Beltway Bambinos

(re) discover Washington DC through the eyes of your children

Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr Day in and around Washington, DC + Camps

Photo: Corporation for National & Community Service

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’”

What is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and why is it a “Day of Service?” explained from the Corporation for National and Community Service.
The Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday on January 20, 2020, marks the 25th anniversary of the day of service that celebrates the Civil Rights leader’s life and legacy. Observed each year on the third Monday in January as “a day on, not a day off,” MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. The Corporation for National and Community service has been charged to lead this effort for the last quarter century.

There are plenty of places open and welcoming assistance on Monday to serve those less fortunate and other places open to remember King. Here is our list of volunteer opportunities that aren’t necessarily MLK, Jr. related but welcome you most of the time. There are also specific events and opportunities you can share with your child to celebrate King.

There are various MLK, Jr. volunteer opportunities brought to us by Rock Creek Conservancy that can be found here.

Montgomery County’s Day of Service has a plethora of opportunities to participate in.

Arlington has their 3rd annual day of service allowing you to volunteer.

Monday, January 20, 2020

Visit the Martin Luther King Memorial today!

8:00am-9:00am: Wreath laying service at MLK Monument

10:00am: MLK Day of Service at Anacostia Park 
In honor of the 25th Anniversary of MLK Day of Service, The Mayor’s Office on Volunteerism and Partnerships (Serve DC) invites you to celebrate Dr. King’s life and legacy by joining in as we Learn. Act. Serve, together, this holiday weekend, January 18th-20th.

10:00am-6:00pm: MLK Dare to Dream at The American Visionary Art Museum
You’re invited to a FREE celebration honoring one of history‘s greatest visionaries. Enjoy birthday cake, a Power Patch printmaking workshop, an artist talk by exhibiting artist Kyle Yearwood, a Poetry Slam and Open Mic, and more, at this FREE, fun-filled day! See our latest exhibition “The Secret Life of Earth” with FREE admission all day.

11:00am: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Film Program: James Baldwin Double Feature: I Am Not Your Negro and If Beale Street Could Talk at The Kennedy Center
This Martin Luther King Jr. Day, join a special double screening of films drawn from James Baldwin’s writings. As a novelist, playwright, and activist, James Baldwin (1924-1987) was an essential literary figure of the Civil Rights era, writing personally and passionately about racial and sexual identity in America.

11:00am-2:00pm: 2020 Peace Walk & 39th Annual Martin Luther King Jr., Parade

11:00am-1:00pm: City of Rockville MLK, Jr. Day
The public is invited to take part in community service activities, browse information booths and enjoy free refreshments. Give back to the community by participating in a community service activity like Project Linus. Ceremony involves a dance performance, remarks, vocal performance, Barbara Harrison will speak, awards and musical performances.

4:00pm: Dr. MLK Jr Tribute & Celebration at Strathmore
Montgomery County celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King’s life through dramatic readings, musical and dance performances. The theme for this year’s program is “Children of the Dream.” In addition there will be the presentation of the Humanitarian Award, Children of the Dream Awards. In addition there will be a Visual Arts Display honoring Dr. King. Free tickets are required for this event and will be distributed on-site on the day of the performance starting at 3pm. 

6:00pm: Let Freedom Ring! at Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center and Georgetown University present Grammy®–winning artist Chaka Khan with the Let Freedom Ring Choir in a musical tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Free general admission tickets will be distributed in the Hall of Nations, beginning at 4:30pm, up to two tickets per person. Tickets are reserved seats. Limited seating availability. Seating will begin at 5:15pm All patrons are asked to be seated by 5:40pm.

Camps taking place on Monday, January 20, 2020 when school is out

Mango Street Art Camp
St. James Holiday Combo Camp
Dynamite Gymnastics
Agility Center
The Children’s Art Studio
HoopED
Anna Banana Arts & Crafts
My Gym Bethesda
My Gym Potomac
Breathing Space Yoga

FitCampNation Summer Camp at Deal Middle School


FitCampNation Summer Camp is back this summer with more fun, excitement, activities and games than ever before! They focus on fitness, intro to sports and enrichment, structured play, and nutritional education, all in a fun and nurturing environment!

Session information is as follows:

Session 1: June 24th through June 28th
Session 2: July 1st through July 5th (no camp July 4th or 5th)
Session 3: July 8th through July 12th
Session 4: July 15th through July 19th
Session 5: July 22nd through July 26th

$350 per session ($225 for session 2, Independence Day week)
$75 per day drop in rate
10% sibling discount & 10% multi-week discount
  
Please email us with questions or visit FitCamp Website.
REGISTER FOR FITCAMP HERE!

Day off camps and activities in and around Washington, DC

Is your child off from school and you don’t know how to keep their mind active, stay sane or be able to go to work?  With a few school off-days and holidays approaching, check these places out before calling a babysitter or taking the day off. Consider asking your child’s friends to join them so they are less likely to complain at the idea. We’ll keep adding to the list as we build it– so please add your suggestions in the comments below! Most of these also host holiday and summer camps. 

