Starting at 8am, we welcome children to our program center and begin the day together. Campers enjoy supervised free play while staff prepare for the day’s adventure to Kingman and Heritage Islands.

 

At 9am, once everyone has arrived, we gather for our morning circle. We sing songs, discuss some of the plants, animals, and natural wonders we might encounter, and review our plans for the day. After a quick trip to the restroom, we head out equipped with our daypacks, which contain water, sunscreen, field journals, and other essentials.

 

After a 15-minute walk to the bus station, a 10-minute bus ride, and a 20-minute walk to the park, we settle into a picnic area for our morning snack. Following snack and some free play, we cross the bridge to the islands, observing wildlife, aquatic plants, and the ecosystems that make up the Anacostia River and surrounding marshlands.

 

Around noon, we return to the picnic area and playground for lunch and free play. Afterwards, we make our way back to home base for storytime and a chance to cool down before the afternoon begins.

 

Following storytime, campers enjoy choice time until 3pm. Children can participate in free or semi-structured active play, creative activities, or guided explorations around the program center. Today, two instructors lead a birdwatching expedition through the Capitol gardens, bringing along bird guides, binoculars, and plenty of curiosity.

 

At the end of choice time, everyone gathers for a cold treat. Today’s snack is frozen yogurt tubes. We then collect our belongings and prepare for 4pm dismissal.

 

For campers staying for aftercare, the adventure continues until 6pm with outdoor play, games, books, art projects, and time to connect with friends.

At the end of the day, campers head home with their daypacks, art projects, and stories from their latest adventure, ready to do it all again tomorrow!