Moms Talk: Summer Camp Alternatives

It's hard to believe that in February we need to start thinking about summer camp, but the truth is, many camps in this area opened their registrations in early January.  We are so blessed to have an embarrassment of riches went it comes to resources and opportunities for our kids - from specific sport and dance camps to general outdoor activities; math and reading camp to horseback riding and nature walking and of course all the museums and marvelous “tourist attractions” - you can find it all in the DC Metro area. 

Our McLean Patch Moms have a wide variety of experiences with local camps and summer activities and are here to share their expertise with you.  Definitely chime in and let us know your favorites!

We ran two yesterday columns with suggestions. Today, here are two other views.

Kathleen Weil hasn’t had a chance yet to give her daughters the summer camp experience yet, but they do enjoy visiting museums and parks during school breaks.  

A couple of favorites of her children’s are the Natural History Museum, with a stop every time at the insect zoo.

 The East Wing of the National Art Gallery because of the Calder mobiles. A stroll through the sculpture garden is always fun, but it can be a little challenging to keep the girls off the colorful exhibits.

We also like to jump in the car and go on day trips.  Fun times have included:

1.  Chocolate World at Hershey Park

There is a chocolate tour ride that follows cocoa beans from a tropical rainforest all the way to Hershey, PA, explaining the process of transforming the cocoa bean into chocolate.  The best part about the ride for us is the free chocolate sample you get after the ride is done.  While you are there, you could see Hershey’s 3D adventure movie with Professor D.P. Quigley or even create your own candy bar and desserts.  It’s a delicious outing.

2. Shenandoah National Park

This beautiful national park was created by an act of Congress in 1926, and covers 196,000 acres, straddling the Blue Ridge mountains, which are the leading eastern edge of the Appalachian Mountains.  There are 500 miles of trails, including the Appalachian Trail, waterfalls, deer, picnic spots and plenty of scenic visitas.  We have even spent the night there, camping with friends.  Make sure to bring your S’mores supplies if you do that.

3. Harper’s Ferry, W.VA

This is a great spot to visit in February, African American History month.

It has offerings for many age ranges, great places to eat and is full of history.  Congress set aside 1,500 acres in 1944 for a monument to abolitionist John Brown, who led an abortive attempt to capture the United States Armory and Arsenal and incite a rebellion to free the slaves of Virginia.  In 1963 this monument became Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.  There is a 19th century Lower Town where there are more than a dozen restored houses and buildings to be seen.  Hikers can make their way from town to “Jefferson’s Rock” (for a spectacular view),  or can walk across the Potomac River bridge to the C&O Canal towpath or the Appalachian Trail.   

4.  Point Lookout State Park

This peninsula separates the Chesapeake and the Potomac, has 3 miles of beaches and there is alot to do here.  Your family can rent a boat or a flat-water canoe, fish from the pier, take your dog down the pet trail or hop on your bikes and explore the biking trails.  There is a Civil War Museum/Marshland Nature center to visit and a lighthouse (no longer active) that the federal government erected in 1830.

5.  Camp Cousin

One of my sisters’ hosts an annual “camp cousin” at her house every summer for all the local cousins in our family to attend.   Although we don’t always make it due to travel, the girls love this event.  My sister makes matching t-shirts with everyone’s names on them, and plans a day full of games and activity that tires them out.  They usually have a picnic lunch together (inside on a blanket if it’s rainy), art projects, lots of laughing and good times to share and remember.