Not Your Mother's Summer Camp

Summer camp in Vienna ain't what it used to be - and we think that's a GOOD thing!

Check out what Guest Blogger Susan Hussey shared with us about some of the camp happenings in Vienna last week. They might make you wish you were young again! (Susan is a member of The Belt Team and Mom to Grace (age 7) and Matthew (age 6).)
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There can be no doubt . . . The Belt Team loves Vienna. The answer to what makes Vienna so special often lies with the families and events that shape our lives here. Here's an example:

Last week, many of Vienna’s children had the opportunity to learn and have fun at two truly unique summer camps.

Westbriar Elementary School's PTA hosted "Camp Invention" again this year. Camp Invention is designed to spark creativity and give kids a unique hands-on experience building and creating their own inventions. The kids brought items from home to inspire their creativity. I’ve heard they explored and recycled everything from alarm clocks to satellite dishes!

Another unique camp opportunity for Vienna children last week (including my children Matthew & Grace) was Holy Comforter’s Vacation Bible School. The theme this year was "Christian themes in the Harry Potter novels". Children explored JK Rowling’s engaging plots from a deeper perspective and had lots of fun in the process. Here, students arrive by “Hogwarts Express”.

In very broad terms, the plot of the Harry Potter novels can be described as a young boy's transition from ordinary . . . to someone who is mature, learned and extraordinary. Exceptional teachers and mentors help him all along the way.

Activities included everything from games of Quidditch - to Care of Godly Creatures - to feasts in the Great Hall! About 155 children took part as "students", in addition to 25 youth who acted as "prefects" and 10 adult "professors". (Pictured here are Grace and Matthew with Hagrid, Professor of Godly Creatures!).

Last week in Vienna, our children experienced the “magic” of growth under the guidance of exceptional volunteers at these two camps. If you missed it this year, mark your calendars now to check them out next summer!