Tag Archives: Alexandria

Apr 15, 2015

New parents have to make many tough decisions. Among them is how to handle all the crap that comes out of our precious new children. I grew up wearing cloth diapers. My mother swore by them. The diaper pins held sentimental attachment for me as I grew older and remembered seeing my youngest sibling toddle around in her cloth diaper. My mom was a trooper and did all the cleaning herself. When I had my first child, I decided that I didn’t have the time to invest in cloth diapers although I hated seeing the loads of diapers that we sent out to the landfill. Fast forward nine years out of diapers and I stumbled upon Modern Diaper Service. My oldest was at rock climbing camp and needs a harness now more than a diaper but I was curious when I saw their sign and went in for more information. The owner, Dennis, was very kind and gave my son and I a tour of their facility. I was blown away. I felt like I had stepped back in time. I had no idea that Alexandria has been home to a full service diaper company since 1974 (that’s one year before I was born for those wondering). Even my son enjoyed seeing the testing that they do on each and ever load of laundered diapers to ensure that they are PH balanced to fight diaper rash.IMG_2443[1]

Modern Diaper advertises that for less than the cost of many brands of disposable diapers you can give your baby the Comfort of 100% Cotton Diapers and free yourself from the inconvenience of washing diapers at home. They have incredible industrial equipment that ensures that their diapers get the cleanest wash possible. Each diaper is inspected by hand!IMG_2445[1]

Now the details of their service! Your first delivery of diapers includes a plastic diaper pail along with waterproof velcro diaper cover and instructions. You’re not going at this alone moms and dads! They also sale additional velcro diaper covers, waterproof pants, diaper pins, liners and training pants. They offer 2 Sizes of Diapers and 6 Choices of thickness. They pick-up and deliver at your door step in Alexandria and through out the DMV and your service date is the same each week. Looking for a great shower gift for new parents? You can get new parents a gift certificate for their services.

You can contact them at 301-853-3993 or 703-82303993 or even go visit them at 5318 Eisenhower Ave. in Alexandria. www.moderndiaperservice.com/

 

 

Mar 20, 2014

It may not feel like it but today is the first day of spring! We can’t wait for the weather to catch up to the calendar! To help you get into a spring state of mind, here are several ideas for classes and sports that you can sign up for this spring-

ASAtotsSoccerAlexandria Soccer Association’s Spring Tots Soccer season is still signing up. This is for kids ages 2-4. ASA also has fantastic rec. leagues for ages 5 and up.

artinthecenter

Have a budding Picasso in your house? Art at the Center‘s Spring Classes are now registering. Sessions will be from April 21- May 30

upcycle

Get creative at Upcycle‘s next session- ART FUNDAMENTALS – Begins the Week of April 28! They offer classes for kids aged 1-10

theartleague

The spring term begins April 6th at Old Town’s The Art League. Classes are available for kids 5 and up.

AlexandriaSpringProgramGuideCover

Alexandria’s Spring/Summer Recreation Guide is out and there’s tons of fantastic classes being offered. Just to touch on a few, there’s swimming, tumbling, organized sports, dance, arts and even technology!

FairfaxCountyparktakescoverSP14-180

A portion of Alexandria lies within Fairfax County and the Fairfax County Spring Parktakes is out and think Alexandria Rec. Guide on steroids. If your kid has an interest, there’s a class for it!

 

 

 

 

Dec 24, 2013

What better day than to start a new blog series of ‘My Favorite Things’ in our neighborhood than Christmas Eve? These things don’t have to be big but they’re the things that make our community such a special place to be raising our kids!

LETTERS TO SANTA AT PURPLE GOOSE

Years ago Purple Goose started the tradition of being a drop off point for letters to Santa. Their mailbox disappeared last year but they continued the tradition this year. Santa replies to each letter that is dropped off!

LETTERS TO SANTA PURPLE GOOSE

Mar 17, 2013

  Alexandria Archaeology Summer Camp

Help Alexandria’s City archaeologists excavate a real archaeological site! Learn professional excavating, recording, and artifact processing methods. Uncover Alexandria’s buried past while protecting the City’s valuable historic resources.

Ages: 12 – 15.

July 15-19, 2013. From 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

At the Alexandria Archaeology Museum, and a real archaeological site in Alexandria (to be announced)

$400 with available scholarships. A non-refundable deposit check of $100, payable to the City of Alexandria, is required upon receipt of application to secure your reservations. The balance of $300 is due by June 1, 2013.

ACDS Summer Camp/Baroody Camps

ACDS summer camps offer children in grades K-8 the chance to play, to grow, and to discover new horizons! Experienced educators share their passions in uniquely designed programs that feature low instructor-student ratios and incorporate age-appropriate writing and outdoor activities. Discover Alexandria’s best-kept summer secrets, and awaken your son or daughter to the excitement and beauty of Washington, D.C.’s own backyard. Camps run from mid-June through July, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. PM Care is available. Information about offerings and registration will be available in January.

