at camp I feel aware of how much of an impact I can have on impressionable young girls,” says Isabelle Dyson, a fifth-year counselor at Camp Conowingo. “I feel infinitely more responsible for what I may be teaching them, rather than in school [where] I am more responsible for my own education.”

DeLone’s coworker Brenn McCans, Waterfront Assistant Director, sees these counselors as a lively positive force that makes camp such an exhilarating experience. “Collegeage kids are really passionate and they’re creative and they’re not jaded yet. They have this ‘I can change the world’ attitude and that type of passion and excitement for things…is kind of what makes camp so magical for our campers,” says McCans.

International Viewpoints

While its programs alone are intended to blossom the campers, YMCA Camp Tockwogh also provides the participants, and the counselors, with the opportunity to see a worldview far different from their own “We have a ton of counselors internationally. And to be able to interact with these people and talk to them about how they live their lives and their experiences and their opinions…[is] very eye-opening."

“Studies from the American Camp Association have shown that being a camper or counselor has great impacts on people. Not only do they gain independence by being away from home or college, but they learn teamwork skills by sharing a cabin with others, learn problem-solving skills by working in a close-knit environment, and experience a life-changing summer,” says Heilbronner.

DeLone concurs, highlighting the development college-age counselors experience while at camp. ”The growth that they have while they’re here and

the confidence that they gain and feeling like they can go and make an impact in other places as a result of how they were here…That’s really hard for a college kid to find anywhere else,” says DeLone.

Being Yourself

But the benefits of camp aren’t secluded to all the growth opportunities; it’s also a place where counselors and campers alike can just be themselves. “There’s just things that aren’t necessarily so cool outside of camp that kids have the opportunity to express themselves [with] here,” according to DeLone. “I think that our staff especially really embraces individuality, and then they pass that onto our campers. They make it cool to be weird, especially in a society that tries to fit everyone in like one sort of stereotype. Just allowing our counselors and our campers [to have] the space to be creative, be themselves is so important.”

Luckily, witnessing and embodying

this self-growth doesn’t have to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In fact, these camps are eager to see their college-age counselors return for another season. “Each year we average about a 45-55% return rate. Counselors usually have 3-year rotations so some years we might have less returners,” detailed Heilbronner. “We hope that our counselors will go back into their worlds feeling energized and excited about the future. We always say that we don’t want to try and change the world, just our corner of it. The great thing is that when our counselors leave our corner, they are going out into the world with that desire to make a difference.”

And as they expand their worldview, counselors like Dyson can find a home away from home. “In a time that had a lot of transitions, it was awesome to be able to have a place that was safe and comfortable to return to every summer,” she says. “Even when I did not know what I wanted to do with my life next, I knew I always had a place at Conowingo.”

A virtual summit with 20 leading experts providing the hope and help parents need now

April 1-8 • Watch on your own schedule Register for FREE today!

ChesapeakeFamily.com/ParentingSummit

M ARCH 2022

|

chesapeakefamily.com

17

CAMP DIRECTORY ACADEMIC Club SciKidz at St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Severna Park, 410-647-7005 stmartinsmd.org/programs/summercamp

Idea Lab Kids Columbia, 443542-2242 idealabkids.com/location/howardcounty

Pongos Learning Lab Crofton, 301-789-1815 pongoslearninglab.com PreK-8th grade We are a community center for all things science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM). Located in Crofton, Maryland, we offer clubs, camps, classes, birthday parties, and enrichment programs in Robotics, Coding, YouTube, Minecraft, and more. See our ad on page 15

Smart Fit Kids Academy Severna Park, 443-597-7173 smartfitkidsacademy.com

Summer at Summit Summer at Summit Edgewater, 410-798-0005 thesummitschool.org 1st grade-8th grade Camp Summit serves bright children entering grades 1-8 who struggle with reading, writing, or math. Campers avoid learning loss while having fun, building selfconfidence, and making new friends. Morning academics are one hour each of: math, reading, and writing; the afternoons are filled with recreation activities.

See our ad on page 31

UMBC Summer Day Camp Catonsville 410-455-2638 summerdaycamp.umbc.edu

I

t’s time to start looking for that perfect summer camp! From arts and crafts to academics, dance and drama to sports and fitness, we’ve listed summer programs that focus on just about any specialized interest your child might have. Plus we’ve got plenty of camps with various themes or that provide general interest programs. Those with descriptions are advertisers. Find more camps at ChesapeakeFamily.com/campdirectory.

ARTS, CRAFTS & PHOTOGRAPHY

ArtFarm Annapolis Annapolis, 410-570-1581 artfarmannapolis.com

Artworks Studio Annapolis, 410-271-3343 artworksstudio.info

Maryland Hall Annapolis, 410-263-5544 marylandhall.org

DANCE Ballet Chesapeake Abingdon, 410-877-0777 balletchesapeake.org The August Workshop is designed for the serious professional or preprofessional dance student at an intermediate to advanced level of training. The program is designed to help students continue technical and artistic progress over the summer so that they are ready to

begin the school year dancing at their best. See our ad on page 4

Ballet Theatre of Maryland Annapolis, 410-263-8289 balletmaryland.org

Davy Dance Academy Annapolis, 240-476-6145 davydanceacademy.com

Design in Motion Dance Camp Gambrills, 410-923-9925 designinmotion.com

ENVIRONMENTAL/ OUTDOOR ADVENTURE Adventure Camps at Terrapin Adventures Savage, 301-725-1313 terrapinadventures.com/ adventure-camps

Visit us online for even more details on each camp at ChesapeakeFamily.com/findcamps

18

chesapeakefamily.com M ARCH 2022

directory | camp Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park Summer Camp Annapolis, 410-295-0104 x 31 amaritime.org/education/camps

Cylburn Arboretum Friends Summer Nature Camp Baltimore, 410-367-2217 cylburn.org/programs-events/ nature-camp

Eco Adventures Millersville, 410-987-1300 ecoadventures.org 5 years -12th grade Eco Adventures is an Education, Enrichment, and Conservation organization that offers handson ecological education to people of all ages. Each camp is themed and is designed to get kids excited about our natural world with nature hikes, outdoor classrooms, animal interactions, crafts, games, and field trips. Take a walk on the wild side at Eco

Adventures “Experience the Extraordinary!”

