Tag Archives: national presbyterian school

2018 Summer Day Camps

Does it seem like the days are getting longer, but the hours are getting shorter?

Too much to do and never enough time to do it all? Continue reading

2017 Summer Day Camps

Illustration: www.hikingArtist.com (Flickr)

Illustration: www.hikingArtist.com (Flickr)

Does it seem like the days are getting longer, but the hours are getting shorter?

Too much to do and never enough time to do it all? Continue reading

2016 Summer Day Camps in DC

Illustration: www.hikingArtist.com (Flickr)

Illustration: www.hikingArtist.com (Flickr)

Does it seem like the days are getting longer, but the hours are getting shorter?

Too much to do and never enough time to do it all? Continue reading

2015 Summer Camp Ideas in DC

Illustration: www.hikingArtist.com (Flickr)

Illustration: www.hikingArtist.com (Flickr)

Does it seem like the days are getting longer, but the hours are getting shorter? Too much to do and never enough time to do it all? You’re not alone- many host parents are struggling with the same challenges as school comes to a close for the year.

The flexible schedule is one of many reasons many families champion the Au Pair program. We all know that our au pairs can work no more than 10 hours per day and 45 hours per week. However, summer can be a real challenge for host parents who are working full-time. Once kids are out of school, an Au Pair’s regulation hours may not be enough time to cover all of your childcare needs.

Day camps are a great way to fill in the gaps, and there are many options in the DC area. Below is a list of camps not too far from our part of town. At posting time, all still had some availability. If you know of others your kids have enjoyed, please share on our private Facebook group page. Let’s work together to find options for our cluster kiddos– and make it a great summer for everyone!

  • Amazing Life Games Summer Camp (ages 3-8; 9 am-3 pm, limited aftercare; weekly sessions)
  • Beauvoir Summer Camp(rising pre-k-rising 5th grade; half-day, full-day, before and aftercare , and speciality camps; CIT program; weekly sessions)
  • BloomBars‘ Fit Kids Hit the State: Summer Adventure
  • CCBC Children’s Center’s Summer Camp* (ages two-five; 9 am-1 pm; potty training NOT required; weekly sessions available; brochure and application)
  • Headfirst Summer Camps- St. Albans and NCS campuses (age 3-rising 7th grade; half-day, full-day, before and aftercare, and specialty camps; weekly sessions; registration)
  • Lowell School’s Summer Camp (age 2.75-rising 9th grade; half-day, full-day, before and aftercare, and specialty camps; CIT programs; weekly sessions
  • National Presbyterian School’s Summer Horizon’s Camp* (age 3-rising 4th grade; half-day, full-day, before and aftercare, and speciality camps; CIT program; weekly sessions)
  • Sidwell Summer Camp- DC Campus (age 3-rising 10th grade; half-day, full-day, before and aftercare; specialty camps, weekly sessions)
  • Silver Stars Gymnastics Camp* (ages 3.5-15; half-day, full-day, before and aftercare; weekly sessions; registration)

*My children have attended these camps. Please reach out to me with any questions about them.

Au Pairs Make a Difference

Photo: Catherine McEaddy Holmes

Sara Segundo Lazaro shared how Catalonians celebrate Sant Jordi Day at National Presbyterian School in Washington, DC

Volunteering is an important part of American life. Au Pair in America encourages all of our au pairs to volunteer as a way to share your culture and learn more about American culture through the experience.

APIA’s Global Awareness program provides the opportunity for you to share your culture, customs, and language in DC-area classrooms through the “Meet Your Global Neighbor” project. Recently, Sara Segundo Lazaro taught a group of kindergartners at National Presbyterian School about Sant Jordi, a festival celebrating the patron saint of Catalonia. See the Global Awareness website for more details on volunteering through this program.

Xareny Segura Muniz is enrolled in the UCLA APIA Advantage Course, which requires au pairs to do a Global Awareness presentation, volunteer at a local organization, and participate in historical and cultural activities. Last month, Xareny visited a first grade class at Lee Montessori PCS, where she taught them about Mexican foods, holidays, and animals. The children also learned a few words in Spanish. Next week, Xareny will volunteer at the DC Central Kitchen to help fulfill the Community Involvement portion of her class.

There are many volunteer opportunities in the DC area. You are welcome to contribute your time wherever you like, as long as it does not interfere with your work or school schedule. Our DCC Cluster Facebook Group has a list of current volunteer opportunities under the files tab. Also, ask your Host Family for community service ideas with their children’s schools, their church, synagogue, or other house of worship, or neighborhood organizations.