ASA Summer Camps

ASA summer training series is a fun, but challenging environment where players can play in a relaxed atmosphere while at the same time strengthening their physical, mental, and technical skills. The series provide an invaluable opportunity for players to be evaluated by an excellent team of highly qualified coaches.
June 24th – August 8th Cost: U5/U6 – $115 | U7-U14- $145
August 12th – Thursday, August 15th (Advanced Week)
Advanced Training Week – $165
U5-U6| 5:30-7:00pm
U7-U14| 5:30-8:00pm

Animal Welfare League of Alexandria

Update: All Sessions are full

June 24 to August 30, 2012 (different sessions depending on age) $250

All sessions start at 9:30am and end at 3:30pm.

Children entering grade 3 to grade 8.

Choose from a variety of summer camp options depending on your childs age. Shelter Buddies Camp is an introduction to the world of animal sheltering, animal care, and local wildlife. (Grades 3 to 8); Dog Days of Summer Camp is a fun way for kids to learn about dog behavior, training, and dog-sports. (Grades 5 and 8)

Camp is filled on a first-come, first-served basis. We will call you to confirm your registration. Payment of $250 is due within 7 days of notification of acceptance. Registrations received after sessions are full will be added to a waitlist.

Arcadia Farm Camp

Ages 6 – 10
1 week sessions: 7/8-8/2
Camp is for 6-12 year-olds
9am-3pm
Offers extended day

At Arcadia’s Farm Camp, campers will joyfully discover where food comes from through hands-on farming, cooking, and eating experiences. Campers will spend a week at our working farm on the grounds of Woodlawn, a National Trust Historic Site, in Alexandria.

Your child will develop an understanding of food origins, seasonality, sustainable agriculture, historic preservation, land conservation, and culinary arts.summer camp5

The Art League Summer Art Camp

Alexandria Basic Art, Drawing, Cartooning, Painting, Ceramics, Sculpture, Jewelry, Fiber

Ages 5 – 17

1 week sessions: June 17, 2013 and runs through August 23, 2013

Half- and Full-Day Camps

Art Camp provides a wonderful introduction to several forms of visual art. In Basic Art, each day’s project is different: drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture. In specialty camps the focus is on immersion in one media. Tuition for full-day camps includes a supervised lunch hour. Create a full-day session by combining Basic Art with a Specialty Camp. All full-day campers should bring a bag lunch.

Arts on the Horizon

Offers 5 weeks of half-day, theater-based summer camps for 3-5 year olds right in Del Ray at the Commonwealth Baptist Church. Themes will be:

Drumming with Dishes: The Camp
Ages 3-5 years, June 24-27, 2013, Monday-Friday, 9am-12pm

Super Sleuths
Ages 3-5 years, July 15-19, 2013, Monday-Friday, 9am-12pm

The Young Spectaculars and the Front Yard Adventure: The Camp
Ages 3-5 years, July 22-26, 2013, Monday-Friday, 9am-12pm

High Seas Adventure: A Pirate’s Tale
Ages 3-5 years, July 29-August 2, 2013, Monday-Friday, 9am-12pm

Walkabout: An Outback Adventure
Ages 3-5 years, August 5-9, 2013, Monday-Friday, 9am-12pm

BEGINNING ACTING – New for Ages 5-6 years
July 8-12, 2013, Monday-Friday, 9am-12pm

Cost: $165 per one week camp

Ballet In The Grass

For Boys and Girls Ages 3 – 10 years of age 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Session I – June 17 – 21 (ages 3 – 5)

Session II – June 24 – 28 (ages 6 – 10)

Session III – July 8 – 12 (ages 3- 5 )

Session IV – July 15 – 19 (ages 6 – 10)

Alexandria Bible Church, 1302 West Braddock Road, Alex, Va  22302

Fee: $194.00 per session. NO registration fees.

Baroody Camps

At Alexandria Country Day School, 2400 Russell Rd.

June 17-August 16
Our Themed Day Camps include sessions of some of our favorite camp activities, adapted each week to fit a new theme. Most of the camps will run 9am to 3:30pm, Monday through Friday. They are jam-packed with fun ideas to challenge each child and ways to bring out the most creative young minds. The themed day camps are geared towards children in grades K-6 with 4 different levels of development in mind. Themed day camps and basketball camps are discounted until March 1st.

