WASHINGTON w a s h i n g t o n FA M I LY. c o m February 2017 Leave the City Behind On the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad GROWING UP ONLINE Fostering Empathy in the Digital Age Local Mom’s Allergy-Friendly Restaurant SUMMER CAMP GUIDE 14 VALENTINE EVENTS FEBRUARY 2017 TABLE OF contents ON THE COVER: Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad in West Virginia. 22 11 LOCAL MOM PROFILE: WELCOME BACK TO THE TABLE 32 P.11-13 “One Dish Cuisine has become a popular spot for diners with FAMILY Blog food allergies, and allows some to eat dishes they would otherwise Classifieds never be able to try.” [P.06] [P.50] Debbie Williams 10 THINGS YOU NEVER KNEW ABOUT CAMP P.22-23 “While most people easily conjure up images of campfires and canoes, there is a lot more to the experience.” DOES SPENDING TIME ONLINE DESTROY EMPATHY? P.32-33 “For parents, the question is how to raise children who RESOURCES: Schools / Preschools [P.35-38] Schools / Montessori [P.39-43] Birthday / Parties [P.47] will be a force for good both on and offline.” Carolyn Jabs GUIDES: Health Care QUICK READS Railroad Adventures P.16 Mom Review P.44 14 Valentine’s Outings 4  February 2017  washingtonFAMILY.com P.46-48 QUICK READs [P.14] Spring Break Camps [P.18-20] Summer Camps [P.22-31] Private School Open House [P.34-40] da es r th ne Be or in s C en on op Tys ow d N an You focus on her science fair project. We’ll keep her vision from getting worse in the future. Kids are growing up with much more screen time and less outdoor time. As a result, myopia - nearsightedness, where far away objects appear blurry - is rapidly increasing. Stronger glasses every year aren’t the answer. While necessary, glasses only treat the symptoms of myopia. And, myopia increases the risk of serious eye diseases as your child grows. We have proven alternatives that help prevent myopia from getting worse. Visit TreehouseEyes.com/DC or call to schedule a consultation. Let us help give your child better vision and healthier eyes for life. Bethesda: 240-297-5542 Tysons Corner: 703-991-2768 FAMILY blog Making Kindness Count T he month of February means it’s time to celebrate what they would want on their Valentine. I hope this small another holiday, Valentine’s Day. As a parent, it’s lesson in empathy will shift their thinking in this direction. my challenge to translate what this celebration of love means to my kids. And with three little boys, I’m not overly anxious to watch them create Valentine’s gushing over their female classmates! As I began to reflect on my message for this blog, I hit the trail for a run to clear my head. As always, with the road As Carolyn Jabs explains in her article on page 32, “Being able to imagine things from another perspective makes it easier for people to get along with each other, and that capacity has lifelong advantages.” I also hope to model acts of kindness for my kids. For in front of me, I am able to reflect. I quickly encountered example, on President’s Day, my family will join 100 of my a fellow runner who offered a friendly wave hello— high school alumnae to make sandwiches for the homeless. the runner’s wave. This simple act of kindness offers The plan is to work in an assembly line to fill lunch bags encouragement and motivation to persevere. It hit me that with all sorts of items through the local charity, Cup of Joe. we need to focus on teaching our children how to create these simple acts of kindness. And what better way to lift someone’s spirits than with the kind words of a Valentine? Hallmark would prefer we mark the holiday by showering our children and spouses with candy, cards and gifts. I’m feeling compelled to teach my boys Valentine’s Day is Every kind act, big and small, can bring more love into the world. And isn’t this really what Valentine’s Day should be about? As Desmond Tutu said, “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” another opportunity to share random acts of kindness, but how do I teach this? And from our FAMILY to yours, Happy Valentine’s Day! I decided to check in with my 6-year-old, to see if he had any ideas on how you show kindness to others. According to Jack, “You cannot touch other people’s things; you have to say nice things to people; you should help others do things they can’t do themselves or teach them how to do them; and you should not make fun of someone and hurt their feelings.” Sounds like good advice to me! To continue this dialogue, I plan to sit with my children while they construct their classmate’s Valentines and ask, “What would make this friend happy?” I will encourage them to put themselves in their friend’s shoes and consider 6  February 2017  washingtonFAMILY.com Julie Turco Account Executive Washington FAMILY Magazine jturco@thefamilymagazine.com sweet dreams Designed for Kids Parent Approved ADMINISTRATION CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Bruce Potter publisher@theFAMILYmagazine.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Sylvia Witaschek switaschek@theFAMILYmagazine.com EDITOR Britni Petersen TWIN UPHOLSTERED BED $ 485 bpetersen@theFAMILYmagazine.com KIDZGEAR • LEGACY YOUTH • SMARTSTUFF MANAGING EDITOR Debbie Williams List $735. Full bed $585, list $888; night stand $255. SAVE $ 50 FOR EVERY $ 500 YOU SPEND Offer valid February 1 - 26, 2017. dwilliams@theFAMILYmagazine.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Carolyn Jabs, Christy Petrak, Debbie Williams ART GRAPHIC DESIGNER Elisa Hernandez ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES GRIFFIN TWIN PANEL BED $ 445 List $685; full bed, shown, $555. Underbed storage unit $375. Micheline Johnson mjohnson@theFAMILYmagazine.com Pauline Ray pray@theFAMILYmagazine.com Julie Turco jturco@theFAMILYmagazine.com DISTRIBUTION DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR Dean McPhee distribution@theFAMILYmagazine.com NEW! ACADEMY TWIN BUNK BED $ 759 List $1149. Available as a twin bed $399. Available in 3 finishes. published by: CLEARANCE & REMODELING SALE FLOOR SAMPLES DAWSONS RIDGE • SPECIAL BUYS $399 Off List Save TWIN Up BED, to SPECIAL 80% List $759. Trundle unit $455. Plus, Take an Blue Tags * Extra ff * Valid on clearance items only. O % 15 Hours: Mon - Sat 10 - 9 • Sun 12 - 6 belfortfurniture.com • 703-406-7600 22250 Shaw Road • Dulles, VA 20166 15 Minutes from Leesburg, 15 Minutes from Tysons! 8  February 2017  washingtonFAMILY.com Washington FAMILY Magazine is published 12 times a year by HPR-Hemlock LLC, and is distributed free of charge throughout Maryland, Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. Subscription rates for home delivery are $40 for one year. Correspondence and editorial submissions from our readers are welcomed. We reserve the right to edit, reject or comment on all editorial and advertising material submitted. We are not responsible for the return of any unsolicited materials. The acceptance of advertising by Washington FAMILY Magazine does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services or information. All rights reserved by copyright. © 2016 HPR-Hemlock LLC. Any reproduction of this publication, in whole or in part, is strictly forbidden without expressed written permission. 1372 Old Bridge Rd., Suite 101, Woodbridge, VA 22192 703-318-1385 • washingtonFAMILY.com Bring the family to West Virginia for the weekend and enjoy an unforgettable MOUNTAINRAIL EXPERIENCE! Perfect for families, day trips, or vacations! Check website for all MountainRail Adventure destinations. CALL: 866.363.7018 • MTN-RAIL.COM washingtonFAMILY.com  February 2017  9 Camp Audubon Ages 4-17 (301) 652-9188 x 15 anshome.org 10  February 2017  washingtonFAMILY.com One Dish Cuisine owner Maureen Burke with husband David (left) and stepson Michael. LOCAL MOM PROFILE: Welcome Back to the Table TEXT DEBBIE WILLIAMS M Why the name One Dish Cuisine? Maureen explains, “When I first started the company, I was only offering my frozen line of breads and meals that are oven and microwave safe. This allowed the aureen Burke knows all too well the challenges of those person preparing the meal, such as hospital kitchen staff, to heat with severe food allergies. She spent most of her life and serve them in the same dish, which greatly reduces the risk of sick and misdiagnosed for Celiac Disease and a milk cross contamination or cross contact of allergens. I thought this was allergy. Once she knew what foods she had to avoid to stay healthy, a great description of what I was doing.” the thought of eating out at a restaurant was daunting at best, and often times not worth the risk. Because of her personal experiences, Her business took off, but Maureen wanted to expand to a as well as those of her nephew with strict dietary requirements, restaurant, so people with food allergies and their families could Maureen decided to take matters into her own hands. have a safe place to eat out together. She was confident her food In 2009, she self-funded One Dish Cuisine (ODC), and began preparing gluten and allergen-free meals for restaurants, hospitals and grocery stores. Her color-coded labeling system identified a meal as gluten-free or free of other top allergens, such as nuts. This passed the taste test with people who did not have any food restrictions. As Maureen says, “you can tell the difference when the person making your food has to eat it too; you get a far superior product!” made it easy for everyone, even a child who can’t read, to identify In 2012, Maureen’s dream came true, and she opened One Dish the meal as safe for them to eat. Cuisine Café, Deli and Bakery in Ellicott City, MD. The restaurant washingtonFAMILY.com  February 2017  11 is a family affair, and also employs Maureen’s husband, Dave, and stepson, Michael. ODC has become a popular spot for diners with food allergies, and allows some to eat dishes they would otherwise never be able to try. Thus the restaurant’s tag line, “Welcome Back to the Table,” which Maureen notes, “is something