Now is the time to start thinking about MVF Summer Camps
by Mike Conroy
With the cold weather setting in and mentions of snow 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, give your child(ren) a great opportunity to learn, interact and grow, right here in your backyard.
The Montgomery Village Foundation (MVF) Department of Recreation, Parks and Culture offers fantastic opportunities at established camps for youth 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, participate in science experiments and of course, have fun! Camp Tiny Feet offers swimming lessons at no additional cost, and camps Soaring Stars and Racing Wind have a new afternoon swim lesson option!
New this summer are themed camp weeks, each with a special guest or awesome field trip! Currently scheduled trips include (trips vary per camp and are subject to change): Monster Golf, Bowl America, Bohrer Park, Pirate Quest, Udvar Hazy Air and Space Museum, Laser Tag, Rockin’ Jump and an End of Summer Cookout. Special visitors include: Catriona’s Castle, Reptile Wonders, Under the Sea and more!
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. Learn pool mechanics, to build rafts, canoe safety and more!
Teens ages 13 to 16 can grow their skills by working with MVF Summer Camps. MVF offers either a Counselor-in-Training (CIT) or Leader-in-Training (LIT) program for those ages 14 and older. Gain valuable leadership and job experience, as well as Student Service Learning hours as a CIT or LIT. 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.
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, camps Soaring Stars and Racing Wind offer 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. New this year, Camp Tiny Feet has been extended by a half hour and the North Creek Summer Activity Center is open all day (8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) as well!
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. And because Montgomery County Public Schools don’t start until after Labor Day, we’ve added an extra session of camp!
Want more flexibility? The North Creek Summer Activity Center or Whetstone Summer Club may be perfect options for you! These super-affordable camp options run the same weeks as the other camps, but allow campers to drop-in as necessary. The North Creek program includes a variety of activities each day, including new nature lessons, guest performers and a field trip, while Whetstone Summer Club focuses on sports, group games, crafts, activities and swimming.
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, Club SciKidz, Tiny Chefs or Abrakadoodle sessions, finding their inner engineer, scientist, 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 15. 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. Register by Wednesday, March 15 and take advantage of our Early Bird Discount!
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, Feb. 12 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