Mini Camp at Hoop ED
(Various locations)
Sports overload for girls and boys from 9:00am-3:00pm for $60. After care available. Many locations and dates!

Red Panda Art Studio
(Bethesda, MD)
Extended Workshops for School Days off! 9:00am-12:30pm, option to extend until 2:00pm. Ages 3 to 8. Join us for a full morning of sensory play and art activities related to the day’s theme. Please bring along a nut-free snack and lunch— and something to drink!

The St. James Ultimate Sports Camp
(Springfield, VA)
Campers will get to experience all the St. James has to offer, from basketball and rock climbing to ice skating and splashing at their Waterpark. Camp is from 9:00am-4:00pm.

The Children’s Art Studio:
(NW Washington)
Workshops meet from 9:00am-2:00pm.  Workshops are for children 5 years old an up.

Little Loft Art
(Takoma Park, MD)
Come to Little Loft on school days off! Full day camps for children in grades K-3, 9:00-3:30. Aftercare available until 6:00 where noted.

Capitol Language Services
(Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church: 4900 Connecticut Ave NW, Wahington, DC 20008)
Camps during DC Public School Closing, Holidays and Federal Holidays – Sign up for the whole year and pay a non-refundable fee of $870 instead of $960. – Or sign up only for the camps you need.

DC Way Soccer
(Tyler Elementary School: 1001 G St SE, Washington, DC 20003)
At DC Way camps, the philosophy is that players learn best when they are having fun. They use simple and engaging games to challenge players and teach them essential skills. The program is for anyone at any level. Even without ever playing before, they guarantee your child will enjoy our camp. They create a soccer-related environment with lots of exciting and challenging activities to ensure falling in love with soccer and sports in general. Focusing on speed, footwork, 1v1 moves, creativity, vision, confidence.

Meet the Instrument No School Day Camp at National Conservancy of Arts
(NW & SW Locations)
Give your child a full day of fun on their out of school day! This camp is active and full of challenges with music lessons, music classes, music games, and art class. This camp will welcome a guest musician, who will introduce the cello. Hands-on experiences and opportunities to sing familiar songs with each instrument are a part of the curriculum, and children begin to develop an awareness of the distinctions among instrument families. Music exploration focus on repertoire that highlights each instrument’s unique qualities, supported by group singing, movement activities and, when developmentally appropriate, an introduction to notation. Camp starts at 9 am with watercolor painting, and then musical yoga. At noon we have cheese pizza or hot dogs for lunch and recess at 12:30 pm. Morning and afternoon snacks included.  9am – 3:30pm– before and after care available

Dulles Sportsplex
(21610 Atlantic Blvd., Sterling, VA 20166)
Bring your child to the Dulles Sportsplex for a day of fun when kids have off from school. If your child is between 6-12 and enjoys sports or wants to try new sports, this is the place for them. Your child will have fun, learning and playing sports. A few sports they may try are flag football, soccer, wiffleball, volleyball, basketball, kickball, team handball and others. Costs include lunch-  $45 (Full day: 9am-2pm) and $65 (Extended day: 8am-6pm)

The Player Progression Academy Camps
(Location depends on type of camp)
PPA Soccer and Hoops camps offer a great opportunity for players to continue their development and enjoy the quality coaching and environment during the summer and other school holidays that PPA offers throughout the year.

Arlington Parks and Rec Camp
(Location depends on type of camp)
Kids in grades K-5th will enjoy a variety of engaging activities including cooperative games, sports, nature fun & creative arts! Participants will choose from structured leisure activities during extended hours. Participants must bring a lunch and snacks. Various camps to choose from.

Valley Mill
(15101 Seneca Rd, Darnestown, MD 20874)
Weather permitting, we’ll do our usual fun activities at camp: kayaking and canoeing, archery & air rifle, rock climbing, group games,  playing in the creek, and hikes. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, we’ll check out some indoor adventures. Tuition per day for Holiday Camp including transportation: $100 for ages 5-14. Transportation will be from pick up points in nearby Montgomery County and DC.

Calleva
(13015 Riley’s Lock Rd. Poolesville, MD. 20837)
Calleva’s Maryland camps are all of your old favorites including, Cubs, Explorers, EXPX, Adventure camp, Leaders In Training, and High Adventures. All of these camps are based out of our Riley’s Lock campus on the Potomac River. Transportation is provided for free, and buses pick up from many Maryland and D.C. locations, as well as one stop in Mclean, VA.

Urban Adventure Squad (UAS)
(Location depends on day)
Each adventure day has a unique curriculum that is aimed at engaging Squad members at their own levels. UAS researches and plans their programs very carefully to make sure that Squad members stay physically active, intellectually stimulated, and engaged with community. Squad members hike in snowy woods, meet people with amazing jobs (folk singers, chefs, environmental educators, local composers), harvest lunch from urban gardens, visit former presidents’ homes, go on scavenger hunts, create art and music masterpieces, lead service projects, and so much more!The programs run 8:45am-4:00pm each day and offer easy, drive-up pickup and drop-off. The cost is $70 per day, and all siblings are $50 per day. Cost includes snacks and transportation (Bus/Metro).

