The Alexandria PTAC will be hosting the Summer Camp Fair on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020 5:30-8:00 pm at T.C. Williams High School Cafeteria (King St. Campus). More than 40 camps will be represented.
Most schools in the Alexandria area get out for summer vacation in June, and thousands of children will be looking at weeks of freedom.
Or, weeks of boredom.
For parents who work full time in the summer, figuring out how to keep the kids entertained and safe for 10 weeks or more without the normal school schedule in place can be a challenge. Fortunately, Alexandria and the surrounding Northern Virginia area has no shortage of camps to fit the scheduling needs of any parent.
From half-day camps to full day, extended day and overnight camps that focus on sports, arts, science, academics, adventures or just fun, the options are endless. How do you know what type of summer camp is best for your child?
The first step is to take the child’s personality, physical ability and energy level, and interests into account. Particularly with younger children, if they tend to get tired and cranky easily, a half-day camp may be a smarter choice. If older children get anxious when they’re away from home overnight, don’t push them to go to a sleep-away camp.
Think back over the school year: Were there certain classes or after-school activities that they really enjoyed? Your budding artist could go to art camp for a week. Kids who love Legos can go to a Lego-focused camp.
Check into online reviews, talk to other parents, and make sure the camps you choose are accredited or run by a reputable organization. Camps accredited by the American Camp Association (acacamps.org) must meet specific requirements in health and safety and in the quality of the programs offered.
The ACA encourages parents to involve children in the camp planning process: “Together with your child, explore the camp options and examine the materials the camps provide. In addition, many camps have web sites that include photos, maps or virtual tours of the camp facility, sample daily schedules and menus, and information about the directors and key staff.
As children become better acquainted with the camp experience and more involved in the decision-making process, they will have less anxiety about going away to camp.”