Full Day Specialty Camps Include:

Camp Themes:
 Wild Kingdom
 Time Warp
 Spaced Out!
 Game Time
 Stars & Stripes
 Harry Potter
 Superheroes
 Green Inventions
 Ahoy Pirates!
9am –3:30pm

Offers extended day

Campers may choose to bring their own lunch, or for an additional $50 per session,lunch will be included Monday thru Thursday by a local vendor. Friday’s lunch will be pizza

Beverley Hills Church Preschool

Session I Robots & Machines June 24 – July 5

Session II Water, Water Everywhere July 8 – July 19

Session III Nature Explorers July 22 – August 2

The children in the youngest class (ages approx. 2.5 – 3.5) meet Monday through Friday from 9 am – 12 pm.  Older children (ages 3.5 – 5) will meet Monday through Friday from 9 am – 1 pm.

Beverley Hills Church Preschool (BHCP) offers a half-day summer camp program for children ages 2.5 – 5.  Children must be 2 years old by December 31, of the previous year in order to attend.  The children enjoy BHCP’s wooded playground and outdoor water play every day.  The campers also spend time inside the air-conditioned classrooms creating art projects, singing songs, reading books, and playing with the materials offered during the regular school year at BHCP.  No parent co-oping is required during camp.summer camp4

Browne Summer Camp

June 17, 2013 – August 9, 2013

Our coeducational Day Camp Program is offered to children ages 3 – 13:

• Mini Camp Full Day and Mini Camp Half Day for Preschool children

• Junior Camp for children grades K – 4

• Senior Camp for children grades 5 – 8

The Day Camp operates from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily (with Extended Day available), and includes a variety of activities to meet the interests of our campers, as well as challenge them. We are confident that your child will enjoy the activities that we offer: daily swimming with certified lifeguards, art, sports, music, dance, technology, nature, drama and more. Our staff members use an effective blend of gentle encouragement and support to help each and every child achieve his or her potential at their own level. You will see your child’s increased self-confidence and pride – the best gifts that we can give our children!

Burgundy Summer Day Camp

Burgundy’s Alexandria Summer Day Camp offers daily swimming, diverse activities, and special events on Burgundy’s 25 acres that include forest, field, pond, barn, amphitheater, and state-of-the-art facilities.

Camp hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Morning Extended Day begins at 7:00 a.m., and afternoon Extended Day is available from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Bus transportation is also available.

Camp Shakespeare

Young performers investigate the complexities of Shakespeare’s language and create dynamic characters. They explore the art of comedy, strengthen their ability to work in an ensemble and tackle the techniques of unarmed stage combat.

July 15–27

Shakespeare’s Magic & A Midsummer Night’s Dream

George Washington Masonic Memorial

Ages 9-14

Campagna Kids Summer Camp & Summer Safari

Rising K – 5th graders

Summer Camp: 4-wk sessions, 7/2 & 7/30

Summer Safari – 1 week sessions: 6/25 – 7/30

Summer Camp: sliding scale

Summer Safari: $225/wk with multi-week discounts

“Around the World in 40 Days” summer camp is an enriching and educational 8 week adventure of activities and field trips concentrating on global culture. Hours are 7am – 6pm.

“Summer Safari” can be enjoyed in weekly sessions (up to six) featuring a science-based curriculum focusing on habitats: desert, rainforest, ocean, arctic, forest and prehistoric.

Hours are 9am – 2pm

Offers extended day.

Clio’s Kids: A History Mini-Camp

Come join in on the fun! Clio’s Kids introduces children to American history and life in historic Alexandria through artifacts, storytelling, singing and crafts, “old-fashioned” games, and visits to nearby historic places. Our theme for 2013 is “To and Fro and Away we Go!”
We’ll learn about transportation and travel in and around Alexandria – past and present!

AGES: Children ages 5 – 7

WHEN: July 23, 24, & 25, 2013, 9 a.m. to noon (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday)

WHERE: The Lyceum: Alexandria’s History Museum, 201 S. Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

COST: The fee is $105 and includes snacks and souvenirs.

Civil War Kids’ Camp

This week of fun and learning introduces children to life during the Civil War. Activities include drilling, craft projects, Civil War food and music, visits by reenactors, nineteenth-century games, lessons on Civil War flags and setting up Civil War tents. Fee includes snacks, kepi, equipment and craft projects. Children should bring a bag lunch each day.

WHO: Ages: 8 – 12; Enrollment limit: 24 campers.

