SUMMER CAMP & SCHOOL GUIDES INSIDE washingtonFAMILY.com JANUARY 2022 Sm a r t. Loca l. Pa re nt ing for t he DMV. PMA AWARD Wins for WASHINGTON FAMILY 17 Places to Visit This Winter A Call to Care at Summer Camp Find Your Indoor Fun in the DMV Mentors Matter OFFERING the best in MONTESSORI EDUCATION for 30 years Preparing students to succeed, lead and contribute to a better world. Ages 2-Grade 12 Accepting applications for the 2021-2022 school year • Small class sizes. Highly trained teachers. • International community. New Leadership Program. • College prep without the stress. 6701 Wisconsin Ave. • Chevy Chase, MD 20815 301-652-7751 • www.onenessfamilyschool.org CONTENTS DANIEL SWARTZ PHOTOGRAPHY IMGORTHAND / E+ / GETTY IMAGES JANUARY 2022 Enjoy indoor fun this winter at these family-friendly destinations.  Pg. 13 FEATURES DEPARTMENTS 13 06 INDOOR FAMILY FUN Discover the best places in the region for indoor activities, games and more. 16 SUMMER CAMPS Washington-area camp programs respond to campers’ mental and emotional health needs. 08 WF BLOG Washington FAMILY receives 12 publication excellence awards from the Parenting Media Association. 10 DIRECTORIES 20 24 SUMMER CAMPS & PROGRAMS PRIVATE SCHOOLS TOP 10 JANUARY EVENTS Plan your family’s fun this month. EDITOR’S PICKS Nurture your child’s creativity and play. 28 PARENT YOU SHOULD KNOW Meet author and nonprofit founder Carrie Fox. 29 HEALTHY FAMILY Learn how to prevent and treat head lice. 30 INCLUSIVE FAMILY What is Moebius syndrome? 32 BOOK MARKED Books inspire indoor fun and learning. READERS’ RESPONSES WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK 34 MY TURN Explore the value of mentoring children. We welcome your feedback — on specific articles, overall themes and anything else related to editorial content. Enter your comments on the Feedback tab of our website: info@washingtonfamily.com. Please note we reserve the right to edit or refrain from publishing comments we deem inappropriate. WashingtonFAMILY.com  3 OUR TEAM EDITORIAL Michael Vyskocil, Editor mvyskocil@midatlanticmedia.com Eleanor Linafelt, Staff Writer elinafelt@midatlanticmedia.com JANUARY 2022 VOL. 30, NO. 1 WashingtonFamily.com/ 301-230-2222 Lindsay VanAsdalan, Staff Writer lvanasdalan@midatlanticmedia.com Craig Burke, Publisher Jeni Mann Tough, Associate Publisher Contributors Robert A. Anderson, Elena Epstein Barbara Noe Kennedy ADVERTISING Craig Burke, CEO/Publisher cburke@midatlanticmedia.com © 2022 Washington Family. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of information, products or services. The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement or listing that is not in keeping with this publication’s standards. All rights reserved. 11900 Parklawn Drive, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852. 2021 2021 Overall Writing 2021 Overall Design Publisher’s/ Editor’s Note 2021 2021 2021 Briefs/ Short Stuff News Feature Feature Layout HOLIDAY EVENTS, LIGHTS AND MORE INSIDE washing tonFAMIL Y.com DECEMBER 2021 Tips for the Best Family Photos Smart. Local. Parenting for the DMV. Capture Holid ay MEMORIES Top Toy Picks for Kids Moodiness or Mental Illness Is My Child OK? ? Change Maker s in the DMV Advertise in our February Issue! CAMPS & SUMMER PROGRAMS, Valentine’s Day, Education Guide, Spotlight on Camps and more news that parents need. EMAIL us at advertising@ washingtonfamily.com OR CALL us at 301-230-2222, EXT. 2 LOCAL. PARENTING PARENTING FOR FOR THE DMV. SMART. SMART. LOCAL. THE DMV. Print | Digital | 4  Washington FAMILY  JANUARY 2022 CIRCULATION 301-230-2222, ext. 1 Sales Consultants Lisa Gaglia Alan Gurwitz Pam Kuperschmidt Jodi Lipson David Pintzow Sara Priebe Mary Ramsdale Kim Coates Schofield Stacie Shapero Sylvia Witaschek CREATIVE Jay Sevidal, Art Director Sherley Taliaferro, Graphic Designer Rachel S. Levitan, Graphic Designer Paul McGuigan, Graphic Designer James Meskunas, Digital Media Manager Carl Weigel, Graphic Designer MARKETING Julia Olaguer, Audience Development Coordinator BUSINESS Pattie-Ann Lamp Accounting Manager 410-902-2300 plamp@midatlanticmedia.com 2021 Single-Page Design 2021 Profile 2021 Column: Family Fun MID-ATLANTIC MEDIA Craig Burke, CEO/Publisher cburke@midatlanticmedia.com Jeni Mann Tough, Associate Publisher jmann@midatlanticmedia.com 2021 2021 Personal Essay Q & A Interview 2021 Feature Layout FIRST WORD A Winter of Inspiration and Wonder T Michael Vyskocil Editor mvyskocil@midatlanticmedia.com Facebook @WashingtonFamilyMagazine​ Twitter @FAMILYMagDC Pinterest @familymagazine Instagram @washingtonfamilymag Email us Let us know what’s on your mind. info@thefamilymagazine.com here always seems to be too much for a parent to do, even after the holiday season has con- cluded. But just when you want to flop down on the sofa and take a nap, a little burst of adrena- line comes along and keeps you going. I’m sure this motivation is rooted in our own childhoods through our memories of the wonder and excitement of the winter months. Here at Washington FAMILY , we always want every issue to reflect this feeling of inspiration and wonder, and this month’s edition is no exception. Contributing writer Barbara Noe Kennedy accepted our challenge to find the best places in the DMV for indoor family fun. Turn to page 13, read about the attractions and museums in our region and make plans to explore them with your kids. Don’t for- get to turn to page 6 for our Top 10 family events this month and visit washingtonfamily.com for even more things to do around the region. Speaking of planning, now is the time to plan for summer camp. While we often associate summer camp with swimming, hiking and other activities, these camps also play a role in supporting the emotional and mental health needs of campers, particularly amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Read about how summer camps in our area are focusing attention on these important areas of their campers’ well-being beginning on page 16. Washington FAMILY was recently honored with a record 12 publication excellence awards from the Parenting Media Association (PMA). Discover our award-winning stories and page designs recognized by this national media organization on page 8. As you turn the pages of this January issue of Washington FAMILY and read our articles, I hope you will be inspired by the stories that we’ve created for you this month. Email me and share what articles you enjoyed. Happy reading! P EXPANDING PRIMARY PROGRAM Parenting isn’t easy, but there are strategies that can help. EXPLORE • WONDER • GROW Now Enrolling Ages 2 to 6 Toddler Program • Before & After Care Find support and resources at familytreemd.org/flip or our 24-hour Parenting HelpLine at 800-243-7337. Advanced Academic Curriculum Sign-up for our e-letter! McLean, VA • 703-356-5437 • www.brooksfieldschool.org washingtonfamily.com/enewsletter/ Montessori Kindergarten & Preschool WashingtonFAMILY.com  5 CALENDAR BY LINDSAY C. VANASDALAN 1 JAN. 7 & 21 STARGAZE AT THE OBSERVATORY The night sky is alight with stars and magical things to discover at the Phoebe Waterman Haas Public Observatory. Children of all ages can learn about the moon, planet and stars with the help of expert staff as they gaze through telescopes at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Free; weather permitting. airandspace.si.edu Battle winter’s chill with these superb seasonal activities in the DMV THROUGHOUT THE MONTH ‘CORDUROY’ A story about an imperfect teddy bear in search of his missing button, based on the “Corduroy” and “A Pocket for Corduroy” books by Don Freeman, is filled with antics, mischief and clowning with a generous dose of heartwarming human connection. This live performance is well-suited for children ages 3 to 9 and runs weekends Jan. 8 through 23 on the Bethesda stage with a sensory-friendly performance on Jan. 16 and socially distanced performances Jan. 9 and 15. Tickets start at $28. imaginationstage.org JAN. 6-9 SUPER MAGFEST 3 2 4 JAN. 9 DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE Have you ever wanted to meet a T-Rex? At The Music Center at Strathmore, you can. A host of prehistoric friends will be there to greet you at this live adventure in North Bethesda. Rawr! Tickets start at $24. strathmore.org 6  Washington FAMILY  JANUARY 2022 Video game enthusiasts can enjoy free play on more than 200 arcade and pinball machines and vintage consoles from the past 30 years, plus tabletop games, simulations, new indie games and many other options at the Music and Gaming Festival. Ages 6-12 receive 50% off current badge price ($62.50). Ages 5 and younger are free. super.magfest.org 5 JAN. 13 SNOW SCIENCE It’s snow big deal. Take a day for refining your skills in snowy crafts and experiments at this all-ages event at the Locust Grove Nature Center in Montgomery County, Maryland. A self-guided winter weather watching hike is also included. Families should register by Jan. 11 to schedule a time slot and reserve materials. Admission is $3; reservations required for children ages 2 and older. montgomeryparks.org 2. PEYJ_TURNER, WIKIMEDIACOMMONS; 3. RAIN UNGERT/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS; 4. STRATHMORE.ORG; 5. LILKAR/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS TOP 10 Family Events for January 6 JAN. 15 JAN. 14-15 WILD CHILD HIKE 6. SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM; 7. WUNDERVISUALS/E+; 8. TAB1962/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS; 9 . ANIMANIACS FLICKR; 10. KATE_SEPT2004/E+ FLIGHTS OF FANCY STORY TIME: ‘YOU CAN’T DO THAT, AMELIA’ Did you know the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum was able to collect Amelia Earhart’s plane soon after her historic flight across the Atlantic? Join a museum educator over Zoom for a reading from Kimberly Wagner Klier’s book about the iconic pilot. Learn about other intriguing objects in the museum’s collection, how these items were collected and how you can start a collection. Free with registration. airandspace.si.edu JAN. 17 7 8 GIVE BACK ON MLK DAY Get together with your family to give back in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. You can spend the holiday helping with eco-friendly projects at the Locust Grove Nature Center in Bethesda. Children ages 5 and older can volunteer, but adults must accompany kids younger than age 14. Work gloves and tools will be provided. Bring a bag lunch and enjoy the fresh air! Free montgomeryparks.org Head to Black Hill Regional Park in Boyds for a fun run through the woods. Children ages 4 to 13 can scamper like a squirrel, balance like a billy goat and run like a rabbit on and off the trail on this hiking adventure. Make sure they wear shoes and clothes they don’t mind getting dirty. All participants must register in advance. Tickets are $6. montgomeryparks.org JAN. 21 ‘ANIMANIACS IN CONCERT’ 9 Enjoy the irreverent, ridiculous (and often educational) musical stylings of the Animaniacs, a cartoon trio portraying the Warner Brothers and sister in the 1990s—and more recently with new episodes on Hulu. Parents will have fun reliving their youth while their children learn new music with Yakko voice actor Rob Paulsen and Emmy-winning composer Randy Rogel, who wrote and created many of the classic cartoon’s songs. Tickets start at $27. animaniacslive.com JAN. 20 & 27 GROOVE AND GO DANCE TIME Come and groove with your toddler at the Burke Centre Library for a fun and educational program that will also increase motor development. You can get yourself up and moving for the day with your child at this morning dance session for children ages 3 to 5. Free; registration required. fairfaxcounty.gov 10 WashingtonFAMILY.com  7 WF BLOG Washington FAMILY Honored for Editorial and Design Excellence Parenting Media Association (PMA) presents a record 12 awards to publication Publisher’s and Editor’s Note FIRST WORD Get the Party Started M PJ Feinstein Editor pfeinstein@midatlanticmedia.com Facebook @WashingtonFamilyMagazine Twitter @FAMILYMagDC Pinterest @familymagazine Instagram @washingtonfamilymag Email us Let us know what’s on your mind. info@thefamilymagazine.com y younger son was the last among his friends to have an in-person birthday party before the pandemic hit. I’m still amazed that nobody who attended his Ninja Warrior- style shindig got sick. Rowdy kindergartners jumped on top of each other in the foam pit and squeezed together in the party room for cake as their parents stood shoulder to shoulder on the