See our ad on page 23

Echo Hill Outdoor School Summer Explore Worton, 410-348-5880 ehos.org, 4 years – 12th grade Experience summer on the Chester River! 3-Day Camping Trips (ages 8-11), and 5-Day Canoe, Skipjack and Buyboat Trips (ages 10 and up). Also: Land-based Nature Day Camps on our campus for Little Explorers (ages 4-6) and Middle Explorers (ages 7-10).

See our ad on page 19

River’s Edge Forest Play West River, 410-703-6157 riversedgeforestplay.com

GYMNASTICS Docksiders Gymnastics Millersville, 410-987-8780 docksidersgymnastics.com

Thrive Gymnastics Annapolis, 410-995-8130 Severna Park, 410-709-8130 thrivegym.com

MULTIPLE THEMES/ GENERAL CAMP PROGRAMS Adventures in Camp Columbia, 240-997-1700 AdventuresinCamp.com

Annapolis Area Christian School Summer Programs Severn, 443-257-3923 aacsonline.org/summer 3.5 years - 12th grade AACS summer programs are faithbased camps in a safe environment that foster fun and learning and allow kids to make life-long memories and friendships.

Options include full and half day in traditional day camp, sports, academic, creative arts, and STEM. Transportation and

before/aftercare available.

See our ad on page 24

Annapolis Recreation and Parks Summer Camps Annapolis, 410-263-7958 annapolis.gov/354/CampInformation Annapolis Recreation and Parks offers a variety of day camps for ages 4-15. Activities include traditional day camps with field trips and themed sessions while special interest camps include sports, STEAM, stand up paddleboarding, LEGO®, nature and baton twirling. ALL campers will enjoy swimming at the Kenneth R. Dunn Municipal Pool at Truxtun Park.

Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks Annapolis, 410-222-7313 aacounty.org/recparks Ages 3-12th grade Anne Arundel Recreation and Parks

Experience the Summer of a lifetime Authentic Outdoor Adventures Since 1979.

3,4,5 DAY CHESTER RIVER TRIPS

mainevent.com COLUMBIA (410) 995-9009

SKIPJACK

BUYBOAT

ehos.org

CANOE

410.348.5880

10300 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 1615 • Columbia, MD 21044

Visit us online for even more details on each camp at ChesapeakeFamily.com/findcamps M ARCH 2022

|

chesapeakefamily.com

19

2021

20

chesapeakefamily.com M ARCH 2022

directory | camp is THE destination for camps and programs for all ages including: Summer Day Camps, Summer Fun Centers, Art Camps, Science and Engineering Camps, Theatre Performance and Dance Camps, Sports Camps, Summer Aquatics Camps, Nature Exploration Camps, Teens on the Go, and Adaptive Day Camps for all abilities.

See our ad on page 29

Bayside Summer Adventure Camp Annapolis, 410-266-6132 baysidesummercamp.com 4 years – 8th grade Unique private summer camp program operated at Sandy Point State Park where kids choose how they spend their time at camp.

Sports, Art, Nature, Science, Crabbing/Fishing, Paddle Boarding/Canoeing and swimming are just a few of the activities to choose from. 10 one week options with extended hours and

transportation available from 7 locations.

Bright Beginning Children’s Learning Center Crownsville (license# 130684) 410-923-3192 Glen Burnie (license#160256) 410-768-4526 bright-beginning.com, 2–5 years Each themed week offers indoor and outdoor activities. Utilizing the large playground, community and special visitors, these activities help young children discover science and explore nature and introduce preschoolers to new activities and skills. We offer full and part time care. See our ad on page 30

4 years-16 years Camp Wabanna is a day and overnight camp for ages 4-16 located on a 23 acre peninsula at the convergence of the Chesapeake Bay and Rhode River. We offer adventure based programming like sailing, kayaking, crabbing and fishing, banana boating and tubing, rock climbing, zip-lining, giant swing, and team building.

All geared to grow the campers in basic life skills in a faith filled environment.See our ad on page 20

Chesapeake Montessori School Summer Camps Annapolis, 410-757-4740 chesapeake-montessori.com

Bryn Mawr School Summer Camps

Edinboro Early School Summer Program

Baltimore, 410-323-8800 brynmawrschool.org/summer

Severna Park, 410-544-2476 edinboroearlyschool.org 2 years-2nd grade Running for nine weeks, we feature a single, multifaceted topic and culminate with a lunch program

Camp Wabanna Edgewater, 410-798-0455 campwabanna.org

ready for the

best summer

ever?

for children ages 2 to 2nd grade.

Weekly "water days" and two weeks of optional swim lessons.

See our ad on page 30

Grannie Annie’s Summer Program Pasadena, 410-255-0478 granniecare.com Cozy Care, Quality Education. We have been providing child care for Pasadena’s families for over 17 years. MSDE approved curriculum for 3s and Pre-K. Before and After care, Pre-K through 5th, servicing Riviera Beach, Sunset and Solley.

Also offers full-day, all-summer camp. License #122871.

See our ad on page 30

IDEAS Summer Camp Annapolis, 844-516-2267 ideassummercamps.com

Summer at Friends Baltimore, 410-649-3218 fscamp.org

Where kids come in the summer to have fun, learn new skills, make new friends, and to simply be a kid!