WHEN: June 24 – June 28, 2013; 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. daily

WHERE: Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site

COST: Fee: $200

Challenger Sports British Soccer

Alexandria Soccer Ages 2 – 16 1 wk in Spring & 7 in Summer

First Kicks (resident) 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM Ages 2 to 3 $90.00

Mini Soccer (resident) 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Ages 4 to 5 $110.00

Full Day Player Development (resident) 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Ages 6 to 16 $195.00

Half Day Player Development (resident) 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Ages 6 to 16 $140.00

First Kicks (non-resident) 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM Ages 2 to 3 $115.00

Mini Soccer (non-resident) 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Ages 4 to 5 $135.00

Half Day Player Development (non-resident) 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Ages 6 to 16 $165.00

Full Day Player Development (non-resident) 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Ages 6 to 16 $220.00

Camps weekly from 6/24- 8/30

Challenger British Soccer Camps provide players of all abilities with the rare opportunity to receive instruction from international experts. Each day includes foot skills, technical drills, tactical practices, small-sided games, coached scrimmages, and a tournament. The staff also provides lessons in respect, responsibility, integrity, sportsmanship and leadership.summer camp3

City of Alexandria Summer Camps

Camps will be offered by the city for the following interested: Tots, Sports, Dance, Visual Arts, Computers, Chess, Nature Camp, Outdoor Adventure and also camps for children with disabilities

Ages 3 – 12

1 week sessions: 6/24 – 8/30

At City of Alexandria Summer Camps, a lifetime of rewarding memories awaits each child. Activities include swimming, team sports, crafts, environmental activities, games and field trips. Children are supervised in a friendly, safe environment. Counselors create an atmosphere of enthusiasm, support and trust – actively participating in all activities. Every day is an adventure!

Del Ray Artisans Art Camp

Week One: July 15-19, 2013 from 9am-4pm daily

Week Two: July 22-26, 2013 from 9am-4pm daily

For Ages: 8-14

Del Ray Artisans invites young campers to spend a week creating art with professional artist instruction. All artist supplies, as well as lunch and snacks, are provided.

Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

Del Ray Performing Arts 2012 summer dramatic arts and music camps

DRAMATIC ARTS CAMPS
Shakespeare’s Time Traveling Players Boot Camp!
June 26th – July 2nd 9am-3pm, Grades 6-9

Shakespeare Players Camp!
July 10th-July 16th 9am-3pm, Grades 2 – 5

Jedi Warriors Training Academy Padawan Camp!
July 24th–July 30th 9am-3pm, Grades 4-7

Jedi Warriors Training Academy Knights Camp!
July 31st–August 6th 9am-3pm, Grades 6-9

MUSIC CAMPS
School of Rock Camp
June 27th-July 1st 9am-3pm, Ages 8-15

School of Jazz Camp
June 13th-June17th 9am-3pm

Tuition $500

E.nopi Math, Reading, and Writing

Ages 3 – 15

Contact the center for availability

We nurture healthy study habits and facilitate your child’s fundamental skills, establishing self-confidence within his/her own capacity! E.nopi helps children strengthen math, reading, and writing skills in a fun, interactive environment. The E.nopi curriculum combines facts and memorization with application of skills through critical thinking, problem solving, and reading comprehension. The individualized program helps children master skills at their own pace, while building confidence at the same time!

Engineering for Kids

Summer Camps will be at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Alexandria June 24th– August 23rd

Our Full-Day Camps will run from 9 AM – 4 PM and will offer an all-encompassing introduction to engineering for kids ages 4-11

All day camps $350

Engineering For Kids brings science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), to kids ages 4 to 14 in a fun and challenging way through classes, camps, clubs, and parties. We are proud to inspire children to build on their natural curiosity by teaching engineering concepts through hands-on learning. Engineering is, after all, one of the fastest growing industries in the world!

Fairfax Collegiate

3830 Seminary Rd. Alexandria, VA

Rising 3rd –9th graders

8:30-noon, 12:30-4:00 or 8:30-4:00

Session 2: 7/8 – 7/19
Math, Robots in Space, Dinosaurs, Writing Skills and Grammar, Alice – Creating 3D Worlds, Blender Animation, Reading and Writing for Meaning, Traveling Players Acting Sampler, Reading Reinforcement, Chemistry Concepts, Robotics Engineering, Traveling Players Acting and Improvisation, Robotics Combat, Web Design, HSPT, ISEE, and SSAT Test Prep

Session 3: 7/22 – 8/2
Writing Fundamentals, Robotics Zoo, Problem Solving, Elementary Debate, Small Basic Games, Game Design and Modding, Exam Essay Writing, Word Problems, Kodu Programming, Strategic Reading, Mobile Robotics, Alice – Creating 3D Worlds, Writers’ Workshop, T.J. Exam Prep

Session 4: 8/5 – 8/16
Clear-Cut Math, Computer Art, Writing Skills and Grammar, Robotics Archaeology, Traveling Players Acting and Improvisation, Reading and Writing for Meaning, Genetics, PSAT and SAT Prep, Reading Reinforcement, Intro to Robotics, Chemistry Concepts, Fairfax Collegiate Math, GameMaker – Studio, Human Biology and Anatomy, Intro to Geometry, Traveling Players Acting Sampler

Session 5: 8/19 – 8/30
Writing Fundamentals, Persuasive Speaking, Space Exploration, Word Problems, Robotics Archaeology, GameMaker – Studio, Intro to Pre-Algebra, Game Programming, T.J. Exam Prep, Word Problems, Construction Robots, Thinking Skills, Guided Summer Reading, HTML Web Pages, Spaceflight and the Solar System, Grammar, Usage, and Style, Robotics Combat, Exam Essay Writing

Fairfax County Parks and Recreation

There are tons of summer camps being offered to residents and non-residents of Fairfax County through their Parks and Recreation Dept. such as these great classes right here in Alexandria:

For camps in Alexandria, search for Waynewood Elementary School, Lee Recreation Center, Belle Haven Marina, George Washington RecCenter & Huntley Meadows

There are tons of great sports, kayak, nature camps and more for ages 2 years and up!