sidelines, chatting casually about this new virus called COVID-19. Obviously, nobody was wearing a mask. A year later, my son may be one of the last in his class to have a drive-by birthday party. At the end of February, we handed out individually packaged cupcakes to friends dressed as characters from one of his favorite video games. He was Mario, my older son was Luigi, my husband was Toad and I was Princess Peach, of course. We were a sight to behold; my son even affixed a bushy black mustache to his mask. It was a hilarious way to celebrate his special day, and best of all, it was easy for everyone. Now that vaccines are making the return of in-person parties possible — outdoors and masked up, per health experts — it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the thought of planning something more complicated than a car parade or a Zoom hangout. But don’t worry: Our Party Issue is packed with tips to make your child’s second pandemic birthday celebration an effortless affair. You know who else is deserving of a celebration? Teachers! The first week in May is Teacher Appreciation Week, and after this crazy year of remote and hybrid learning, our children’s educators deserve so much more than a coffee shop gift card. Erica Rimlinger shares creative ways to express gratitude for their endless patience after months of your child repeatedly forgetting to mute themselves on Zoom. May is also Mother’s Day, and with two very loud boys at home, I know exactly what I want: a quiet morning to sleep in. Writer Jenny Splitter has suggestions to help all moms give themselves the gift of a great night’s sleep. Happy reading, and stay safe! EXPLORE • WONDER • GROW Now Enrolling Ages 2 to 6 Toddler Program • Before & After Care 2021 Montessori Kindergarten & Preschool Advanced Academic Curriculum McLean, VA • 703-356-5437 • www.brooksfieldschool.org WashingtonFAMILY.com 5 Briefs/Short Stuff AT A GLANCE Bottom: Arlington Public Library / Top: Courtesy of National Building Museum, photo by Allan Sprecher LEARNING STEAM Building Creativity It’s Back! Early learners can enjoy some new and redesigned programs this spring at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., which reopened in March after a three-month-long renovation to its historic Great Hall. For the first time, the museum is offering a free interactive story time to promote early reading skills. Children ages 5 and under are invited to participate every other Tuesday in exploratory activities related to a featured book plus reading with music and movement. This month, Story Time will take place on April 14 and 28 from 10-10:30 a.m. and 10:30-11 a.m. The much-loved “Play Work Build” exhibit, which introduces children to the work of architects and engineers, received a deep cleaning and fresh coat of paint during the closure. The play table has been replaced with a light table, and new sets of Big Blue Blocks are ready to be stacked— and knocked down—in the hands-on play area. Additionally, some never-before-seen No, you aren’t dreaming. D.C. finally has a children’s museum again. However, dreaming is exactly what the National Children’s Museum, now open at Woodrow Wilson Plaza on Pennsylvania Avenue, wants you to do. “We wanted to have the overarching theme of dreams and dreaming that really connects, subtly, all of the experiences to another,” says Elise Lemle, vice president of exhibits and education. The Dream Machine, a three-story climber and slide, greets visitors at the plaza level and takes them down to the 20,000-square-foot concourse, where the museum’s exhibits are located. At the bottom of the climber, wheelchair- accessible “pods” allow children who can’t or aren’t interested in climbing to control the LED lights inside the structure. Nearby, kids can try to form a person-sized bubble around themselves, a nod to the beloved bubble room at the museum’s original location on H Street, which closed in 2004. But that’s not the only throwback. Original artwork from the old Mexico exhibit now hangs in the Tinkerers Studio, a 21st-century learning lab. A combination children’s museum and science center, the new museum focuses on STEAM—science, technology, engineering, art and math. “We champion a constructivist approach for learning, which is really learning by doing and learning through experience,” says Lemle. There are high-tech exhibits in partnership with Nickelodeon, Amazon and even the Washington Nationals. A highlight is Weather Worlds, an immersive digital experience where kids can make it rain, summon rainbows and shoot lightning bolts from their hands. The open-concept museum also has a movement space for infants and toddlers, a low-sensory hideaway and quiet room and, soon, a café offering healthy food and drinks. The National Children’s Museum is open seven days a week from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10.95 per person; children under one are free. For more information, visit nationalchildrensmuseum.org. T toys from the museum’s archives have been added to the Architectural Toy Collection. With the opening of the new The Wall/ El Muro exhibit in May, parents can have open discussions with their kids about border walls and their impact on individuals and their families. The exhibit will include a reading area with picture books to help younger children understand the subject matter in a more age-appropriate way. For more information, visit nbm.org. T —ADRANISHA STEPHENS COMMUNITY Books on Wheels programs, including story time, crafting classes and technology tutorials. The Truck will be cruising the streets of Arlington twice a week for the first few months, connecting with residents at community centers, schools, local businesses and parks. Here’s where it will stopping in April: 4/11 Thomas Jefferson Community Center 4/14 Fairlington Community Center 4/18 Arlington Farmers Market 4/19 El Día de los Niños Celebration at Central Library 4/21 Woodland Hills 4/23 Rosslyn Reads Pop Up 4/24 Gates of Ballston, Suite 100 4/25 Bonder and Amanda Johnson Community Development Corporation 4/28 Arlington Free Clinic Please check the library’s website at library.arlingtonva.us/services/the-truck/ for exact times and future dates. And for additional updates, follow the Truck on Instagram at instagram.com/apl.thetruck. W ashington FAMILY received 12 awards for publication excellence from the 2021 Parenting Media Association’s (PMA) annual conference held in St. Petersburg, Florida, Nov. 14-16, 2021. Find out which stories and designs won in the categories below. Column: Publisher’s and Editor’s Note EXPANDING PRIMARY PROGRAM What’s turquoise and white, has four wheels and is filled with hundreds of books, games and DVDs? Meet “The Truck,” Arlington Public Library’s splashy new bookmobile. The mobile library, a redesigned Ford Transit van with a pass-through window, allows residents of Arlington County, Virginia, who may not live near a local branch to sign up for a library card, check out and return books and take advantage of free WiFi. Outside the bookmobile, kids and adults can participate in a variety of BY LINDSAY C. VANASDALAN 2021 T —PJ FEINSTEIN —PJ FEINSTEIN 12 Washington FAMILY APRIL 2020 8  WashingtonFAMILY  JANUARY 2022 “This honest, heartfelt and personal account doesn’t hold back,” judges write. “It chronicles the blood, the sweat and the tears of a seminal experience for many pandemic parents: turning a home into a home school.” Profile This profile of a mother weaving environmental living into her parenting Former editor PJ Feinstein earned a gold earned contributing writer Jason Fontelieu award for her column, “First Word,” which a silver award. “‘Teaching Values Through was praised for its strong pacing and use of Green Living’ informs readers while making them feel like they can do it too,” judges write. lists to propel the writing forward. “Creative leads and compelling questions draw the reader in immediately, and glimpses Q&A Interview of the author’s own family life create the sense Former intern Jenn Attanasio garnered a that we’re all in this pandemic together,” bronze award for a fast-paced conversation judges write. with “groundbreaking” authors on their book about mothers and daughters bonding over journal writing in her Q&A “Just Between Us.” Briefs/Short Stuff “This quick read gives us insight into Washington FAMILY staff were awarded gold for an “At a Glance” section that had appeared why this book, and its updated version, in 2020. Its inclusion of local arts coverage, have connected generations of moms and FREE FUN WITH A information daughters,” judges write. national parenting and education and parenting sidebars cover topics “in-depth without being too lengthy,” judges note. News Feature Contributing writers Joy Saha and Lauren Harris took home a gold award for collecting Column: Family Fun Contributing writer Lindsay Ponta took home expert recommendations for parents on how a silver award for her “Family Fun” column. to support the Black Lives Matter movement, An article on making use of yarn stashes such as at-home protests, fundraising ideas while stuck at home during the COVID-19 and age-appropriate storybooks. Of their article, “Yes, You Can Still pandemic was commended for offering great Support Black Lives Matter Without ideas in a short and informative format. Attending a Protest,” judges write, “This series of listicles provides parents with a Personal Essay Contributing writer Laura Farmer was series of actionable advice on how to involve recognized with a silver award her personal their children in social justice work from essay, “When Mom Becomes a Teacher,” home with the gentle reminder that activism about the difficult transition from parenting can take many forms.” to at-home teaching. PRE-K PASS W NE When your kids play for free all year long, it’s amazing. With the Pre-K Pass, kids ages 3–5 enjoy free admission all season in 2020. Laugh and play at the world’s largest PEANUTS ™ themed kids area: Planet Snoopy, cool down and splash at Soak City water park featuring the all-new play area Coconut Shores, and celebrate the seasons at events like The Great Pumpkin Fest and WinterFest. Register online, activate at the park and it’s play time. Register by June 14th at kingsdominion.com. © 2020 Peanuts Worldwide LLC | peanuts.com Column: Family Fun and Single-Page Design Personal Essay How to Make FAMILY FUN Teaching Values Through Green Living A COLORFUL YARN WRE ATH H Usher in spring with décor for your front door BY LINDSAY PONTA Instructions ave you noticed that you see wreaths everywhere around Christmas, and then they’re suddenly just ... gone? A wreath is such a simple way to make a big décor impact, especially for the tricky-to-decorate front door area. They’re so versatile that it’s a shame to leave them for winter. So I’ve created a colorful, textural design that makes wreaths a very now trend to brighten up your March doorway. And don’t feel limited to the color palette I used. You can incorporate the colors you commonly use in your home décor, experiment with new combinations or let your kids choose their favorite colors. This project is a great opportunity for everyone in the family to express their creativity. 1. Measure the circumference of your Styrofoam wreath. 2. Divide that measurement by the number of yarn colors you’re using to determine the size each section of yarn will be. For example, if your wreath measures 20 inches around and you’re using five different yarns, each yarn section will be four inches. 3. Note the size of each section by marking your wreath with a pen or marker. 4. Tie on your first yarn, and add a dot or thin line of glue to secure the knot and tail. Tip: Start with your thickest, heaviest-weight yarn. You can use that section to gauge how thick to wrap the other sections. Supplies 5. Wrap the yarn all the way around the first marked section. Styrofoam wreath Flexible measuring tape Pen or permanent marker Yarn in a variety of colors, textures and weight Sharp scissors Pom-pom makers in different sizes Glue Crochet hook Wreath hook 6. When you finish the section, tuck the tail under the wrapped yarn on the back of the wreath, and secure it with glue. 7. Repeat steps 4-6 for each section on your Styrofoam wreath. Tip: If you’re using a thinner yarn, you may need to double or triple wrap it until it’s nearly as thick as the yarn in your first section. 