anyone with Celiac Disease or food allergies can relate to.” The restaurant was recently awarded “The Most Allergy Friendly Restaurant in America” by Allergy Eats, which ranks and reviews dining establishments. To top it off, plans are underway to open a second location in Montgomery County, MD. Maureen measures her success in different terms, though. “I feel like the luckiest person in the world because I get to do what I love,” she says. “The icing on the cake is that I meet wonderful people — from all over the country and the world — who come here to eat, and are so appreciative of what we do. At the same time, my husband, my incredible staff and I, are truly making a difference in peoples’ lives.” Q&A WITH MAUREEN BURKE How would you describe your restaurant? Our cafe, deli and bakery is free of gluten (wheat, rye, barley), oats, soy, egg, fish, shellfish, sesame, peanut and tree-nuts and we have a separate kitchen/cooking line that is also free of milk and dairy products. The “Green Kitchen” will utilize real cheese on a sandwich or pizza and the “Blue Kitchen” will use non-dairy cheeses. This system means we make pretty much everything from scratch, and many items are vegan by default. What do you want people to know about food allergies/sensitivities? Celiac Disease and food allergies are serious. Don’t confuse them with non-life threatening food sensitivities. For example, we gladly accommodate those with food sensitivities, but what we have to do in our kitchen in order to safely serve someone with a serious legume allergy is completely different than what we need to do for someone who doesn’t like legumes or has a sensitivity to them. How do you decide what to feature on the menu? I created the menu based on things those of us with Celiac Disease, food allergies or children on a special diet for autism really crave — meals that kids and adults want to eat, but can’t, because they aren’t safe. I wanted people like me to be able to eat pizza and sandwiches instead of just watching others eat them. 12  February 2017  washingtonFAMILY.com Who taste tests the food? thing for me was putting my recipes on paper and giving an actual In the beginning, family and friends without dietary restrictions measurement. I never used to measure, now I have to. taste tested the meals and said, “You can sell this stuff.” Now, we let staff members taste test the meals. Sometimes regular customers come in for taste testings when we develop new meals or desserts. What are the most popular menu items? The most popular items are pizza, cheese steak sub, grilled Reuben, meatball sub, chicken Parmesan, eggplant Parmesan, spaghetti and garlic toast, Italian cold cut sub and all soups. Oh, and our breads and anything in the dessert case. What’s been your favorite customer reaction to being able to eat out at a restaurant? Wow, where do I begin? I have seen some very interesting “happy dances” as well as hugs, tears and the shock and awe of a child staring at me with his mouth open when I tell him he can eat anything on our menu and in our bakery case! Probably the one that hits home and made me cry the most is the 5-year-old boy whose Have you always liked to cook? mom told me that in the car on the way home he said, “Mom, that Yes, I have family that has been in the restaurant business for 50 was the best thing that is ever going to happen to me.” years on my mom’s side, so I guess it’s in my blood. I loved to cook with my Aunt Kathleen as a child and adult. She was a gourmet cook by hobby, and once I graduated from my Easy Bake Oven, I would spend a whole weekend with her in Washington, D.C. just cooking. She had every issue of Gourmet and Bon Appétit magazine, and I could pick some items and we would have so much fun cooking them up! She taught me it’s not about each ingredient that goes into a recipe, it’s about how all of the flavors from those ingredients work together and make the food taste great. What’s been the most satisfying part of your restaurant’s success? The most satisfying thing for me and my husband is being able to welcome families back to the table where they can relax and feel the difference while eating top-notch food that is safe for them. Our success proves there is a need for what we do, when many said it would never work. Do you prefer cooking or baking ? Definitely cooking. Baking is not very forgiving. Baking is a science; Debbie Williams is a freelance writer and editor based in Northern it has to be exact. Cooking is an art. You can freely change flavors Virginia and managing editor of Washington FAMILY Magazine. and measurements. When I opened the company, the hardest washingtonFAMILY.com  February 2017  13 GUIDES & RESOURCES health care COMPETITIVE EDGE ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE CENTER competitivedgeva.com; info@competitiveedgeva.com 14849 Persistence Dr., Woodbridge, VA • 571-398-2813 Sports training, physical education programs, nutrition, injury reha- biliation and prevention. DAVID HUGHES ORTHODONTICS drhughesortho.com; info@drhughesortho.com 8314-A Traford Ln., Ste. A, Springfield, VA • 703-451-0502 Complimentary exam with treatment options. THE KINGSBURY CENTER kingsburycenterdc.org; meldridge@kingsbury.org 5000 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C. • 202-722-5555 The Kinsgsbury Center offers occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech, language services, psychological services and diagnotic testing to all children and adults in the D.C. area. Our center is conveniently located in northwest Washington with plenty of parking. We offer evening and weekend hours for your convenience. MCLEAN PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, CRIS ANN TERNISKY, DDS, MICHAEL J. TERNISKY, DDS mcleanpediatricdentist.com McLean Doctors Building • 703-356-1875 6711 Whittier Ave., McLean, VA Pediatric dental growth and development. Preventative dentistry including school exams, fluoride treatments, pediatric oral surgery, early orthodontics, habit appliances, sealants, cleaning and general consultations. NORTHERN VIRGINIA DENTAL ASSOCIATES, PC nv-dental.com; reception@nv-dental.com 6116 Rolling Rd., Ste. 316 Springfield, VA • 703-451-8332 Serving our community since 1963! We would love to welcome your family to our “dental family.” PEDIATRIC DENTAL CARE 14 February 2017 washingtonFAMILY.com mypdcdentists.com 9901 Fairfax Blvd., Fairfax, VA • 703-383-3434 6120 Brandon Ave., Ste. 114, Springfield, VA • 703-992-7100 PDC - Kids come first. We offer comprehensive dental treatment for all ages. We are pediatric dental specialists treating children starting from age one. Healthy Smile...Healthy Child. TREEHOUSE EYES treehouseeyes.com 10215 Frenwood Rd., Ste. 401A, Bethesda, MD • 240-297-1017 8100 Boone Blvd., Ste. 150, Tysons Corner, VA • 703-991-2766 Providing an alternative to glasses for your child. ROCKIN' JUMP gaithersburg.rockinjump.com; gaithersburg-md@rockinjump.com 18620 Woodfield Rd., Gaithersburg, MD • 301-703-3707 We’re people like you who want to exercise, but also like to have fun. So instead of stairclimbers and weight machines, we decided to create a place where you can soar in open jump arenas, play trampoline dodgeball, do flips and somersaults. pediatric dental care WAYS FOR YOu TO STAY pOSiTivE Healthy Smile... Healthy Child impROving hER mOOd John Han, DDS Pediatric Dentist Fernanda Fontes, DDS Pediatric Dentist Jenny Ha, DDS Pediatric Dentist Harold Fleming, DDS Orthodontist • • • • • • • • • • • • T:21" Dr. Han voted one of the Top Dentists in Northern VA Magazine & VA Living Magazine. 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Springfield office: 6120 Brandon Ave. Suite 114, Springfield, VA 22150 NORTHERN VIRGINIA DENTAL ASSOCIATES, P.C. ® Family, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry We Provide Sleep Apnea Appliances • Comprehensive Dental Care For Children, Teens & Adults • Submission to Most PPO’s • Certified Provider Of Invisalign • Advanced Technology • Cosmetic Dentistry • Restorative Care • Preventive Care • Sleep Apnea Appliances • Payment Plans Available Serving Our Local Community Since 1963 washingtonFAMILY.com February 2017 15 Celebrating 20 Years of Mountain Rail Adventures T he Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad in West Virginia is wilderness to experience history, beautiful mountains and great celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. For two decades, people,” he added. tourist trains have hauled passengers through some of West Virginia’s most remote terrain with on-board hospitality, good food and mountain camaraderie. And the railroad strives to do just that. Each April through December, it operates a wide assortment of different tourist trains from its four depots. The Cass Scenic Railroad features steam Located less than four hours from Washington, D.C. and the suburbs trains and is a great way to see parts of West Virginia that are only of Northern Virginia, the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad accessible by rail, while in nearby Durbin, kids can ride along the and its portfolio of Mountain Rail Adventures take passengers Greenbrier River and feel as if they are part of the train crew. on fun-filled train rides from the towns of Elkins, Cass, Durbin or Cheat Bridge. The company’s philosophy of “leave the city behind and relax in the mountains” has drawn out-of-state tourists to West Virginia for the last several years. In 2015, the railroad expanded its operations to include the Cass Scenic Railroad, a former logging railroad that contains the largest collection of geared ‘Shay’ locomotives in the country. Each year, thousands of families visit Cass to enjoy the sights and sounds of these historic pieces of machinery. The addition of the Cass Scenic Railroad has also created opportunities to transition the railroad and its train rides from a day trip to a weekend destination. “When families visit one of our Mountain Rail Adventure In Elkins, the New Tygart Flyer takes passengers to a beautiful waterfall where they can de-train, take pictures and return to Elkins. Visitors can also tour the entire rail line on board the Cheat Mountain Salamander. Both the New Tygart Flyer and Cheat Mountain Salamander include lunch and entertainment. During Christmastime, the railroad offers the officially licensed Polar Express™ train ride – a holiday train inspired by the children’s book and movie. The Polar Express ™ is headquarters in Elkins and includes a trip to the North Pole to meet with Santa. On the Cass Scenic Railroad, a separate holiday train known as the “Elf Limited” training school lets children experience what it’s like to become one of Santa’s helpers. destinations for the first time, they fall in love with the surrounding If you are looking to get away from the city for a few days and area – the scenery, the people – and it becomes a memorable create lifelong memories with your family, the Durbin & Greenbrier experience,” said Chase Gunnoe, external affairs manager at the Valley Railroad invites you to come to West Virginia and be a part railroad. “It’s not about taking a day trip to ride a train – it’s about of its Mountain Rail Adventure Family. For more information, visit leaving the chaos of urban culture behind and drifting into the mountainrail.com or call 800-686-7245. 