Chapter 9 - Washington Area Summer Programs

See also FLO's Listing of Summer Camp Resources - with listings for programs in Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland, links to programs at summer boarding school programs, and general resources.  

A summer program is especially appropriate for those children facing a long summer while both parents work, for those returning from overseas who want a chance to reenter the American scene before school starts, or for those who live overseas but want to have an American camp experience. Summer program choices are primarily recreational (overnight camps, day camps, or onetime outings), or academic (enrichment or remedial). The Foreign Service Youth Foundation and Around the World in a Lifetime offer occasional summer activities for teens.

CHOOSING A SUMMER ACTIVITY

General camps offer a little bit of a lot of things; specialty camps are an opportunity to explore a favorite activity in depth. The Family Liaison Office maintains a small file of summer activities available to families in the Washington area. Families overseas can check the Community Liaison Office files, but should start planning early because the information may be outdated and registering for camp may take longer because of the distance. Special programs for children with physical handicaps, mental retardation, or other special needs are discussed in Chapter 10 of this book.

Following are some of the things that must be taken into consideration when choosing a summer activity:

• Price: Overnight camps average $475 per week. Private general day and specialty camps average $250 per 5-day week. Extended day care is an additional cost.  County day care programs or YMCA camps cost between $45-$75 per week. County and city recreation department day camps are low priced for residents.
• Age Considerations: Programs for children between the ages of 5 and 8 should offer a wide variety of activities plus quiet periods. Between the ages of 9 and 12 children need extended periods of play with an emphasis on complicated skills, constant challenge, and lots of activity. Young teens thrive on independent adventure experiences such as kayaking, bike trips, or an apprentice program that combines counselor training with recreational activities.
• Safety: Counselors should have passed Red Cross first-aid courses and have water safety licenses. Overnight camps should be accredited by the American Camping Association.
• Recommendations: Ask program administrator for names of families who have previously used their program. They can be a good source of information about program and safety aspects. Talk to children who have attended the camp to find out if it was fun.

Each year, the March issue of the Washingtonian magazine contains an extensive list of summer camps and programs in the greater Washington area. This article is reproduced and sent to every CLO office overseas. Copies of this article are also available in the Family Liaison Office.

WASHINGTON AREA RECREATION PROGRAMS

All area counties and the District of Columbia offer summer recreation programs for residents. Information for specific areas can be obtained from the addresses below.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Department of Recreation
3149 - 16th Street NW
Washington, DC 20010
Tel: 202-673-7660
Web site: http://dpr.dc.gov/dpr/site/default.asp

VIRGINIA

Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority Headquarters
5400 Ox Road
Fairfax Station, Virginia 22039
Tel: 703-352-5900, 703-352-3165
FAX: 703-273-0905
Email: Info@NVRPA.org
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m
Web site: http://www.co.fairfax.va.us/parks/parks.htm

Alexandria Department of Recreation
1108 Jefferson Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Tel: 703-838-4343
Web site: http://ci.alexandria.va.us/rpca/rpca_home.html

Arlington Recreation Division
300 North Park Drive
Arlington, VA 22203
Tel: 703-358-4747
Web site: http://www.co.arlington.va.us/prcr/

Fairfax City Department of Recreation
3730 Old Lee Highway
Fairfax, VA 22030
Tel: 703-385-7858
Web site: http://www.ci.fairfax.va.us/ParksRec/ParksRec.htm

Fairfax County Community and Recreation Services
12011 Government Center Parkway, Suite 1050
Fairfax, VA 22035-1115
Tel: 703-324-4386
Web site: http://www.co.fairfax.va.us/living/parks/default.htm

Falls Church Recreation and Parks
223 Little Falls Street
Falls Church, VA 22046
Tel: 703-241-5077
Web site: http://www.ci.falls-church.va.us/services/park/

Loudoun County Parks and Recreation Department
18 North King Street
Leesburg, VA 22075
Tel: 703-478-8407
Web site: http://www.loudoun.gov/prcs/home.htm

MARYLAND

Anne Arundel County Parks and Recreation Department
Route 1, Box 1144
Port Tobacco, MD 20677
Tel: 301-870-3388, ext. 5
Web site: http://web.aacpl.lib.md.us/rp/

