Tag Archives: DC Summer Camp

5 Great Reasons to Attend iD Tech Camp this Summer  

[Note: This is a sponsored post contributed by the staff at iD Tech, an industry leader in STEM education.]

This summer, tens of thousands of iD Tech campers will get hands-on with coding, game development, robotics, and design, making unforgettable memories cemented by fun-filled STEM learning experiences on prestigious campuses.

So, what is it that makes iD Tech the #1 summer tech program on the planet?

Well, since 1999, 350,000 kids and teens have passed through our programs—making friends, learning new skills, and getting prepared for college, internships, and dream careers. In fact, iD Tech alumni often go on to work at some of the nation’s most iconic companies, like Microsoft, Google, and EA.  

What does all of this mean for your student?

With iD Tech programs held at nearby locations like Howard, American, and Georgetown Universities, he or she could very well be the creator of the next big app or huge video game title. Or, maybe they’ll use tech to found a nonprofit and make the world a better place.

We can think of hundreds of reasons why your student should attend iD Tech.  But hey, you have a summer to plan, so here are five of our favorites.

5. Students can start preparing for successful STEM futures.
Did you know over 2.4 million STEM jobs will go unfilled in 2018? Sure, your little one might be years away from thinking about a career, or even college, but when it comes to STEM, there’s no time like the present to plant the seed.

Why?

A young mind is free of preconceived notions that can get in the way of wanting to explore something new. Many kids haven’t yet learned to fear failure. Nothing is too challenging. Thus, if they can dive into a STEM program now, they will be that much more prepared than their peers when it comes to grabbing one of the many high-paying STEM jobs down the line.


4. Children will discover that other kids do, in fact, share their same interests!
Everything is better with a friend, right? But even if kids aren’t bringing their best buddy to camp this summer, there is always the chance they’ll make some new pals.

What is the best atmosphere for cultivating such relationships? It almost always starts with being among those who have similar interests.

In fact, we hear the same thing summer after summer — “I’ve found my people” or “I’ve found my tribe.” Students at iD Tech have the uncanny ability to bond with their like-minded peers.

And it’s easy to see why.

When kids are in school, they can easily find others who like sports, thanks to the opportunity to join athletic teams. They can also find fellow math-minded students in their algebra classes or in after-school clubs. But coming across others who also want to learn to code? Or who share an affinity for building Minecraft mods? It’s a bit more difficult.

Camp, and iD Tech specifically, provides an ideal environment for making new friends. Students sign-up for a specific course in coding, whether it’s with Java, C++, Python, or another language, and are surrounded by other students just as eager to learn this new craft. This goes for all course areas, whether it’s coding, game development, robotics, or design.

3. Plus, they’ll have the chance to learn something they might not ever come across in everyday schooling.
When you hear things like “learn” or “prepare for the future,” you can’t help but think of school. We get it.

But, we call it summer camp for a reason. We even go as far as to describe the iD Tech environment as “un-school.” That means guaranteed small classes, personalized learning, and hands-on projects. It also means music blaring, outdoor games and activities, campus exploration, and gaming tournaments during down-time.

And instead of teachers, there are course instructors who act as mentors — passing along knowledge from their experiences as educators or tech professionals. Many even started out as students at iD Tech and have returned to pay their skills forward to the next generation!

As is regularly the case, your student might even discover something that inspires and motivates them to keep learning after camp. Meaning, they enter the summer as a consumer of technology – from apps to video games to social media – and leave with the skills and inspiration to become creators and producers of those very same things.

2. Not to mention free pie! Wait, let us explain…
In addition to celebrating Pi Day at our main office, we’re also known for our pie-your-instructor days out at camp! Students work hard all week to earn raffle tickets, ultimately leading up to the chance to pie their favorite instructors. Along with gaming tournaments, dress-up days, outdoor fun, and more, pieing is another pillar of our one-of-a-kind camp culture.

1. And finally, it’s an opportunity to experience the absolute best summer ever.
Sure, iD Tech is the largest and most trusted camp of its kind. With 50 innovative courses, the best industry-standard software and hardware, a unique camp culture, and an unmatched lineup of prestigious campus locations, we can’t be topped.