Tockwogh summer camp Summer 2022

REgister now for a summer of discovery, friendship & outdoor Fun! Camp Horizons is a sleep-away camp for kids, ages 6-16 Less than 3 hours away in Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley

540.896.7600 • www.cAmphorizonsva.com

Traditional Co-ed Overnight Camp From 3 days to 4 weeks Ages 6 - Grade 12 Located on the beautiful Chesapeake Bay in Worton, Maryland ymcacamptockwogh.org (410) 348-6000

Visit us online for even more details on each camp at ChesapeakeFamily.com/findcamps M ARCH 2022

|

chesapeakefamily.com

21

E

R

N

O

W

!

directory | camp

G E R

CAMP ACCOMPLISH!

IS

T

Melwood’s

An inclusive summer camp for kids with and without disabilities in Southern Maryland.

Activities include:

SHINE SHINE

Swimming Sports Crafts Horseback riding Ropes courses Performing arts Paddle boats and canoeing

Music Summer Camps: Ages 3-11 Super Fun Summer Music Classes: Ages 014 Before and After Care Available

Transportation is offered from multiple jurisdictions for no additional fee.

Programs run from June 19, 2022 - August 26, 2022.

LEARN MORE AT WWW.MELWOOD.ORG/CAMP naptownsings.com

YMCA CAMP CONRAD WEISER Discover!

The Way the World Should Be Resident Camp for Boys and Girls 6-17.

Traditional Camps, Riding Camps, Theme Camps, Adventure Camps, Teen Leadership Programs, & International Travel

C r e ate !

SMYMCA.ORG or 610.670.CAMP

Play!

Join us for an unforgettable summer of fun! summer.standrewsum.org Visit us online for even more details on each camp at ChesapeakeFamily.com/findcamps

22

chesapeakefamily.com M ARCH 2022

directory | camp Summer at KEY Annapolis, 443-321-2575 keyschool.org/community/ summer-at-key 3.5 years – 12th grade With a variety of fun and enriching in-person camp programs planned, Summer at KEY has something for everyone in 2022. From themed traditional camps for the youngest campers to specialty STEM, cooking, art, and athletic camps, we are committed to creating a memorable summer experience for all of our campers.

See our ad on page 4

Summer at Saint Andrew's Edgewater, 410-216-2660 summer.standrewsum.org 3 years – 8th grade Continue the joy of learning, playing and discovering this summer at Saint Andrew's. Our summer programs offer campers of all ages opportunities to explore

and grow in a fun and exciting environment. From time traveling on prehistoric adventures to venturing to space and beyond, your camper is in for an unforgettable summer of fun!

See our ad on page 22

Summer at Severn School Arnold, Severna Park 410-647-7700 severnschool.com/programs/ summer-programs 3.5 years – 12th grade Summer at Severn provides a safe and stimulating environment for students as young as age 3.5 through those entering 12th grade. Our weeklong sessions are made up of fun and educational activities centered on different weekly themes.

See our ad on page 27

St. Margaret’s Day School Summer Camp

Annapolis, 410-757-2333 stmargaretsdayschool.org 2 years–10 years Before & after care Join us from June to August at our fun-filled day camp! Every two weeks we will have a new exciting camp theme with crafts, projects, games, science explorations, and more. Register here: stmargaretsdayschool.org See our ad on page 31

The Y in Central Maryland

West River Center

Naptown Sings and Plays!

Summer Music Camps

West River, 410-867-0991 westrivercenter.org

Whoof Kids Camp Edgewater, 667-777-BARK Whoofkidscamp.com

Woods Child Development Center Severna Park, 410-647-9168 woodscdc.org

LET'S ROCK AND ROLL

Arnold, Pasadena, Camp Whippoorwill ymarylandcamp.org

MUSIC Music Together Chesapeake Annapolis, Severna Park 301-262-9538 musictogetherchesapeake.com

Annapolis, 410-279-3208 naptownsings.com/summer-campsand-classes 3 years – 11 years Our Summer Music Camps are jam-packed with music, more music, and fun! Students of all levels and abilities will have the opportunity to learn to sing in our pop glee clubs, drum their hearts out in world drumming class, play

Music Lessons & Rock Band Live Performances Singer Song Writer Classes Recording Classes Summer Camps & Workshops

8338 Veteran's Hwy 204B Millersville, MD 21108 priddymusicacademy.com Visit us online for even more details on each camp at ChesapeakeFamily.com/findcamps M ARCH 2022

|

chesapeakefamily.com

23

directory | camp various instruments, and participate in fun musical activities. In addition to group instruction in voice and instruments, students will make friends, play games, and have an all-around musical good time.

See our ad on page 22

Priddy Music Academy Summer Band Camps

LY EAR D BIR UNT O S I D C ER BY IST REGPRIL 30 A

SPORTS, ACADEMICS, THE ARTS, & MORE! BEFORE AND AFTER CARE DAILY LUNCH INCLUDED ENROLLING CAMPERS 3.5 TO 18

AACSONLINE.ORG/SUMMER SUMMER@AACSONLINE.ORG

410.519.5300 X3150

GET READY FOR

SUMMER CAMP

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, Field Hockey, Pickleball and More!

BENFIELDSC.COM 410.987.5100 EXIT 10 OFF I-97 IN MILLERSVILLE

Millersville, 443-988-3970 priddymusicacademy.com 8 years – 17 years Sign up for our amazing rock band camp. Under the direction of our experienced and fun camp counselors, campers form bands, including vocalists, guitarists, bassists, keyboardists, and drummers according to their skill level and age. Campers choose songs they want to work on, learn them, rehearse them together, record them and perform them.

