Moms Council: Summer Camp Plans for the Kids

Editor's Note: Mom's Council member Rachel Kirkland sits on the  Manassas Park Park and Recreation Advisory Committee as the school board representative for Manassas Park City Schools. 

When school lets out for the summer, thus begins the glorious days of trips to the pool, the ice cream parlor and playing with neighborhood friends in the backyard—for some.  For the rest of us, we are trying to find something to do with the kids while we continue to work or, something more structured for the child who could spend 12 weeks of his life in pursuit of perfection on the Xbox.  Let the camp quest begin. 

 My search began in earnest in January.  I know it seems crazy to plan summer break when there is snow on the ground, but when you have to work around planning vacations and family visits, it seems less insane.  The cottage industry of summer camps seems to agree with me as well. 

I went in late January to Camp Fair at Fair Oaks Mall in Fairfax to see what sort of academic camp offerings were available in the region.  There are many – if you are willing and able to drive to Fairfax County.   That was a huge disappointment, as it just isn’t practical for us and my youngest wanted a “math and science camp.”  Instead, he gets some tutoring from mom and some trips to the local museums.  But the recreation and arts offerings are plentiful in Manassas and Manassas Park.

 Based on his interests, the current the plan for him is a mix of Manassas Park Park and Recreation camps at Signal Hill and the new community center and the Freedom Center,  based on his interests.  It’s everything from Secrets of the Ninja and Creature Feature camps in the park to Gracie Jiu Jitsu at the Freedom Center.  Even though he said he wanted to sign up for boxing, I haven’t brought myself to it yet.  At the age of 7, he isn’t going to get complete autonomy in his choices.   

 Both programs have schedules up and are registering now.  Manassas Park has 60 camps to choose from in 11 weeks, with an emphasis on sports and leisure interests.  Freedom Center looks to have about the same amount with a mix of arts, some academics and sports.  It is interesting to note that the Freedom Center’s camps for school age kids can range from two hours to all day with a range of fees, where Manassas Park’s school age camps generally are 8:30-3:30 p.m. and are almost uniform in pricing structure.   I have been pretty happy with the offerings at both sites. 

 I know there are some other gems out there locally.  The Prince William County’s parks department has camps that I have no knowledge of, for example.   The Candy Factory in Old Town has run summer camps for years as well.  For special needs children, McLean Bible Church, though a bit of a drive, has Soaring Over Seven, a unique opportunity for kids with disabilities to have a day camp experience in July. What are your other plans for the break?  What are the area must-sees and dos for summer fun?