DC Department of Parks and Recreation offer Fun Day
(Various locations)
A single-day program offering fun and enriching activities (such as sports activities, arts & crafts, and more) for children ages 6 – 12 years old from 9:00am-5:00pm.  DPR strives to meet the needs of District families when the District’s public schools have planned closures. 12 DPR sites will hold Fun Day. Online pre-registration is required however there is no fee or application.

Round House Theatre
(925 Wayne Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910)
A full day of theatrical fun for grades K – 5 at the Round House Theatre Education Center when Montgomery County Public Schools are closed. Round House Education invites students to collaborate with their peers to create an original play in just one day! Each “Day Off!” features a new and exciting story genre to explore as well as a unique specialty skill. Specialties will include dance, music, puppetry, movement, or unique disciplines in the performing arts. 9:00am-5:30pm for $75.

Silver Stars Gymnastics
(2701 Pittman Drive Silver Spring, Maryland 20910)
(Also locations in Bowie, MD)
Gymnastics camp is appropriate for the beginner, intermediate and advanced gymnast. Your child will be able to build an athletic foundation for all sports through the strength, flexibility and coordination that only the challenge of gymnastics can offer.  Full Day: 8:30am-4:30pm, $65.00; Half Day: 9:00am-12:00pm, $50.00; Before and after care available.

Adventure Theatre School’s Out Day Camp
(7300 MacArthur Blvd Glen Echo, MD)
Send your kids to come play with Adventure Theatre MTC and put your hours in at the office worry free – your kids will thank you (and so will your boss)! Kids in Grades K-5 are invited to come play from 8:50am-4:00pm. A full day of theatrical activities including a showing of a performance on their main stage.

Emancipation Day camps and activities

Emancipation Day is on April 16, 2018 which means some schools are cancelled. Below are a few camps and activities to keep your Bambinos entertained!

DC Emancipation Stoddert Day Camp

DC Emancipation Day, April 16th, is approaching quickly, and with DC Public Schools out we’re excited for a full day of soccer at Deal Middle School! This day will be a fun-filled soccer experience led by DC Stoddert Soccer’s Professional Coaching Staff. Players will sharpen their soccer skills through fun games and activities.

Players will be grouped with friends, classmates and players of relative skill level. Full day players bring a lunch, half day players bring a snack. Every player should bring a soccer ball and wear appropriate soccer attire and shoes.

Home Run Baseball Camp at Friendship Recreation Center

Camp staff will lead a high energy workout for ages 4-12.  Players can expect two games and long rounds of batting practice, ground balls and fly balls.  Half day and full day options.

Hoop ED Day Camp at Stoddert Elementary

Sports overload for girls and boys. After care available.

DC Way Soccer at Tyler Elementary

At DC Way camps, the philosophy is that players learn best when they are having fun. They use simple and engaging games to challenge players and teach them essential skills. The program is for anyone at any level. Even without ever playing before, they guarantee your child will enjoy our camp. They create a soccer-related environment with lots of exciting and challenging activities to ensure falling in love with soccer and sports in general. Focusing on speed, footwork, 1v1 moves, creativity, vision, confidence.

Capitol Language Services

Students will have indoor time with crafts and friends as well as a lot of outdoor time with language class included. 8:00am-5:00pm

The Children’s Art Studio

Have your child spend the day making art! They meet from 9am-2pm. They also have half-day camp.

Silver Stars Gymnastics

Gymnastics camp is appropriate for the beginner, intermediate and advanced gymnast. Your child will be able to build an athletic foundation for all sports through the strength, flexibility and coordination that only the challenge of gymnastics can offer.  Full day: 8:30am-4:30pm, half day: 9:00am-12:00pm, before and after care available.

Park Pick-Up with PJ

When Fairfax County Public Schools and DC Public Schools are closed on April 16, families are invited to spend the morning doing a rewarding social action project! Join PJ Library, Federation’s Young Leadership and the JCCNV to pick up trash at a site in Tysons and practice the Jewish value of shomrei adamah (caring for the environment).  Register by April 13

Art Preview Day at Gymboree Bethesda from 10:00am-10:45am

Come get creative in our Art Class!
Color, draw, create and explore with our activities designed to encouraged creativity. Your kid makes the mess, and we do all the cleanup! You MUST RSVP in advance: 301.654.8988. FREE to enrolled and non-enrolled guests.

Ultimate 2018 Guide to Spring Break Camps in and around Washington, DC

If you aren’t hopping on a plane this Spring Break to relax by the waves or shred on a mountain, get those little ones in a fun and engaging camp. In addition to the list, check local Parks and Recreation websites as most of those have Spring Break Camps also. 