8. Use your pom-pom makers, available at craft stores or Amazon, to create pom poms in a variety of sizes and colors. Tip: Use your larger pom pom makers for thick, heavy yarns and smaller makers for thin, lightweight yarns. A new book by a Maryland mom and environmental activist helps parents understand the connection between sustainability and kindness 9. Trim pom poms so they’re fluffy and round, leaving the two long tails untouched. 10. Tie pom pom tails around the wreath as tightly as you can. Use the crochet hook to pull tails through the wrapped yarn on the back of the wreath, and secure them with a dot of glue. By Jason Fontelieu SHANNON BRESCHER SHEA remembers her first act of environmental activism as a third grader. “I went to Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park in Florida with my parents, saw the manatees, absolutely fell in love with them and then found out they were endangered,” says Shea. Returning to school, the nature-loving kid convinced her class to adopt a manatee. Shea’s success as a first-time activist inspired a lifelong commitment to environmentalism. She went on to receive a Master’s degree in nature, society and environmental governance from the University of Oxford and currently writes for the Department of Energy’s Office of Science. But when she became a mom, Shea struggled to find time for her eco-friendly hobbies, including gardening, biking and composting, while juggling the “stresses of modern day parenting,” she says. Until one day she realized that green living and parenting didn’t have to be at odds. Involving her children in the environmental activities she loved was actually part of being an engaged parent because, Shea says, she could “teach them how to be better people and ultimately, hopefully, good adults in the world.” Gardening has become something the 11. Repeat step 10 to add a second layer of smaller pom poms. Tip: Don’t tie the second layer as tightly as the first or they’ll smush the larger pom poms. 12. Trim off any excess tails from the back of the wreath, and hang using a wreath hook. ■ Be sure to share pictures of your wreaths on social media with #washingtonfamilymag so we can see your creativity. Happy crafting, friends! Lindsay Ponta created the DIY and lifestyle website Shrimp Salad Circus in 2009 to inspire busy women to live perfectly imperfect creative lives. Find easy DIYs and recipes at shrimpsaladcircus.com. 2021 2021 WREATH PHOTOS: COURTESY OF LINDSAY PONTA; YARN: ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS/VAITEKUNE WashingtonFAMILY.com 33 14 Washington FAMILY AUGUST 2020 2 021 WashingtonFAMILY.com News Feature 15 Feature Layout YES, YOU CAN STILL SUPPORT 1 4 Indulgent Ways to Pamper Yourself This Mother’s Day BY JOY SAHA WITHOUT ATTENDING A PROTEST ne consequence of staying home to prevent the spread of coronavirus is that the days of the week have all started to blend together. Deja Brew How many times since March have you wondered • 4 ounces cold coffee • 1.5 ounces dark spirit, such as rum, bourbon or rye • 1 heaping tablespoon of vanilla ice cream Instructions: In a large shatterproof cup, add coffee and the spirit of your choice, and stir well. Add ice cream. With an iced tea spoon or long bar spoon, stir until ice cream melts. Top with desired amount of ice and enjoy! whether it was Tuesday or Friday? Do you even know what today is? However, there’s one date on the family calendar that’s circled in bold black marker so nobody forgets it: Sunday, May 10. That’s right, Mother’s Day. After a rough couple of months, we moms deserve all the pampering we can get on our special holiday, even if it has to be done at home. Here’s how to make that happen, according to experts in self-care and celebrations. Attending local protests may not be feasible for all families right now, especially in the midst of an ongoing pandemic. Health and safety risks are still present and so are social-distancing protocols. Although rallies and marches against racism and police brutality have garnered a substantial amount of media coverage over the past month, there are still ways for parents and children to get involved in the Black Lives Matter movement without protesting. “Activism has more than one lane,” says Karsonya (Kaye) Wise Whitehead, associate professor at Loyola University Maryland. She’s also the author of “RaceBrave: New and Selected Works,” a book about her experience raising two black sons in “post-racial America.” Here, Whitehead shares some easy but meaningful ways that families can take a stand against racism from home. 2021 WashingtonFAMILY.com Mother’s Day brunch at your favorite restaurant may not be possible this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make breakfast in your kitchen feel a bit more effervescent. Ginny Lawhorn, founder of Baltimore Cocktail Week, recommends “low-octane cock- tails”—cocktails that are brighter, more refreshing and have a lower alcohol count than what you might drink during happy hour—to pair with homemade pancakes or bagels and eggs. Take the mimosa, for example. “You have effervescence and you have the alcohol con- tent of a sparkling being diluted by fresh juice,” Lawhorn says. The idea, she explains, is that your cocktail should be enjoyed with your meal but not impact the rest of your day. While you can’t go wrong with a mimosa or a Bellini at brunch, Lawhorn says sangria is becoming a popular choice for a morning cocktail. “Sangria is a great at-home treat because it can be as easy or complicated as what you have on hand,” she says. • 12 ounces (half bottle) dry red or white wine • 2 ounces citrus liqueur, such as triple sec, Grand Marnier or Cointreau • 1 ounce orange juice • 2 tablespoons sugar • Sliced apple, orange and peach or any available fruit • 1 can soda water, if available Instructions: In a pitcher, combine wine, citrus liqueur, orange juice and sugar. Stir well until sugar is dissolved. Add sliced fruit and stir. Cover and refrigerate for at least four hours. Serve over ice and top with soda water, if available. If you can’t fathom brunch without coffee, why not try an iced coffee cocktail? It’s also a delicious way to use up any leftover coffee from the previous day, Lawhorn says. Simply cool to room temperature any coffee that’s still in the pot and refrigerate it in an airtight beverage container overnight. By PJ Feinstein BLACK LIVES MATTER Enjoy Brunch with a Cocktail Simple Sangria for Two Because after a rough couple of months, you deserve it Overall Writing Rockville resident and her two boys, ages four and seven, enjoy doing together— when her younger son isn’t spraying his brother in the face with the hose. They take bike rides and walks and have participated in a stream cleanup in Rockville Park and a climate march. Besides just being fun things to do as family, these activities help her boys understand how they fit into larger environmental systems and how their behaviors affect other people, says Shea. 2021 GETTY IMAGES ARTIST: PIJAMA61 ISTOCK - ARTISTS: XMOCB, SANDRA M 13 16 Washington FAMILY MAY 2020 and the use of white space on the page creates Washington FAMILY staff were recognized balance, judges note. with a gold award for overall writing in the magazine. Judges gave a special shoutout to Feature Layout the editor’s introductory “First Word” section Washington FAMILY was recognized with a for setting the tone and praised writers for gold award for art director Sherley Taliaferro’s stories that include clear tips and parents and layout of the feature, “4 Indulgent Ways to medical experts as sources. They praised the Pamper Yourself This Mother’s Day.” Despite a “My Turn” column for leaving readers with lot of elements competing for attention, judges “strong voices and peaceful, hopeful endings.” say her effective layering of color, texture and shape work together to unite them on the page. The layout for the February 2021 feature Single-Page Design “Sprouting Wings” also garnered graphic Contributing designer Lonna Koblick earned a gold award for her whimsical page design designer Jay Sevidal a bronze award. “The plane in the illustration flies the reader for “How to Make a Yarn Wreath.” The illustrations work well with the instructions right into the start of the story,” judges write. in demonstrating how to make a yarn wreath “Text flows naturally through the layout, which ISTOCK - ARTISTS: MOUU007, MILATOO, YULIA_MALINOVSKAYA, PETRENKOD, VASSAIRE, TETIANA, GUTNYK E PLUS - ARTIST HUEPHOTOGRAPHY WashingtonFAMILY.com 17 ties together visually with the opening spread.” Overall Design The art department staff of Washington FAMILY received a gold award for overall design of the magazine. Judges praised the creativity of the design team in presenting visuals. “The design is driven by photos and illustra- tions that communicate rather than decorate. Cover images take an interesting approach of focusing on moments of action or joy rather than standard studio portraiture,” judges note. The PMA is a national trade association of regional parenting media companies with magazines, websites and events across America and around the globe to Australia. Visit parentmedia.org for more information. n WashingtonFAMILY.com  9 HERE’S WHAT WE’RE LOVING FOR KIDS THIS MONTH BY ELENA EPSTEIN, DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL PARENTING PRODUCT AWARDS For more product reviews, visit nappaawards.com Game Night in a Can: Fifth Anniversary Edition This new mix of mini games focuses on creativity and physical skill. Activities include competitively flying paper airplanes, creating ghost stories about the room you’re in, coming up with the “World’s Worst Book Cover,” banking balls of paper off another person’s face and more. $19.99, ages 8+, barryandjason.com All-Pro Passer Go short! Go long! No matter where you go, it’s always the perfect throw. Programmed with the skill, timing and accuracy of a pro quarterback and nine different passing zones, this item launches the ball over 25 yards. $49.99, ages 8+, allpropasser.com Goodtimer This educational toy encourages kids to form healthy habits using positivity, tangible incentives and family participation. Kids can earn tokens to exchange for incentives decided by the family. $79.95, ages 3-10, gogoodtimer.com 10  Washington FAMILY  JANUARY 2022 MARIAGISINA/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS EDITOR’S PICKS Alpha Jetkart Upgrade from a traditional hoverboard to an exciting go-kart. Enjoy all-terrain manuverability, LED light-up wheels, lava full-color spectrum lighting on the seat, a built-in Bluetooth speaker and 500-watt motor. $349.99, ages 12 years+, ridejetson.com Makena Williams Doll, Book and Accessories Makena Williams has a passion for fashion and uses this passion to express her views. This item also includes “Makena: See Me, Hear Me, Know Me” by Denise Lewis Patrick. Makena’s accessories include a black moto jacket, a purple patterned purse and a sketching notebook. $145, ages 8+, americangirl.com/ shop/c/world-by-us Zoology by Mama B & Uncle T KOTOFFEI / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS Music is composed of message-driven lyrics, interactive movement, delightful melodies and organic contemporary production. The duo’s lush harmonies deliver the sweet and engaging animal-themed songs meant for little ones. $7, birth-4 years, mamabunclet.com Train Your Mind Like a Ninja Kids will love this card deck with “30 Secret Skills for Fun, Focus and Resilience.” Using ninja training and martial arts as a fun framework, these 30 cards help kids increase focus, compassion and emotional balance. $18.95, ages 5-9, shambhala.com/train- your-mind-like-a-ninja.html OuiSi Games OuiSi (pronounced “wee-see”) is a set of 210 visually connecting photo cards, with games and activities that foster creativity and ignite curiosity. Each photo card connects visually with other photo cards in the deck, based on similar patterns, shapes or colors. $35, ages 4+, shop.ouisi.co WashingtonFAMILY.com  11 This spa will leave your body & mind totally in sync. The UNCOMMON IS CALLING Here it’s easy for us to remain relaxed and refreshed because our spa retreats are like none other. In fact, at Omni Bedford Springs, our legendary waters have been healing the mind, body and soul for centuries. It’s sure to leave you feeling centered. Go to visitPA.com to find out more. Find Your Family Fun This Winter BY BARBARA NOE KENNEDY Best places in the DMV for indoor activities, games and more When the days turn frigid and it’s too cold to send the kids outdoors to play, don’t despair. The