See our ad on page 23

OVERNIGHT Camp Horizons Harrisonburg, Va., 540-896-7600 camphorizonsva.com 6 years – 16 years Camp Horizons is dedicated to encouraging campers to be creative and independent individuals, to develop strong teamwork skills, and, most importantly, to have fun. Our overnight camp provides campers with a safe, supportive community while trying new things, embarking on new adventures, and developing camp friendships that will last a lifetime. See our ad on page 21

Camp Letts YMCA Edgewater, 410-919-1400 campletts.org

Camp Tall Timbers High View, Wv., 301-874-0111 camptalltimbers.com

Camp Wabanna Edgewater, 410-798-0455 campwabanna.org 4 years-16 years We offer adventure based programming like sailing, kayaking, crabbing and fishing, banana

boating and tubing, rock climbing, zip-lining, giant swing, and team building. All geared to grow the campers in basic life skills in a faith filled environment. See our ad on page 20

Girl Scout Camp Conowingo Conowingo, 410-358-9711 gscm.org/en/camp/SummerCamp. html

Independent Lake Camp Thompson, Pa., 800-399-2267 independentlake.com

Mercersburg Academy Summer Programs Mercersburg, Pa. 717-328-6386 mercersburgsummer.com

Mountain Stewards Circleville, 304-606-3233 experience-learning.org/camps

South Mountain YMCA at Camp Conrad Weiser Reinholds, Pa., 610-670-2267 smymca.org/summer-camps/campconrad-weiser-overnight-camp, 5 years-8th grade We believe that today’s campers are tomorrow’s leaders. Our progressive, camper-centered programs are designed to challenge every child in a safe, supportive, and fun environment. Our campers make friends, learn new skills, build self-confidence, and gain a sense of independence in our camp community. See our ad on page 22

YMCA Camp Tockwogh Worton, 410-348-6000 ymcacamptockwogh.org 6 years – 12th grade Traditional co-ed residential summer camp that offers equestrian programs, a high ropes challenge course and climbing wall, archery, axe throwing, nature programs, sailing, waterskiing and paddle sports. From a 3-day mini camp to 4-week Leadership Programs, your camper is sure to find the perfect summer experience here!

See our ad on page 21

Visit us online for even more details on each camp at ChesapeakeFamily.com/findcamps

24

chesapeakefamily.com M ARCH 2022

directory | camp SAILING/WATER SPORTS Capital SUP “Grom Camp” Annapolis, 410-919-9402 Capitalsup.com 7 years - 14 years 4 Days of FUN - On and Off the water. “Grom Camp” will be filled with learning sessions, water safety, how to SUP from the most knowledgeable instructors in Maryland, SUP Yoga, SUP Fitness, SUP Games, fishing & crabbing, and learning to appreciate and love the outdoors.

See our ad on page 29

KidShip Sailing School Annapolis, 410-267-7205 kidshipsailing.com

MRYC Junior Sail St Michaels, 410-829-3157 milesriveryc.org

SPECIAL NEEDS Camp Accomplish Nanjemoy, 301-870-3226 melwood.org/camp 5 years-18 years Camp Accomplish offers options for day and overnight camps. Campers enjoy a variety of different activities including swimming, wall climbing, ropes course, archery, creative arts, canoeing, horseback riding, campfires, talent shows and much more. See our ad on page 22

Camp Attaway Columbia, 202-838-6929 campattaway.org

Camp Inclusion Glenelg, 443-398-8537 campinclusion.org

Easterseals Camp Fairlee Chestertown, 410-778-0566 CampFairlee.com

SPORTS & GENERAL FITNESS All-Sport Kids Academy Gambrills, 443-343-0127 athleticperformanceinc.com/aska/ summer-camps.html

3.5 years-8th grade All-Sport Kids Academy offers fullday, full-week summer camps all summer long. Our camp emphasizes learning, fun, and sportsmanship. Our facility allows your child time both indoors and out, promising a fun, active, safe experience that only API can offer.

See our ad on page 31

FREE EVENT

Benfield Sports Summer Camp Millersville, 410-987-5100 Benfieldsc.com, 5 years -8th grade Campers will play a variety of sports and active games throughout the day. See our ad on page 24

A FUN FILLED DAY FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Weber’s Bulldog Basketball Camp Annapolis, 410-519-5300 x3150 webersbulldogbasketball.com

THEATER & PERFORMANCE ARTS Building Better People Productions Annapolis, 443-906-0099 bbpproductions.com

Camp Baltimore Center Stage Baltimore, 410-332-0033 centerstage.org/learning/camp-bcs

Filmsters Academy

MARCH 12TH, 2022 11am-3pm PIP MOYER REC CENTER Sponsored by Labbe Family Orthodontics Join us for a day of fun and hands-on exploration. More than 20 different activities including: Tie Dye Shirts

Parks and Recreation Athletic Performance Inc

Summer Camp Programs

Annapolis, 410-263-3023 ​filmstersacademy.com 11 years-18 years Filmsters Academy includes learning the creative process of filmmaking with a "handson" approach. This experiential mentoring, led by our young instructors who are in film schools or in the industry, makes for an especially memorable time. Special industry guest instructors provide a bit of movie magic for our young filmmakers.

See our ad on page xx

Paper Airplane Flying Contest

Musical Theatre Summer Camp

The current COVID safety precautions for the City of Annapolis will

Meet the Critters

Bayside Summer Adventure

Knot Tying

Benfield Sports Center

Here’s who will be there::

Camp Horizons

Annapolis Area Christian School Summer Academy Annapolis Pediatrics

Discoveries: The Library at the Mall Echo Hill Outdoor School

Main Event Entertainment Melwood Recreation Center & Camp Accomplish Naptown Sings Pongos Learning Lab & Coder Kids Club Priddy Music Academy

Annapolis Recreation & Parks

EcoAdventures Girl Scouts of Central Maryland

Severn School Whoof On the Wharf

Anne Arundel County

Indian Creek School

YMCA Camp Tockwogh

All exhibits will be spaced far apart to allow for social distancing.