16  February 2017  washingtonFAMILY.com Company: International School of Music Check To: One: Inja Stanic As Is ❏ Okay Fax/Email: Approved by: info@ismw.org Phone: _________________ 240-418-9063 ❏ Needs Changes Section: (Mark changes on ad) Enrichment AE: Early registration discounts available Register Online Today! www.spearmangolfacademy.com/ashburn/ /summer-golf-camp#junior-golf-summer-camp (703) 615-9903 Located at Belmont Country Club in Ashburn, VA House Date Sent: ________________ If proof is not returned Company: by this deadline Center for Ballet Arts advertisement will To: run as shown. Ms. Debra Savage Washington FAMILY Email: Magazine is not responsible for errors ctrbalarts@aol.com or changes not CLEARLY Phone: marked or ads not returned by this 703-352-9672 703-836-2277 • gymboreeclasses.com deadline. Alexandria, Section: Burke, Chantilly. Camps If changes are submitted more than three times, a fee of $40 will be If proof charged. is not returned by this deadline advertisement will run as shown. The Center for Ballet Arts, Inc. • Join us for groups, Rockin’ • Indoor Trampoline sf. of Safe. Please join us for our WINTER SESSION THE WORLD’S LARGEST PROVIDER OF CHILDREN’S C CHILDREN H I L D R E N S SWIMMING S SWI W I M M MING I N G INSTRUCTION I NSST R U C T IONN • State-of-the-art GIVE THE GIFT THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME! Teach a child to swim at KID’S FIRST Swim Schools! • Experience our open Washington FAMILY Magazine is not responsible for errors or changes not CLEARLY marked or ads not returned by this deadline. Save 20% • Dunk basketballs Terrapins • Joust your X-BEAM. • Get ON OPEN JUMP* • Special teens. • Need a park. Code: GB17002 Expires: 9/30/17 If changes are submitted • Exercise more three times, Have than a Rockin' Time a at fee Rockin' of $40 will be Gaithersburg Jump 18620 WOODFIELD RD charged. 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A signed waiver is required by parent/legal guardian. • • • • Columbia: 443-755-0111 Rockville: 301-217-5910 Germantown: 301-540-SWIM Chantilly, VA: 703-488-9800 Waldorf: 301-638-SWIM MDM.ROCKINJUMP.COM 18620 WOODFIELD RD • GAITHERSBURG 18620 WOODFIELD RD • GAITHERSBURG • 301.703.3707 Gaithersburg.RockinJump.com Bowie: 301-262-SWIM Sterling, VA: 703-444-9673 Manassas: 703-392-SWIM Laurel, MD: 301-725-SWIM North Bethesda: 301-984-SWIM Falls Church: 703-534-SWIM washingtonFAMILY.com February 2017 17 GUIDES & RESOURCES Spring Break Camps AUDUBON NATURALIST SOCIETY anshome.org; nora.kelly@anshome.org 301-652-9188 ext. 15 • Ages: 5-14 8940 Jones Mill Rd.,Chevy Chase, MD Middle school students will earn SSL hours. BEANTREE beantreelearning.com 703-961-8222 5003 Westone Plaza, Chantilly, VA 571-223-3110 Ashburn Campus: 43629 Greenway Corporate Dr., Ashburn, VA 571-223-3113 The Pavilion at BeanTree: 43635 Greenway Corporate Dr., Ashburn, VA BeanTree offers Holiday Camp for students in kindergarten through fifth grade on days when elementary schools are closed for holidays or teacher workdays. Inclement weather days, when public schools may be closed, are another opportunity for us to serve both par- ents and children through fun ‘last minute’ activities, movies and fun! Parents are so grateful for this convenience that allows their workdays to remain productive and students are always happy to reconnect with “old” friends! CAMP GRIFFIN AT WESTMINSTER SCHOOL westminsterschool.com; campgriffin@westminsterschool.com 703-340-7268 • Ages: 3-14 3819 Gallows Rd., Annandale, VA Extended care; flexible scheduling; great variety. COLUMBIA HORSE CENTER columbiahorsecenter.com 301-776-5850 • Ages: 5-16 10400 Gorman Rd., Laurel, MD COMPETITIVE EDGE ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE CENTER competitiveedgeva.com; info@competitiveedgeva.com 571-398-2813 • Ages: 6 and up 14849 Persistence Dr., Woodbridge, VA Sports camps offered during holiday break and spring break. ENCORE STAGE & STUDIO encorestage.org; info@encorestage.org 703-548-1154 • Grades K-5 4000 Lorcom Ln., Arlington, VA Students will enjoy a day of theatre games, crafts, creative activities and fun in a safe and supportive environment. ENCORE STAGE & STUDIO SPRING BREAK CAMP encorestage.org; info@encorestage.org 703-548-1154 Theatre On The Run: 3700 S. Four Mile Run Dr., Arlington, VA Enrollment is a la carte! Choose to sign up for one day, or the entire week! Travel with Encore as we explore the exciting music, move- 18 February 2017 washingtonFAMILY.com ment and magic of theatre! Each day will focus on a different theme. With imagination, students will bring popular stories and musicals to life. Students grades K-5 will also enjoy theatre games, crafts and activities. THE FENCERS CLUB thefencersclub.com; fencingclasses@comcast.net 703-999-8077 3431 Carlin Springs Rd., Ste. E, Falls Church, VA Beginner fencing camps and classes teach and reinforce the fundamentals of fencing such as footwork, handwork and the rules in a fun and exciting atmosphere. The fundamentals are reinforced with games and activities that emphasize critical thinking and quick decision-making as well as necessary physical attributes such as overall conditioning and quick reaction times. GLEN ECHO PARK AQUARIUM: A CHESAPEAKE BAY DISCOVERY CENTER GEPAquarium.org; Info@GEPAquarium.org 703-464-4763; 301-955-6253 (voicemail) 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, VA Offers Winter Break Camps: 5 half-day sessions Dec. 26-Jan. 30, from 9 a.m.-noon, ages 5-12. Learn about the Chesapeake Bay, our nation’s largest estuary; see and touch LIVE Bay creatures in our Exhibit Hall and Touch Tank; learn about conservation and how we impact the Bay through interactive games and activities. Start your morning exploring the Exhibit Hall and the Touch Tank; finish out your camp adventure with a snack, games and a craft. Come for one day, or for all five! Register at glenechopark.org/classes. IMAGINATION STAGE imaginationstage.org; boxoffice@imaginationstage.org 301-280-1660 Ages: 3.5-Grade 8 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, MD Week-long Spring Break camps, March 28-April 1, are full of jam- packed days of acting, dance, creative drama and filmmaking. Campers can register for a morning session, an afternoon session, or combine morning and afternoon sessions for a full-day experience! KIDS FIRST SWIM SCHOOLS kidsfirstswimschools.com 301-540-SWIM 18066 Mateny Rd., Germantown, MD 301-638-SWIM 3307 Crain Highway, Waldorf, MD 703-444-9673 21800 Town Center Plaza, Ste. 215, Sterling, VA 703-488-9800 CONTINUED ON PG. 20 Your Dog Goes, Even if it Snows 50% yo o u f r f 1 mont s h t Friendly, reliable, easy-to-use service. Family owned and operated for over 16 years. 100% satisfaction guaranteed. We put our customers first! of se mentio rvice when you n co WashF upon code am17 Winter Savings Package Hurry, offer expires 02/28/17! ® Pet Waste Management *Offer cannot be combined with any other offers. Service starts at around $15/week. DoodyCalls scoops the poop so you don't have to! www.DoodyCalls.com 1.800.DoodyCalls (366.3922) Georgetown Music School Private Lessons: Piano Violin Voice Highly qualied and experienced teachers. 