Washington, D.C., region has plenty of fun indoor activities to keep the family occupied— and toasty warm. Be sure to confirm current COVID-19 health and safety protocols in place at the venues presented on the following pages before visiting with your family. PHOTO BY JASON DIXSON PHOTOGRAPHY WashingtonFAMILY.com  13 Have fun with digital illuminations Bright, multihued illuminations flash on the massive walls of Artechouse DC, displaying an ever- changing display of dancing skies, animated cherry blossoms and life-size neurons, depending on the theme. Sophisticated art meets the latest technology involved in powering these cool animated projections, but all the kids care about is jumping up and down, having their shadows frozen in the scene and racing all around to see how the art looks from different angles. Different themes rotate through, although upcoming programming has not been announced as of press date. You can bet the programs will be as captivating as all the rest have been. Past exhibitions have included “Aurora: The Spirit of Northern Lights,” “In Peak Bloom” and “Imaginary World of the Nutcracker.” Throughout the visit, families of all ages can dive further into the themes with hands-on exhibits and other activities in a series of rooms. Visitation capacity is limited; timed-admission tickets are required. Open daily except Christmas and New Year’s Day artechouse.com COURTESY OF ARTECHOUSE DC Celebrate the first president’s birthday The nation’s first president has much going on at his Mount Vernon home during the winter. George Washington’s birthday is in February, after all, with plenty of family-fun events planned for Feb. 21—and they’re free. But families can find many kid-friendly activities to do even without the birthday. Pick up an adventure map when you arrive at the orientation center and go on a scavenger hunt. Nine stops make up the hunt, and if you solve a word puzzle about George Washington, you win a prize. You can take a mansion tour—or admire the dollhouse version of the mansion in the lobby—and play in the hands-on history center, including dressing up in colonial costumes. Discover interactive exhibits that make learning about colonial history and our forefathers—and mothers—fun for the family. Open 365 days a year mountvernon.org Ar t ec ho e us D C TIO NA NAL AIR AND SPAC E M US EU M Discover family fun at the big museums The Smithsonian museums have all types of cool attractions for kids to see. The Moon Rock, early airplanes, and space rockets, for example, are appealing features at the National Air and Space Museum. Look for hands-on activity carts throughout the National Museum of American History. And the David H. Koch Hall of Fossils at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is always fun to explore, with touch screens, touchable objects and videos that traverse billions of years of human history. Did you know the Smithsonian Institute offers free downloadable booklets that make exploring the museum exhibits more interesting? A discovery booklet accompanies the National Museum of American History’s “Innovation Across the Nation” exhibit, for example, with prompts to help kids explore the world of innovation—including creating their own hypotheses. Tutorials allow kids to make their own envelopes, mailbox, and time capsule at the National Postal Museum. And a “Color Our Collection” coloring book highlights famous portraits at the National Portrait Gallery. You’ll find these projects and more to download and take with you on the online Learning Lab (http://learninglab.si.edu). Museums open daily except Christmas Day si.edu COURTESY OF NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM 14  Washington FAMILY  JANUARY 2022   T C limbZ o ne Go on an adventure It may be winter, but that doesn’t mean your family has to forego outdoor-type activities—just do them indoors. The climbing walls at Laurel’s ClimbZone, for example, were made with kids in mind, with fun themes like Aztec temples and the Lincoln Memorial. ZavaZone in Sterling has climbing walls and more, including a glow-in-the-dark climbing cave, a trampoline park and a ninja course. How about an indoor water park? Cub Run RECenter in Chantilly, for example, has a huge pool with two large slides, a lazy river and a shallow pool for the younger ones. climbzone.us, zavazone.com, fairfaxcounty.gov COURTESY OF CLIMBZONE Go to the theater Explore a museum just for kids If you haven’t yet brought the family to the newest iteration of the hands-on National Children’s Museum—it opened only days before the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded in 2020—now is the time. You may enter the 20,000 square feet of space via a three-story “dream machine,” with slides that whisk you to the exhibit space. The museum is all about sparking creativity and curiosity, with a virtual slime machine, a race car track that experiments with height and weight, a Nickelodeon-sponsored Art + Tech space, a green-screen experience where children gain superpowers to control the weather, a batting cage that teaches the mechanics of a home run hit (courtesy of the Nationals) and more. A small space for babies and another one for toddlers introduces a cloud and flight theme. The museum frequently offers drop-in “making” programs within the Tinkerers Studio, weekly “STEAM Storytime” on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. and “Baby Jam,” a musical programming adventure, on Fridays at 10:30 a.m. Open Thursday through Sunday with two timed admission sessions nationalchildrensmuseum.org PHOTO BY DANIEL SWARTZ PHOTOGRAPHY Several live theaters in the Washington, D.C., region offer productions at exactly the right kid-length. At the Smithsonian’s Discovery Theater, children can enjoy fairy tales, puppet theater and other live educational performances. More shows will be added based on COVID-19 protocols; check the “What’s Playing” page for details. Encore Stage & Studio in Arlington—“theater by kids, for kids!”—offers productions as well as classes and workshops for budding thespians. At Bethesda’s Imagination Stage, kids of all ages can enjoy modern productions. Two new works for children are commissioned every year, along with a series of theater programming that helps foster theater appreciation. discoverytheater.org, encorestageva.org, kennedy-center.org COURTESY OF ARTECHOUSE DC se When the kids simply need to expend excess energy—preferably not in the house—head for one of the region’s play-oriented destinations. BusyBees’ indoor playground is made expressly for little ones shorter than 48 inches. Scramble in Alexandria and Falls Church has something for every family member: tummy time for babies, soccer for the older ones and lots of running and jumping in between. The Wonder in Arlington and Chevy Chase provides an imaginative, low-key indoor play space for the 5-and-younger set. At the Arlington location, for example, youngsters can play with a pile of snow (aka balls), build an igloo and warm up with hot chocolate in an imaginary winter scene. busybeesplay.com, goscramble.com, thewonder.us n um Just play N at l C i ona hil dr e s n’ M u WashingtonFAMILY.com  15 A CALL TO CARE AT SUMMER CAMP As DMV camps enter a third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting campers’ mental and emotional health is more important than ever W hen Focus Family Martial Arts Academy welcomed children back to camp last summer, staff noticed something odd. Children in kindergarten and first grade did not know how to line up, and they were not sharing toys with other campers—behaviors typical for that age group. In what was the first summer back at camp for many children after about 12 to 18 months, camp leadership noticed developmental delays, more emotional reactions and, in some cases, an increase in mental health needs. “Everyone who touches the camping industry had raised the flag that mental health was on the rise,” says Havi Goldscher, CEO of Capital Camps, a Jewish overnight camp with its headquarters in Rockville, Maryland. It’s hard to say what the impact on children’s mental health will be when the dust settles from the COVID-19 pandemic, but the summer of 2021 provided a window into what was needed: more mental health professionals, better communication with parents and grace to meet children where they are, says American Camp Association President and CEO Tom Rosenberg. 16  WashingtonFAMILY  JANUARY 2022 BACKGROUND AND LEAF: RUSANOVSKA/DIGITALVISION VECTORS/GETTY IMAGES BY LINDSAY C. VANASDALAN CAPITAL CAMPS & RETREAT CENTER FOCUS FAMILY MARTIAL ARTS Here’s what steps local camps in the DMV took in 2021, Training and Support and will continue to take, to ensure mental health is Some problems, however, stem from more clinical accounted for this summer. issues. Trends of intensified anxiety, anorexia and suicide ideation are affecting both schools and camps, Goldscher says. Focused Attention To address it, camps have invested in additional Goldscher noticed campers’ communication with staff or training, as well as provided more one another was different in 2021. “When you spend (a year and a half behind connections to families’ home mental health a screen) and all of a sudden you are in a high- providers virtually or over the phone. Capital Camps had already been a leader in intensity social situation with your peers, it takes different skills and different muscle memory to camper care, with specialists in place for at least two decades, but it intensified its program last return,” she says. Some camps saw children who were more emotionally reactive or had attitudes that were not as group-focused. It takes practice with peers to develop these social-emotional competencies, Rosenberg notes, which many haven’t been able to do being away from camp. Calleva helped campers adjust with more one- on-one staff attention, says Julie Clendenin, director of the outdoor-focused day camp with multiple locations in the DMV. Rachel Dolan is the owner of Focus Family, a Jewish martial arts academy in Fairfax, Virginia, which runs a day camp in the summer. To get younger campers up to speed, Dolan says, coaches needed to take 15 or 20 minutes with them once or twice a week to talk about how to be a good friend, kindness, respect and following directions. Older campers only required a few times to smooth over interpersonal conflicts and get them talking to each other. For Goldscher, last summer was about meeting campers where they were and not expecting them to be on track yet. “We just really believe it’s about setting expectations up front,” Clendenin adds. If camp staff meet them where they are with compassion, they adapt quickly. Focus Family WashingtonFAMILY.com  17 summer to meet demand by adding staff. Goldscher hopes to receive a Yedid Nafesh grant from the Foundation for Jewish Camp in support of mental, emotional, social and spiritual health. The ACA has put a greater focus on making sure camps have the capacity of mental health support staff to handle heightened needs going into 2022. Training is available at association conferences, virtually and through external programs such as the accredited “Mental Health First Aid.” The association is also working on developing grant-funded wellness tools for camps. Creating Space To anticipate camper and staff needs, some camps made adjustments to programming in 2021, focusing on more outdoor activities, slowing down the pace or creating intentional spaces to breathe and adjust. “We really believe that being outdoors is great for kids’ mental health, their relational health and their physical health,” says Clendenin, noting that being pent up indoors the last two years brought them challenges. PayYourNanny.com We’re here to help families Payyournanny.com provides payroll and tax compliance services to household employers (703) 819-9796 byudd@payyournanny.com payyournanny.com Calleva Dolan says Focus Family was doing more outdoor field trips and hikes instead of museums and theaters, and the organization changed how groups were rotating so they didn’t overlap. While some logistical changes came from the need to social distance, Goldscher says, having slower pacing and spending more time in smaller peer groups took the pressure off campers as well. One notable change at Focus Family was the use of relaxation spaces for campers to use when things got too overwhelming. Although it’s always something the camp has offered, especially helpful for campers with autism, it was