                                                                                                                                                                           (Photo: Synetic Theatre)
Maryland:

KOA Multisport Camp– March 26-30, 2018
(4960 Boiling Brook Parkway North, Bethesda, MD 20852)
Spring Break means school’s out, so let’s play! Join Koa Sports for our Multisport Spring Break Camp at Koa HQ. It is the same great set-up as our summer Multisport camp, just in the Spring! This camp is for kids looking to be active and have fun while school is out for the week. We’ll play kickball, basketball, soccer, flag football, dodgeball, and so much more! This program does have limited registration, so sign up now to reserve your spot!

Basketball Camp with Skills and Scrimmages- March 26-30, 2018
(Pyle Middle School- 6311 Wilson Ln. Bethesda, MD 20817)
This outstanding skills and development camp is focused on fundamentals, sportsmanship, teamwork, equal play and fun is presented by former Division 1 basketball players. Boys and girls will develop their skills with top notch instruction, drills, and scrimmages. Grades 2-8.

Imagination Stage-March 26-30, 2018
(4908 Auburn Avenue Bethesda, MD 20814)
Spring Break Camps covers a variety of topics in creative drama/acting, dance, and our popular theatre or dance samplers. Ages 3.5-Grade 8.

MSA– March 26-30, 2018
(Hoover MS, 8810 Postoak Rd, Potomac, MD 20854)
Spring break multi-sport and enrichment camp is designed by sports champions to help young athletes realize their optimal performance in their favorite sports. MSA offers a spectacular multi-sport & enrichment camp providing a well-rounded experience combining learning and fun, to build fond memories that will last a lifetime. Baseball, Basketball, Bocce Ball, Dance and fitness, Flag Football, Golf, Kickball, Lacrosse, Soccer, Street Hockey, and  Tennis are offered. Offered for girls and boys ages 4-14.

CREATE Arts Center–March 26-30, 2018
(816 Thayer Avenue Silver Spring MD 20910)
Campers spend each day working on a variety of art projects, including painting, drawing, sculpture, collage, and more! Flexible day-by-day registration is available. Day-by-day registration is available. Ages 6-12. Ages 13-14 can register as CITs with an interview.

Silver Stars Gymnastics- March 26-30, 2018
(2701 Pittman Dr. Silver Spring, MD 20910)
(14201 Woodcliff Ct. Bowie, MD 20720)
Choose one day or all week, half day or full day. They offer three camps for kids 3.5-15 at both locations.

Adventure Theatre–March 26-30, 2018
(7300 MacArthur Blvd. Glen Echo, MD. 20812)
Send your kids to come play with Adventure Theatre MTC where they will have a full day of theatrical activities, afternoon snack.  You can choose one day or the full week.  Camp is for Grades K-5.

                                                                                                                                                                      (Photo: Adventure Theatre)

Virginia:

Synetic Theatre– March 26-30, 2018
(1800 South Bell Street Arlington, VA 22202)
Synetic’s physical theater fusion week introduces and expands upon various theater performance dexterities. Each day is sectioned into different categories where campers learn contemporary and cutting-edge skills including but not limited to: physical storytelling, acrobatics, pantomime, dance, diction, puppetry, and visual art. Register for one day, or all five. Each day introduces something new!

Mount Vernon Community Children’s Theatre– March 26-30, 2018
(Heritage Presbyterian Church 8503 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria, VA 22308)
Join us in a galaxy far, far away as we bring the world of Star Wars to life through theatre games, crafts, and the creation of our own Star Wars play!  Channel your inner Princess Leia, Darth Vader, Rey or Yoda to bring to life the strong, dynamic characters of this galactic series.  Learn how to communicate with others, work as a team, develop story-telling skills, and expand your actor’s toolbox in this fun filled spring break experience.  K-8th Grades. All our camps are led by professional teaching artists experienced in working with kids and teens.

Tea with Mrs. B– March 26-30, 2018
(136 W Jefferson St. Falls Church, VA 22046)
We offer a one of a kind camp experience for children ages 4-12. Daily activities include: high tea with healthy snacks, crafts and games, exercise at the local park, dance and dress up. We always afford time for good-old fashioned play, too. By becoming part of our camp, your child will be entitled to an on-going skill building program, honing good manners, proper etiquette and social graces. Broaden your child’s experiences by giving them the gift of comportment while having fun.

Superhero S.T.E.A.M. Ever Wonder Camp– March 26-30, 2018
(Barrett Elementary- 4401 North Henderson Street Arlington, VA 22203)
Join us for one to five days of creativity and innovation.  We’ll link art to concepts in science, technology, engineering and math. Our days will be filled with hands-on, collaborative activities including building forts, experimenting with Mentos, making messy art, exploring geometry, testing the strength of materials, creating tessellations, learning about probability using dice and so much more. Teamwork, creativity, communication, collaboration and critical thinking are a must at this super fun camp!