Annapolis, 443-422-2605 musicalstages.org

be followed.

Save Time and Pre-register at ChesapeakeFamily.com/KidsFest

Visit us online for even more details on each camp at ChesapeakeFamily.com/findcamps M ARCH 2022

|

chesapeakefamily.com

25

family fun

Maryland’s Eclectic Museums Visit the Offbeat and Uncommon

by Nancy Parode

E

arly spring days can be both beautiful and frustrating. The days are longer, the green spears of daffodil leaves are poking through the soil and there is a hint of warmth in the air. Those early spring days can be frustrating, too, because everyone is tired of staying indoors but it’s too cold to spend much time outside. Or, even worse, it’s raining.

Days like these are perfect for museum adventures, and Maryland is home to an amazing variety of museums.

For your next museum jaunt, however, why not choose a destination that focuses on an offbeat subject or offers an uncommon approach to a familiar topic?

MUSEUMS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY Maryland abounds with family-friendly museums. The state’s proximity to the nation’s capital makes it an ideal location for showcasing all sorts of quirky collections.

The American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore is a prime example. This museum presents art created by self-

26

chesapeakefamily.com M ARCH 2022

taught artists—no art school graduates allowed. The result is a diverse array of sculptures, paintings, collages and much more. Kids love waving down at siblings from the enormous bird nest balcony, so make sure your smartphone is photo-ready and prepare to plunge into the world of visionary art.

Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center in Solomons is another great place to introduce children to art. You’ll want to visit Annmarie on a pleasant day to take full advantage of the boardwalk and pathways in the sculpture garden.

Children can look for “tree pop” art, learn about Maryland native plants via a series of tile-inlaid benches and go on a sculpture scavenger hunt. Indoors, a series of gallery exhibitions highlights the work of artists from all over the country. If you visit between April and Labor Day, you’ll see some extra whimsy as you look for fairy and gnome homes in the garden. (Tip: The Women’s Walk features sculptures of women, some nude, so you’ll want to prepare for a thoughtful discussion if you take children down this side path.)

The Havre de Grace Decoy Museum focuses on a completely different type of art—decoys. This time-honored craft developed as hunters realized that ducks and geese were more likely to gather with other waterfowl. The hunters created wooden ducks and geese to entice the live birds to land nearby. The Decoy Museum has an incredible collection of decoys from the Chesapeake Bay region as well as exhibits on decoy making, gunning boats and shotguns. Don’t miss the incredible view of the Susquehanna Flats from the museum’s second floor deck.

While the National Electronics Museum in Linthicum doesn’t have a waterfront view, it does boast an extensive collection of artifacts, objects, and documents related to the history and development of electronic systems.

The museum’s exhibits trace the development of telegraphy, radio, radar, sonar and satellite technology. You’ll find hands-on opportunities in nearly every gallery. You can order a (pretend) pizza by telegraph, play a theremin and see what you look like in infrared. The helpful front desk staff will give you a

family fun brief introduction to the museum and demonstrate some of the exhibits.

(Tip: Call ahead to see if a ham radio club member will be at the museum during your visit. The museum hosts the Amateur Radio Club of the National Electronics Museum, call sign K3NEM, and club members occasionally operate the museum’s amateur radio station.)

The National Capital Radio and Television Museum, located in Bowie, traces the development of two types of communications technology: radio and television. This small but mighty museum is housed in an old farmhouse whose rooms are filled with every sort of antique radio and television imaginable.

You’ll learn about the history of radio and television, listen to old radios, find out how vacuum tubes work, and see the “guts” of old radios. This free museum is best experienced with one of the enthusiastic, knowledgeable docents as your guide; the docents know how to open all the secret compartments and operate the working radios. Expect to spend about 1.5 hours on the tour.

MUSEUMS FOR THE OLDER SET Some museums, while excellent, contain exhibits that are better suited to older visitors or have age restrictions for entry. A few of Maryland’s eclectic museums fall into this category.

Glenstone, for example, restricts entry to visitors aged 12 and up, and guests who are 12 to 17 years old must be accompanied by an adult at all times. For modern and contemporary art lovers who are old enough to visit, Glenstone’s exhibits are not to be missed. Set in a 300-acre landscape near Potomac, Glenstone showcases post-World War II art in a series of pavilions, a separate gallery building and outdoors. A woodland trail invites visitors to explore the landscape.

Tickets to Glenstone are free, but they are in high demand, so you’ll need to plan well in advance.

Medical museums can be both engrossing and educational, even if

some of the exhibits make you cringe just a little.

Frederick’s National Museum of Civil War Medicine’s exhibits bust many common myths about medical care during the Civil War, such as the belief that amputations were often done without anesthesia, and teaches visitors about the Civil War doctors, nurses and chaplains who cared for the soldiers in both armies. It’s an engaging and informative museum that will change your views on Civil War medicine, especially if you don’t mind reading a lot of signage.

The Baltimore Tattoo Museum is

housed in a Fells Point tattoo parlor, but it’s definitely a museum. This small museum showcases traditional tattoo art, and every available surface is covered with tattoo imagery, large and small—even the ceiling! You’ll also find exhibits about the history of tattoo art, tattoo machines and famous tattoo artists. If you’re interested in tattoo art or would like to learn more about it, don’t miss this funky-but-fascinating little museum.