used much more last summer. Campers even had some group quiet times in those spaces. “It was almost like normal life was too much for them,” Dolan says. Dolan also added meditation to weekly sessions at camp at the recommendation of an academy teacher. It had been done in karate classes before, but never at camp. Looking Ahead Last summer was, in some ways, a guinea pig The Center Center for The The Center for for The Ballet Center Arts for Ballet Arts Ballet Arts Ballet Arts Come (703) see why 819-9796 (703) 819-9796 we won Best Restaurant! WINNE R Come see why we won 1 BEST O 02 2 WINNE R F Best Restaurant WINNE R 2 years in a row! A neighborhood Italian restaurant using the freshest ingredients, serving our guests with “out of this world” hospitality www.gregoriostrattoria.com POTOMAC 7745 Tuckerman Lane 301-296-6168 BETHESDA 4611-A Sangamore Rd 301-347-6830 18  WashingtonFAMILY  JANUARY 2022 for 2022, as 82% of overnight camps and 40% of day camps did not have the opportunity to operate in 2020, Rosenberg says. As winter recruitment for this summer’s camp season starts, he says the focus will be on camps communicating effectively with parents and guardians on how to best meet their children’s needs. If staff don’t receive enough information, Clendenin says, sometimes they are “discovering challenges on Tuesday that maybe we could have been better prepared for on Monday.” Dolan says she found out what campers enjoyed last summer so that she can keep the things that worked, such as indoor cooking classes. Often, parents are more anxious about camp than children are, she says, so she sends them photos in real time so that they can see their children are doing well. “I think in a lot of ways parents may have been through more than children,” Dolan adds. “A lot of them (the kids) are young enough to not really recognize what normal should be, so they don’t always feel the loss of normal the way that adults do.” n RESTON 1428 N. Point | Village Ctr 703-689-4894 Register Now Now Register Register Now Register Now For Winter For For Winter Winter For Winter S sion Ballet . Jazz . Jazz Ballet . . Pointe . Pointe . . Modern . Modern Ballet Pointe Modern . Jazz Tap Tap . Pilates . Kinderballet . Pilates . Kinderballet Tap . Pilates . Kinderballet Ballet Ages . Pointe . Modern . Jazz 3 thru Adults Ages 3 thru 3 . thru Adults Adults Tap Ages . Pilates Kinderballet Ages 3 thru Adults 3955 Pender Drive, Suite 105 Fairfax, VA 22030•703.273.5344•thecenterforballetarts.com Pender Drive, Drive, Suite Suite 105 105 Fairfax, Fairfax, VA VA 22030•703.273.5344•thecenterforballetarts.com 22030•703.273.5344•thecenterforballetarts.com 3955 Pender 3955 Pender Drive, Suite 105 Fairfax, VA 22030•703.273.5344•thecenterforballetarts.com Capital Camps CAPITAL CAMPS & RETREAT CENTER FOCUS FAMILY MARTIAL ARTS MY FOCUS FAMILY MARTIAL ARTS ACADE OWLE CHRIS KN GR APHY S PHOTO CAPITAL CAMPS & RETREAT CENTER Capital Camps Calleva Focus Family WashingtonFAMILY.com  19 SUMMER CAMPS DIRECTORY Residential camp, boys and girls, teens, sibling discount, arts and crafts, cooking, dance, drama and theater, hiking, horseback riding, music, overnight camping, photography and swimming CAMP KIRCHENWALD OVERNIGHT CAMPS BURGUNDY CENTER FOR WILDLIFE STUDIES Ages: 8-15 burgundycenter.org bcwsdirector@burgundyfarm.org 703-842-0470 3700 Burgundy Road Alexandria, VA 22303 Summer Location: Capon Bridge, WV 26711 Hands-on workshops with art and nature themes CAMP HORIZONS Ages: 6-16 camphorizonsva.com camp@horizonsva.com 540-896-7600 3586 Horizons Way Harrisonburg, VA 22802 Grades: K-12 kirchenwald@lutherancamping.org 717-964-3121 1 Cut Off Road Lebanon, PA 17402 Summer location: Lebanon County, PA Residential camp, outdoor adventures CAMP TALL TIMBERS Ages: 7-16 camptalltimbers.com info@camptalltimbers.com 301-874-0111 1115 Reflection Lane High View, WV 26808 Residential camp, sibling discount, transportation, aerial adventure park, archery, arts, canoeing, CIT program, dance, drama, educational activities, hiking, horseback riding, riflery, ropes course, swimming, tennis, tubing, zip line CAPITAL CAMPS Various ages capitalcamps.org 301-468-2267 11300 Rockville Pike, Suite 407 Rockville, MD 20852 (administrative office) 12750 Buchanan Trail East Waynesboro, PA 17268 (camp location) Capital Camps is all about providing children a fun, safe experience. The camp uses the best practices of informal Jewish education to strengthen identity, instill values and build community among individuals in the Capital Camps community. DAY CAMPS – WASHINGTON, D.C. SMITHSONIAN ASSOCIATES 1100 Jefferson Drive SW Washington, DC 20560 202-633-CAMP summercamp@si.edu Smithsonian Summer Camp is back! With both in-person and online options, we bring the Smithsonian’s ever-expanding world to life. Camps for kids in first through 11th grades. DAY CAMPS – MARYLAND CAMP SHEEO – SHEEO ACADEMY Ages: 7-16 beasheeo.com/camp contact@BEaSheEO.com Check website for locations in Maryland 866-697-4336 Girls only; educational activities Camp Griffin at Westminster School Ages: 3-14 www.westminsterschool.com/campgriffin campgriffin@westminsterschool.com 703.340.7268 3819 Gallows Road Annandale VA 22003 Day Camp, Boys & Girls, Sibling and Military Discount Arts, Theater, Sports, STEAM, and Specialty Camps, Field Trips, Swimming PHOTOINC/E+ W ith each new milestone that our children reach comes the need for information to guide them (and us) through this stage. This point is particularly true when our children are old enough to attend summer camp. How do we know which camp is right for them? In an education-centered community like ours, parents can find many options. Use our summer camp listings presented here to learn more about the camps, what they offer and the ages they serve. Visit WashingtonFAMILY.com for even more listings to help you in your search. Be sure to check our website and the magazine in upcoming months for more stories about camps for your children. Good luck! Here’s to a great summer. SUMMER 20  WashingtonFAMILY  JANUARY 2022 IMAGINATION STAGE SUMMER CAMPS Ages: 3 ½-18 imaginationstage.org/camps/ summer-camps registration@imaginationstage.org 301-280-1660 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, MD 20814 Drama, theater INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MUSIC Ages: 3-12 ismw.org; info@ismw.org 301-365-5888 10450 Auto Park Ave., Bethesda, MD 20817 Drama, music MANOR MONTESSORI SUMMER CAMP manormontessori.com/summer-camp 10500 Oaklyn Drive, Potomac, MD 20854 11200 Old Georgetown Road Rockville, MD 20852 5450 Massachusetts Ave. Bethesda, MD 20816 Educational activities, arts, music, swimming and sports SILVER STARS GYMNASTICS Ages: 3 ½-15 gosilverstars.com classregistration@gosilverstars.com 301-589-0938 2701 Pittman Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20910 301-352-5777 14201 Woodcliff Court, Bowie, MD 20720 Gymnastics SPRING BILINGUAL MONTESSORI SUMMER CAMP Ages: 2½-6 spring-bilingual.org info@spring-bilingual.org 301-962-7262 3514 Plyers Mill Road, Kensington, MD 20895 Sibling discount, extended day, arts, and other educational activities. DAY CAMPS – VIRGINIA BROOKSFIELD SUMMER CAMP Ages: 3-10 brooksfieldschool.org camp@brooksfieldschool.org Camp Horizons 703-356-5437 ext. 2 1830 Kirby Road, McLean, VA 22101 Extended day camp, arts, CIT, cooking, dance, educational activities, field trips, hiking, horseback riding, music, sports, swimming, yoga We are many, we are one. Everyone is welcome at Camp Horizons! Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Camp Horizons is an American Camp Association (ACA) accredited, coed sleep- away summer camp in Virginia for campers 6-16 years old. CAMP GRIFFIN AT WESTMINSTER SCHOOL Ages: 3-14 www.westminsterschool.com/campgriffin campgriffin@westminsterschool.com 703.340.7268 3819 Gallows Road, Annandale VA 22003 Day Camp, Boys & Girls, Sibling and Military Discount Arts, Theater, Sports, STEAM, and Specialty Camps, Field Trips, Swimming CONGRESSIONAL CAMP Ages: 4-14 congocamp.org info@congocamp.org 703-533-0931 School Affiliation: Congressional School 3229 Sleepy Hollow Road Falls Church, VA 22042 Day Camp, Boys & Girls, Extended day, Transportation, Arts and Crafts, CIT Program, Computers, Cooking, Field Trips, Horseback Riding, Swimming CAMP MSNV - MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA We are dedicated to encouraging campers to be creative and independent individuals, to develop strong teamwork skills, and, most importantly, to have fun. Our overnight camp provides campers with a safe, supportive community in which they can feel comfortable trying new things, embarking on new adventures, and developing camp friendships that will last a lifetime. We offer over 50 activities, from swimming and high ropes courses to unique offerings such as flying drones, improv acting, and horseback at our Equestrian Center! Our staff to camper ratio is always age appropriate. So, you can rest assured that there will always be a staff member nearby to address your child’s concerns. Get ready for your camper to have the Best Summer Ever at Camp Horizons! Camp Horizons 3586 Horizons Way Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-896-7600 www.camphorizonsva.com Montessori School of McLean msnv.org/page/programs/summer-camp 703-256-9577 6820 Pacific Lane, Annandale, VA 22003 Extended day camp Where Authentic Montessori Meets the 21st Century: Ages 2-12 CAMP SHEEO – SHEEO ACADEMY Ages: 7-16 beasheeo.com/camp contact@BEaSheEO.com Check website for various locations in Virginia 866-697-4336 Girls only, teens, educational activities HARMONIA SCHOOL OF MUSIC & ART Ages: 4-18 harmoniaschool.org harmonia@harmoniaschool.org CAMPS Cultivating each child’s unique ability to flourish in mind, body and spirit ENRICHMENTS • Science • Technology • Spanish • Outdoor Classroom • Library • Music • Drama • Art • Physical Education Extended Day • Transportation • Summer Camp 1711 Kirby Road McLean, VA 22101 703-790-1049 Accredited by www.mcleanmontessori.org WashingtonFAMILY.com  21 703-938-7301; 204-F Mill St., NE Vienna, VA 22180 Teens, sibling discount, extended day, arts, drama, music MASON GAME & TECHNOLOGY ACADEMY – GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY Ages: 9-18 mgta.gmu.edu / mgta@gmu.edu 703-993-7101 10900 University Blvd. Bull Run Hall 147 MS 1J2 Manassas, VA 20110-2203 Teens, computers, cooking and other educational activities MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF MCLEAN Ages: Primary Age : 3 – 6 Years (must be potty trained) mcleanmontessori.org (703) 790-1049 1711 Kirby Road, McLean, VA Day Camp, Boys & Girls, Educational Activities RESTON MONTESSORI SCHOOL Ages: 3-9 restonmontessori.com office@restonmontessori.com 703-481-2922 1928 Isaac Newton Square West Reston, VA 20190 Extended day camps, arts, field trips ROER’S ZOOFARI – JUNIOR SAFARI SUMMER CAMP roerszoofari.com 703-757-6222 1228 Hunter Mill Road, Vienna, VA 22182 Educational activities SUMMER DANCE CAMP/ INTENSIVE AT THE CENTER FOR BALLET ARTS Ages: 3-adult thecenterforballetarts.com ctrbalarts@aol.com 703-273-5344 3955 Pender Drive, Suite 105 Fairfax, VA 22030 Teens, sibling discount, arts, dance, drama Editor’s note: Information provided for these camps is subject to change after this issue goes to press. Please contact the camps directly to confirm details and related COVID-19 protocols in effect at these camps. Look for more information about summer camps and camp programs for your child next month in our February issue and on our website at washingtonfamily.com. n Summer Camp is back! Whether in person on the National Mall or virtually from your home, plan a special Smithsonian experience this summer at SmithsonianAssociates.org/camp 22  WashingtonFAMILY  JANUARY 2022 Washington Family Wins 12 National Awards The Parenting Media Association, a national trade association of regional parenting media companies, awarded Washington Family with 12 editorial and design awards in 2021. We are grateful for the recognition and thank our readers and advertisers for all of their support. 