Tag Archives: Summer Activities

January 12, 2026 · 3:42 pm

Get Kids Coding this Summer at Panda Programmer Camp!

How about a summer camp that balances high-level learning with age-appropriate fun?

That’s what kids can experience at Panda Programmer. At the premier coding camp tailored for elementary and middle school students, they believe a great summer day camp should feel like an adventure, not a classroom.

With a curriculum designed to spark curiosity, campers learn computer science and coding through visual play. They start with foundational logic, eventually learning how to create games and animations. Robotics, Python, and JavaScript are available for advanced students.

Experts instructors and small group sizes ensure campers receive the personalized attention they need to build confidence. And it’s all balanced with outdoor activities and optional extracurricular, off-screen lessons.

Panda Programmers just opened its first DC location at 1 Chevy Chase Circle NW. The new camp joins their popular Maryland hubs in Bethesda, Silver Spring, and Gaithersburg, making it easy for local families to find a high-quality summer camp nearby.

Learn more about Panda Programmers by visiting their website. You can also email info@PandaProgrammer.com or call (443) 26-PANDA.

* * *

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

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

Tagged as Computer Camp, DC Kids Classes, DC Summer Camp, iD Tech, Kids Camps in Maryland, STEM Programs for Kids, Summer Activities, Summer Camp for Children in Northern Virginia

May 8, 2016 · 6:59 am

PYOP: Pick Your Own Produce at These Local Farms

Kicking off strawberry season at Schlagel Farms

The pick-your-own produce season starts with strawberries in the spring, then continues with more delicious fruits and veggies in the summer and fall. Heading out to the farm to do some picking is among my favorite seasonal activities with the kids. It’s a nice break from the urban bustle and a great chance to show them that food doesn’t magically appear on a plate or shelf at Trader Joe’s. Even better, the enjoyment continues with a basketful of fresh produce at home. The time is ripe for planning your own PYOP outing. Here are some great places around the area to reap some of the best treats of spring, summer, and fall. Happy Picking!

* Bolded text notes what is available now

MARYLAND

Shlagel Farms | Waldorf, MD
Less than 20 miles from DC, Shlagel Farms is one of the more popular pick-your-own strawberry places in the area, their season always beginning before other area farms,. The fields usually yield strawberries until early June. That used to be their only PYO offering, but they now have blackberries well into summer, too. While there, you can also purchase bedded plants grown in their greenhouse, romp on the playground, and treat the kids (and yourself) to ice cream. You can also pick up something up to cook for dinner — Shlagel also offers farm raised beef, pork, and chicken! Shlagel’s is open for PYO from 10am – 5pm seven days a week. Follow them on Facebook to stay updated on their pickings.

Swann Farms | Lower Marlboro, MD
Another early opener, Swann sounds like a good “pick” for a PYO outing. They have acres of strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries available late April through August, in that order. Pricing is $7/quart $25/gallon bucket. Note that they do not allow outside containers to be brought onto the farm, unless it’s the gallon bucket previously purchased there. Stay updated on their status by following their Facebook page.

Larriland Farm |Woodbine, MD
About an hour’s drive from DC in Howard County, Larriland Farms always gets great reviews for both its produce and beauty. The pick-your-own season is expected to start with strawberries in late May/early June this year, and they’ll have the full spectrum of berries following soon after, just about every variety of peaches, and loads of veggies available from June – October, too. Apple picking usually begins late August with Honey Crisps. (See the list and view schedules on the website.) Larriland employs Integrated Pest Management, meaning pesticides are a last resort, to keep pests below an acceptable level with minimum harmful impact on the environment. Summer hours are Tuesdays 9am – 8pm, Wednesday to Friday 9am – 6pm, Saturday & Sunday 9am – 5pm.

Butler’s Orchard | Germantown, MD
The farm might be best known for its Halloween and Easter extravaganzas, but they have a bounty of great crops, too. Strawberry fields will be open to visitors everyday, expecting to start in late May. Following soon after are more berries and sugar snap and English peas. Potatoes, apples, and pumpkins come later. The Farm Park with the giant slides, a nature trail, and our farm animals can be enjoyed along with the PYO ops. Hours are Tuesday – Sunday, 9:30am – 6pm. Admission is $4. Stay updated on their status by following on Facebook and Twitter.

Gormans Farm | Laurel, MD (CLOSED FOR THE SEASON)
A newer addition here that I discovered while doing a Google search for something else. Gorman Farms is relatively close to DC, just a 30 minute drive from away in Laurel. Their pick-your-own ops are just for strawberries, and they begin in May — you can stay updated through their Facebook page. Once picking starts, they are open daily, as long as weather permits and berries are available. Weekends, apparently, can get very busy, so if you can swing a weekday visit, it’s recommended. Picking hours are 10am – 6pm weekdays, 10am – 4pm on weekends and holidays.