TIPS FOR MUSEUM VISITORS • Be prepared to wear a mask, The William P. Didusch Center for depending on Covid restrictions in Urologic History in Linthicum Heights each museum’s location. also falls into the better-for-older kids • Some museums in Maryland require category. The museum’s focus on the guests age 12 and over to show proof history of urology makes it not only a of Covid vaccination. unique destination but also a museum • Wear comfortable shoes. Even if best suited for older teens and adults. the museum is small, you may be Your guide will show you medical standing for quite a while, especially if instruments galore and point out the you tour the museum with a guide. incredibly detailed medical illustrations • Plan ahead. Most museums are not created by the museum’s founder. The yet operating on a full schedule, so collection offers visitors a tangible they may be closed or have shorter timeline of advances in urology and the hours on the day you want to visit. medical profession. As of this writing, • To avoid crowds, visit on a the museum is open for pre-arranged weekday when Education atyou Severn reaches whatand youarrive know.

It’sthe about guided tours only; can request a far beyond museum opens. the impact you can make on the world. We learn tour viaenvisioning email.

DISCOVER WHAT MATTERS AT SEVERN SCHOOL DISCOVER WHAT MATTERS AT SEVERN SCHOOL

EducationWe at Severn far beyond what you know. It’s together. care forreaches one another.

And as a community, weabout reach envisioning the impact you can make on the world.

We learn for greater heights. Join us for our upcoming Open Houses! together. We care for one another. And as a community, we reach for greater heights. Join us for our upcoming Open Houses!

October 7, 2021 • 9-11 am Lower School (preschool - grade 5) October 7, 2021 • 9-11 am Lower School (preschool - grade 5) November 4, 2021 • 7-9 pm Middle and Upper School (grades 6-12) November 4, 2021 • 7-9 pm Middle and Upper School (grades 6-12)

DISCOVER WHAT MATTERS AT SEVERN SCHOOL DISCOVER WHAT MATTERS

www.severnschool.com • preschool - grade 12 Severna Park and Arnold, MD • MSDE #161229 www.severnschool.com • preschool - grade 12 Education at Severn reaches far beyond what you know. It’s about Severna Park and Arnold, MD • MSDE #161229

envisioning the impact you can make on the world. We learn together. We care for one another. And as a community, we reach for greater heights. Join us for our upcoming Open Houses!

M ARCH 2022

|

chesapeakefamily.com

October 7, 2021 • 9-11 am

27

calendar | january

go out

TONS OF FUN THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH

2 Wednesday

$2 COMMUNITY DAY- PRESENTED BY

PORTS AMERICA

Enjoy play, learning and family fun for just $2 per person during Port Discovery's $2 Community Day on March 2nd. Port Discovery Children's Museum, Baltimore. https://www. portdiscovery.org/hours-admission-discounts

4 Friday

FIRST FRIDAY CAMPFIRE

Enjoy nature tales and roasted marshmallows over a community campfire. Bring hot dogs, if you like. Start new friendships and make family memories! $4.00 - $6.00. 7-8:30 p.m. Watkins Nature Center, Upper Marlboro. pgparks.com.

5 Saturday

MARCH 5-6 NSO MUSIC FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES:"I DREAM OF THE MOON" AND "XAVIER’S NEW FRIENDS"

Discover the range of percussion instruments through two imaginative stories featuring assistant principal timpanist of the NSO, Scott Christian. $20.00. 11 a.m. Kennedy Center, Washington.

A HUNT FOR SKUNK CABBAGE

Find out how this cool, yet hot plant carves out its late winter bloom niche. Hike the trails of Bosely Conservancy to see if it has made an appearance. Participants meet at Bosely Conservancy. $10.00. 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Anita C. Leight Estuary Center, Abingdon.

Harfordcountymd.gov.

SHORELINE CLEAN UP

Have fun along the water and make a difference by cleaning up our shoreline. Cleanup supplies will be provided. Bring a reusable water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, gloves, and closetoed shoes. Free. 9-11 a.m. Fort Smallwood Park, Pasadena. aacounty.org.

ST. MICHAELS CHOCOLATEFEST 2022

Special events including a chocolate crawl through town, special menus at restaurants, pie eating contests and more! $10.00. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Downtown St. Michaels, Saint Michaels. stmichaelsmd.org.

KidsFest SATRUDAY, MARCH 12, 2022 AT 11AM

Enjoy play, learning and family fun for FREE! We are combining our STEAM Fair and Summer Camp Fair for the ultimate day of fun at the Maryland KidsFest!

Join us March 12th from 11am to 3pm at the Pip Moyer Recreation Center at 273 Hilltop Lane in Annapolis. The KidsFest is sponsored by Labbe Orthodontics. The day will have 20 different activities for kids to try out. All exhibits will be spaced far apart to allow for social distancing. The current COVID safety precautions for the City of Annnapolis will be followed. Save time at check-in and pre-register at ChsapeakeFamily.com/Kidsfest

SURVIVAL SKILLS 101

Instructor Craig Walker, a volunteer with over 30 years of military outdoor survival experience, will share tips, skills, and tools to help you survive the unexpected, whether preparing for a day $8.00. 2-3:30 p.m. Anita C.Leight Estuary Center, Abingdon. otterpointcreek.org.

Go to ChesapeakeFamily.com/Calendar for more events!

28

chesapeakefamily.com M ARCH 2022

calendar | january

6 Sunday OWL PROWL

Come take a walk in Kinder Farm Park to look for owls and other nocturnal animals in the park.

Free. 6-7:30 p.m. Kinder Farm Park, Millersville. aacounty.org.

ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE

Parade steps off at 1pm and lasts approximately 2.5 hours.The parade route is as follows: Line up at Amos Garrett Blvd. Free. 1 p.m. Downtown Annapolis, Annapolis. naptownevents.com.

8 Tuesday

5:30 p.m. Annapolis Library, Annapolis. aacpl.net.

Smith Performing Arts Center, College Park. theclarice.umd.edu.