Green Spring Gardens

Green Spring Fun Camp (8-12 yrs) week of 6/24/13

Arts al Fresco (8-12 yrs) week of 7/8/13

Eco Explorers (8-12 yrs) week of 7/15/13

Creepy Crawlies (5-7 yrs) week of 7/22/13

Creepy Crawlies (8-12 yrs) week of 7/29/13

Arts al Fresco (5-7 yrs) week of 8/5/13

Arts al Fresco (8-12 yrs) week of 8/12/13

Eco Explorers (8-12 yrs) week of 8/19/13

Hank Harris Tennis Academy

Mini camp on the week of June 3rd

Standard Camp sessions from June 10th – July 26th (no camp week of July 4th)

The camp is being held at Episcopal High School

Full Session starts at 8:30 and ends at 3 p.m.

Half day sessions (subject to availability) end at 11:30 a.m.

3:00-5:00 Extended care (please inquire)

Cost: $395 per week- full session, $225 per week for half day session

Hilltop Golf Summer Camp

Hilltop Junior Camps and Programs focus on building better athletes in a fun, friendly and competitive environment. Our programs are designed to help young players develop the movement and golf skills they need to play for a lifetime. We emphasize solid fundamentals, rules, etiquette and on course play.

Camps from June 24th – Aug. 15th for children from 7 – 15 years old.

Camps meets 9-12pm, Monday thru Thursday

Cost $230

Jane Franklin Dance

“The Big Meow” Full Day Camp Ages 5 – 7
July 15-19; 9 AM – 3 PM
July 22-26; 9 AM – 3 PM
Extended care available
Fees: Early registration is 10% off all camps before April 15, 2013. $300/week for the camp

Penelope’s Pesky Pen Half Day Camp
Ages 5 -7
August 5-9; 9 AM – 12 PM
August 12-16; 9 AM – 12 PM
Extended care available
Fees: Early registration is 10% off all camps before April 15, 2013. $150/week for the camp

Camps take place in Dance Studio 129 at 3700 S Four Mile Run Drive, Arlington, VA 22206.

KidSpanish Spanish Immersion Summer Camp

Rising K – 5th grades

2 week sessions: 7/15– 7/26 & 7/29-8/9

9am – 3pm

Offers extended day

Join us for a fun, interactive camp filled with activities in the Spanish language. In this two week camp, students will participate in hands-on activities to enrich their acquisition and production of Spanish. Instruction will review basic vocabulary and build on producing more complex sentence structures. Students will learn culture, create crafts and play games. It will be like traveling to Latin America without leaving home.

Language Stars

Our summer 2013 programs run June 24 – August 24, 2013. Choose from immersion camps and classes that best fit your summer plans.

Classes are available in Spanish, Mandarin, French & German

The Little Gym of Alexandria at Van Dorn

Where the Giggles and the Growing Keep on Going

3 – 8 years

Forget the bug spray and the week-long commitment. Day camp for kids at The Little Gym of Alexandria at Van Dorn is as great as youʼd imagine. Held during vacation times when schoolʼs not in session, our Alexandria seasonal camps provide kids with giggle-filled relief from the winter doldrums or summer heat. The Little Gym camps combine physical activity and games with arts, crafts and special events. Each week offers an interactive learning theme and each day brings a different, creative lesson plan. Plus, flexible scheduling options allow you to sign up for several weeks, a single week or even just a day at a time. Sound like fun? Of course it is! This is The Little Gym, after all.

The Little Theater

Welcome to our corner of Old Town, where we offer a complete theatre training experience for children of all ages, from preschool through high school.
In a nurturing environment with limited class sizes and experienced teachers, LTA has something for everyone. Our curriculum includes fun theatre games that help our students learn to think fast. Children expand their theatre vocabulary through the working process of putting on a show. Our musical theatre program features live accompaniment, dance instruction or creative movement, vocal instruction, auditioning processes, and advanced performance techniques. We encourage each child to “own” their experience from start to finish. Above all, each child is respected and valued as an individual and end the session with a sense of accomplish for a job well done.

Check their website for multiple dates and hours.

