Camp Fun While School's Out

When I was a kid in school, days off were always a blast. I would get to hang out with my four siblings on our (then) Christmas tree farm, spending the day exploring the woods, playing tag in the yard, and—depending on the season—either splashing about in or cracking the ice that had formed on the creek that ran past our house. I got to spend time with my sisters and brothers, gained an appreciation for the outside world, and learned that a little dirt won’t hurt!

These days, days off from school are often a hassle; finding a place for the kids to go during the work day or figuring out how to keep them occupied can present a real challenge! Last January, Pecometh began offering a new day camp program called “School’s Out… We’re In!” which runs on days when Queen Anne’s County elementary schools have Professional Days and a few other select holidays. Affectionately called “SOWI,” the program is for children in Kindergarten through 5^th grade, and is a great option for parents as well as a treat for kids. Just think: it’s the fun of camp, year-round!

Last Thursday and Friday, we had our largest group of kids yet. Twenty rambunctious, energy-filled elementary-schoolers invaded the Talley House for two days of arts & crafts, field games, hayrides, a scavenger hunt, and exploring on Pecometh’s wooded trails. We pretended to be animals during rounds of “Park Ranger,” created an igloo with our parachute, and enjoyed a few rounds of Uno.

We hiked the Woodside Trail to the Grove Chapel, listening to the birds and crunching leaves while searching for the world’s best marshmallow roasting sticks to use at Friday’s campfire. We also explored Old Splashdown Beach and did a little writing in the sand.  We even learned a little about the osage-orange, or hedge-apple, an inedible tree fruit more commonly called a monkey brain!

And just like when I was their age, several of our campers got to spend the day with their siblings, while others either came with friends or made new ones.

The next sessions of School’s Out… We’re In! are being offered between Christmas and the New Year, on December 27^th and 28^th. Kids, be ready for some Christmas carol sing-downs, a roaring campfire to keep warm, and tons of fun!