10 Thursday

12 Saturday

BLACK GIRLS ROCK!

child’s summer camp options. Demonstrations and hands-on STEAM activities for kids.

Best for ages 5-14. Free. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Pip Moyer Recreation Center, Annapolis.

Chesapeakefamily.com.

MARCH 10-12 NSO POPS:

Following previous engagements at the Kennedy Center including sold-out concerts, discussions, workshops, secret shows, community events, and the annual BGR!FEST, BLACK GIRLS ROCK! 8 p.m. Kennedy Center, Washington. kennedy-center.org.

11 Friday

MARCH 11-13 AND 18-19 THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE STEAMPUNK STAGE

LOCAL VENDOR FAIR

Tuesday is a big day at Dawson's Market! Join us from 5-7 for kids Eat FREE, and Meet The Locals including FREE beer tasting, plus lots of other samples. Dawson's Market, Rockville. business.rockvillechamber.org.

9 Wednesday

Strange creatures, part mystical, part steampunk and totally entertaining $8.00 $10.00. 7-9 p.m. Chesapeake High School, Pasadena. chesapeakehighcougars.org.

MARCH 11-13 SPRING M.F.A. DANCE THESIS CONCERT

NATURE EXPLORERS CLUB

Our big world contains many small worlds. Get an up-close look at a piece of our planet by joining the Nature Explorers Club. Free. 4:30-

Lost Patterns by Rebecca Hill Lost Patterns is a hybrid conglomeration of folk dance, story and song that is seated in the present while remaining tethered to the past. The Clarice

ANNAPOLIS COMIC-CON. A showcase of fan-

friendly comics, toys, games, superheroes, pop culture, and more! 10 am - 4pm, $10, Byzantium Center, 2747 Riva Rd, Annapolis.

SHAMROCK 5K FUN RUN AND BEER TASTING

Armed Forces Brewing Company and Naval Support Activity Annapolis Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department have announced a new sponsorship deal that will see the military tribute brewing company $20.00 - $25.00. 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Annapolis Navy Exchange, Annapolis. navymwrannapolis.com.

WATKINS YOUTH BIRDING CLUB

Calling all young wildlife enthusiasts, ages

e or l p Ex

GROM S UP Summer CAMP

RECREATION AND PARKS

SUMMER CAMPS 2022

AGES 7-14 10 weeks available June-Aug Dates online

KIDS FEST is the central hub for all your

Your kids will be stoked learning how to SUP from the best Ambassadors of fun around

We make

4 DAYS OF FUN ON AND OFF THE WATER! Stand up Paddle Board Camp Learn to paddle

SUP games & fitness Adventures, nature walks, tiedying, and more!

410.919.9402 7314 Edgewood Rd Book Online capitalsup..com

life better!

AACOUNTY.ORG/RECPARKS

Go to ChesapeakeFamily.com/Calendar for more events!

M ARCH 2022

|

chesapeakefamily.com

29

calendar | january 10-17, who enjoy hiking and the outdoors to join the Watkins Youth Birding Club. Free. 8-10 a.m. Watkins Nature Center, Upper Marlboro. pgparks.com.

13 Sunday

BALTIMORE ST. PATRICK PARADE

Baltimore’s St. Patrick Parade is truly the jewel in Maryland’s emerald crown. Free. 2-4 p.m.

Washington Monument, 699 N. Charles Street, Baltimore. irishparade.net.

14 Monday

NATURE EXPLORERS CLUB

Our big world contains many small worlds.

Get an up-close look at a piece of our planet by joining us for Nature Explorers Club. Free.

4:30-5:30 p.m. Deale Community Library, Deale. aacpl.net.

16 Wednesday

Register Now

KIDS WRITERS LIVE! FUN & FACTS IN THE FOREST WITH LULU DELACRE

Limited Openings Available Summer Programs | Before & After Care Talented & Gifted Programs Childcare Nursery School Pre-K Kindergarten- Full Day

Serving ages 2 through 5 and Kindergarten

410-544-2476 380 Jumpers Hole Rd. Severna Park, MD Providing care for infants through school-age since 2003 Call to Schedule Your Visit!

Celebrate the Spring 2022 season of the Read to Reef Book Club with a virtual visit from children's book author Lulu Delacre! 6 p.m. National Aquarium, Baltimore. calendar. prattlibrary.org.

17 Thursday

MARCH 17-20 WEE-SALE POP-UP CHILDREN'S CONSIGNMENT SALE

Wee-Sale Children's Consignment Sale- HUGE seasonal children's consignment sale! Over 20,000 square feet of items: toys, clothes (sizes 0-16), baby gear, maternity clothes, books, and more. Free. 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Harundale Plaza, Glen Burnie. wee-sale.com.

17 Thursday

FAMILY STEM NIGHT

Learn all about the science of springtime at this special family STEM night! We'll be making clouds in a jar, examining sprouting seeds, and building a marshmallow catapult. Free.

5:30-6:30 p.m. Edgewater Community Library, Edgewater. aacpl.net.

SPRING STEAM: TAKE APART WORKSHOP! (SO)

Question, Discover and Explore! With a little bit of elbow-grease and a lot of ingenuity we'll be taking apart old technology to see how it works!

5:30-7 p.m. Prince Frederick. calvertlibrary. libnet.info.

19 Saturday

MARCH 19-20 PUPPET POWERED WEEKEND

Now Enrolling!

2 Carvel Court Pasadena • 410-255-0478

Port Discovery’s Puppet Powered Weekend is on March 19 and 20! Meet a chameleon

puppet. Watch Alex and Olmsted's Jim Henson Foundation Grant awarded “Milo the Magnificent” puppet show. $0.00 - $19.95.

Port Discovery Children's Museum, Baltimore.

Rd.eventroar.com.