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Harrison St., Suite 1-LL • Arlington, VA 22207 Columbia Horse Center SUMMER CAMP Under new management by Private & Small Group Music Lessons in: • Acoustic/Electric Guitar • Fiddle • Electric/Upright Bass • Lapsteel Guitar • Banjo • Ukelele • Mandolin • Drums/Percussion • Violin/Viola • Piano • Cello • Voice Dance Classes for ages 18 months through Adult in: • Ballet • Acrobatics • Tap • Musical Theater • Jazz • Lyrical/Contemporary • Hp Hop • Children's Combination • Performance Companies • Breakdance Horsemanship camp: Ages 8-16. Five 2 week session Pony Pal Camp: Ages 5-7. Nine one week sessions 10400 Gorman Road | Laurel | MD 20723 www.columbiahorsecenter.com 301-776-5850 washingtonFAMILY.com February 2017 19 Spring Break camp guide Sully Plaza Shopping Center, 13985 Metrotech Dr., Chantilly, VA The Kids First® Swim Schools are America’s largest provider of year- round, warm-water swimming instruction, operating 20 locations across 5 states, teaching over 100,000 students annually. We are dedi- cated to teaching kids to be safe and proficient in the water. We have built America’s finest specialty-designed training pools. Maintained at 90° with depths ranging from 2 to 5 feet, both our instructors and our students find this the perfect environment to learn in. THE KINGSBURY CENTER kingsburycenterdc.org 202-722-5555 5000 14th St., NW, Washington, D.C. One week of creative, enriching FUN - an exciting mix of STEM, arts and crafts, physical activity and games for preschool through 6th grade. Scavenger hunts, science experiments, engineering challenges and much more! April 10-14. PORT DISCOVERY CHILDREN'S MUSEUM portdiscovery.org; kgulick@portdiscovery.org 410-864-2664 35 Market Pl., Baltimore, MD ROBOT WORKS, LLC robotworksacademy.net 703-364-5418 8992 Fern Park Dr., Burke, VA MATHNASIUM mathnasium.com 877-814-6284 Mathnasium of McLean: 1435 Center St., McLean, VA Mathnasium of Lake Ridge: 12473 Dillingham Square Lake Ridge, VA Mathnasium of Dale City: 5512 Staples Mill Plaza Dale City, VA Mathnasium of Mount Vernon: 7696H Richmond Hwy. Alexandria, VA Learn multiplication facts (0-12) in a positive and fun way! Camp is geared to 2nd-5th graders, but all grades are welcome and previous multiplication experience isn’t necessary. For more information on dates and times, visit mathnasium.com. SHADOWLAND LASER ADVENTURES shadowlandadventures.com 703-921-1004 • Ages: 6+ 5508 Franconia Rd., Alexandria, VA Huge 20,000-square-foot indoor recreation center - laser tag, redemption arcade, lazer maze challenge. Open 7 days-a-week for families, groups and camps. Group rates available. Strap on a pack, enter the multi-level arena and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime! PINECREST PAVILION VALLEY MILL SPRING BREAK CAMP pinecrestschool.org; camp@pinecrestschool.org 703-354-3446 Ages: Preschool 3-6th 7209 Quiet Cove, Annandale, VA valleymill.com; valleymill@valleymill.com 15101 Seneca Rd., Germantown, MD Serving the MD-D.C. area for 60 years. Check website for camp details! 2017 Summer Camp W NO EN! OP ions for Ages 4 -18 eek Opt W - 4 3, or 1, 2, Adventures Around Every Bend! You’re the conductor, so jump on board with Thomas & Friends for playful learning and rail yard fun on the Island of Sodor. Half-day and full-day options! pLuS: Locations in and around DC! Acting | musicAl theAtre | dAnce | filmmAking Thomas & Friends™ Explore the Rails! was created by Minnesota Children’s Museum, presented by Fisher-Price and sponsored by 3M. © 2016 Gullane (Thomas) Limited 20 February 2017 washingtonFAMILY.com imaginationstage.org | 301-280-1636 Summe 2017 r Camp 4 4 HOT Summer... Cool fun! Exciting Weekly Experiences for Ages 6-13 www.beantreelearning.com www.novafencingclub.com Students enjoy a quiet, green oasis in their two-acre campus, with shaded play areas and unparalleled enrichment activities including music and foreign language. Extended day, summer and winter camps available for enrolled students. washingtonFAMILY.com February 2017 21 10 Things You Never Knew About Camp Camp has become a staple of the summer season. Each year, millions of children, youth and adults head to the hills, lakes, valleys and parks to participate in this time-honored tradition. And, while most people easily conjure up images of campfires and canoes, there is a lot more to the experience. Here are 10 things you may not know about the camp experience. 22  February 2017  washingtonFAMILY.com 1. Camp is older than dirt, almost literally. Started in 1861, the camp experience turned an impressive 150 years young in 2011. The secret behind the longevity? “One hundred and fifty-five years later, there is a camp for every child,” said Tom Rosenberg, president and chief executive officer for the American Camp Association® (ACA). “From specialized camps to general, traditional camps, the essence of the camp experience is stronger than ever.” 2. Camp is worth its weight in gold, and then some. The camp experience is life-changing – developing friendships and memories that last well beyond the final campfire. And, there is a camp for literally every budget. Often camps offer special pricing or financial assistance, and some camp experiences qualify for tax credits or for payment with pre- tax dollars. 3. Green is “zen.” Research shows that first-hand experiences with nature, like those at camp, reduce stress in children and help them better handle stress in the future. In addition to teaching children how to be good stewards of the environment, camps are teaching children how to enjoy the world around them and take a minute to breathe deep and feel nature, which ultimately teaches them how to de-stress the natural way. 4. Mommies and Daddies do it too. Camp is not just for children. There are family camp experiences, and camps for single adults, senior adults and any adult who wants to relax and enjoy all camp has to offer. Adults benefit from the same sense of community, authentic relationships and self-discovery that children do. Camp is an excellent vacation option, allowing adults to try a variety of new activities in a safe and fun environment. 5. Try this on for size. Camp is a great place to try new activities and hobbies. Afraid of rock walls? According to ACA research, 74 percent of campers reported they tried new activities at camp that they were afraid to do at first. And, those activities often leave lasting impressions. In the same survey, 63 percent of parents reported their child continued new activities from camp after returning home. 6. Manners matter, and often linger. The camp experience teaches more than just archery or lanyard making. The entire experience is made of teachable moments. Perhaps one of the biggest is how to live with a group of people. Campers learn to pick up after themselves, respect each other’s property and to say “please” and “thank you.” 7. Veggies taste better with friends. Hollywood and fictional novels may have given camp food a bad reputation, but in truth, camps are constantly exploring healthy food options, and often are at the forefront of things like allergy-specific diets, healthy snack options and vegetarian meals. According to ACA’s 2011 Emerging Issues Survey, 90.7 percent of responding camps indicated that healthy eating and physical activity was an important or very important issue. 8. If everyone else went to camp, maybe there’s something to it. Camp has played an important role in the lives of some of the most talented people in history. ACA’s family resource site offers a list of notable campers – including business professionals, celebrities, artists and great thinkers. 9. Camp gets those neurons pumping. Education reform debate and concern over summer learning loss have pushed academic achievement into the spotlight. Research shows that participation in intentional programs, like camp, during summer months helps stem summer learning loss. In addition, camp provides ample opportunity for developmental growth, which is a precursor to academic achievement. And, because of the “hands-on” nature of camp, often children who struggle in traditional education settings do well at camp. 10. Camp builds leaders for the 21st century and beyond. Independence, resiliency, teamwork, problem-solving skills and the ability to relate to other people — these are the skills that tomorrow’s leaders will need, and the skills camp has been adept at building for 150 years. “Camp gives children and youth the critical tools they will need to become successful adults,” said Rosenberg. Reprinted by permission of the American Camp Association. ©2016, American Camping Association, Inc. The American Camp Association® ACA is a national organization with more than 10,000 individual members and nearly 3,000 member camps. ACA is committed to collaborating with those who believe in quality camp and outdoor experiences for children, youth and adults. For more information, visit ACAcamps.org. washingtonFAMILY.com  February 2017  23 2017 OVERNIGHT CAMPS Audubon Naturalist Society Ages: 4-17 anshome.org; nora.kelly@anshome.org 301-652-9188 x15; 8940 Jones Mill Rd., Chevy Chase, MD Teens, Extended Day, Arts, CIT Program, Cooking, Educational Activities, Field Trips, Hiking, Overnight Camping, Travel. Camp Horizons Ages: 6-17 camphorizonsva.com; camp@horizonsva.com 540-896-7600; 3586 Horizons Way, Harrisonburg, VA Residential, Teens, Sibling Discount, Transportation, Arts, CIT Program, Drama, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Overnight, Sports, Swimming. Camp Rim Rock Ages: 6-18 camprimrock.com; info@camprimrock.com 347-746-7625; 343 Camp Rim Rock Rd., Yellow Spring, WV Girls Only, Arts, Dance, Drama, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Music, Swimming. iDTech Camp Ages: 6-18 idtech.com; 1-888-709-8324 Multiple locations in D.C., MD and VA Computers. Randolph-Macon Academy Middle School Summer Camp Ages: 10-13 rma.edu/summer-camp; admission@rma.edu 540-636-5484; 200 Academy Dr., Front Royal, VA Extended Day, Arts, Educational Activities, Field Trips, Hiking, Music, Overnight Camping, Sports, Swimming. Valley Mill Camp Ages: 4-14 valleymill.com; evelyn@valleymill.com 301-948-0220; 15101 Seneca Rd., Darnestown, MD Teens, Extended Day, Transportation, Arts, Boating, CIT Program, Drama, Educational Activities, Field Trips, Gymnastics, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Sports, Sports Extreme, Swimming. 