Howard County Recreation and Parks Department
7120 Oakland Mills Road
Columbia, MD 21046-1677
Tel: 410-313-4700
Web site: http://www.co.ho.md.us/recparks/recparks.html

Montgomery County Department of Recreation
Program Administration
12210 Bushey Drive
Silver Spring, MD 20902
Tel: 301-217-6800
Web site: http://www.co.mo.md.us/rec/home.html

Prince George's County - Maryland National Capital Parks Commission
6600 Kenilworth Avenue
Riverdale, MD 20737
Tel: 301-699-2407
Web site: http://www.pgparks.com/

WASHINGTON AREA SUMMER SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Most Washington area school districts offer summer school programs, usually at a cost, with both remedial and enrichment components for students attending schools within their system. Sometimes they will accommodate out-of-jurisdiction students, including residents living abroad, on a fee basis. Registration is often required by June or earlier. Many programs do not change significantly from year to year, so it may be possible to use last year's program information to pre-enroll, pending verification of this year's costs and dates. For more information, contact the appropriate school system.  Web sites and addresses for Washington area schools are located in FLO's paper Washington Area Schools.

Many Washington area private schools also offer summer school programs. Students do not have to be enrolled in the school to attend. Contact the individual private school for more information.

Resources

Going Places with Children in Washington - This book covers places of interest to children, including museums, monuments, neighborhoods, farms, gardens, participatory sports, cultural activities, and detailed information on parks.
Available from:
Green Acres School
11701 Danville Drive
Rockville, MD 20852
Tel: 301-881-4100

The following resources list activities in which families can participate during the summer holidays.
Weekend Section - Published every Friday by the Washington Post, it lists highlights for the next week.

Weekend Getaways Around Washington, D.C., by Robert Shosteck - Lists of places of historic, scenic, cultural, and recreational interest within 200 miles of Washington. Special-interest sections on topics such as horses, dog shows, and antiques. Includes hot lines for recreational ideas and a calendar of events.

RESIDENTIAL CAMPS AND ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMS

Summer Residential Camps

Because of the wide range of residential camp options available, parents can make the best choice only by talking to camp directors, reading brochures and descriptive materials carefully, speaking to former campers and their parents, and, if possible, visiting the camp. Both parents and children must work their way through a series of questions in order to decide what kind of camp program to choose. Answers to the following questions can help you decide.

• What is the camp's philosophy?
• What size is the camp?
• What are the living accommodations like?
• What is the composition and diversity of the camper population?
• What is the range of activities and is there adequate equipment to support the activities?
• What kind of optional trips are offered?
• Is the child really ready for an overnight camp?
• Does the child choose his/her own activities or are they prescribed by the camp?
• Are planned activities highly competitive?
• Can a child alter the activities if s/he is unhappy with them?
• What happens if the child becomes homesick, ill, or does not adjust well socially?
• What medical facilities are available on-site and nearby?
• Who is directly responsible for your child's supervision at camp?
• Who else can the child go to with problems?
• How are the counselors screened and trained?
• How long are the sessions?

Knowledge of the staff is important.

• Do they have expertise in the activities they teach or supervise?
• What is the composition and diversity of staff population?
• What is the staff/camper ratio?
• Is one particular staff member assigned to see to the welfare of each child?
• Is the camp accredited?

Parents can use the services of free camp consulting organizations. The organizations are paid a commission by the camp or program. The advisory service should be supplied with the following information: child's age, grade, interests, geographic preference, time frame, and any special needs.

Resources

IQ: Information Quest (formerly LifeCare) - Department of State employees can use the resources of IQ: Information Quest  in searching for summer camp options. Contact your HR representative for access information.
Web site: http://www.worklife4you.com

GW Summer Tour: Curious Minds Rock - The George Washington University offers a four-week summer program with two 2-week session options.  2002 summer session dates are July 8 - July 19 and July 22 - August 2. For more information, contact:
2121 Eye Street, NW, Ste. 403
Washington, DC 20052
Tel: 202-994-CAMP (2267)
Fax: 202-994-0475
Web site: http://gwired.gwu.edu/curiousmindsrock/

Child Care Connection (Montgomery County only) - This centralized referral service for summer programs specializes in preschoolers and school-age children.
322 West Edmonston Drive
Rockville, MD 20852
Tel: 301-279-1773

The American Camping Association - Revises and publishes annually Guide to Accredited Camps.
12 West 31st Street
New York, NY 10001
Tel: 212-268-7822
Web site: http://www.acacamps.org/

The Enrichment Centers - Tutoring and Summer Centers throughout Maryland, Washington, DC and Virignia.

