Still looking for camp for this summer? Here are a few unique options that promote mindfulness, wellness and nature connection.
July 9-13
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
$275
Ages 5-10
Location: Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington
Teacher: Eva Goulette of Dancing Jaguar Inspirations
This camp includes rituals like calling in the directions and teaches lessons on breath work, energy centers and chakras and leads children on a journey to meet their spirit animal and gather its wisdom. Led by Eva Goulette who developed Spirit Camp several years ago in her home state of Maine. In Northern Virginia for just this one week!
For more about Spirit Camp, see my recap from last year.
July 23-27
12:45-3:45 p.m.
$195
Ages 3-6
Location: Pinecrest School, Annandale, Virginia
Teacher: Cathy Burke of Evolve Beyond the Mat
A fun time of self-discovery and community. Campers will participate in crafts, games, yoga and a variety of movement and mindfulness activities to explore and experience the tools that yoga and mindfulness offer to self-regulate, grow and have fun!
June 25-29: Ages 5-10
July 9-13: Ages 9-13
Morning and afternoon sessions (different material): 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m.
$300 per morning OR afternoon session
Teacher & Location: Red Bandana Bakery in Bethesda, MD
Learn about gluten-free and healthy baking in a happy, healthy, hands-on environment. The camps will teach food science and culinary history through fun activities including baking, decorating, games and crafts.
Peace Camp with Little Friends for Peace
Ages 4-14
Lunch is included in some locations.
Extended hours/childcare offered in some locations
June 25- June 29
Location: Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
$315.00
July 2-6 (no camp July 4)
Location: Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
$265
July 23-27
Location: Cheverly United Methodist Church
$210.00
9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
July 30-August 3
Location: Saint Camillus Church, Silver Spring, MD
$60.00
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
August 6-10
Location: Mt. Rainer Christian Church
$255.00
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
August 13-17
Location: Christ Congregational Church, Silver Spring, MD
$255.00
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Summer 2018 theme “Explore a Path of Peace” reflects Little Friends for Peace’s goal of creating environments where campers and counselors alike can experience, learn, and practice peace, in ways our culture may not foster or facilitate. Peace is defined differently by each individual, but LFFP teaches peace as both an answer and alternative to violence. Peace is attainable, and each of us plays a part in its manifestation in our lives and natures, as well as those of our families, our communities, and our world. Peace Camp will allow students to see peace as a path they can and should follow, through our teaching of interpersonal conflict resolution skills, critical thinking, global citizenship, and through the inspiration of Peace Heroes.
Activities typically Include: art, cooperative games, special guests, peace building pledge, learning about peace makers and how each one of us can follow their example and spread peace.
Yoga & Art Camp at Beloved Yoga
July 25- 29
Ages 6-9
9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Location: Beloved Yoga in Reston
Teacher: Jean McTigue
$200 First Child, $150 Second Child (includes $20 supply fee)
Register by July 15th and receive 10% off
Camp includes daily practice of yoga poses, breathing and relaxation, creative artistic explorations, hands-on projects, cooperative group games and partner yoga
Peace Camp Reston
August 13-17
Ages 6-12
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
$325
Location: Unitarian Universalist Church of Reston
Teachers: Nichole Hodges-Abbasi and Vasanthi Srinivasan
The theme “Peaceful Presence” and reflects the organizers’ goal of creating a summer camp environment where campers can experience, learn and practice peace as inward love, creative expression and outward service. Campers will enjoy opportunities to create meaningful connections with others and themselves through yoga, music, storytelling, theater, arts and crafts, nature walks, service projects and fun!
In camp, children will be encouraged to ask questions, explore, discover, and learn what peace means to them, how to find it within and how they can share peace with their friends, families, environment, community, and our world.