24 February 2017 washingtonFAMILY.com DAY CAMPS WASHINGTON, D.C. Accelerando Music Camp - Etudes Ages: 4-12 dcetudes.com; info@dcetudes.com 202-256-9942; 1616 Wisconsin Ave., Second Floor Washington, D.C. Educational Activities, Music. Aidan Summer Camp - Aidan Montessori School Ages: 3-12 aidanschool.org/programs/summer-at-aiden Woodley Park, 2700 27th St. NW, Washington, D.C. Educational Activities. Beauvoir, The National Cathedral Elementary School Ages: 3-11 beauvoirschool.org; 202-537-2313 3500 Woodley Rd. NW, Washington, D.C. Extended Day, Arts, CIT, Cooking, Field Trips, Sports, Swimming. British Swim School britishswimschool.com; bssnova@britishswimschool.com 703-940-3700, 13000 Sport and Health Dr., Woodbridge, VA 703-573-9555, 2722 Gallows Rd., Vienna, VA 703-848-2800, 1303 Vincent Pl., McLean, VA Swimming. Camp Levine Music & Arts Day Camp Ages: 3 ½ -12 levinemusic.org/camp; camp@levinemusic.org 202-686-8000 x1040; Katzen Arts Center, 4400 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. Sibling Discount, Extended Day, Arts, Drama, Music, Yoga. Camp Levine Music & Arts Day Camp Ages: 3 ½ -12 levinemusic.org/camp; camp@levinemusic.org 202-686-8000 x1040; 2801 Upton St., NW, Washington, D.C. Sibling Discount, Extended Day, Arts, Drama, Music, Yoga. iDTech Camp Ages: 6-18 idtech.com; 1-888-709-8324 Multiple locations in D.C., MD and VA Computers. Kingsbury Summer Camp - The Kingsbury Center Earth Treks Rock N’Adventure Day Camp Ages: 3-18 • 5000 14th St., NW, Washington, D.C. kingsbury.org; ccoleman@kingsbury.org 202-722-5555 Teens, Educational Activities, Special Needs, Yoga. Ages: 10-14 • 1-800-CLIMB-UP • Columbia, MD earthtreksclimbing.com; info@earthtreksclimbing.com Sports, Extreme Sports. The Theatre Lab Summer Acting Camp for Kids Ages: 10-14 • Timonium, MD earthtreksclimbing.com; info@earthtreksclimbing.com Sports, Extreme Sports, Swimming. Ages: Grades 1-12 theatrelab.org ; contact@theatrelab.org 202-824-0449; 733 8th St., NW, Washington, D.C. Teens, Extended Day, Drama. DAY CAMPS MARYLAND Acorn Hill Waldorf Kindergarten & Nursery Ages: 3-6 acornhill.org; info@acornhill.org 301-565-2282; 9504 Brunett Ave., Silver Spring, MD Extended Day, Arts, Cooking, Music. Audubon Naturalist Society Ages: 4-17 anshome.org; nora.kelly@anshome.org 301-652-9188 x15; 8940 Jones Mill Rd., Chevy Chase, MD Teens, Extended Day, Arts, CIT Program, Cooking, Educational Activities, Field Trips, Hiking, Overnight Camping, Travel. Barrie Camp Ages: 4-14 barrie.org; camp@barrie.org 301-576-2816; 13500 Layhill Rd., Silver Spring, MD Teens, Sibling Discount, Extended Day, Transportation, Arts, Boating, CIT Program, Computers, Cooking, Dance, Drama, Field Trips, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Martial Arts, Music, Sports, Swimming, Yoga. Bethesda Big Train & BCC Baseball Summer Camps bigtrain.org/summercamp; camp@bigtrain.org 301-365-1076 Shirley Povich Field and Cabin John Regional Park Sports. Camp Aristotle - The Auburn School Ages: Rising K-Grade 8 • 9545 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD theauburnschool.org; 301-588-8048 Teens, Extended Day, Arts, Computers, Educational Activities, Special Needs, Sports. Camp Levine Music & Arts Day Camp Ages: 3 ½ -12 levinemusic.org/camp;camp@levinemusic.org 202-686-8000 x1040; 5301 Tuckerman Ln., N. Bethesda, MD Sibling Discount, Extended Day, Arts, Drama, Music, Yoga. Columbia Horse Center Ages: 5-16 • 10400 Gorman Rd., Laurel, MD columbiahorsecenter.com; 301-776-5850 Extended Day, Horseback Riding. Earth Treks Kids Kamp Ages: 6-9 earthtreksclimbing.com; info@earthtreksclimbing.com 1-800-CLIMB-UP; Columbia, Timonium, Rockville, MD Sports, Extreme Sports. Earth Treks Rock N’ River Day Camp Earth Treks Summer Climbing Day Camp Ages: 9-13 earthtreksclimbing.com; info@earthtreksclimbing.com 1-800-CLIMB-UP; Columbia, Timonium, Rockville, MD Extended Day, Sports, Extreme Sports. The Harbor School “Wonders of the World” Ages: 3.5-9 theharborschool.org; summer@theharborschool.org 301-365-1100; 7701 Bradley Blvd., Bethesda, MD Arts, Educational Activities, Field Trips. iDTech Camp Ages: 6-18 idtech.com; 1-888-709-8324 Multiple locations in D.C., MD and VA Computers. Summer Camp at Imagination Stage Ages: 3 ½-18 • 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, MD imaginationstage.org; 301-280-1660 Teens, Dance, Drama, Music. International School of Music Ages: 3-12 • 10450 Auto Park Ave., Bethesda, MD ismw.org; info@ismw.org; 301-365-5888 Drama, Music. Spring Bilingual Montessori Academy - Spring Academy Summer Camp Ages: 2 ½-6 spring-bilingual.org; info@spring-bilingual.org 301-962-7262; 3514 Plyers Mill Rd., Kensington, MD Sibling Discount, Extended Day, Arts, Educational Activities. Summer Math Camp Ages: 1st-12th Grade mathnasium.com; 877-601-6284 30+ locations in the D.C. metro area! Sibling Discount, Educational Activities. DAY CAMPS VIRGINIA Arris Montessori Academy Ages: 2 ½-10 years arrismontessori.com 703-858-2800; 44675 Cape Ct., Ste. 189, Ashburn, VA Sibling Discount, Arts, Cooking, Dance, Drama, Educational Activities, Music. Barrett Suzuki Strings and Piano Camp - Barrett Suzuki Music Studio Ages: 4-teen barrettsuzuki.com virtuosos2132@gmail.com washingtonFAMILY.com CONTINUED ON P. 26 February 2017 25 CONTINUED FROM P. 25 703-295-0659; 2132 South Bay Ln., Reston, VA Music. Brooksfield Summer Camp Ages: 3-10 brooksfieldschool.org; camp@brooksfieldschool.org 703-356-5437 ext. 2; 1830 Kirby Rd., McLean, VA Extended Day, Arts, CIT, Cooking, Dance, Educational Activities, Field Trips, Hiking,Horseback Riding, Music, Sports, Swimming, Yoga. Camp Aristotle - The Auburn School - Fairfax Campus Ages: Rising K - Grade 9 theauburnschool.org 703-793-9353 3800 Concorde Pkwy., Ste. 500, Chantilly, VA Extended Day, Special Needs. Camp Griffin - Westminster School Ages: 3-14 westminsterschool.com campgriffin@westminsterschool.com 703-340-7268; 3819 Gallows Rd., Annandale, VA Teens, Sibling Discount, Extended Day, Arts, Cooking, Dance, Drama, Educational Activities, Field Trips, Hiking, Martial Arts, Music, Sports, Swimming, Yoga. Camp Kay - Kay School Ages: 2 ½-12 kayschool.org; info@kayschool.org; 703-264-9078 3005 Dower House Rd., Herndon, VA Sibling Discount, Extended Day, Transportation, Arts, 26 February 2017 washingtonFAMILY.com CIT Program, Cooking, Dance, Drama, Educational Activities, Field Trips, Hiking, Music, Sports, Extreme Sports, Swimming, Travel, Yoga. Camp Levine Music & Arts Day Camp Ages: 3 ½-12 levinemusic.org/camp; camp@levinemusic.org 202-686-8000 x1040; 1125 N. Patrick Henry Dr. Arlington, VA Sibling Discount, Extended Day, Arts, Drama, Music, Yoga. Camp She-EO (for Girl Entrepreneurs) Ages: 8-16 beasheeo.com; info@beasheeo.com; 866-697-4336 Various locations across Northern Virginia Girls Only, Educational Activities. The Center for Ballet Arts Ages: 3-Adult thecenterforballetarts.com; ctrbalarts@aol.com 703-273-5344 3955 Pender Dr. #105, Fairfax, VA Teens, Sibling Discount, Arts, Dance. Competetive Edge Athletic Performance Center Ages: 6+ competitiveEdgeVA.com; info@competitiveEdgeVA.com 571-398-2813; 14849 Persistence Dr., Woodbridge, VA Teens, Extended Day, Field Trips, Sports. Congressional Camp Ages: 3-14 congocamp.org; info@congocamp.org 3229 Sleepy Hollow Rd., Falls Church, CONTINUED ON P. 28 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN ONLINE! CAMPERS AGES 4-14 40 ACRE CAMPUS FALLS CHURCH, VA www. congocamp .org CONTINUED FROM P. 26 VA; 703-533-9711 Extended Day, Transportation, Arts, CIT, Computers, Cooking, Educational Activities, Field Trips, Horseback Riding, Martial Arts, Photography, Sports, Extreme Sports, Swimming. Encore Stage & Studio It’s Elementary Ages: 4-9 encorestage.org; info@encorestage.org; 703-548-1154 5800 Washington Blvd., Arlington, VA Drama. Encore Stage & Studio Stage Door & Tech Camp Ages: 11-15 encorestage.org; info@encorestage.org; 703-548-1154 200 S. Carlin Springs Rd. Arlington, VA Extended Day, Arts, Dance, Drama. Encore Stage & Studio Summer Stories and Season Sampler Ages: 8-12 encorestage.org; info@encorestage.org; 703-548-1154 4000 Lorcom Ln., Arlington, VA Drama. Fairfax Christian School Ages: 5-12 fairfax-christian-school.com; 703-759-5100 1624 Hunter Mill Rd. Vienna, VA Educational Activities. 28 February 2017 washingtonFAMILY.com Fairfax Collegiate Summer Program Ages: 8-14 fairfaxcollegiate.com; 703-481-3080 722 Grant St., Ste. J, Herndon, VA Sibling Discount, Extended Day, Arts, Computers, Educational Activities, Photography. The Fencers Club – Introduction to Fencing Ages: 7-14 thefencersclub.com; fencingclasses@comcast.net 703-999-8077; 3431 Carlin Springs Rd., Ste. E Falls Church, VA Martial Arts, Sports. Golf Summer Camp at the Mitchell Spearman Golf Academy Ages: All stephen@spearmangolfacademy.com 703-615-9903; 19661 Belmont Manor Ln., Ashburn, VA Sports. Gymboree School Skills /Sports Camp Ages: 3-5 gymboreeclasses.com Alexandria Gymboree Play & Music 703-212-9044; 318 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA Burke Gymboree Play & Music 703-249-1327; 6045 Burke Center Parkway #204, Burke, VA Chantilly Gymboree Play & Music 703-318-0144; 14155 Sullyfield Cir. CONTINUED Ste. I, Chantilly, VA ON P. 30 Educational Activities, Sports. The Theatre Lab’s summe r dram p a s cam ions Jun– Aug for kids entering grades 1–8, sess 202-824-0449 • www.theatrelab.org 733 8 TH Street NW, Gallery Place Metro gton FAMILY readers! Multi-year winner by Washin washingtonFAMILY.com February 2017 29 CONTINUED From P. 28 Harmonia Musical Theater & Creative Arts Camp - Harmonia School of Music & Art Ages: 4-18 harmoniaschool.org; harmonia@harmoniaschool.org 703-938-7301; 204-F Mill St. NE, Vienna, VA Teens, Sibling Discount, Extended Day, Arts, Drama, Music. Heart Beats Music & Dance Camps 1435 Center St., McLean, VA 7696H Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, VA Sibling Discount, Educational Activities. Tiny Dancers Ages: 3-6 tinydancers.com; info@tinydancers.com 703-385-5580; Fairfax City, Old Town Alexandria and Mosaic District Locations Dance. Ages: 3-16 hbeats.com; staff@hbeats.com 703-440-9000; 8060 Rolling Rd., Springfield, VA Teens, Sibling Discount, Extended Day, Arts, CIT Program, Dance, Drama, Gymnastics, Martial Arts, Music. The Montessori School of McLean iDTech Camp The Montessori School of Northern Virginia, Hillbrook Campus Ages: 3-12 msnv.org; info@msnv.org; 703-256-9577 6820 Pacific Ln., Annandale, VA Extended Day, Transportation, Arts, Cooking, Dance, Drama, Educational Activities, Field Trips, Gymnastics, Hiking, Music, Sports, Yoga. Ages: 6-18 idtech.com; 1-888-709-8324 Multiple locations in D.C., MD and VA Computers. Loudoun Country Day School- Summer Programs Ages: 5-14 lcds.org; info@lcds.org; 20600 Red Cedar Dr., Leesburg, VA Extended Day, Sibling Discount, Arts, CIT, Computers, Cooking, Dance, Drama, Educational Activities, Field Trips, Hiking, Music, Photography, Sports, Swimming, Yoga. Summer Math Camp