Arts on the Horizon– March 26-30, 2018
(Convergence: 1801 N. Quaker Ln. Alexandria, VA 22302)
Surf’s up in this creative drama camp where we will go on an adventure to the beach! Little ones will explore the ocean, sand, and sun through stories, songs, and dramatic play, and we’ll discover the beach together!

Encore Stage and Studio- March 26-30, 2018 & April 2-6, 2018
(St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church- 4000 Lorcom Ln. Arlington VA. 22207)
Join us for Spring Break camps and explore a new theme every day! Enrollment is a la carte–choose to sign up for one day, or the entire week! Students in K-2nd grade will enjoy a day of theatre games, crafts, creative activities and fun in a safe and supportive environment. Students must bring a brown bag lunch. Healthy snack is provided. There will be a final sharing during the last 15 minutes of camp (2:45pm). Are you ready for a challenge? Students in 3rd – 5th grade will work together to create a brand new play in just one camp day! Using their imaginations, students will develop the script and story, create the setting, and star in the show. This never before seen production will be performed at the end of the day for family and friends.

Mount Vernon Community Children’s Theatre- March 26-30, 2018
(Heritage Presbyterian Church- 8503 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria, VA 22308)
Designed for rising 1st graders through rising 8th graders, MVCCT’s drama camps stretch kids’ imaginations, nurture their creative energies, and build skills through dramatic action. Kids explore different worlds, different time periods, and their own personal strengths through the story-telling they act out on stage. This is one of the longer camps running from 9:00am-5:00pm.

SkateQuest- March 26-30, 2018
(1800 Michael Faraday Ct., Reston, VA 20190)
For the child who can’t get enough of the ice. Camp includes ice skating lessons, ice painting, broom ball and an end of camp show. Ages 4.5-12.

Spring Break Camp at Dulles SportsPlex– March 26-30, 2018
(21610 Atlantic Blvd. Sterling, VA 20166)
Your child will have fun learning and playing sports. Some are soccer, kickball, flag football and basketball. They offer full or half day & full or half day options for children ages 6-12.

                                                                                                                                                                       (Photo: D.C. United Camp)

Washington, DC:

D.C. United Camp– March 26-30, 2018
(RFK Turf Field)
D.C. United’s Spring Break Camps are half-day programs which provide participants ages 5 – 16 an opportunity  to experience an exciting soccer environment consisting of modern camp exercises, highlighting individual technique, coupled with team and game tactics. Campers will be exposed to a different set of technical and tactical focuses each day of camp. Coaches will work with players to develop their technical ability as well as discover a better understanding of the game in a fun and energetic environment.

Spring Safari Day Camp at The National Zoo- March 26-30, 2018
(3001 Connecticut Ave., NW Washington, DC 20008) 
Each of the Spring Safari programs explores the lives, habitats and conservation of animals around the world. Week-long sessions include exciting hands-on activities, lessons, craft projects, science experiments and walks through the Zoo. There’s no better way to spend your spring break than with Friends of the National Zoo! Please note: There is no direct contact with animals, and campers do not participate in animal care. Grades K-5, choose from a few different themed camps.

The Children’s Art Studio– March 26-30, 2018
(3150 Chesapeake St NW, Washington, DC 20008)
Campers will touch upon the fundamentals of drawing, painting, sculpture and printing with fun-filled exercises. Time will be devoted to longer-term multi-day projects which will be structured as a direct response to the interests and curiosities of the particular group of children. Camp will meet from 9:00am-2:00pm.

The Theatre Lab- March 26-30, 2018
(733 8th Street NW. Washington, DC 20001)
School’s Out camps, modeled on The Theatre Lab’s award-winning Summer Acting Camps for Kids, are perfect for children grades 1-6, who enjoy being creative and making new friends, and are designed to be fun for novices as well as kids who have already been bitten by the drama bug. Drama activities are scheduled from 9:00am-3:00pm, and kids can come for just one day or the whole week.

Home Run Baseball Camp-March 26-30, 2018
(Friendship Park Recreation Center)
Coach Dan Thorner and a co-ed Home Run staff will lead a high energy camp with the same format as the summer camp at AU Park in NW, Washington, DC. Full ground ball and fly ball square drill, over one hundred swings in batting practice, and two full games per day. Groups will be broken up by age and teams will be fair and games will be competitive. Ages 4-12 welcome for full or half day camp.

 

School is off but camp is on in and around Washington, DC

holiday

                                                                                                                                                                      (Image: Shelf Store)

Is your child off from school and you don’t know how to keep their mind active, stay sane or be able to go to work?  With a few school off-days and holidays approaching, check these places out before calling a babysitter or taking the day off. Consider asking your child’s friends to join them so they are less likely to complain at the idea. We’ll keep adding to the list as we build it– so please add your suggestions in the comments below! Most of these also host holiday and summer camps. 

Mini Camp at Hoop ED
(Various locations)
Sports overload for girls and boys from 9:00am-3:00pm for $60. After care available. Many locations and dates!