Mad Science

Rising 1st –6th grades

1 week sessions: 6/17 – 8/26

Kids explore science topics in a hands-on, inquiry-based environment. Learn the science behind crystals, physics, environmental science and much more! Kids can become Jr. Forensic Scientists, build their own robots, or even launch rockets!

MathTree

Ages 6 – 15

Plant a love of math in your child and watch it grow! MathTree makes math fun! Small camps (staff to camper ratio 1:6); strong teachers who care about your child; great material presented in fun, exciting, interactive ways; two-week camp with half and full day options. Your child branches out, cultivates math skills, and grows self-confidence while having fun!

Mount Vernon Community Children’s Theatre

Two weeks
July 1-July 12 (no 4th of July)
July 29-August 9
August 12-23

Morning Drama Camp 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Focus is on the craft of acting, working on theatre games, exercises and improvisation, as well as rehearsal for the final showcase.

Afternoon Musical Theatre Camp 1:00 am – 4:00 pm

Led by both a director/instructor and musical director, emphasis is on preparing the performance showcase and singing and dance skills.

All Day (both) 9:30 am – 4:00 pm

One-Week
July 22-26, 2013
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Ages: 5 to 13

Parenting Playgroups

Camp days are available June 25th through August 30th, 9:30am-12:00noon.

Enrollment is flexible, children can be enrolled two (T/Th) or three (M/W/F) days a week, for as few or as many weeks as you’d like.

Ages 2-6

3-day program

Silver Knights Chess

Charles Houston Recreation Center: 905 Wythe St Alexandria, VA 22314

July 8 – 12, July 29 – August 2 & August 19 – 23

Full Day: 9 AM – 4 PM

Morning Only: 9 – 12

Afternoon Only: 1 – 4

Our coaches are highly-rated professional chess instructors. We taught the 2008 national 1st & 2nd grade champions and the 2009 national kindergarten champion. Campers are divided by skill level and each receives a T-shirt and tournament-style chess set. Learn openings, tactics, endgames and study master games. Full-day campers have lunch and recess.

Skyline Sport and Health Junior Tennis Camp

Carol de Ocampo, 703-820-4100, Cdeocampo@sportandhealth.com

Ages 4 – 17

Skyline Sport and Health offers an unforgettable tennis experience, no matter what age or skill level. Campers will hit tons of balls, meet new friends and enhance their tennis skills in a positive and enthusiastic environment! Our staff will build upon strengths, correct weaknesses, increase game knowledge and help players move to the next level. The camp includes 3 to 6 hours of movement drills, condition exercises, singles/doubles strategies, coupled with competitive match play and games.

St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School

SSSAS Summer Times for boys & girls ages 3-18. Here you’ll find something for everyone, including traditional day camps, sports camps, summer studies, and an amazing variety of specialty camps in science, technology, visual/performing arts, & outdoor adventure.

Camps from June 17-August 2nd.

Full-Day Sessions available for Day Camp

8:30 a.m. to noon

PM – 12:30-3:00 p.m.

Full Day – 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Summer Art Camp with Luisa Tio summer camp2

We will explore work by great artists and diverse cultures to inspire campers to make their own art.  We will paint, sculpt, draw, make prints and much more.  This camp is for the child who loves to create!

Full day camps (9:00 am to 3:00 pm) will be offered:

  • Session One, July 8-12 
  • Session Two, July 15-19
  • Session Three, July 22-26
  • Session Four, July 29- Aug-2

Tuition will be $300, plus a $45 supply fee.  Class size will be limited to keep classes small and the student-to-teacher ratio low.  Each session will be led by Luisa Tio. Luisa is a full-time Alexandria public school art teacher.  She earned her B.A. in Art from Duke University and her M.A. in Studio Art from NYU.

Tiny Dancers

Ages 3 – 10

1 week sessions: 6/17- 8/30

10am -12:30pm & 1pm – 3:30pm sessions

$250/week

All Tiny Dancers camp sessions include daily instruction in ballet, a light snack, fine motor exercise through a theme related craft and our exclusive story and dress-up dance interpretation. Each camp culminates with a recital and reception for family and friends on the last day of the camp.

Top Golf Junior Camps

Improve your child’s golf game with 5 fun packed days of golf instruction, playing TopGolf and meeting new golf buddies. Our certified instructors help put all kids at ease regardless of their skill level or objectives for the camp. We utilize our TopGolf games to teach the fundamentals of the full swing, pitching, chipping and putting.

Full day campers make a special trip to the golf course to put all into action in real conditions! Camp is open to students between the ages of 5 to 16.

Camp dates for summer 2013 will be announced soon.

Washington Sailing Marina Summer Sailing Programs

Enroll your child in our summer sailing camp programs- we have taught
thousands of children the wonderful sport of sailing in a safe, fun
environment. This program is for beginners- those who have never stepped
foot on a boat before, intermediates, and advanced sailors.