Ages: 1st-12th Grade mathnasium.com; 877-601-6284 5512 Staples Mill Rd., Dale City, VA 12473 Dillingham Sq., Lake Ridge, VA 30 February 2017 washingtonFAMILY.com Ages: PreK–6th 703-790-1049; mcleanmontessori.org 1711 Kirby Rd., McLean, VA Arts, Cooking, Educational Activities, Field Trips, Music. The Montessori School of Northern Virginia, Valleybrook Campus Ages: 3-6 msnv.org; info@msnv.org; 703-992-0255 3433 Rose Ln., Falls Church, VA Extended Day, Transportation, Arts, Cooking, Dance, Drama, Educational Activities, Field Trips, Gymnastics, Music, Sports, Yoga. Perfect Pointe Dance Studio Ages: 3-11 perfectpointe.com staff@perfectpointe.com 703-533-8830; 2499 N. Harrison St., Ste. I-LL Arlington, VA Dance, Drama, Gymnastics. Pinecrest Pavilion - Pinecrest School Ages: 4-12 pinecrestschool.org camp@pinecrestschool.org 703-354-3446; 7209 Quiet Cove, Annandale, VA Sibling Discount, Extended Day, Arts, Cooking, Dance, Drama, Educational Activities. Reston Montessori School Ages: 3-9 office@restonmontessori. com; 703-481-2922 1928 Isaac Newton Sq. West, Reston, VA Extended Day, Arts, Field Trips. Robotics Summer Camps Ages: 6-16 robotworksacademy.net robotworks@cox.net 703-364-5418; 8992 Fern Park Dr., Ste. 2, Burke, VA Sibling Discount, Computers, Educational. Summer Math Camp Ages: 1st-12th Grade mathnasium.com 877-601-6284 30+ locations in the D.C. metro area! Sibling Discount, Educational Activities. Sunset Hills Montessori Ages: 3-9 sunsethillsmontessori.com office@sunsethillsmontessori. com 703-476-7477; 1180 Ridge Heights Rd., Reston, VA Sibling Discount, Extended Day, Arts, Educational Activities, Field Trips, Swimming. Way of Faith Summer Day Camp Ages: 3-11 way-of-faith.org; info@ wayoffaith.net; 703-573-7221 8800 Arlington Blvd. Fairfax, VA Extended Day, Arts, Educational Activities, Field Trips, Swimming. washingtonFAMILY.com February 2017 31 Does Spending Time Online Destroy Empathy? TEXT CAROLYN JABS 32  February 2017  washingtonFAMILY.com washingtonFAMILY.com  February 2017  33 GUIDES & RESOURCES Private School Open House Dates District of Columbia AIDAN MONTESSORI SCHOOL aidanschool.org; admissions@aidanschool.org 2700 27th St., NW, Washington, D.C. • 202-387-2700 Open House Dates: Call to schedule a tour. BEAUVOIR, THE NATIONAL CATHEDRAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL beauvoirschool.org; mhartigan@cathedral.org 3500 Woodley Rd., NW, Washington, D.C. • 202-537-6493 Open House Date: Call to schedule a tour. THE KINGSBURY CENTER kingsbury.org; admissions@kingsbury.org 5000 14th St., NW, Washington, D.C. • 202-722-5555 Open House Dates: Feb. 9, March 9, Apr. 13 ST. COLUMBA'S NURSERY SCHOOL columba.org; school@columba.org 4201 Albemarle St., NW, Washington, D.C. • 202-742-1980 Open House Dates: Feb. 8, 23 Maryland ACORN HILL: A WALDORF KINDERGARTEN AND NURSERY acornhill.org; info@acornhill.org 9504 Brunett Ave., Silver Spring, MD • 301-565-2282 Open House Dates: March 4, April 22, 9:30-10:45 a.m. THE AUBURN SCHOOL theauburnschool.org; mivey@theauburnschool.org 9545 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD • 301-588-8048 Open House Dates: Feb. 13, 8:45-10 a.m. BARRIE barrie.org; admission@barrie.org 13500 Layhill Rd., Silver Spring, MD • 301-576-2800 Open House Dates: Call to schedule a tour. THE BETHESDA MONTESSORI SCHOOL INC. 34 February 2017 washingtonFAMILY.com bethesdamontessori.com; admissions@bethesdamontessori.com 7611 Clarendon Rd., Bethesda, MD • 301-986-1260 Open House Dates: Call to schedule a tour. FEYNMAN SCHOOL feynmanschool.org; admissions@feynmanschool.org 6300 Tilden Ln., N. Bethesda, MD • 301-770-4370 Open House Date: Preschool-Grade 7: Tours Tuesday-Thursdays IVYMOUNT ivymount.org 11614 Seven Locks Rd., Rockville, MD • 301-469-0223 Open House Date: Call to schedule a tour. THE MADDUX SCHOOL madduxschool.org; amullins@madduxschool.org 11614 Seven Locks Rd., Rockville, MD • 301-469-0223 Open House Dates: Feb. 1, 22, 9:30-11:30 a.m.; pre-registration required NORTHSTAR ACADEMY northstaracademy-metrodc.com; info@northstaracademy-metrodc.com 12300 Twinbrook Pkwy., Ste. 250, Rockville, MD • 703-872-7699 Open House Dates: Call to schedule a tour. ROCK CREEK MONTESSORI SCHOOL rockcreekmontessori.com; info@rockcreekmontessori.com 3701 Spruell Dr., Silver Spring, MD • 301-942-9561 Open House Dates: Call to schedule a tour. SPRING BILINGUAL spring-bilingual.org; SBMA-office@yahoo.com 3514 Plyers Mill Rd., Kensington, MD • 301-962-7262 Open House Dates: Call to schedule a tour. Virginia CONTINUED ON PG. 36 washingtonFAMILY.com February 2017 35 Private school open house dates ARRIS MONTESSORI ACADEMY arrismontessori.com; office@arrismontessori.com 44675 Cape Court, Ste. 189, Ashburn, VA • 703-858-2800 Open House Dates: Call to schedule a tour. THE AUBURN SCHOOL theauburnschool.org; admissions.fairfax@theauburnschool.org 3800 Concorde Pkwy., Suite 500, Chantilly, VA • 703-793-9353 Open House Dates: Feb. 16, 9 a.m. BEANTREE ASHBURN CAMPUS beantreelearning.com 43629 Greenway Corporate Dr., Ashburn, VA • 571-223-3110 Open House Dates: Call to schedule a tour. BEANTREE WESTFIELDS CAMPUS beantreelearning.com 5003 Westfields Blvd., Chantilly, VA • 703-961-8222 Open House Dates: Call to schedule a tour. BROOKSFIELD SCHOOL brooksfieldschool.org; brksfield@aol.com Find Your Voice Serving students age 18 months Serving through students Grade age 18 12 months through Grade 12 Now Accepting All-School All-School Applications for Open House Open House the 2017-2018 Saturday, October Saturday, School October Year. 15 15 11am to to 1pm 1pm barrie.org/apply 11am 13500 Layhill Road 13500 Layhill Road Silver Spring, MD 20906 Silver Spring, MD 20906 barrie.org 301.576.2800 barrie.org • • 301.576.2800 admission@barrie.org admission@barrie.org 36 February 2017 washingtonFAMILY.com 1830 Kirby Rd., McLean, VA • 703-356-KIDS Open House Dates: Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. THE CONGRESSIONAL SCHOOLS OF VIRGINIA congressionalschools.org; admission@csov.org 3229 Sleepy Hollow Rd., Falls Church, VA • 703-533-1064 Grades: Infants-8th Grade Open House Dates: Call to schedule a tour. CORNUS MONTESSORI lstelford-81@hotmail.com 13880 Metrotech Dr., Chantilly, VA • 703-378-1473 Open House Dates: Call to schedule a tour. FAIRFAX CHRISTIAN SCHOOL fairfaxchristianschool.com; info@studyfcs.com 1624 Hunter Mill Rd., Vienna, VA • 703-378-1473 Open House Dates: Feb. 11, March 25, April 29, June 3 THE GRIFFIN ACADEMY OF WESTMINSTER SCHOOL westminsterschool.com; admissions@westminsterschool.com 6800 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA • 703-256-2035 Open House Date: Call to schedule a tour. HARBOR SCHOOL theharborschool.org; info@theharborschool.org 7701 Bradley Blvd., Bethesda, MD • 301-365-1100 Open House Dates: Every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. and by appointment. KAY SCHOOL kayschool.org; info@kayschool.org 3005 Dower House Dr., Oak Hill, VA • 703-264-9078 Open House Dates: Call to schedule a tour. KENWOOD SCHOOL kenwoodschool.com; admissions@kenwoodschool.com 4955 Sunset Ln., Annandale, VA • 703-256-4711 Grades: K-6 Open House Dates: Call to schedule a tour. LEPORT MONTESSORI ALDIE leport.com/nova; aldie@leportschools.com 24328 Marrwood Dr., Aldie, VA • 703-810-7160 Open House Dates: Visit leport.com/nova. LEPORT MONTESSORI BROADLANDS leport.com/nova; broadlands@leportschools.com 42945 Waxpool Rd., Ashburn, VA • 703-810-7808 Open House Dates: Visit leport.com/nova. CONTINUED ON PG. 38 Sign Up Today! • News to Your Inbox • Receive tons of family activities, exclusive discounts, timely articles and super coupons right to your email! www.WashingtonFAMILY.com washingtonFAMILY.com February 2017 37 Private school open house dates Open House Dates: Visit leport.com/nova. LEPORT MONTESSORI CHANTILLY LOUDOUN COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL leport.com/nova; chantilly@leportschools.com 4550 Walney Rd., Chantilly, VA • 571-222-4728 Open House Dates: Visit leport.com/nova. lcds.org; 703-777-3841 20600 Red Cedar Dr., Leesburg, VA Open House Date: Feb. 12, March 5, 2-4 p.m. LEPORT MONTESSORI FAIRFAX leport.com/nova; fairfax@leportschools.com 3909 Oak St., Fairfax, VA • 703-810-7247 Open House Dates: Visit leport.com/nova. LEPORT MONTESSORI HERNDON leport.com/nova; herndon@leportschools.com 13251 Woodland Park Rd., Herndon, VA • 571-222-4931 Open House Dates: Visit leport.com/nova. LEPORT MONTESSORI RESTON leport.com/nova; reston@leportschools.com 11579 Cedar Chase Rd., Herndon, VA • 703-810-7811 Open House Dates: Visit leport.com/nova. LEPORT MONTESSORI POTOMAC FALLS MONTESSORI COUNTRY SCHOOL MCSHerndon.com; 703-437-8285 621 Alabama Dr., Herndon, VA Open House Dates: Feb. 3 & 10 and March 3 & 17: 4-6 p.m. Feb. 4 & 25 and March 4: 10 a.m.