While the summer sun might be setting on Sidwell Summer 2023, the spirit of learning and fun doesn't have to fade away. At Sidwell Summer, we're all about keeping the excitement, creativity, and camaraderie alive throughout the year. Let's dive into how you can continue the camp magic all year round, right here in DC and Bethesda.
Handwork Tutorials: Creative Exploration Beyond Summer
Remember those sunny crafting sessions that sparked your creativity? Keep that spark alive by diving into handwork tutorials. From knitting to crafting, DC offers a plethora of resources to help you explore new skills. These activities not only flex your creative muscles but also improve fine motor skills, offering a world of growth and artistic expression.
[Note: Our friends at the Handwork Studio share tutorials, which we’ll be happy to send your way throughout the year!]
Sports: DC Team Adventures Beyond Camp
Who says the team spirit has to end with summer camp? In DC and Bethesda, there's a fantastic range of local sports teams and clubs for kids to join. The friendships, discipline, and physical activity continue, allowing you to experience the teamwork and thrill of sports all year round.
Creative Cones: DC Outdoor Play at Your Fingertips
Bringing the fun of camp sports to your doorstep is easier than you think. Grab a pack of cones and transform your local park or backyard into a playground of adventure. Set up your own mini-sports activities, from relay races to obstacle courses. Stay active and enjoy the great outdoors right here in our nation's capital.
Chess: Intellectual Growth in the Heart of DC
Those intense camp chess matches? Keep the mental stimulation going strong with year-round chess playing. DC's chess community is buzzing, offering opportunities for friendly games and competitions. Sharpen your strategic thinking skills while connecting with fellow chess enthusiasts.
Themed Playdates with Friends: Capital City Adventures Unleashed
Why wait for summer to relive the camp camaraderie? Organize themed playdates with friends in your own backyard. Transform into superheroes, embark on treasure hunts, and let your imagination run wild. These playdates not only foster creativity but also strengthen bonds and create unforgettable memories.
Exploring Arts: DC's Vibrant Arts Scene Comes to Life at Your Next Tea Party
The artistic wonders aren't limited to museums. If you have a drawer full of old t-shirts, you have everything you need to become a DIY fashion designer. Your dolls and stuffies can have a new wardrobe before too long. Turn old clothes into new masterpieces, design doll clothes, and tap into your inner artist.
Culinary Adventures: Taste the Flavors of DC All Year
DC's culinary scene is a feast for the senses. Get hands-on with meal planning and cooking at home. Dive into kid-friendly cooking shows that combine screen time with skill-building.
Some of our favorites include:
- Nailed It
- Sugar Rush
- Is It Cake!?
Discover the joys of the culinary world while experimenting in your own kitchen.
Woodworking Wonders: Crafting Creations in DC
Channel that camp woodworking enthusiasm into year-round projects. DC's makers and crafters community welcomes you to explore woodworking. From simple creations to intricate designs, discover the joy of building with your hands and creating lasting treasures. To really get into woodworking at home, we see two tracks:
- Methodical: Find a woodworking kit or tutorial to follow online
- Mysterious: Find spare supplies, and follow your own blueprint
Whichever way you choose, remember that safety is crucial for woodworking! No child should ever use tools unsupervised.
As we step into the school year, let's remember that the camp spirit lives on in our nation's capital. Parents, join us in igniting this flame by encouraging our young adventurers to embrace these year-round explorations. The magic of DC summer camps doesn't have to be confined to the summer months; it's a fire that burns brightly all year long.
Wishing you a year of adventure, growth, and unforgettable moments,
The Sidwell Summer Team