2021 2021 Overall Writing 2021 Column: Publisher’s/ Editor’s Note 2021 Briefs/Short Stuff 2021 Profile Overall Design 2021 2021 News Feature Feature Layout 2021 2021 Column: Family Fun 2021 Q & A Interview 2021 Single-Page Design Personal Essay 2021 Feature Layout 301-230-2222, ext. 2 advertising@washingtonfamily.com Print | Digital | WashingtonFAMILY.com PRIVATE SCHOOLS DIRECTORY MIRSAD SARAJLIC / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS ACCELERATOR SCHOOL Ricky Duggal Soccerplex 18031 Central Park Circle Boyds, MD 20841​ 732-731-9598 acceleratorschool.com info@acceleratorschool.com The ACCELERATOR School (sixth through 12th grade) is proud to provide an exciting learning platform where student-athletes can be successful. As a family of educators, the school aims to provide individual development platforms for students to become the best version of themselves. AIDAN MONTESSORI SCHOOL 2700 27th Street, NW Washington, DC 20008 202-387-2700 aidanschool.org Nicole Goodman admissions@aidanschool.org 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. After School & Enrichment Activities Aidan Montessori School is a co-ed, independent private school for children ages 18 months through grade 6 located in Woodley Park, Washington, D.C. Founded in 1961, Aidan prepares children to learn confidently, think independently and succeed wherever they go. 24  WashingtonFAMILY  JANUARY 2022 BASIS INDEPENDENT MCLEAN 8000 Jones Branch Drive McLean, VA 22102 703-854-1253 mclean.basisindependent.com mclean-info@basisindependent.com Ages 2-3 Students at BASIS Independent McLean get the best possible start to their education. The toddler and early learning programs, led by nurturing experts, are designed to empower curiosity, independence and social-emotional development from day one. (THE) BETHESDA MONTESSORI SCHOOL 7611 Clarendon Road Bethesda, MD 20814 301-986-1260 bethesdamontessori.com admissions@bethesdamontessori.com Ages: 3-6 BMS, established in 1983, is located in the heart of Bethesda, offering two years of preschool and a kindergarten year. Open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. AMI-trained teachers, art, French and computer are offered, plus after-school activities. BROOKSFIELD SCHOOL 1830 Kirby Road McLean, VA 22101 703-356-5437 brooksfieldschool.org sarah@brooksfieldschool.org Ages Served: 3-10 Open House: Call to schedule a tour. Brookfield School offers mindfulness, nutrition, Spanish, dance, music, art, outdoor adventure, extracurricular activities and summer camp. (THE) CENTER FOR BALLET ARTS 3955 Pender Drive, Suite 103 Fairfax, VA 22030 703-273-5344 thecenterforballetarts.com ctrbalarts@aol.com Ages: 3-adults The Center for Ballet Arts provides a well-rounded curriculum and pleasant encouraging environment for dance training in many different disciplines. Classes are designed to promote flexibility, strength, artistry, coordination and technique. CITYDANCE citydance.net inquiry@citydance.net 301-581-5204 5301 Tuckerman Lane Bethesda, MD 20852 Dedicated to developing the next generation of dance artists and innovators, CityDance School & Conservatory offers training for introductory to pre-professional students of all ages. The School offers a well-rounded curriculum of Vaganova-based ballet training and contemporary dance techniques, as well as jazz, hip-hop, Sri Lankan and Afro-Fusion. The Conservatory is a pre-professional training program that prepares young dancers for professional careers. CityDance also has additional locations: 5200 Randolph Road Rockville, MD 20852 240-242-3646 Friendship Heights 5207 Wisconsin Ave. NW Washington, DC 20015 202-545-7207 ONGOING REGISTRATION CONGRESSIONAL SCHOOL 3229 Sleepy Hollow Road Falls Church, VA 22042 703-533-9711 congressionalschool.org gherbst@congressionalschool.org Discover this co-ed independent day school for infants to eighth graders in Falls Church, Virginia. Congressional School prepares young learners for future success, inspiring them to question, collaborate, create and lead. ENCORE STAGE & STUDIO 4000 Lorcom Lane, Arlington, VA 22207 703-548-1154 encorestageva.org info@encorestageva.org Encore offers a variety of virtual theater arts programs. Students will build their skills in acting, storytelling and creative thinking through this unique theatrical experience. p p i i a a n n o o , , v v i i o g g r o l l in r o o u in u p p c c l l a a s s s s e A e s s A g g e e s s 2 2 t t o o 6 6 FEYNMAN SCHOOL 11810 Falls Road, Potomac, MD 20854 301-770-4370 feynmanschool.org admissions@feynmanschool.org Grades: Preschool-Grade 8 Open House: Call to schedule a tour. As the area’s leader in educating academically gifted children, Feynman School features extraordinary programs in science, math and language arts. HARMONIA SCHOOL OF MUSIC & ART 204 F Mill St. NE, Vienna, VA 22180 703-938-7301 harmoniaschool.org harmonia@harmoniaschool.org Harmonia School offers outstanding performing arts programs. It includes instrumental and voice lessons and early childhood classes. Harmonia’s theater department offers one of the finest musical theater and acting programs that culminates in productions. The classes are offered to all ages and all levels. Highly educated and experienced teachers provide the instruction. HOLLY BROOK MONTESSORI SCHOOL 2455 Gallows Road, Dunn Loring, VA 22027 703-573-7800 preschoolmontessori.com info@hollybrookmontessori.com Tours are available by appointment Children learn in an intimate and unpretentious atmosphere where they respect themselves and others and care for the environment around them. Holly Brook offers a complete educational and social environment and uses the discoveries and methods of Dr. Montessori to help children WashingtonFAMILY.com  25 Sister Montessori preschools, providing Northern Virginia’s preschool children with quality education for the past 50 years. 26  WashingtonFAMILY  JANUARY 2022 Voted best in music instruction, the International School of Music offers music lessons in all instruments and voices to students of all levels and ages. Preschool music classes and adult music instruction are also available in addition to the optional performances and certificate programs. HUNTER MILL MONTESSORI SCHOOL 2709 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton, VA 22124 Book your trial lessons today. 703-938-7755 (THE) MANOR MONTESSORI SCHOOL preschoolmontessori.com 10500 Oaklyn Drive, Potomac, MD 20854 info@huntermillmontessori.com 5450 Massachusetts Ave. Tours are available by appointment. Bethesda, MD 20816 Hunter Mill Montessori School provides 11200 Old Georgetown Road an intimate and nurturing environment Rockville, MD 20852 for children ages 2 years, 9 months to 301-299-7400 6-year-old children to develop their manormontessori.com independence through the Montessori Ages: 2-9 experience. Hunter Mill offers a complete Discover Maryland’s first Montessori educational and social environment and School, teaching generations of children uses the discoveries and methods of Dr. Montessori to help children develop more since 1962. Offering school day, extended fully the potential within them. The school day and summer day camp. provides a program specially suited to a child’s needs and offers individual attention MARVA COLLINS COTTAGE SCHOOL 703-942-9817 for whole development. mccottageschool.org director@mccottageschool.org INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MUSIC Private/Independent School 11325 Seven Locks Road, Suite 255 Grades accepted: PreK-2nd Potomac, MD 20854 Ages accepted: 4-7 years 4701 Sangamore Road, Suite LL-03 Offering half- and full-day programs and Bethesda, MD 20816 culturally responsive education while 301-365-5888 prioritizing the joy of learning. Please visit ismw.org; info@ismw.org the school’s website for information session Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.- and open house details. 8 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. develop more fully the potential within them. The school provides a program specially suited to the needs of a child and offers individual attention to his or her whole development. (THE) MONTESSORI SCHOOL AT GOOSE CREEK PRESERVE 42470 Rosalind St., Ashburn, VA 20148 571-417-3999 goosecreekmontessori.com info@goosecreekmontessori.com Tours available by appointment. Discover this brand-new Montessori school in the Broadlands area of Ashburn. All of the classrooms are spacious with an abundance of natural lighting. The classrooms open to the playground with patios allowing children to freely work inside and outside. Goose Creek offers a complete educational and social environment and uses the discoveries and methods of Dr. Montessori to help a child develop more fully the potential within him or her. MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF CEDAR LANE 3035 Cedar Lane, Fairfax, VA 22031 703-560-4379 preschoolmontessori.com info@cedarlanemontessori.com Open House: Call to schedule a tour. Montessori School of Cedar Lane has been providing over 40 years of Montessori tradition to Northern Virginia. The school offers a complete educational and social environment and uses the discoveries and methods of Dr. Montessori to help a child develop more fully the potential within him or her. (THE) MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF MCLEAN 1711 Kirby Road, McLean, VA 22101 703-790-1049 mcleanmontessori.org Ages: 2 -12 Open House: Call to schedule a tour. Offering preschool and elementary classes, Spanish, French, science, drama, music, physical education, computer, art and summer school. Transportation available. NYSMITH SCHOOL FOR THE GIFTED 13625 EDS Drive, Herndon, VA 20171 703-713-3332 nysmith.com ebalberde@nysmith.com Ages Served: 3 years old to eighth grade Hours: 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Open House: Call to schedule a tour. The award-winning Nysmith School for the Gifted is committed to making school fun. Staff nurture your student’s love of learning and help your children learn to their potential. A 1-to-9 ratio allows Nysmith to differentiate the academic program up to four levels above a student’s current grade. ONENESS-FAMILY MONTESSORI SCHOOL Ages 2 through Grade 12 6701 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 20815 301-652-7751 High School: 9411 Connecticut Ave. Kensington, MD 20895 301-652-7751 onenessfamily.org For 33 years, Oneness-Family School’s award- winning Montessori program has served families of students 2 years through grade 12. OFS features highly trained, supportive teachers and a diverse, engaged school community. The school creates a collaborative learning environment where all children have the chance to explore their talents and interests. OFS fosters students who are prepared to lead and succeed in a changing, challenging world by balancing college prep academics with a focus on well-being and shared values such as empathy, inclusion and equity. High school program offerings include a leadership program, outdoor education, community internships and field studies in the D.C. area. PINECREST SCHOOL 7209 Quiet Cove, Alexandria, VA 22003 703-354-3446 pinecrestschool.org admissions@pinecrestschool.org Ages: 3-12 Hours: 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Please email for more information. Pinecrest School is a fully accredited progressive school offering small class sizes, hands-on curriculum, an individualized approach and a focus on a balance of academics and social and emotional well-being. Offers preschool through sixth grades, summer camp and before- and after-care services for students. RESTON MONTESSORI SCHOOL 1928 Isaac Newton Square West Reston, VA 20190 703-481-2922 restonmontessori.com office@restonmontessori.com Hours: 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Open House: Call to schedule a tour. Established in 1986, Reston Montessori School is a private, coeducational school for children from 3 months through sixth grade. RMS provides academic school day, enrichment programs and before- and after-school activities. (THE) SIENA SCHOOL 1300 Forest Glen Road, Silver Spring, MD 20901 301-244-3600 2705 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton, VA 22124 703-745-5900 thesienaschool.org info@thesienaschool.org The Siena School provides highly individualized, research-based, multisensory instruction and curriculum-related field trips. Students develop critical thinking skills and acquire the tools and strategies needed to become successful and independent learners who are prepared for college. Silver Spring, MD 20901 springwell.school info@springwell.school 301-578-6885 Grades: K-4 This progressive school offers a unique blend of Waldorf, Montessori and Reggio Emilia philosophies. preschool to middle school education based on a classical curriculum, accelerated academics enhanced by the arts and an emphasis on personal responsibility and good character. Students enjoy small classes