-noon MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF CEDAR LANE preschoolmontessori.com; info@cedarlanemontessori.com 3035 Cedar Ln., Fairfax, VA • 703-560-4379 Open House Dates: Call to schedule a tour. MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF MCLEAN mcleanmontessori.org; montague@mcleanmontessori.org 1711 Kirby Rd., Mclean, VA • 703-790-1049 Open House Dates: Call to schedule a tour. leport.com/nova; potomacfalls@leportschools.com 20685 Fernbank Court, Sterling, VA • 571-222-6628 CONTINUED ON PG. 40 Arris Montessori Academy Curriculum for students age 2 1/2 – 10 yrs. Celebrate HAPPINESS// CHALLENGE// Unique Minds Encourage CURIOSITY// Preschool, Pre-K Pre-K Preschool, Full Day Kindergarten Full Day Kindergarten Elementary, Tutoring Elementary Now Enrolling! Campuses in Fairfax VA, Silver Spring MD and Baltimore MD ▪ www.theauburnschool.org ▪ A school for academic and social success! Your child. Our school. Before/After School Program. Spanish, Music, Art, and P.E. www.arrismontessori.com Ashburn, VA 703•858•2800 Private Preschool to Kindergarten Ages 2 ½ to 5 • Half Day or Full Day Kay Club Before & After Care Programs Ages 2 ½ to 12 • Camp Kay Preschool through Second Grade www.theharborschool.org 38 February 2017 washingtonFAMILY.com Arts and project based programs with FOCUS on creativity, critical thinking, innovation, collaboration, curiosity and the natural environment. www.kayschool.org | 703.264.9078 3005 Dower House Road, Herndon, VA SAINT COLUMBA’S NURSERY SCHOOL ADMISSION TALK & TOUR DATES: Connect... Learn... Grow Feb. 8 & 23, 2017 • 5 day program • Extended day now available until 6 pm • Ages 2½ to 5 • Extensive playground • Financial aid available • Accepts children with special needs Pleas Imme e Proof diate ly! 4201 Albemarle Street, NW • Washington, D.C. 20016 202-742-1980 school@columba.org www.columba.org OPEN HOUSES Sun Jan 29 & Feb 12 2-4 PM www.LCDS.org LOUDOUN COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL Preschool - 8th Leesburg, VA washingtonFAMILY.com February 2017 39 Private school open house dates MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA msnv.org; info@msnv.org 703-256-9577 or 703-992-0255 Open House Dates: Call to schedule a tour. RESTON MONTESSORI SCHOOL restonmontessori.com; office@restonmontessori.com 1928 Isaac Newton Sq. West, Reston, VA • 703-481-2922 Open House Dates: Tuesdays, Thursdays at 10 a.m. Call to schedule an appointment. NYSMITH SCHOOL FOR THE GIFTED nysmith.com; ebalberde@nysmith.com 13625 Eds Dr., Herndon, VA • 703-713-3332 Open House Dates: Feb. 23, March 23 SUNSET HILLS MONTESSORI SCHOOL sunsethillsmontessori.com; office@sunsethillsmontessori.com 11180 Ridge Heights Rd., Reston, VA • 703-476-7477 Open House Dates: Call to schedule a tour. THE PAVILION AT BEANTREE WAY OF FAITH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY beantreelearning.com; 571-223-3113 43635 Greenway Corporate Dr., Ashburn, VA Open House Dates: Call to schedule a tour. way-of-faith.org; info@wayoffaith.net 8800 Arlington Blvd., Fairfax, VA • 703-476-7477 Open House Dates: Call to schedule a tour. PINECREST SCHOOL WESTMINSTER SCHOOL pinecrestschool.org; admissions@pinecrestschool.org 703-354-3446 Open House Dates: Feb. 11, March 11, April 22, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. westminsterschool.com; admissions@westminsterschool.com 3819 Gallows Rd., Annandale, VA • 703-256-3620 Open House Dates: The Griffin Academy (preschool): Apr. 14, 9:30 -11 a.m. Westminster School (K - 8th): Call to schedule a tour. RANDOLPH-MACON ACADEMY Inspiring and guiding children ages 2-12 in Falls Church & Annandale, VA. 703-256-9577 • www.msnv.org Bilingual Montessori Now Enrolling! Academy For Age 2 - 6 Years F rench • S paniSh • i talian H alf D ay or f ull D ay • E arly B irds & a ftEr -C arE For information call: (301) 962-7262 3514 Plyers Mill Rd., Kensington, MD www.spring-bilingual.org • info@spring-bilingual.org 40 February 2017 washingtonFAMILY.com rma.edu; admission@rma.edu 540-636-5200 or 800-272-1172 • 200 Academy Dr., Front Royal, VA Open House Date: Feb. 20 Cornus Montessori g ollin Enr ow: N w ks s 6 Age 6 yrs to 13880 Metrotech Drive, Chantilly, VA 20151 7033781473 rbaker@cornusmontessori.com Website coming soon: www.cornusmontessori.com Cornus Montessori is a one of a kind Montessori Early Education School. We have combined the standard Montessori Curriculum with the Reggio Emilia Curriculum. We believe this unique combination speaks to the ever changing challenges each generation faces. Our Montessori Program encompasses all the traditional Montessori qualities from practical life skills, solid foundation and empathy while our Reggio Emilia program centers around art and science. Both programs promote initiative and allow children to feed their hunger in whatever way that may be!! We use the Cornus flower, each of its petals are symbols for what is needed for our children to thrive… Child-Environment-Teacher-Material Programs - Infant, Toddler, Pre Primary. Special Pricing for First 20 enrolled! DISCOVERING FEBRUARY 2017 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA AIDAN MONTESSORI SCHOOL aidanschool.org admissions@aidanschool.org 2700 27th St., NW Washington, D.C. Ages: 18 months-12 years 202-387-2700 montessori Montessori Children • Discover learning is a joy that can last a lifetime. • Learn spontaneously and creatively. • Learn at their own pace. • Develop to their greatest potential. • Are encouraged to choose work and make decisions. Potomac, MD 11200 Old Georgetown Rd. Rockville, MD 5450 Massachusetts Ave. Bethesda, MD • 301-299-7400 earlyyearsms.com info@earlyyearsms.com 3241 Brush Dr. Falls Church, VA Ages: 2-6 • 703-237-0264 MONTGOMERY MONTESSORI INSTITUTE GREEN HEDGES SCHOOL montessori-mmi.com montessori@hers.com 10500 Darnestown Rd. Rockville, MD • 301-279-2799 Montessori Teacher Education TOP HAT MONTESSORI MARYLAND THE BETHESDA MONTESSORI SCHOOL bethesdamontessori.com admissions@bethesdamontessori. com 7611 Clarendon Rd. Bethesda, MD Ages: 3-6 • 301-986-1260 tophatmontessori.com info@tophatmontessori.com 18243A Flower Hill Way Gaithersburg, MD Ages: 2 months-Kindergarten THE WOODS ACADEMY woodsacademy.org admissions@woodsacademy.org 6801 Greentree Rd. Bethesda, MD Ages: 2 ½-6 • 301-365-3080 BUTLER SCHOOL butlerschool.org amy@butlerschool.org 15951 Germantown Rd. Darnestown, MD Ages: 18 months-14 301-977-6600 THE JULIA BROWN SCHOOLS juliabrownschools.com 9760 Owen Brown Rd. Columbia, MD 9450 Madison Ave. Laurel, MD 3400 Queen Mary Dr. Olney, MD 301-447-5700 1300 Milestone Dr. Silver Spring, MD 301-622-7808 Ages: 18 months-Grade 3 THE MANOR MONTESSORI SCHOOL manormontessori.com themanormontessori@gmail.com 10500 Oaklyn Dr. 42 February 2017 VIRGINIA BROOKSFIELD SCHOOL brooksfieldschool.org brksfield@aol.com 1830 Kirby Rd. McLean, VA Ages: 2-6 • 703-356-KIDS CARDINAL MONTESSORI cardinalmontessori.com cardinalmontessori@gmail.com 1424 G St. Woodbridge, VA Ages: 3-12 703-491-3810 CHILDREN'S HOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL montessoriofarlington.com office@chms-arlington.com 2425-A North Glebe Rd. Arlington, VA Ages: 2-4 • 703-276-1361 EARLY YEARS MONTESSORI washingtonFAMILY.com greenhedges.org admissions@greenhedges.org 415 Windover Ave., NW Vienna, VA Ages: 3-6 • 703-938-8323 HA'PENNY MONTESSORI SCHOOL hapennyschool.com director@hapennyschool.com 20854 Stubble Rd. Ashburn, VA Ages: 10 weeks-Age 6 703-729-5755 HOLLY BROOK MONTESSORI SCHOOL preschoolmontessori.com info@hollybrookmontessori.com 2455 Gallows Rd. Dunn Loring, VA Ages: 3-5 • 703-573-7800 HUNTER MILL MONTESSORI SCHOOL preschoolmontessori.com info@huntermillmontessori.com 2709 Hunter Mill Rd. Oakton, VA Ages: 2 years 9 months-5 years 703-938-7755 MONARCH CHRISTIAN MONTESSORI kidslovemonarch.com kidslovemonarch@gmail.com 15120 Enterprise Ct., Suite 100 Chantilly, VA Ages: 18 months-6 • 703-961-8281 MONTESSORI CHILDREN'S CENTER montessoriccgroup.com herndon@montessoriccgroup.com 2745 Centreville Rd. Herndon, VA 6319 Old Centreville Rd. Centreville, VA Ages: 6 weeks-6 years 703-793-1890 MONTESSORI CHILDREN'S HOUSE OF LOUDOUN mchol.org 880 West Church Rd. Sterling, VA Ages: 6 weeks-6 years 703-421-1112 MONTESSORI COUNTRY SCHOOL mcsherndon.com 621 Alabama Dr., Herndon, VA 703-437-8285 Ages: 2 1/2-6 MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF ALEXANDRIA montessorischoolofalexandria.com montschoolalex@vacoxmail.com 6300 Florence Ln. Alexandria, VA Ages: 3-12 • 703-960-3498 MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF CEDAR LANE preschoolmontessori.com info@cedarlanemontessori.com 3035 Cedar Ln. Fairfax, VA Ages: 3-6 • 703-560-4379 MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF FAIRFAX montessori-fairfax.com msofx@aol.com 3411 Lees Corner Rd. Chantilly, VA Ages: 18 Months-12 Years 571-323-0222 RESTON MONTESSORI SCHOOL restonmontessori.com office@restonmontessori.com 1928 Isaac Newton Sq. Reston, VA Ages: 3 months-3rd grade 703-481-2922 THE RIDGEMONT MONTESSORI SCHOOL ridgemontmontessori.com office@ridgemontmontesori.com 6519 Georgetown Pike McLean, VA Ages: 18 months-6 • 703-356-1970 SCHOOLS / montessori Visit our Open Houses June 6, 7, and 8 from 4:00pm until 6:00pm. Rock Creek Montessori School 3701 Spruell Drive Silver Spring, Maryland 20902 301-942-9561 info@rockcreekmontessori.com June 6, 7, and 8 4-6pm 3701 Spruell Dr, Silver Spring www.RockCreekMontessori.com Rock Creek Montessori June 6, 7, and 8 4-6pm 3701 Spruell Dr, Silver Spring www.RockCreekMontessori.com Rock Creek Montessori June 6, 7, and 8 4-6pm 3701 Spruell Dr, Silver Spring www.RockCreekMontessori.com Rock Creek Montessori June 6, 7, and 8 4-6pm 3701 Spruell Dr, Silver Spring, Rock Creek Montessori Serving children 18 months through kindergarten, we are located in The Rock Creek Montessori , The Rock School Creek Montessori School a beautiful wooded located in a beautiful located wooded in setting a beautiful wooded setting northwest of Washington, D.C., serves of Washington, D.C., serves setting in northwest children from 18 months children through from 18 months through Silver Spring, MD kindergarten using kindergarten the philosophy using the philosophy OPEN HOUSE OPEN OPEN HOUSE HOUSE OPEN HOUSE OPEN HOUSE Pleas e Imme Proof diate ly! a n d c u r r i c u l u m o f a n D d r. c M u r a r i c a u l u m o f D r. M a r i a Montessori. The Rock Creek Montessori , Montessori. School located a beautiful wooded setting Visit in our Open Houses Visit our Open Houses northwest of Washington, D.C., serves June 6, 7, and 8 June 6, 7, and 8 children from 18 months through from 4:00pm using until the 6:00pm. from 4:00pm until 6:00pm. kindergarten philosophy a n d c u r r i c u l u m o f D r. M a r i a Before and after care available. 