19 Saturday

GLEN BURNIE HIGH SCHOOL SPRING CRAFT FAIR

Spring is just around the corner at the annual Spring Craft Fair sponsored by the GBHS Music Department. Free. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Glen Burnie High School, Glen Burnie. Gbhsmusic.org.

20 Sunday EQUINOX HIKE

Join Jug Bay Volunteer and Maryland Master Naturalist, Mike Quinlan, to welcome in the new spring season and enjoy a rare, after hours visit to the Sanctuary. $5.00. 5-7:30 p.m. Jug Bay Wetlands, Lothian. jugbay.org.

EXPLORING THE EQUINOX

Ring in the Spring on this leisurely stroll through the habitats of Sandy Point as we celebrate the changes the Earth’s elliptical orbit brings! $3.00.

2-4 p.m. Sandy Point State Park, Annapolis. dnr.maryland.gov.

FAMILIES OUTSIDE: SIGNS OF SPRING HIKE

Explore the habitats of the John Hayes Forest Preserve with na turalist led nature outings that will help you and your family enjoy the wonders surrounding the center. 2-3 p.m. Croydon Creek Nature Center, Rockville. rockvillemd.gov.

SHARKS IN THE BAY

Have you ever wondered if sharks live in the Chesapeake Bay? Discover the unique characteristics of sharks and the adaptations that allow some to live in brackish water. $10.00. 3-4 p.m. Anita C. Leight Estuary Center, Abingdon. harfordcountymd.gov.

25 Friday

FIRST TIME FISHING

Join PCAC staff to learn the basics of fishing. $5.00. 4-5:30 p.m. Pickering Creek Audubon Center, Easton. pickeringcreek.org.

26 Saturday

OTTERMANIA!!

Help us celebrate our favorite museum mammal - the North American river otter! Learn otterly terrific facts at learning stations throughout the museum and take home a craft kit. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Calvert Marine Museum, Solomons.

Go to ChesapeakeFamily.com/Calendar for more events!

30

chesapeakefamily.com M ARCH 2022

calendar | january choosecalvert.com.

St. Margaret’s Day School

PLANT AND GARDEN SUPPLY SWAP

In preparation for spring, bring your seeds, cuttings, plants, or garden supplies to swap for something else. It's a fun way to spruce up your gardening and meet neighbors at this free event. Free. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Rutter's Mill Park, Baltimore. eventbrite.com.

• MAEOE Green Certified School • STEM Program • Weekly Programs

The Master Gardeners of Anne Arundel County present their Annual Seed Swap. Come with seeds to share or come without seeds! Free. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Odenton Regional Library, Odenton. aacpl.net.

After low tide when the shoreline has emerged, discover the treasures normally hidden beneath the water. Let creativity be your guide and collect items to design a treasure. $10.00.

10:30-11:30 a.m. Anita C. Leight Estuary Center, Abingdon. harfordcountymd.gov.

Level 5

•

• Summer Camps

Visit our website to register for Summer Camp 2022!

1605 Pleasant Plains Rd. • Annapolis, MD 410.757.2333 • www.StMargaretsDaySchool.org

SEED SWAMP

SHORELINE TREASURES

• A Nut-Free School • MD EXCELS rated

• Financial Aid • Before & After Care

Our students are accepted without regard to sex, race, religion or national background.

WE MAKE SPORTS FUN! SIGN UP NOW FOR SUMMER CAMP!

ST. MARY'S MD CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

It's Cherry Blossom Season and something you can enjoy in St. Mary's MD. Join nature lovers and stroll the area of Cherry Blossom trees in Lexington Manor Passive Park. More details coming soon. 12-4 p.m. 21675 South Coral Dr, Lexington Park. visitstmarysmd.com.

31 Thursday

MARCH 31-APRIL 3 ANNAPOLIS FILM FESTIVAL

Showcasing more than 70 films annually with independent films, panels and special showcases that inspire, enlighten and entertain diverse audiences on a variety of topics, the festival ensures the $10.00 - $350.00.

4-10 p.m. Downtown Annapolis, Annapolis. annapolisfilmfestival.com.

allsportkidsacademy.com

ONLINE Check out our online Education Fair this month to find the perfect school for your child.

ChesapeakeFamily.com/ EdFair

Experience the Extraordinary...

Environmental Science, Nature, Animals and Adventure Camps with Eco Adventures!

www.ecoadventures.org | 410-987-1300 ecoadventuresmd@gmail.com

Go to ChesapeakeFamily.com/Calendar for more events!

M ARCH 2022

|

chesapeakefamily.com

31

Presorted Std. Presorted Std. U.S. Postage U.S. Postage PAID PAID Baltimore, MD Baltimore, MD Permit No. 4475 Permit No. 4475

121 Cathedral Street, Suite 3A 121 Cathedral Street, Suite 3A Annapolis, MD 21401 Annapolis, MD 21401 Find us: Find us: chesapeakefamily.com chesapeakefamily.com

Join to get more of what you want!

The Chesapeake Family Life Network

SIGN UP

LOOKING FOR FAMILY FUN?

Maryland

SIGN UP FOR THE CHESAPEAKE FAMILY LIFE ENEWSLETTER. AT LEAST 20 NEW ADVENTURE SUGGESTIONS FOR YOUR FAMILY EVERY WEEK. SIGN UP TODAY SO THAT YOU DON'T MISS OUT ON ANY OF THE FUN CHESAPEAKEFAMILY.COM/SUBSCRIBE

Email

A FUN FILLED DAY FOR S I G N M E FAMILY! UP THE WHOLE CHESAPEAKEFAMILY.COM/MARYLANDKIDSFEST

MARCH 12TH, 2022 11AM PIP MOYER REC CENTER 32

chesapeakefamily.com M ARCH 2022

CHESAPEAKEFAMILY.COM/MARYLANDKIDSFEST