taught by teachers who specialize in their field. (THE) YELLOW HOUSE SCHOOL 7012 Braeburn Place Bethesda, MD 20817 301-263-0952​ theyellowhouseschool.com info@theyellowhouseschool.com This bilingual, inclusive preschool is led by highly qualified early childhood educators. The school is enrolling children ages 2-5 and offers full-day and half-day enrollment. ■ WESTMINSTER SCHOOL 3819 Gallows Road Annandale, VA 22003 westminsterschool.com admissions@westminster-school.com 703-256-3620 Preschool (3- and 4-year-olds) to Grade 8 Westminster School provides a unique D M V FUN Find FAMILY fun in the DISTRICT, MARYLAND, and VIRGINIA. washingtonfamily.com Virtual Open House Saturday, January 8 12 Mos. - Grade 5 | 9-10:15 am Grades 6-12 | 10:30-11:45 am Montessori & Project-Based Learning SPRING BILINGUAL MONTESSORI ACADEMY 3514 Plyers Mill Road, Kensington, MD 20895 301-962-7262 spring-bilingual.org Ages: 2-6; Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. This Montessori preschool offers foreign language programs. RSVP at barrie.org/admission Apply Now for Fall 2022 SPRINGWELL SCHOOL 9525 Colesville Road The SEED School of Maryland is a college-preparatory, tuition-free boarding school serving boys and girls in grades 6-12 Registration opens Jan. 6 OPEN HOUSE Saturday, March 12, 2022 10:00 am - 1:00 pm Camp Open House Sundays 1-3 pm Jan 9 | Feb 6 | Mar 6, 27 | Apr 24 Email camp@barrie.org for more info Please call to RSVP. APPLICATION DEADLINE IS APRIL 1, 2022 Ages 3.5 to 14 From SEED’s dorm rooms to college campuses around the country. SEED students and graduates are blazing the trail to college completion. Apply to Join Us Today. SEED MD is now accepting applications for 6th graders for the 2022-2023 year. Join us at one of our open houses! WWW.SEEDSCHOOLMD.ORG | 410.843.9482 barrie.org/camp barrie.org 13500 Layhill Rd. • Silver Spring, MD Bus Transportation & Extended Day Available WashingtonFAMILY.com  27 PARENT YOU SHOULD KNOW Carrie Fox The ‘Adventures in Kindness’ co-author and Mission Partners CEO shares her family life BY LINDSAY C. VANASDALAN on dinnertime conversations. To think about our actions more intentionally. In a lot of ways, it feels like it’s our responsibility as parents and humans, and as a family, to really be aware of the world that we’re in and to be taking meaningful steps every day to contribute to a more just and connected world. What is your goal with the second edition of the book? Your work with Mission Partners I have in this world, I want to think about contributing something good. and Adventures in Kindness is focused on social impact. Why is this area important to you? How has that mindset inspired We have one planet, and it’s in danger. Every your family? What is one lesson you hope your children learn from your career? There’s a sign that hangs above my daughter’s bed, and it says, “Be brave,” and I think that’s a lot of this. If we start where we are and every day take a step forward toward justice, we will day, especially as a parent, every minute that I think it’s given us opportunities to go deeper tip the world toward love. n 28  Washington FAMILY  JANUARY 2022 PROVIDED PHOTO M ission Partners Founder and CEO Carrie Fox always had a mind for social impact. After starting a communications consultancy for nonprofits, C. Fox Communications, at age 25, she knew she could do more if she focused exclusively on issues of community, such as social justice, sustainability, children’s health and higher education. “It was as the 2016 election was unfolding, and we were thinking about the role that we were playing and could play in disrupting a lot of the toxic and harmful narratives that we had seen play out in our country,” she says. Mission Partners, a strategic communications firm which guides nonprofits, foundations and corporations, was born in 2017. Two years later, Fox got the chance to share her passion with her eldest daughter when her daughter asked “why people in positions of power can be so mean.” “That was a really big question for a little kid,” Fox says. She asked her daughter, Sophia, 11, what would happen if she could put the opposite out into the world. “Adventures in Kindness” was born. The two co-authored the book’s second edition, packed with mission-focused apparel and kindness adventure kits for kids 7 to 13. Their project hit bookshelves last month. Fox spoke with Washington FAMILY about balancing family life as a mission-focused CEO and author. She lives in Rockville with her husband, Brian, daughters Sophia and Kate, 8, and their dog Baxter. We wrote the second edition reflecting on the year that was 2020 and everything that happened in 2020. What we wanted to do with the second edition is to include new adventures that are directly informed from having lived through that experience. There are new adventures like how to practice the use of your preferred pronouns and how to introduce yourself using your preferred pronouns as a way to advance an inclusive mindset. We have new adventures around starting kindness clubs and new adventures around supporting the planet more intentionally— even around signing a no-bullying pledge. The second edition is designed to build on the first and to be very in tune and reflective with where our world is now. Keep in mind, you know, we wrote that first edition well before (COVID-19) was even in our minds, and funny enough, a lot of it was really relevant. Perhaps the best way to say it is we’ve gotten more explicit in why kindness really matters. Being kind is being deeply compassionate and empathetic and understanding in a way that is far greater than saying “please” and “thank you” or holding a door open for someone. It’s really thinking about stepping outside of our own shoes and understanding the larger context of the world we live in. HEALTHY FAMILY How to Handle Head Lice KEVINDYER / E+ W “HIRING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AT THE ONSET VERSUS AS A LAST RESORT CAN SAVE PARENTS THE MONEY SPENT ON MULTIPLE TREATMENTS AS THEY RESPOND TO ROUNDS OF INFESTATION.” —NANCY PFUND, LICE HAPPENS BY ELEANOR LINAFELT hile head lice can spread at any time of the year, it’s especially important to be on the lookout for signs of lice in the winter, especially when we are all spending more time gathering indoors in close quarters. Lice spread through head-to-head contact. “Winter holidays often involve multiple celebrations and sleepovers among extended family members and friends. These close-knit gatherings provide close-knit opportunities for head-to-head contact, which allow head lice to spread,” says Nancy Pfund of Lice Happens, which provides lice treatment services in the Washington, D.C. area. Your family can take some preventive measures to avoid the dreaded itchy heads, but if someone does get lice, you can eradicate the problem. Preventing lice No parent wants to deal with a lice infestation to begin with. How can moms and dads prevent it from being a problem in the first place? “Don’t allow children to share jackets, hats, helmets, hairbrushes and hair accessories. Keep long hair pulled back or pinned up,” says Charlotte Savarino, a pediatric specialty coordinator at the Shaw Family Pediatric Emergency Center at Suburban Hospital in Washington, D.C. Parents can also use lice repellant sprays available to discourage lice from crossing to one head from another. “Parents can spray the top and underside of their child’s hair with a repellent spray,” Pfund says. “While repellents can play a role in avoiding the spread of head lice, they are not suits of armor.” Staying alert for signs of lice Treating lice as early as possible is crucial because lice won’t go away on their own, and the volume will increase greatly over time. “Signs of lice are constant, relentless scratching, a rash on the neck or shoulders and exposure to known contacts with lice,” Savarino says. It’s hard to see the actual lice in hair, but it’s easier to spot nits, the eggs. “They look like tiny grains of sand that attach to the hair shaft,” Savarino says. “Nits are easier to see in dark hair. Nits are generally found close to the scalp, at the beginning of the hair shaft around ears and the back of the neck where it is warm.” Treating a lice problem Parents can seek over-the-counter and prescription-medicated shampoos and lotions for killing lice, as well as homeopathic options. Additionally, lice combs can help with removing nits from the hair, a crucial step in the lice treatment process. “This is the single most important thing you can do,” Savarino says. “Check and comb hair nightly to remove all nits so that any left in the hair don’t hatch in seven to 10 days and repeat the cycle.” Knowing when to seek professional help If the lice case is too severe or challenging to get rid of at home, or if you don’t want to have to handle it on your own, professionals can help with removing lice. “Hiring a professional service at the onset versus as a last resort can save parents the money spent on multiple treatments as they respond to rounds of infestation,” Pfund says. “Treating a family’s head lice infestation takes a lot of time and effort. A professional service, especially one that educates and gives parents hands-on training, can save parents multiples of both and help parents prevent future infestations.” It’s a myth that only people who are unclean or have bad hygiene get lice. “Children contract head lice from social interactions, not because they did anything wrong or because of poor hygiene or lack of cleanliness,” Pfund says. Anyone who has hair on one’s head can get lice. It’s important that kids and parents are all aware of the signs and how to treat a lice problem effectively before worsening an outbreak at home or school. n WashingtonFAMILY.com  29 INCLUSIVE FAMILY Smiling on the Inside: LIVING WITH MOEBIUS SYNDROME BY LINDSAY C. VANASDALAN What’s in a smile? Moebius syndrome is recognized by patients’ inability to form most facial expressions or turn their eyes outward toward the side of the face. “They can’t smile; they can’t frown. They can’t close their eyes; they can’t raise their eyebrows,” says Hollis Chaney, a pulmonologist at Children’s National Hospital, who is also on the scientific advisory committee for the foundation. Under-formed or malformed nuclei of cranial nerves 6 and 7 are the source, not the muscles, says Stafstrom. 30  WashingtonFAMILY  JANUARY 2022 Although facial movement is the main marker, Moebius syndrome manifests itself in different ways, including crossed eyes, club feet, webbed fingers and developmental delays or disorders such as autism. Just as it is with any special needs child, there’s no playbook, says the foundation’s president Jacob Licht, recalling a conversation with a friend who said, “If you’ve met one (kid) with autism, you’ve met one kid with autism.” Challenges The most severe challenges for Moebius syndrome patients come when they’re infants. Some can have trouble breathing or swallowing. As a pulmonologist, Chaney says she has seen food end up in the lungs, which can cause pneumonia. But once they are past that hurdle, most patients can compensate for speech and movement issues through therapies. Licht lives in Silver Spring with his 19-year- old daughter, Miriam (seen in the photo at left). Through therapy, she learned how to say P’s and B’s without using her lips. “The milestones in your kid’s life become different,” her father says, noting that using a straw was a big one. Despite some adjustments, his daughter has still been able to live a relatively normal life—much like her twin sister, who does not have Moebius syndrome. She loves playing hockey for her special needs team and is part of Friendship Circle, an organization which connects Jewish teens to teens with disabilities. Looking different With any rare condition, community can be an invaluable resource for not feeling alone. THIS PAGE: PHOTO PROVIDED; OPPOSITE PAGE: RICK GUIDIOTTI OF POSITIVE EXPOSURE P ediatric neurologist Carl E. Stafstrom remembers that his first experience with Moebius syndrome was with a child’s mother. She had the tell- tale signs: a drooping face, eyes that could not glance to the side—and, most importantly, she couldn’t smile. Without such a simple means of communication we often take for granted, he couldn’t help but wonder what challenges she might have faced as a single parent. “How do you teach your little one normal social emotions and interactions when you can’t express it on your