301-942-9561 www.rockcreekmontessori.com Bethesda Montessori School Ages 3 – 6 Extended Day 8am – 6pm 7611 Clarendon Rd. Bethesda, MD 20814 301-986-1260 www.bethesdamontessori.com New After Care Program Toddler through 6th Grade: Ages 2 - 12 Science & Technology • Math & Language Foreign Languages • Music & Drama • Art & PE After School Clubs • Summer Program Transportation Available • Extensive Facility & Playgrounds 1711 Kirby Road • McLean, VA 22101 Phone: 703-790-1049 • Fax: 703-790-1962 www.mcleanmontessori.org “Cultivating each child’s unique ability to flourish in mind, body and spirit.” Accredited by AMS & SACS AMERICAN MONTESSORI SOCIETY education that transforms lives washingtonFAMILY.com February 2017 43 mom review: Floof: Mr. & Mrs. Snowman TEXT CHRISTY PETRAK W e have a big bin of arts and crafts supplies at our house, including lots of modeling substances – clay, playdough, sand – which are all used on a regular basis for hands-on sensory play. When we got the opportunity to try out the newest product, Floof, my children couldn’t wait for it to arrive. Floof, or “Indoor Snow,” the newest offering from Play Visions (maker of Sands Alive!), is a safe, water-soluble and non-toxic play substance. The pure white moldable compound “looks like snow, feels like marshmallows, molds like clay and can be reused every single day,” according to Play Visions. It is very light with a smooth, soft surface, and easy to mold and shape. Another great feature of Floof is how easy it is to clean up. The compound mainly stays in pieces big enough to pick up, but a damp paper towel cleaned up anything else left behind. Play Visions has created several cute playsets for Floof, including Mr. and Mrs. Snowman, Polar Babies, Snowball Maker, S’more Party and Sunny Day Cloud. As advertised, it feels just like a the children to work with and create, though marshmallow (though not sticky). It was we have stuck mainly to snowmen and easily stuffed into the molds and formed haven’t tried to create anything else yet. The created solid balls to create our snowpeople. It’s a bit challenging to stack the balls on top of each other (they don’t really stick together), but pressing them slightly seemed to do the trick, temporarily. It’s marketed that you can stack Floof “to the roof,” but I The Floof set we got to try out was Mr. and can’t quite figure out how you would do that Mrs. Snowman. It comes in a plastic, airtight without it falling. bucket, complete with 120 grams of Floof (enough to easily make the two snowmen with leftovers), three different size sphere molds to make the snow people and lots of the Floof and all the accessories, also making clean up and storage quite easy. Floof is recommended for ages 3+, but with parental supervision my 2-year-old did just fine and really enjoyed making the snowmen. If you’re looking for a low- The best part was decorating. The set came maintenance, sensory play, arts and crafts with “coal” eyes, carrot noses, four buttons activity, I recommend checking out Floof. I for each (black and pink), scarves and really want the S’more Party set for myself, cute accessories. hats. My children loved making their own Our first impression when we opened the and combinations of accessories to create bucket was unfortunately negative – the their perfect snowman. creation and trying out different placements smell was overwhelming, and not in a good way. It seems to wear off eventually, or Of all the play compounds available you get used to it, but it still has a bit of a out there, I really came to like Floof. It’s chemical odor. This didn’t slow us down too definitely one of the easiest to clean up, and I much though, and the kids dug right in to like that it is pure white – no color mixing for play with the Floof. this semi-control-freak mom. It was easy for 44  February 2017  washingtonFAMILY.com airtight bucket provides ample room to store and the Polar Babies look adorable! Floof will definitely be on my list of “fun gifts that won’t annoy parents” for upcoming birthdays. Christy Petrak is a systems engineer currently taking a leave of absence to raise her two children, Thomas (5 years) and Eliza (2 years).She enjoys spending time with her family, swimming and baking/decorating cupcakes. It’s Your Time to Celebrate with a $100 Resort Credit! Make any occasion special with a winter getaway to our 72° resort Whether a milestone celebration or the day you ran a mile, we’ll help make your getaway extra special by offering a $100 resort credit per night.* Luxurious spa treatments, delicious dining, unique shopping and fun recreation options provide everything you need for a joyous occasion. Book your getaway today! GaylordNational.com or call (301) 965-4000 (refer to promo code ZJL) OTHER LOCATIONS *Valid through October 24, 2017. Limited number of rooms available for this promotion. Offer does not apply to groups of 10 or more rooms. Offer cannot be combined with any other promotion. Limit One (1) $100 resort credit per night. See website for complete terms and conditions. Gaylord Opryland ® Nashville, TN (Music City) Gaylord Texan ® Grapevine, TX (Dallas / Ft. Worth area) Gaylord Palms ® Kissimmee, FL (Orlando area) LOVE IN THE DMV: 14 Family-Friendly Valentine’s Day Events 1. A Berry Nice Valentine’s Day: Wegmans Cooking with Kids Feb. 4, noon and 3 p.m. Wegmans Potomac,14801 Dining Way Woodbridge, VA This very busy, hands-on class focuses on Valentine’s Day goodies and gifts. Chocolate-covered strawberries are on the menu, plus your kids will learn to make a creamy, fruity Red Rooster Smoothie and a special Valentine card for someone special. 2. Unshrink My Heart Feb. 11, 2 p.m. Brentwood Arts Exchange, Gateway Arts Center, 3901 Rhode Island Ave. Brentwood, MD will receive their first two sheets of blank and much more. Enjoy open houses at old Shrinky Dinks free. town historic buildings as well. 3. Little Hearts Valentines Feb. 12, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Lincoln Park Community Center 357 Frederick Ave., Rockville, MD Children (ages 2-5 with an adult) will have 5. Valentine’s Day Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides Feb. 14, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Reston Town Center, Reston, VA (departing in front of pavilion) fun making cards and a cute Valentine’s Head on over to Reston Town Center for a bag, reading a book, decorating cookies Valentine’s Day horse-drawn carriage ride and more. A small snack will be provided. with the whole family—rain or shine. All proceeds benefit Reston Relay for Life. 4. The Chocolate Lovers Festival Feb. 4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 5, noon-4 p.m. (Pancake Breakfast starts at 8 a.m.) 6. Open Studio: Love in Every Language Feb. 12, noon-4 p.m. Old Town Fairfax, VA Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, 1050 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. The DIY arts and crafts icon from the Experience a two-day chocolate-filled Enjoy a digital slideshow of images of love ‘80s is back! And nothing says “love” weekend at the annual Chocolate Lovers in Asian art, create Valentine’s Day cards like a hand-made, pre-shrunk Valentine. Festival, sponsored by the City of Fairfax! using woodblock prints that say “love” Families are invited to create beautiful Activities include Taste of Chocolate, the in more than a dozen Asian languages, jewelry, key chains and other Valentine’s Chocolate Challenge, the ever-popular and fold heart-shaped origami. All ages Day gifts for their loved ones. 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Washington FAMILY Magazine is not responsible for errors washingtonFAMILY.com February 2017 47 7. Time for Tots: “The Valentine Bears” Feb. 14, 10-11 a.m. Black Hill Regional Park, 20930 Lake Ridge Dr., Boyds, MD Children get to enjoy a reading of the story “The Valentine Bears” by Eve Bunting, Bethesda, MD It is time for a Valentine’s Day date with your favorite tiny chef. While you and your little Valentine are enjoying the ham naturalist. 8. Valentine’s Day Card Workshop covered strawberries that you made together, you will be feeling the love! 11. Daddy-Daughter Valentine Dance Come out for a magical evening at Love is in the details at the annual dress to impress. There will be a special Valentine’s Day Card Workshop at the fairytale guest, tons of dancing, prizes and National Postal Museum in Washington, good food. 3-6th grade) and dads, granddads, big Feb. 12, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monkey Joe’s Dulles 23521 Overland Dr. Ste. 120, Sterling, VA Experience a full day of fun at Monkey Joe’s Crafty Cupid Valentine’s Day celebration. Guests can make a Valentine’s craft from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. and party all day long with “Cupid Joe.” 10. Tiny Chef Event: Mommy & Me Valentine’s Day Brunch Feb. 12, 11 a.m.-noon Mama Lucia, 4916 Elm St., 48  February 2017  washingtonFAMILY.com together making Valentine crafts and dancing as a DJ spins musical favorites. Refreshments will be sold by Twinbrook Elementary School. brothers and/or godfathers get ready to D.C. Come out with the family and create 9. Monkey Joe’s Dulles Crafty Cupid Valentine’s Day Feb.12, 7-9 p.m Families and friends can spend time Daughter Valentine Dance. Girls (ages Museum postmark! 13. 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Animal Valentines Feb. 12, 1:30 p.m. Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 7701 Royce St., Annandale, VA Kids get to play musical valentines and Sur La Table, 326 King St., Alexandria, VA Make this Valentine’s Day extra special with a fun-filled family afternoon of baking, laughter and plenty of tasty treats. Parents and kids will love working together to create a festive array of tarts, cookies and classic chocolate fudge. Moms of the Year 2017 Nominate Your Favorite Mom! Honor that special mother who does so much for her family and community by nominating her on washingtonFAMILY.com February 5th through February 26th. Online voting for the nominees will take place in March. The Moms of the Year will be featured in the May issue. Join the fun on social media for: Moms of the Year updates Flash prize giveaways Opening Night Tickets $15! Restrictions, exclusions and additional charges may apply. Subject to availability. Excludes premium seats. 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