But at the end of the day, everything we do is centered around providing the ideal environment for that uber-important STEM skill-building we mentioned above. Parents across the nation and around the world agree that we’ve nailed the recipe for the best summer ever!

And, hey, here’s a bonus! Exclusive to KidFriendly DC readers, you’ll receive $75 off when you register with the code KIDFRIENDLYDC18 by May 31, 2018. Courses sell-out quickly, so get started by registering online or call 888.709.8324 for personalized course recommendations. And once signed up, you can make unlimited updates to your registration up to three weeks before your session.

This post is sponsored by iD Tech, however, I only promote programs, places, and services that I genuinely believe in and think would appeal to KFDC readers.

1 Comment

Filed under 2018, Camp, DC, Educational, Guest Post, Maryland, Professional Service, Seasonal, Sponsored Post, Summer, Virginia, Weekdays

Where to Play on the Weekdays: January 23-27

Visit the stables at the Rock Creek Horse Center

Visit the stables at the Rock Creek Horse Center





Monday – Keep the momentum from the weekend going and visit the National Museum of Women in the Arts. See the current “Wanderer/Wonderer: Pop-Ups” exhibition and more wonderful art from the permanent collection. Hours are 10am – 5pm, and admission is $10/adult, free for ages 18 and under. Note: This museum is sophisticated for young children, but I do think there’s always something for every age to appreciate on some level. 🙂

Tuesday – Volunteer at the DC Diaper Bank, one of the best places in the area to actively give back with your kids. There are still spots left to sign up and help out with diaper bundling, organizing, and inventory this week. And if they fill up, then sign up for a later date and check out The Great Indoors list to find another activity for the day.

Wednesday – Go to Story Time in the ReSource Room at the National Archives. The monthly series welcomes children aged 3-5 with accompanying adults to enjoy a book reading, participate in group activities, and create a craft — all with a well timed Rosie the Riveter theme. The session takes place 10-11am in the Boeing Learning Center. Admission is free.

Thursday – Learn about the area’s wildlife, enjoy hands-on activities in the Nature Center, take a hike, and visit horses at Rock Creek Park. The Nature Center is open Wednesday – Sunday, 9am – 5pm, and admission is free. You can also visit the equine residents at the nearby Horse Center for free – hours are 10am – 6pm. (Unfortunately, pony rides are not offered on weekdays this time of year, but staff at the stables always welcome visitors.)

In the evening, the JO Wilson Elementary School PTA is hosting their 3rd Annual Summer Camp Fair! It’s a chance to visit over 30 camp exhibitors representing a wide variety of summer activities, ranging from traditional camps to academic, arts, music, sports, early childhood, and special interest camps. There will also be opportunities to sign up for camp sessions and drawings to win free weeks at camps! The Fair is from 6-8pm, and admission is free. JO Wilson Elementary is located at 660 K St. NE on Capitol Hill.

Friday – See a show on strings at The Puppet Co. where Goldilocks is the current Main Stage production. Showtime is 11am, and tickets are $12. Plan to stay after to picnic (BYO or buy from the Praline Cafe on premises) and romp on the Glen Echo Park playground.


1 Comment

Filed under DC

A Discount on RDUTennis Camp for KFDC Readers!

RDU_LOGO

Want to ace it on the summer camp sign-up? RDUTennis, a new camp coming to DC in June, is offering both full and half-day sessions for kids ages 5-14. Even better, they’re giving KFDC readers a discount on registration! (Advantage: You.)

RDUTennis, LLC has already established itself as a leader in tennis instruction in North Carolina, offering both youth and adult programs year-round. They’re taking it north this summer, partnering with Trinity Washington and American Universities, to bring their programs here to the nation’s capital.

Trinity Washington University camp will operate for five weeks as a full or half-day camp option in week-long sessions June 22-26, July 6-10, July 13-17, July 20-24, and August 10-14. This location will serve as a tennis camp with other sports and amenities offered as a break from the courts. Cost for the full day is $375 for non-members of the facility and $300 for members. Half-day fees are $200 for non-member of the facility and $175 for members.

American University camp will operate for two consecutive weeks, July 27-30 and August 3-6, as a half-day camp option from 9am – 1pm daily. Cost is $200 per child with a sibling discount of $175 per child.