face?” he says. Since then, Stafstrom, director of the John M. Freeman Pediatric Epilepsy Center for Johns Hopkins Medicine and director of the Division of Pediatric Neurology, has had two patients with Moebius syndrome—a rare, congenital craniofacial condition occurring in only two to 20 cases per million births. One of his missions is raising more awareness. He joins doctors in Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia, along with two members of the Moebius Syndrome Foundation, to describe what Moebius syndrome is and how it affects children. “The psychological aspects of growing up and living in the world without being able to make facial expressions is really pretty profound,” Stafstrom says. Bullying can start around age 8 or 9, says Scott Bartlett, director of the Craniofacial Program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Stafstrom adds that discrimination can result for patients getting jobs or promotions. When Licht first attended a foundation conference and saw at least 100 people present who had Moebius syndrome, he knew he’d found a community. “That’s what the foundation has given us,” he says. Rebecca Maher, secretary for the foundation’s board of directors, recalls that within five minutes of reaching out to a woman in her area, they were texting for hours. She only later found out what a critical resource she had been—the woman had just learned her child’s diagnosis As of now, there is no cure in the NICU. for the facial weakness, but surgeries have been able to offer individuals some hope. What’s next? Eye surgery to uncross her Maher says two known causes of Moebius syndrome are a daughter’s eyes when she was 8 vascular event in utero or use of months old made all the difference Misoprostol, a medicine used to in her development, Maher says, stimulate contractions or induce because her child could better abortions, but research is still process her surroundings. Bartlett, also an attending being done on genetic origins. surgeon in the Division of Plastic, Reconstructive and Oral Surgery at CHOP, says one type of surgery can transfer temple or leg muscles (and their nerve supplies) to the face, but its effectiveness has its limitations. “A smile itself around the corner of a mouth ... there are probably six or seven different muscles,” he says. “When you do reconstruction, you’re basically putting (in) a single muscle pulling (in) a single direction.” It can also be hard to retrain a muscle when someone becomes older and loses some degree of neuroplasticity, he says. When it comes down to it, however, some patients might not see surgery as necessary for living a fulfilling life with Moebius syndrome. Miriam Licht is one of them. “We decided very early on that we were going to put this in her hands,” her dad Jacob says. n WashingtonFAMILY.com  31 BOOK MARKED 20 Books to Inspire Indoor Fun Unplug from the Screens, Plug Into Good Reads BY DC PUBLIC LIBRARY STAFF Discover books to inspire creativity, adventures and maybe a little mischief—all without leaving home. EARLY LITERACY (BIRTH TO AGE 5) “Not a Box” by Antoinette Portis All it takes for a creative rabbit to have fun with an ordinary cardboard box is a little imagination. “You Are a Lion! And Other Fun Yoga Poses” by Taeeun Yoo Stretch, pose, and get the wiggles out with this animal-themed book for the youngest yogis.   “Peekaboo Bedtime” by Rachel Isadora Who says bedtime can’t be fun? Follow a delightful toddler’s playful nighttime routine that’s sure to galvanize a real-life game of peekaboo. “Pete’s a Pizza” by William Steig When Pete can’t go out and play due to a bout of bad weather, his family cheers him up in a very creative and silly way. “Max and Ruby’s Treasure Hunt” by Rosemary Wells When Max and Ruby’s plans get rained out, they discover (with a little help from grandma) that they don’t need to go outside to have an adventure. DEVELOPING READERS (AGES 5 TO 8) “The Great Indoors” by Julie Falatko, illustrated by Ruth Chan In this whimsical, humorous tale, a human family takes a vacation to the great outdoors, leaving an opportunity for the forest creatures to vacation in the great indoors. They discover all the cool, fun things that can be done inside the house. “Make-Believe Class” by Fran Manushkin, illustrated by Tammie Lyon In this installment of the popular “Katie Woo” 32  Washington FAMILY  JANUARY 2022 series for early readers, Katie’s class at school battles a dreary, cold winter day by using a lot of imagination to travel the world—and beyond! “Amy Wu and the Patchwork Dragon” by Kat Zhang, illustrated by Charlene Chua Although Amy loves making crafts, her assignment to create a dragon proves to be a struggle, until inspiration strikes with storytelling and memories. “Cooking Step by Step” by DK Young chefs can help make more than 50 kid- friendly recipes—and get hands-on practice with math and science concepts—using this simple, attractive and approachable cookbook. “Pizza and Taco: Super-Awesome Comic!” by Stephen Shaskan Pizza and Taco create a comic book together in this graphic novel for early readers. Their trials and triumphs as creative collaborators could very well influence some young artists and writers to begin their own creative process. MIDDLE-GRADE READERS (AGES 8 TO 12) “Unbored Games: Serious Fun for Everyone” by Joshua Glenn and Elizabeth Foy Larsen From board games and mind games to tech games and games you invent yourself, this title has plenty of ideas to chase boredom away. “Coding Projects in Scratch” by Jon Woodcock Follow the step-by-step instructions for how to code animations, play with music and sound, create a game and more using Scratch software, which you can download or use online for free. “Secret Coders” by Gene Luen Yang and Mike Holmes Twelve-year-old Hopper attends Stately Academy, which is a very strange school indeed. In order to get to the bottom of the school’s mysterious secrets, Hopper and her friends must put their coding skills into action. “Out of the Box” by Jemma Westing Explore this wealth of ideas for crafts and engineering projects that use mostly recycled cardboard and some simple household items like tape and markers. “The Cardboard Kingdom” by Chad Sell A group of kids with wildly different personalities and lives create an entire fantasy world together out of cardboard in this graphic novel that might inspire the creation of some original cardboard kingdoms. TEENS (AGES 13-19) “The Encyclopedia of Origami Techniques” by Nick Robinson Learn step-by-step instructions for basic folds and techniques as well as 30-plus projects to work on. All origami students will need to bring is a little paper and a little patience. “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop (Young Adult Edition): A Hip-Hop History” by Jeff Chang & Dave “Davey D” Cook Music lovers can spend a cold day reading along to a soundtrack with this history of hip-hop that stretches from 1969 all the way through the present day. “Slay” by Brittney Morris Kiera attends Jefferson Academy by day, but at night, she is secretly the creator and developer of SLAY, a multiplayer online role-playing game community that celebrates Black culture. When online fighting turns into real-world violence toward a SLAY player, Kiera fights to protect her safe space and identity. “Foreshadow: Stories to Celebrate the Magic of Reading and Writing YA” created and edited by Emily X.R. Pan and Nova Ren Suma Thirteen engaging short stories from a range of genres are interspersed with notes from the author about writing techniques and tips to encourage and inspire young writers. “The Poet X” by Elizabeth Acevedo Between school, family and society’s expectations, 15-year-old Xiomara Batista has a lot going on in her head and heart. She writes every bit of it in her poetry book, suited for poets and non-poets. P WashingtonFAMILY.com  33 WF MY TURN Should My Child Have a Mentor? 34  Washington FAMILY  JANUARY 2022 Diane and Skylar got together often during their designated six weeks. They baked cookies and cooked in the Boys & Girls Clubs kitchen (see photo above). They also talked and listened to one another. This point is a big key in mentorship: A mentor provides advice, guidance, listening, encouragement and time. That time builds trust and a safe space for a mentee to ask questions as well as become more open to listening— committing experiences and conversation to both short-term and long-term memory. “If there’s a kid who’s not feeling comfortable, mentors can make them feel more comfortable, and they can help kids focus on life and school,” Skylar recalls when asked about her definition and understanding of mentors. “Spending time with my mentor … she made me feel comfortable. She was fun!” Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington holds its annual Great Big Kid mentor-mentee events in Virginia’s Alexandria, Prince William County and Fairfax territories, but now BGCGW plans to expand the program to its Maryland Clubs for a region-wide mentor- mentee consolidated effort. Whether you are an adult looking to make a difference and impact a young person, or if you are a parent considering the benefits of mentorship for your child, a Boys & Girls Clubs mentor-mentee experience might be the right fit for you. n Robert A. Anderson is the communications director for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington. Visit bgcgw.org or call 202-540-2300 to learn more about mentoring opportunities. PHOTO PROVIDED A s parents, many of us already see ourselves as our child’s mentor. We provide advice and guide them. So why should your child have a mentor? It is true that we can receive mentorship merits as parents, but a mentor who is not a child’s parent can provide positive perspectives that can cut through the monotony—and sometimes monotone cadence—that a child tunes out when delivered by a parent. How many times have you heard the same thing over and over from your parent, but heard it amplified and slightly different from a family friend or teacher? This extra, external voice of reason can make all the difference when it comes to a child making a good and smart decision over a bad and troublesome choice. Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington (BGCGW) understands the advantages and importance of the mentor and mentee dynamic. Young people who meet regularly with a mentor are 40% more likely to graduate high school on time, 55% more likely to enroll in college and 51% more likely to hold leadership positions later in life. Having steady, positive influences at key times in a child’s life can lead to increased confidence and self-esteem and improved academic performance and relationships, while helping a child realize one’s true potential. “My previous experiences as a mentor have shown me the added impact,” says Diane Hinrichs, a Washington, D.C. paralegal and Boys & Girls Clubs mentor. “Adult attention and mentoring can provide positive role models and help to boost self-esteem, as well as help the young person deal with challenges.” Hinrichs became involved as a Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington mentor with 10-year-old Skylar during BGCGW’s 2021 Great Big Kid mentor-mentee fundraising program. Great Big Kid is an annual signature fundraising event. Each year, regional board members identify six community leaders to serve as outstanding mentors (“Great Big Kids”) to local Club kids. Over a six-week period, these mentors are paired up with designated Club kids (“mentees”). They meet with a Club kid, supporting the child academically and socially and during activities that foster bonding. BY ROBERT A. ANDERSON N OMIN ATIONS HAVE S TARTE D 2 0 2 2 Nominate your favorite people, places and things in the DMV! The winners are chosen by popular vote, so let your friends know it’s time to cast their ballot. As a business, share with your audience to help you win the title of “Best” in your category! Nominations close March 6 Voting for the winners starts on April 1. Winners will be contacted in June, and the results will be in the July issue of Washington FAMILY magazine. Go online and tell us what you think! washingtonfamily.com/bestforfamilies Print | Digital | Contact Jeni Mann Tough for more information jmann@midatlanticmedia.com WashingtonFAMILY.com  35 Back for 2022! • SAVE THE DATES! Join Us fo raD n! u F ly i m a ay of F Saturday • Feb. 5, 2022 Noon to 3 pm Win a $ 10 m 0 p Ca ship! 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