Located in Alexandria, Va.- on the GW Parkway.

For boys/girls ages 9-15

Week-long day camps: June 10th through August 9th

All camps run Mon-Fri 9:30am to 4pm-includes five 6 ½ hour sessions (32.5 hrs). All camps meet Rain or Shine. Great summer days spent sailing on the Potomac River. Meet new friends, sail in a safe environment and have fun. Children will be sailing 90% of the time (weather permitting).

Monday – Friday 9:30am- 4:00pm

Yong In Martial Arts Academy

Summer Camp consists of 21 exciting, fun and educational programs. One day of introduction and fun at Chuck E. Cheeses, one day of learning cooperation through sports at a Park, mini-golf or bowling and watching 200inch screen Movie, one day Six Flags field trip after enjoying the art of folding paper and balloon into various forms and , one day of excitement through a new world at a museum or zoo (Washington D.C.). Finally last day finishing the week with Special Tae Kwon Do Breaking tournament!! and PIZZA PARTY!!  The children will be returning from all field trips, swimming, and museums at approximately 12 noon. Students will be allowed lunch time and have interesting activities. Parents will need to provide lunch and snacks for their child. At 4:00 all students will change into their uniform and get ready for Tae Kwon Do class.

Camp Dates: June 10th ~ August 30th
Hours: 6:30 AM ~ 6:00 PM Pick Up: 5:00 PM ~ 6:30 PM -A half day option is available also

$189.00 per week ( 5 Days ) *Includes field trip*
Registration Fee: $55.00 (includes a Free Uniform and a Free T-shirt) Members will be waved.

Ages 3- 14 years

Feb 20, 2013

Open House

The Little Gym of Alexandria at Van Dorn opened last month at 291 South Van Dorn St.  Last week I got the chance to check out their gym and there are so many things to love! Little Gym offers classes, birthday parties and camps for children ages 4 months-12 years.

Currently offered classes include:DSC02704

  • Parent & Child Classes for children ages 4 month-3 years
  • Pre-K/K Gymnastics for children ages 3-6 years
  • Dance for children ages 4-5 years
  • Sports Skills for children ages 3-6 years
  • Grade School Gymnastics for boys and girls ages 6-12

While visiting their facility I was impressed by the layout with one large open gym area, adjacent activity/dance room and a waiting area for parents with full visibility into both rooms. Their instructors were amazing with the kids and very well trained. Little Gym prides themselves in promoting three-dimensional learning that gets kids moving, develops their minds and promotes social skills. I have a timid child, so the ability to join a class at any time without a long-term commitment is very appealing to my family. I also love the ability to see my child and have her see me. They are also currently offering free introductory classes!

This coming Friday, Feb. 22nd is your opportunity to experience The Little Gym of Alexandria at Van Dorn! They will be having an Open House from 5:30-7:30 p.m. They will be having raffles, structured games and open play in the gym.

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Jan 28, 2013

It’s now the coldest part of the year and the kids are going crazy being in the house so much.

Here are some are some ideas of places to go in Alexandria to let the kids play and get their crazies out!

There are 8 recreation centers throughout the city. The hours and facilities vary. IMG_3675The Charles Houston Recreation Center is a newer facility on Wythe St. Not only does it have a game area and basketball court that older kids will enjoy, it has a soft play room for kids that are toddler age. We did a post last year with more information about the facility. For kids between the ages of 2 and 5, there’s a soft play room at the Chinquapin Recreation Center. Call before you go though, because they do rent out this facility. It’s $4 per 1/2 hour. This recreation center also has an indoor swimming pool with a zero entry that makes it perfect for families. Several of the recreation centers also have regular play groups. Check out the city’s Winter Program Guide to see classes that will be offered by the city.

The YMCA on Monroe Ave. is also another nice option for an indoor swimming pool. They even offer baby sitting for members.

2321660991_6204b1f6d4Landmark Mall has ‘The Woodlands’. This small indoor play area is not enclosed but it’s usually fairly empty so it’s easy to keep an eye on your kids. I would recommend this for kids up to 4 years old. The mall also has a kid sized train that kids enjoy riding for $4 per ride.

There are several kids gyms here also. There’s a brand new The Little Gym of Alexandria that just opened up at Van Dorn and offers classes for kids as young as 4 months up to 12 years. JW Tumbles, Gymboree  both have regular classes and weekly open play hours where you can bring kids in to play

Hop on Play has a play room that you can bring the kids to or even drop off while you run take care of errands. You can read more about their facility on our recent blog post.

JBF-Nature-Exhibits-300x225Buddie Ford Nature Center is a small educational facility on the west side of Alexandria with lots of room for the kids to roam around and enjoy the mounted animals, see live turtles, snakes, toads, salamanders and aquariums. The facility is rarely crowded during the week so it’s nice to not have to worry about crowds.