Capitol Language Services
(Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church: 4900 Connecticut Ave NW, Wahington, DC 20008)
Camps during DC Public School Closing, Holidays and Federal Holidays – Sign up for the whole year and pay a non-refundable fee of $870 instead of $960. – Or sign up only for the camps you need.

Artworks
(7740 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814 – Locations in McLean and Potomac also)
School is out, but you still have to head to the office….What do you do? Send the kids to Artworks, they will enjoy a day filled with fun, creative, and engaging activities. Drop Off: 8:50am-9:10am Pick Up: 3pm with extended day option.

My Gym
(5110 Ridgefield Rd Bethesda, MD. 20816- Potomac location also)
When school is off – My Gym Camp is on! Drop your kids off for three hours of cool and nonstop fun at My Gym; including games, crafts, gymnastics, sports and snack! 

DC Way Soccer
(Tyler Elementary School: 1001 G St SE, Washington, DC 20003)
At DC Way camps, the philosophy is that players learn best when they are having fun. They use simple and engaging games to challenge players and teach them essential skills. The program is for anyone at any level. Even without ever playing before, they guarantee your child will enjoy our camp. They create a soccer-related environment with lots of exciting and challenging activities to ensure falling in love with soccer and sports in general. Focusing on speed, footwork, 1v1 moves, creativity, vision, confidence.

Create Arts Center
(816 Thayer AvenueSilver Spring MD 20910)
Are you looking for a fun and creative space where your child can spend their days off? CREATE Arts Center offers art-themed ‘No School Day Camp’ on more than 20 days throughout the year when school is closed, such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Veterans Day, teacher conference days, professional development days, and more. Our ‘No School Day Camp’ schedule aligns align with Montgomery County Public Schools and DC Public Schools, and also several local private schools and a variety of charter schools. Don’t see a date? Contact us to create a camp. Campers spend the day working on a variety of art projects, including painting, drawing, sculpture, collage, and more. Learn more about a typical day of art camp.

Meet the Instrument No School Day Camp at National Conservancy of Arts
(1810 16th Street NW, 3rd Floor, Washington DC 20009)
(900 4th Street SW, Lower Level, Washington DC 20024)
Give your child a full day of fun on their out of school day! This camp is active and full of challenges with music lessons, music classes, music games, and art class. This camp will welcome a guest musician, who will introduce the cello. Hands-on experiences and opportunities to sing familiar songs with each instrument are a part of the curriculum, and children begin to develop an awareness of the distinctions among instrument families. Music exploration focus on repertoire that highlights each instrument’s unique qualities, supported by group singing, movement activities and, when developmentally appropriate, an introduction to notation. Camp starts at 9 am with watercolor painting, and then musical yoga. At noon we have cheese pizza or hot dogs for lunch and recess at 12:30 pm. Morning and afternoon snacks included.  9am – 3:30pm– before and after care available

The Player Progression Academy Camps
(Location depends on type of camp)
PPA Soccer and Hoops camps offer a great opportunity for players to continue their development and enjoy the quality coaching and environment during the summer and other school holidays that PPA offers throughout the year.

Arlington Parks and Rec Camp
(Location depends on type of camp)
Kids in grades K-5th will enjoy a variety of engaging activities including cooperative games, sports, nature fun & creative arts! Participants will choose from structured leisure activities during extended hours. Participants must bring a lunch and snacks. Various camps to choose from.

The Children’s Art Studio
(3172 Brandywine St NW, Washington, DC 20008)
Have your child spend the day making art! They meet from 9am-2pm. They also have half-day camp.

Zenith Community Arts Foundation (ZCAF)
(1429 Iris St NW, Washington, DC 20012)
A DC-based 501c3 that’s been around since 2000. SOAP is for week days when students do not have school, and families are looking for a full-day program to entertain and occupy their child/ren in Grades 5-8.  SOAP features: a METRO location; peer to peer socializing opportunities; multicultural, cross-curricular art lessons; hands’ on projects with a variety of materials and techniques; reinforcement of self-reliance, personal responsibility, public speaking, teamwork, project management and other life skills; a low staff to participant ratio; and a safe and supportive, handicapped accessible environment.

Urban Adventure Squad (UAS)
(Location depends on day)
Each adventure day has a unique curriculum that is aimed at engaging Squad members at their own levels. UAS researches and plans their programs very carefully to make sure that Squad members stay physically active, intellectually stimulated, and engaged with community. Squad members hike in snowy woods, meet people with amazing jobs (folk singers, chefs, environmental educators, local composers), harvest lunch from urban gardens, visit former presidents’ homes, go on scavenger hunts, create art and music masterpieces, lead service projects, and so much more!The programs run 8:45am-4:00pm each day and offer easy, drive-up pickup and drop-off. The cost is $70 per day, and all siblings are $50 per day. Cost includes snacks and transportation (Bus/Metro).

