2013 Alexandria Summer Day Camp Guide

Looking for some great summer day camps for the kids? Alexandria and the communities right next door are full of them.

As summer approaches, many of these camps will have more details available, but here’s a start put together by Patch.

To find out about the many more area camps, families are invited to the 2013 Summer Camp Fair sponsored by the PTA Council of Alexandria. The 2013 fair is Feb. 20, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the cafeteria of T.C. Williams High School, at 3330 King St. Printed directories featuring the more than 50 camps in attendance will be available.

Alexandria Patch Summer Day Camp Picks:

Animal Welfare League of Alexandria—Rising third- through eighth-graders can register for sessions tailored for their age group and specific interest. Camp sessions run from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and last one week. Registration opens for summer camps mid-February.

The Art League—This camp, which operates out of the league's Madison Annex, offers a multitude of arts experiences for ages five to teen, including drawing,  painting, sculpture, cartooning and more. The first session of art camp begins June 17. Summer camp registration opens Feb. 11.

Bishop Ireton—The Bishop Ireton Cardinal Summer Camps offer 21 sessions of camps in various sports and drama. Age ranges from rising 1st graders to rising 12th graders depending on the camp. For full day camps lunch is included in the cost. Camps are conducted by Bishop Ireton coaches or teachers.

Browne Academy—This private school offers sports, arts and swimming activities for ages three to 13, along with field trips. The day camp operates from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with extended day available. Registration opens Feb. 1.

Burgundy Farm—This private school offers daily swimming, activities and special events on Burgundy’s 25 acres including a forest, field, pond, barn and ampitheater. Programs are available for ages three years, eight months through 12. Camp hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. with morning and afternoon extended day options. Summer registration is now open.

Cavalry Road Christian School—Camp is available for children age 3 (fully potty trained) through those entering seventh grade. This year's theme is Road Trip USA-Adventure ... or bust! The hours included in tuition are 6:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. Each week, campers will have a field trip and a pool day!

City of Alexandria—The city releases its program of summer camps and activities Feb. 20 at the T.C. Williams Summer Camp Fair. Registration begins late March.

Del Ray Artisans—Del Ray Artisans invites campers ages 8-14 to spend a week creating art with professional artist instruction. All artist supplies, as well as lunch and snacks, are provided.

Del Ray Performing Arts Center—This conservatory on Mount Vernon Avenue offers acting, musical theater, Shakespeare and even clown camps for kids. Financial assistance available for low-income families. Registration information is not yet available.

Howard Gardner School—The school offers two week-long camps for rising sixth- through eighth-graders with a focus in Ecological Explorations & Art or Creative Self Explorations.

Mad Science, DC Chapter—This camp offers different themes for different weeks, including investigating crime scenes with chemistry, building robots and constructing rockets. Currently, Mad Science plans to host 2013 summer camps at Waynewood Elementary School and Mount Vernon Recreational Center, but plans to announce another Alexandria location before the summer. Registration is currently open.

St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School—This private school offers camps for ages three through 18. Weekly themes include ballet, Civil War, Filmworx movie making and junior veterinarian. Registration is currently open.

Synetic Theater—This theatrical camp located next to the Crystal City Metro offers summer experiences for ages four through 14. This season’s theme is “Hobbit Land: Journey to Middle Earth,” where creatures abound and adventures await in this camp taught by artist-teachers from Synetic.

YMCA Alexandria branch—The YMCA on E. Monroe Avenue offers summer day camps for tots to teens. Subjects include specialty swimming, art and sports camps. Before and after-care available. Registration is currently open.