Now is the time to start thinking about MVF Summer Camps
by Mike Conroy
With the cold weather coming and going and mentions of snow and ice here and there, it seems like there’s no better time to start thinking about summer—summer camps, that is.
Before you know it, spring and summer will creep up on us, school will be out, vacations will begin and you’ll need somewhere productive for your children to go during the day. Now is the time to think, and register for, MVF Summer Camps. This summer, explore opportunities for your child(ren) to learn, interact and grow, right here in your backyard.
The Montgomery Village Foundation (MVF) Department of Recreation and Parks offers fantastic opportunities at established camps for youngsters from ages just-under-4 to 12. Each week, campers will make friends, enjoy live performances, go on field trips, participate in active games, go swimming, create arts and crafts projects, draw, cook, build and, of course, have fun! Camp Tiny Feet offers swimming lessons at no additional cost, and Lake Marion Camp includes an afternoon swim lesson option (additional fee)!
Themed camp weeks keep the summer fun; each week features a special guest or awesome field trip! Currently scheduled trips include (trips vary per camp and are subject to change): Uno Pizzeria & Grill, Bowl America, Bohrer Park, Smithsonian National Zoo, South Mountain Creamery, Washington Nationals Park, Laser Tag and Rockin’ Jump. Special visitors include: Reptile Wonders, Spitz-O-Matic and the MVF Conservation Corps!
Looking for something a little different this year? Those interested in swimming, pools and aquatics should try Afternoon Aqua Club for some water-based fun. Build and race rafts, learn canoe safety and more!
Teens ages 13 to 17 can grow their skills by working with MVF Summer Camps. MVF offers a Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program for those ages 14 and older. Gain valuable leadership and job experience, as well as Student Service Learning hours as a CIT. Early experiences like this will help build confidence and responsibility to flourish in future employment opportunities; many CITs have attended MVF camps and transition into camp counselor positions the following year. Get the jump on the CIT experience with the Youth Leadership Workshop in late March; visit www.montogmeryvillage.com for more information or to register.
MVF Summer Camps are convenient for parents, too! Besides being so close to home, affording you the ease of drop-off and pickup before and after work, Lake Marion Camp offers an extended-day option from 7:30 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. to make sure you get to work on time. Camp Tiny Feet runs from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and North Creek Summer Club is open all day, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Need to schedule around summer vacation plans? No problem—our flexible, one and two-week sessions make it possible to maximize your child’s camp experience and minimize overpaying for a camp they can’t attend all of.
Want more flexibility? The North Creek Summer Club may be the perfect option! This super-affordable camp option runs the same weeks as the other camps, but allows campers to drop-in as necessary. The North Creek program includes a variety of activities each day, art projects, ping pong, air hockey, group games (indoor and outdoor), and special activities like pizza parties, pool days, a guest performer, mid-summer field trip and a big end-of-the-summer extravaganza!
What happens when camp is over, but school hasn’t started yet? We’ve got you covered there too! End of summer camps are a great way to fill that gap before school starts. Campers can participate in LEGO, Tiny Chefs or drawing sessions, finding their inner engineer, culinary genius or artistic talents.
MVF camps provide peace of mind with top-notch staff. Many of our camp staff and directors have years of experience with Village youth. And our manageable staff-to-camper ratio makes sure that your child receives care and attention, instead of just being another face in the crowd. Parents, guardians and campers are invited to meet the staff of their respective camps at the Camp Open House on Thursday, June 14. Times and locations vary per camp; for more information, call 301-948-0110, or visit www.montgomeryvillage.com.
Best of all, Montgomery Village camps won’t break the bank! The weekly/bi-weekly sessions are broken down to affordable rates.
To check out all the opportunities for your child(ren) this summer, visit the Summer Camp and Program Fair from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 11 at Lake Marion Community Center, 8821 East Village Avenue. Meet camp staff and sample a wide variety of activities offered this summer.
If you can’t make the camp fair, grab a Summer Camp Guide from the MVF Office, 10120 Apple Ridge Road, or view it online at www.montgomeryvillage.com. And with the convenience of online registration, you can register your child(ren) in just a few minutes! For more information or questions, call 301-948-0110, e-mail