The Enrichment Centers, Inc.
6109 Broad Street
Bethesda, MD 20816
Tele: 301-229-1744
Fax: 301-229-4185
Email: info@enrichmantcenters.com
Web site: http://www.enrichmentcenters.com

Northern Virginia Youth Symphony Association - Their February newsletter lists more than a dozen summer music camps, mostly in the eastern and mid-Atlantic states.
4026 Hummer Road
Annandale, VA 22003
Tel: 703-642-0862
Web site: http://www.business.com/directory/media_and_entertainment/music/symphony_orchestras/virginia/

The Smithsonian Institution - The Smithsonian runs half-day and full-day summer camp programs for grades KG - 8 using the museums as the backdrop for camp activities and exploration. In these popular Summer Camp sessions, experienced team teachers take campers on imaginative journeys that use the Smithsonian museums, the Mall, and regional sites for inspiration. Campers discover the wonders of video arts and clay animation, explore other lands, delight in theater, develop artistic talents, experiment with science, and much more.

Summer Solutions - They advise on overnight camps and teen travel programs.
P.O. Box 9441
McLean, VA 22102
Tel: 703-569-2616; 703-255-2540
Toll free: 800-729-7295; 800-729-7090
Web site: http://www.summersolutions.com/

Tips on Trips and Camps - This referral service for camps and other summer experiences specializes in summer camps and trips for children and teens including programs abroad for language, travel, and study. They hold fairs where camp and program directors answer questions.
8804 Honeybee Lane
Bethesda, MD 20817
Tel: 301-670-1706
Web site: http://www.tipsontripsandcamps.com/

BOARDING SCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAMS

Boarding school summer programs offer a host of academic, athletic, artistic, and travel opportunities. Many programs are open to both local students and to those who choose to live at the school. Programs might introduce the student to new fields or aid in the mastery of a known subject. Families are invited to come to the Family Liaison Office to review the file containing information on summer programs offered at boarding schools.  Boarding school summer programs can also be located from web sites listed on FLO's Boarding School Options page.

SUMMER COLLEGE PROGRAMS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Over 200 U.S. colleges and universities offer summer courses for high school students. Some of these courses are purely for enrichment, but others are college-level courses which enable students to earn college credits in advance. The programs range from 1 to 8 weeks. Students live in dorms, eat in dining halls, and experience what college life will be like. See Resources below for more information.

INTERNSHIPS

A number of organizations in the Washington area offer both paid and unpaid internships. An internship can be an excellent opportunity for a young person to explore the real world of work in different fields. Some of these are available for teens as well as college-age students and adults. See Resources below for more information.

ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMS FOR ADVENTUROUS HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE-AGE STUDENTS

Dozens of nonprofit organizations have summer programs offering opportunities to travel and gain work experience for the older student. Many of these programs can be used for academic credit. Some are offered throughout the year. A few of the more popular programs are described below. It is a good idea to apply early.

AIESC - AIESC is a French acronym for International Association for Students in Economics and Business, a student-run work exchange group in the United States. For every foreign student placed in an American company, a position opens for a U.S. student overseas. Annually, 350 U.S. students are paid a living stipend while placed in companies abroad. AIESC arranges housing, insurance, transportation, and visas. The deadline is in February.
14 West 23rd Street
New York NY 10010
Web site: http://www.aiesec.org/

Council on International Educational Exchange - The Council arranges for reciprocal work exchange programs with Canada, Costa Rica, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Jamaica, and New Zealand. It arranges work permits for 3 to 6 months of employment abroad. Students must find their own jobs and housing, but the Council supplies them with an international student ID for many discounts, including discounts on flights. Students are eligible while enrolled full-time in college or university or within 6 months of graduation.
633 Third Avenue, 20th Floor
New York, NY 10017-6706
Toll-Free: 1-800-40-Study
Fax: 1-212-822-2779
Web site: http://www.ciee.org/