Yoga Camp at Sun & Moon Yoga
June 25-29
9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Ages 5-10
$300
Teacher: Jennifer Eubank
Location: Sun & Moon Yoga in Arlington
Learn and practice yoga poses to increase flexibility and strength, develop coordination and posture, and relax and release energy in a safe way. Most of all, this camp is about relaxing into fun! Kids are welcome regardless of physical abilities and no prior experience with yoga is necessary. Campers should dress in comfortable clothing appropriate for yoga and play. Activities will include yoga asanas, age-appropriate meditation, mindful walking to a neighboring park, crafts, snacks, karma yoga (acts of selfless service) and creative expression. We will emphasize the non-competitive nature of yoga and have time for reflection and gratitude. Children will learn yoga skills which carry over into their daily lives. Kids should bring a lunch; healthy snacks provided.
Yoga Camp with Breathing Space Yoga
8:30 a.m.-3:45 p.m.
$400
Teacher: Breathing Space Yoga
Location: Christ Church, SE DC
Yoga and mindfulness can help children build self-regulatory skills, resilience, social awareness, and confidence, as well as strength and fitness. Through yoga, children learn techniques for concentrating, reducing stress, and connecting to their bodies in a loving way while having fun. Breathing Space Kids Yoga Camp takes the lessons from yoga and mindfulness practice and expand on them to a full week of activities. In addition to yoga, camps offer arts & crafts, theme-based outings, outdoor time, quiet relaxation, and free play.
Many weeks are full. Room remains in the following programs for the following grades:
June 25 – Long Ago & Far Way – PK-2nd
June 25 – Girl Power – 3rd-6th
July 30 – Superhero Me – K-3rd
Aug 6 – Mindful Movement Masters – 2nd-5th
Animal Style Kung Fu Camp
July 23-27
8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
$350 ($300 for members)
Location: Shaolin Do, Arlington, VA
Kids learn the animal styles of Tiger, Crane, Mantis, Monkey and Bird (Eagle) of Kung Fu that are not only fun, but develop strength, flexibility and coordination. Obstacle courses challenge the mind and body. Inspired by the things we find in nature, we spend some quality time outside every day at Barcroft Park. Students learn how to use their natural surroundings for testing their strength, balance and awareness. To further our connection with our environment, we make up teams and try to discover how the 5-elements are present all around us. Also included: laser obstacle course; arts & crafts; and healthy, organic lunch and snacks.
SPEAK*Girls
July 9-22
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays including an overnight July 13. July 15 is the only non-camp day between July 9-22. Participants must be available all days and also for Capital Fringe Festival performances
$700
Girls ages 12-18
Location: Blueberry Hill Cohousing Community, Vienna, Virginia
The SPEAK*Girls program designed to empower girls teaching a variety of communication skills that culminate in several performances in the Capital Fringe Festival. The program works in autobiographical storytelling using interdisciplinary art forms.
Potomac Crescent Waldorf School Summer Camp
June 18-22, July 16-20, July 23-27, August 6-10
9 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Ages 4-6
$360
Location: Potomac Crescent Waldorf School in Alexandria, VA
Give your child the opportunity to reconnect with the simple joys of childhood and the wonders of summertime. Your child will spend their time getting their hands dirty in our biodynamic garden, playing in the sand, splashing in the water, listening to imaginative stories, singing songs, and building friendships. Our summer camp is taught by experienced Waldorf Early Childhood teachers and follows the gentle rhythm of the Waldorf curriculum.
Ancestral Knowledge
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Ages 7 and up
Many options including Woods Wise I, II and III. See website for dates and full range of options and locations.
Camps are 100% outdoors and filled with forest exploration, games, and hands-on projects. Our camps provide experiences that are fun, exciting, and unforgettable. These camps are open to all genders ages 7 & older.
Did we miss a great camp that promotes well-being? Comment below and let us know!
Jessica Claire Haney is the founder, publisher and editor of Mindful Healthy Life and the author of its Guide to Holistic Family Living in Metro DC. Jessica founded the Arlington/Alexandria Chapter of Holistic Moms Network, volunteers on school wellness issues, and is a Beautycounter consultant and a doTERRA Wellness Advocate. Follow on Facebook at MindfulHealthyLife, on @Twitte