KFDC readers can get a discount on both camps simply by mentioning KidFriendly DC — $50 off the full-day camp at Trinity Washington and $25 off the half-day camp at American. Just send an email to Brian Rosenthal at brian@rdutennis.net when you register and let him know you heard about his camp here.

———————————————

Want to get a pre-summer sample of the camp? RDUTennis is hosting a Free Play Day and Clinic on Saturday, May 9, from 10am – 12pm at Trinity Washington University (125 Michigan Ave NE). Get some tips, meet the staff, learn about their programs, and have fun! Brian Rosenthal and staff will be on court for two hours to provide instruction and answer questions. RSVP to Brian@rdutennis.net with the name of your child, age, skill level, and when you plan to arrive. Go for the whole two hours or just a few minutes. Participants should bring their own racquets, but RDUTennis will have all the balls ready.


Disclosure: This post is sponsored by RDUTennis LLC, however, I only promote programs, services, and events that I truly believe in and/or think would appeal to KFDC readers.


Leave a Comment

Filed under Camp, DC, Discount, Professional Service, Sponsored Post, Sports, Summer, Weekdays

Giveaway: Enter to Win a Week of Tennis Camp from RDUTennis!

RDU_LOGO

Do your kids want to take a swing at a new sport or hone their skills on the tennis court? A new camp coming to the DC area this summer will give them just those opportunities. Even better, you have a chance to win a weeklong session for your child to attend!

RDUTennis, LLC has already established itself as a leader in tennis instruction in North Carolina. The organization is the largest tennis management service in the Tarheel State, offering both youth and adult programs year-round. And now they are expanding north, partnering with American and Trinity Washington Universities here in DC this summer. Both venues will be offering tennis instruction from RDUTennis staff members, all of whom possess tremendous background and knowledge of the game.

American University camp will operate for two consecutive weeks as a half-day camp option from 9am – 1pm daily. Trinity Washington University camp will be operating for five weeks as a full or half-day camp option in weeklong sessions. Trinity Washington will serve as a tennis camp with other sports and amenities offered as a break from the courts.

For pricing, camp details, schedules, and registration, visit the RDU Tennis website. Inquires can be addressed to Brian Rosenthal at brian@rdutennis.net.

Giveaway: To enter for a chance to win a week of tennis camp at Trinty Washington University with RDUTennis simply leave a comment below, telling me your favorite summer activity (remember that season when it’s warm and ice-free?). The winner can choose from any of the camp session weeks of 6/22, 7/6, 7/13, 7/20, and 8/10. To be eligible, you must like KidFriendly DC on Facebook and subscribe to the blog (enter your email address in the “Sign me Up!” box on the left side bar). This giveaway will run through March 15, and a winner will be drawn at random and notified shortly thereafter. Good luck!


Disclosure: This post is sponsored by RDUTennis LLC, however, I only promote programs, services, and events that I truly believe in and/or think would appeal to KFDC readers.


21 Comments

Filed under Camp, DC, Giveaway, Outdoor, Professional Service, Seasonal, Sports, Summer, Weekdays

Enter to Win a Week of Summer Camp from The Creative Difference

Robotics

Still looking for activities to keep your kiddos busy this summer? The Creative Difference is offering camp for ages 6-12 during June and August. The weekly sessions will include exciting and original hands-on, open-ended creative activities, dramatic play, LEGO free-building, and plenty of outside time!

LEGO fans ages 6-12 don’t want to miss the week of August 4th, featuring LEGO Robotics. Campers will explore the fun and exciting world of Robotics as they work in teams to design, create, build, and control their own robots. Whatever your child’s current ability level, LEGO’s WeDo® Robotics and MindStorm® systems offer the opportunity to advance their knowledge in numerous mechanical, electrical, and computer programming skills. There will also be plenty of free build time and outside play throughout the day.

Additional summer themes include Up-cycled Art, Camp Craft Classics, and LEGO Cosmos among others. For more information on all of them, visit The Creative Difference website.

And enter below for a chance to win a FREE week of camp!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Creative Difference LLC, however, I only promote events, services, and activities that I truly believe in and/or think would appeal to KFDC readers.


3 Comments

Filed under Camp, Giveaway, Summer, Virginia, Weekdays