DC Department of Parks and Recreation offer Fun Day
(Various locations)
A single-day program offering fun and enriching activities (such as sports activities, arts & crafts, and more) for children ages 6 – 12 years old from 9:00am-5:00pm.  DPR strives to meet the needs of District families when the District’s public schools have planned closures. 12 DPR sites will hold Fun Day. Online pre-registration is required however there is no fee or application.

Round House Theatre
(925 Wayne Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910)
A full day of theatrical fun for grades K – 5 at the Round House Theatre Education Center when Montgomery County Public Schools are closed. Round House Education invites students to collaborate with their peers to create an original play in just one day! Each “Day Off!” features a new and exciting story genre to explore as well as a unique specialty skill. Specialties will include dance, music, puppetry, movement, or unique disciplines in the performing arts. 9:00am-5:30pm for $75.

Silver Stars Gymnastics
(2701 Pittman Drive Silver Spring, Maryland 20910 – also location in Bowie, MD)
Gymnastics camp is appropriate for the beginner, intermediate and advanced gymnast. Your child will be able to build an athletic foundation for all sports through the strength, flexibility and coordination that only the challenge of gymnastics can offer.  Full Day: 8:30am-4:30pm, $65.00; Half Day: 9:00am-12:00pm, $50.00; Before and after care available.

Adventure Theatre School’s Out Day Camp
(7300 MacArthur Blvd Glen Echo, MD)
Send your kids to come play with Adventure Theatre MTC and put your hours in at the office worry free – your kids will thank you (and so will your boss)! Kids in Grades K-5 are invited to come play from 8:50am-4:00pm. A full day of theatrical activities including a showing of a performance on their main stage.

Washington DC JCC
(1529 Sixteenth Street, NW, Washington DC 20036)
No school today Camp! Adventure. Creativity. Discovery. Friendship. Days of fun when kids are off school,
but parents have to work. Registration for our Fall No School Today Camp Programs is now open!

Ultimate camp guide in and around Washington, DC for Summer 2018

An updated 2019 Summer Camp Guide can be found here.

This 2018 Summer camp guide is sponsored by Beauvoir Summer Camp.

Beauvoir Summer
(3500 Woodley Rd, NW, Washington, DC 20016 on the National Cathedral grounds)
Located on the grounds of the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., Beauvoir Summer strives to create an inviting, collaborative and warm community for campers during the summer months. Beauvoir Summer offers camp programs open to Beauvoir and non-Beauvoir children ages 3 to 11 years old over four sessions that run a total of seven weeks.  Whether registering for one session or all summer, exciting activities include field trips, swimming lessons, outdoor adventure programs and specialty camps. Beauvoir Summer also offers a counselor-in-training program for students grades 6 to 12. Through a variety of offerings, Beauvoir Summer makes it easy for you to create a schedule that works best for your family, offering before and after camp care programs as well. Simply put, Beauvoir Summer can accommodate all of your summer camp needs!

Woodland Horse Center
(16301 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD. 20905)
Woodland Horse Center is the premier horseback riding center in Maryland and prides itself in offering the most spectacular Horseback Riding Summer Camp for horse-crazy kids from June 18-Aug 24. The 1-week Pony Pals Camp is for young riders ages 5-7. The 2-week Horsemanship Camp is for riders ages 8-16. All campers learn to ride correctly and confidently in twice daily riding lessons. Campers also learn comprehensive horsemanship skills which help them learn and love to care for the wonderful horses and ponies. Interactive, hands-on lessons outside of the ring include grooming, tacking, anatomy, health care, nutrition and more. Put the devices down, get outside and have a blast with the horses!!

Summer Safari Zoo Camp at The National Zoo
(3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008)
Each of the Summer Safari programs explores the lives, habitats, and conservation of animals around the world. Week-long sessions include exciting hands-on activities, lessons, craft projects, science experiments, and walks through the Zoo (but no direct contact with animals). Camp sessions are grouped into four grade levels: K-1, 2-3, 4-5, and 6-7.

Spy Camp at the Spy Museum
(800 F Street, NW Washington, DC  20004)
Another sneaky camp that sounds like so much fun and full of thrills! Somewhere deep inside the Museum an elite group of recruits is lurking in the shadows preparing to take on top secret missions. No one really knows who they are, or for that matter, what they’re really up to. Now it’s your children’s turn to join their ranks. Each day is filled with top secret briefings and activities that will put spy skills and street smarts to the test. Aspiring Spy recruits will hone their tradecraft, learn from real spies, and hit the streets to run training missions. Develop a disguise for cover, make and break codes, discover escape and evasion techniques, create and use spy gadgets, uncover the science behind spying—all of this and more awaits young recruits! Ages 10-13.

National Building Museum Summer Camp
(401 F Street NW Washington, D.C. 20001)
One and two week sessions for campers entering 2nd-7th grade. Experience the world we build for ourselves in new ways and with hands-on activities and projects in one of our favorite buildings in DC! Attend one, two, or all of the unique sessions of, full-day summer camp at the National Building Museum. Campers will enjoy design challenges, exploring the Museum, and more!