Local Motion studio has regular dance and movement classes for kids but they occasionally open up their studio for ‘Open Play’ days. Follow them on Facebook to see when their next ‘Open Play’ will be.

5776743124_b562403c0eThe city’s four library’s offer story time and special programs throughout the week. We keep the schedule for the Del Ray’s Duncan branch posted on our Del Ray Baby community calendar but you can find the list of all the programs on a monthly calendar for each branch conveniently listed on ‘Upcoming Events’ on the main library webpage.

Hooray for Books! has regular story times on Friday and Saturday and frequently has special events where they have parties, characters or authors at their store.

I’m sure this only covers a small portion of all that’s available! Feel free to share other great cold weather spots in the comments or on our Facebook page. We’ll try to do another update this Winter.

Jan 16, 2013

This Saturday the City of Alexandria will celebrate the presidential inauguration with a day of service for our children. Alexandria City Public Schools, the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority and Volunteer Alexandria have organized an event designed to engage youth in creating a 30-page storybook, which will then be signed by the nation’s first family.

The day of service is an effort to teach Alexandria’s children the importance of giving back.

The events will run from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sat. Jan. 19th at the Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center, Charles Barrett Recreation Center and the T.C. Williams satellite office at Landmark Mall.

Activities include games, reading, dancing, discussing “service,” coloring and making a storyboard.

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Nov 27, 2012

We’re all wrapped up and stuffed from Thanksgiving and now it’s time to start looking forward to Christmas! This weekend marks an exciting start to the Christmas season with the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend. There are several events to enjoy with your family.

The first is the Deck the Halls with Santa!

This fun event for children is held on Friday Nov. 30th from 1-3 p.m. at the Masonic Temple. Kids will get to meet Santa and “Plaid the Dog.” The event features age appropriate crafts for children to help “Deck the Halls,” seasonal treats, and a raffle full of goodies, toys, and experiences for the whole family to enjoy. Note that crafts are ideally for ages 2-5 with little assistance required. The Masonic Temple does not permit strollers.

Tickets are $30 for adults; $15 for children 11 and under. You can purchase your tickets online.

Saturday, Dec. 1st beginning at 11 a.m. is the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade.

The parade features Scottish Clans, music, dancing and lots of dog groups. Line up early to get a good spot, because the parade attracts over 30,000 to Old Town to watch the 140+ groups march. The parade kicks off at 11 and will likely go until 1. Here’s the map of the parade route.

At the end of the parade there is a massed band concert where all the musicians from the parade gather in market square to perform. This is a truly amazing experience!

All of the events of the weekend are presented by The Campagna Center. The Center is responsible for providing educational and developmental services for children and families.

Nov 13, 2012

I met with Hands On Play’s (HOP) owner Sharon Thomason-Sekyi several months ago while she was preparing to open her newest venture. Sharon arrived in Alexandria with experience from the North East Stars Montessori school that she runs in DC. She saw something missing in Old Town and stepped up to fill in that gap!

HOP is filling a much needed role in Old Town as a welcoming place for children and parents. Sharon’s goal is for HOP to be a one-stop enrichment center for fun and academics serving children ages 1-12. She’s working to bring in enrichment classes on topics that parents want. Her staff is managed by licensed teachers and administrators. They are working on their offerings, so if you have an interest, pass it along! The idea for the classes is that you can drop in at anytime. You don’t sign up for a ‘session’, you simply pay per class.

Another exciting offering at HOP is the Montessori inspired playroom that helps little ones to develop fine motor skills. Rainy and cold days are no problem with this gem located near Trader Joes! Pop into HOP and let your kids run out some energy in a great setting. HOP even allows drop off play so that busy moms and dads can run errands. Drop and shop is available for children 3-12 for up to 90 minutes. Reservations are recommended. The cost for play area use is only $10 for all day or $8 an hour. HOP also hosts birthday parties and playdates, so call to book your group.

HOP is located at 688 N St. Asaph Street on the same block as Trader Joe’s.  Hours are Monday-Friday 12pm-7pm, Sat. 10am-12pm.

Aug 25, 2012

A Petting zoo, Face Painting & Moon Bounce! Does it get any better than that on a Saturday here in Alexandria?

The 2nd Annual Emergency Management & Safety Fair is this Saturday, August 25, from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Inova Alexandria Hospital at 4320 Seminary Road.
Bring the family out to this fun event to learn ways to be ready and safe in the case of emergencies like natural disasters, terrorism and more.

Local and regional agencies will have information, safety kits and giveaways.

Family activities including a petting zoo, moon bounce, video game truck, fire trucks, K-9 Officer show, face painting and an obstacle course.

Free popcorn, cotton candy and snow cones!