Earthwatch Field Research Corps - This is a volunteer organization that matches students with research expeditions in the fields of humanities and Earth, marine and life sciences in the United States and 30 foreign countries. Projects run from 2 to 4 weeks. The expense can be considerable, but half of all participants receive financial aid. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
3 Clock Tower Place, Suite 100
Box 75
Maynard, MA 01754
Tel: 978-461-0081, 1-800-776-0188
Fax: 978-461-2332
Email: info@earthwatch.org
Web site: http://www.earthwatch.org/

National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) - NOLS uses wilderness as a classroom with extended courses, 10 days to 3 months long. It teaches skills and information essential for low-impact wilderness living. Many courses are for young people who are 16 years and older. A few courses are open to 14-and 15-year olds only. They also have semester programs for young people age 17 and older in Argentina, Kenya, Mexico, and the United States, including Alaska.
288 Main Street
Lander, Wyoming 82520-3128
Tel: 307-332-6973
Web site: http://www.nols.edu/NOLSHome.html

Operation Crossroads Africa - Students in this program live 7 to 8 weeks in rural parts of 16 African countries. The work can be either on community development projects in health, agriculture, or construction, or on anthropological or archeological sites. There is an initial orientation in Princeton, New Jersey, and the last 2 weeks are spent traveling in Africa with a group leader. Cost is high, but 90 percent of participants receive scholarships covering the entire fee.
150 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10011
Tel: 212-870-2106
Web site: http://www.igc.org/oca/

Outward Bound - One of the best known summer outdoor programs in the United States, it also runs programs in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Pacific. It offers considerable financial aid. Admission is open until places are filled.
Route 9D R2, Box 280
Garrison, NY 10524
Tel: 1-800-243-8520; 914-424-4000
Web site: http://www.outwardboundwilderness.org/

The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars - This clearinghouse places college students in Congress, the Executive Branch, news media, labor unions, Common Cause, National Trust for Historic Preservation, and other corporate and nonprofit organizations. The Center offers a structured work experience along with regular seminars, debates, briefings and lectures, and supervises the details of the intern's stay in Washington, including housing and evaluation.
2301 M Street NW, 5th Floor
Washington, DC 20005
Tel: 202-336-7600
Web site: http://www.twc.edu/

EUROPEAN SUMMER CAMPS

Summer camps or programs in Europe are also an option for the Foreign Service child, either coming from or going to an overseas assignment. Some limited information is available in the Family Liaison Office. Books listing European summer camps can be found in the Resources list below.

Resources

American Institute for Foreign Study - They can advise on summer programs of travel and study in Europe and Asia.
102 Greenwich Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06830
Tel: 203-869-9090
Web site: http://www.aifs.org/

Summer on Campus: College Experiences for High School Students
Available from:
The College Board
45 Columbus Avenue
New York, NY 10023
Tel: 212-713-8000
Web site: http://www.collegeboard.com

International Herald Tribune - Available at most posts overseas, this newspaper lists European summer camps in its annual educational supplement.

Private Secondary Schools - Updated annually, this lists a number of European schools with summer programs.
Summer Jobs
Summer Opportunities for Kids and Teenagers
Summer Study Abroad
Available from:
Peterson's Guides
P.O. Box 67005
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Tel: 609-896-1800; 800-338-3282; 609-896-1800, ext. 5660 (for ordering)
Email: customerservice@petersons.com
Web site: http://www.petersons.com

Guide to Summer Camps and Summer Schools - Annually updated material is cross-referenced in a variety of ways, including travel abroad and foreign-language study.
Schools Abroad of Interest to Americans - Provides a description of day and boarding independent schools abroad. If schools have summer programs, they are described.
Available from:
Porter Sargent Publishers, Inc.
11 Beacon Street
Boston, MA 02108
Tel: 617-523-1670
Email: info@portersargeant.com
Web site: http://www.portersargent.com

The Educational Register: A Free Guide for Parents - The register describes several international study programs and camps and offers a free advisory service to parents. The revised edition is distributed annually to CLO offices abroad and is available in the Family Liaison Office.
Available from:
Vincent/Curtis
224 Clarendon Street, Suite 40
Boston, MA 02116-9912
Tel: 617-536-0100
Fax: 617-536-8098
Email: register@vincentcurtis.com
Web site: http://www.vincentcurtis.com

Information provided by the Family Liaison Office
Contact the Family Liaison Office