Summer means lots of free time for your kids, or it can mean more time for them to develop hobbies and get involved. Your kids can spend time reading at events discussed in the article Best Summer Reading Events For Kids, learn to swim, volunteer, make art and more. Whatever activity they are interested in, there is something for every kid to dive into this summer. These activities will keep your kids off the couch.
Imagination Stage Camps
4908 Auburn Ave.
Bethesda, MD 20814
Most people don’t realize that a good number of famous actors are from the DMV area. Talent scouts look for the next “That’s So Raven” or “Hannah Montana” in this area. If your child is interested in acting, they can learn some of the fundamentals and more specialized skills at Imagination Stage. And at the same time, they will be developing their creativity and staying active. This summer your kid can start their journey to being the next big superstar.
4-H Summer Camp
University of District of Columbia Campus
4200 Connecticut Ave. N.W.
Washington, DC 20008
After-school and summer programs have been known to foster some of the nation’s greatest leaders’ development. 4-H is a nationwide program that helps children and teens develop skills that will put them on a path to success. Kids learn everything from fashion design to conservation to public speaking and fitness. Your child will be a well-rounded individual, capable of problem solving and critical thinking, all while having fun and making lasting friendships and relationships.
Washington Performing Arts Summer Camps
Washington DC is a big arts town, with an abundance of musical theatre, plays, dance, music, galleries and more. Your kids have a near-endless list of events to introduce them to the arts and the benefits of learning an art. Washington Performing Arts brings music education to the children of the DC area all year long, but many residents look forward to the summer camps every year. Summer camps include Capital Strings, Summer Steps, Gospel Vocal Workshop and Capital Jazz. These camps teach kids how to play an instrument, dance or sing; fun and educational activities that can lead to careers.
YMCA National Capital
1711 Rhode Island Ave. N.W.
Washington, DC 20036
There are plenty of summer camps that you can send your kids to to swim, go horseback riding, make friends and be away from home for a while. You can do that, or you can send your kid to science camp where they will make friends, learn and have fun. The YMCA has specialty camps that are geared towards what your kids are interested in. Chess, science, robotics, improv, photography and more are all available for your kids to spend the summer doing what they actually like to do. And of course, the YMCA has traditional camps as well.
Sitar Arts Center
1700 Kalorama Road N.W., Suite 101
Washington, DC 20009
Unfortunately, Washington DC has families and children that can’t afford to attend some of the special year-round and summer activities in the area. But organizations like the Sitar Arts Center have missions to support and serve these families. Being able to flex their creative muscles allows children to learn useful skills while not feeling like they are being taught to; they are actually willing participants. At Sitar Arts Center’s summer activities, kids can learn everything from music production to writing a comic book. Let your kids make valuable memories this summer.
Folashade Oyegbola is a freelance writer covering all things D.C. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.