Homestead Farm | Poolesville, MD
Homestead no longer grows strawberries, so their PYO season begins a little later than other area farms. The first crop will be tart cherries in June, and other berries will be ripe and ready in July. Peaches, apples, and pumpkins come later. Along with PYO, there are animals to visit (goats, pigs, and chickens), and watching the goats clamber along the goat-walk is always a trip for kids. Homestead also scores high on scenery — the lovely pastoral setting in Montgomery County makes you feel like you’re way more than 20 miles from the city. When open, the farm operates seven days a week, and PYO hours are 9am – 5pm. You can sign up to receive weekly updates by email to stay up to date on their crops. 2026 Update: Apples are available!

DOC Waters Cidery (formerly Waters Orchard) | Gaithersburg, MD
This Gaithersburg, MD, locale is a great place for apple picking come late summer and fall. The varieties are plentiful, and the scenery is lovely. After parking, it’s a 5-10 minute walk to the orchard. Last time we visited, there was a little tent set up where staff offered apple tastings and info about the apples and orchard. Open Saturdays & Sundays, 9am – 5pm. Pick-your-own pricing is by the peck — $20/half peck, $30/peck, $50/bushel and that includes entry fee for two, four, or six guests.

Blackberry picking at Homestead Farm

VIRGINIA

Yankee Farms | Bristol, VA
I just learned about this far when I was looking for strawberry picking that had already begun. The farm has three locations, but the pick-you-own strawberry patch is in Bristol, and it opens to the public in May and runs until early to mid June. Reservations are required for picking on Saturdays and Memorial Day, but walks-in are welcome every other day. Be sure to check their Facebook page to stay updated on any closures or specials — in anticipation of rain, they could be offering a discount to encourage picking ahead of bad weather. Walk-in hours are Monday – Friday, 9am – 6pm.

Great Country Farms | Bluemont, VA
At the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Shenandoah Valley, Great Country offers much more than just pick-your-own opportunities. The farm is well known for its big seasonal festivals and fun farm-themed attractions. A hayride takes you out to the picking fields, and kids might spy an emu or goat on the way. Visitors also have access to the barnyard, mazes, a cow train, and jumping pillow. Their u-pick strawberry fields will open in mid-late May, and you can get updates on them via Facebook and Twitter. Asparagus is available at the same time, and more berries, plums, tomatoes, okra, green beans, and hot peppers will follow in late spring and summer. The weekends of May 23-24 and May 30-31 are the annual Strawberry Jubilee with live music, pie eating contests, tart tosses, tasty food, and more. Apple season begins in late summer and goes into fall, and with it comes the Apple Gala and Cider Fest. Admission to Great Country is $10/child $12/adult on weekdays, and goes up a couple bucks on festival weekends. Open daily 9am- 6pm. 2026 Update: Apples are available!

Wegmeyer Farms | Loudon County, VA
With three locations in Northern Virginia, Wegmeyer offers varying strawberry picking experiences as the settings differ at each. PYO at a historic homestead in Hamilton, then set up lunch at a picnic table (BYO) and let the kids play on a John Deere tractor slide and playground. At Oatlands, the patch and era-themed attire at the historic mansion will whisk you back to the 1800s. You can also purchase tour passes for the garden and/or mansion. And at Gilbert’s Corner, enjoy strawberry picking in its most natural state; the no-fuss location is perfect for a simple outing. Check the website for updates, hours, and directions. Picking reservations are available through the website the night before.

Mackintosh Fruit Farm | Berryville, VA
If it’s located in Berryville, that’s got to be a good sign, right? The family-owned farm in the Shenandoah Valley will open to the public in late May (check the website or call for an update) with access to their strawberry fields, then blueberries, peaches, brambles, apples, and paw paw. Plan on lunch while you’re there — along with fruits and veggies, the farm also offers a variety of menu items prepared fresh every day from their own produce. Walk it all off afterward along a trail that winds through the fields and woods of the farm and let the kids play it off on the playground. Hours are 8am – 6pm, Wednesday through Sunday, plus Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Columbus Day. 2026 Update: Apples are available!

Hollin Farms | Delaplane, VA
Across the river in Fauquier County, VA, Hollin Farms’ usually begins strawberry picking season in late May and last several weeks. But, wait, the PYO doesn’t stop with strawberries! Other spring crops that you’re welcome to gather include lettuce, peas, arugula, bok choy, radishes, Swiss chard. Come summer, peaches, plums, blackberries, red raspberries, nectarines, sour cherries, and summer veggies are available. Apples are ready late summer, and fall brings the Pumpkin Patch, autumn vegetables, potatoes, and dig-your-own peanuts. And a special P.S. to meat lovers: they pride themselves on their grass-fed beef. Hours are 9am – 4pm Wednesday through Sunday, and they recommend calling ahead to confirm that picking fields are open. 2026 Update: Apples are available!

Green Truck Farm/Hartland Farm | Markham, VA
Green Truck and Hartland Farms are located out I-66 less than an hour from DC (Green Truck is situated at the entrance to Hartland). Their strawberries will be ready for picking April 28. The rest of their PYO offerings run the berry gamut along with tomatoes, winter squash, and pumpkins. And at Hartland, you can get berries, then peaches, apples, and pumpkins later in the year.