Lowell School Camp
(1640 Kalmia Rd NW., Washington, DC. 20012)
Their respectful and caring atmosphere encourages campers, rising PreK-grade 9, to grow in self-awareness and confidence, while strengthening their cooperation and consideration for others. They have an expansive campus with fields, surrounded by towering trees, provides generous space for games, sports, exercise, and water play. Campers explore and investigate plant and animal life in a spring-fed stream, a tributary of nearby Rock Creek. The four-lane indoor pool, fully equipped technology center, three art workshops, library, and large gymnasium are also available to campers. 

Sidwell Summer
(3825 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016)
(5100 Edgemoor Lane Bethesda, MD 20814)
With an array of programs for campers and students Age 3 – Grade 12 throughout June,  July, and August, they have something for everyone. This camp has two locations to choose from with a variety of camps; day camp, sports camp and academic camp.

Bricks4Kidz
(1130 6th St. NW, Washington, DC 20001)
Camp kicks off the morning session by grouping up the kiddos by age (two age groups: 4-6 year olds and 7-12 year olds) then the fun begins. Campers work in pairs and build projects through Bricks 4 Kidz lesson plans and make creations of their own during super fun free play periods. The afternoon gets “challenging” as the campers enter “Challenge Island”, that provides unique challenge-based programs designed to foster critical and creative thinking skills, problem solving methodology, and core STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) principles in children.

Arts on the Horizon Summer Camps
(1100 Wythe Street, #26093  Alexandria, VA)
From superhero to construction, this arts inspired camp has a session that is sure to appeal to your child. They offer one week, half day sessions. Ages 3-6.

(Photo: Imagination Stage)

Theatre & Arts Camps:

Adventure Theatre Camps

Little Loft

The Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts

Meadowlark Guitar and Ukulele Camp

Red Panda Art Studio

McLean Project for the Arts (MAP)

Camp Arena Stage

Art in Motion via UpCycle/Local Motion

Takoma Groove Camp

Fit Kids Hit the Stage

Round House Theatre

Encore Stage and Studio

Imagination Stage

Lola’s Lab Camp

Levine Summer Music & Arts Day Camp

The Art League

Creative Youth

(Photo: Language Stars)


Language Camps:
CommuniKids

Language Stars

(Photo: Baseball Camp at Bethesda Big Train)

Other camps around the Washington, DC area:

(Photo: Calleva)

Need to sign-up for just one week of camp? Thanks to some locals parents, here’s a great list of drop-ins and places that will allow you to sign up a week at a time.

Bruce Murray Soccer Camp is in Potomac and has bus transportation
Humane Rescue Alliance for grades 2 & up
Bethesda YMCA tennis camp 
Woods Academy in Bethesda has a great summer science program
HomeRun Baseball Camp allows daily drop-ins and accepts kids ages 4-12
PPA offers soccer camps
Bethesda Soccer Club has tons of soccer camps
Sidwell Friends School summer camp
Washington Episcopal School summer camp
Calleva is an outdoor camp that has buses that pick up and drop off close-in and offer a variety of camp experiences
Brit-Am is a local soccer club that also has summer camps
Headfirst summer camp is very popular with various themes with two locations
Four Soccer at American University
Coach Sal Caccavale and his summer camps, they are all located in DC
Bach to Rock has a music camp in Bethesda
Landon camp is for boys and girls and provides bus transportation from a few neighborhoods

Spring Break Camp Guide 2017

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If you aren’t hopping on a plane this Spring Break to relax by the waves or shred on a mountain, get those little ones in a fun camp. In addition to the list, check local Parks and Recreation websites as most of them have Spring Break Camps.

 

Maryland:

Road Trip with L’Academie de Cusine- April 10-13, 2017
(5021 Wilson Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814)
Looking for something new to do during Spring Break?  Join us for a four day camp designed to take you on a culinary tour of the US.  Each day will focus on a different region.  Chef Sherri brings the fun of Summer Camp, just a few months earlier. Camp is from 9:00am-12:00pm and open to kids and teens aged 9-14 years old.

Baking with L’Academie de Cusine- April 10-13, 2017
(5021 Wilson Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814)
Looking for something new to do during Spring Break?  Join us for a four day baking boot camp.   Each day will focus on a aspect of baking and you will make many sweet treats.  Chef Sherri brings the fun of Summer Camp, just a few months earlier. Camp is from 1:30pm-4:30pm and open to kids and teens aged 9-14 years old.

Basketball Camp with Skills and Scrimmages– April 10-13, 2017
(Pyle Middle School- 6311 Wilson Ln. Bethesda, MD 20817)
This outstanding skills and development camp is focused on fundamentals, sportsmanship, teamwork, equal play and fun is presented by Former Delaware State University Standout Sheridan Price and other former Division 1 basketball players. Boys and Girls will develop their skills with top notch instruction, drills, and scrimmages. For Grades 1st-8th.
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