KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: The first time I can remember having to take a public stand on anything was in eighth grade English. We were assigned an essay on a controversial topic and told we’d present our arguments to the class. When he handed back our papers, Mr. Schmidt added a twist: no reading. We’d speak from notes. I was horrified. After school, I tried to negotiate my way out of it. “This
makes me really uncomfortable,” I told him, hoping for mercy. He looked at me over his glasses. “That’s the whole point,” he said. “To get stuff done, you have to get comfortable being uncomfortable. Don’t worry, you’ll live.” Mr. Schmidt was right. I didn’t die. And more important, I learned something that stuck: Discomfort isn’t a stop sign, it’s just part of the road, and all roads are bumpy. That lesson shaped how I've raised my kids, too. Karate helped
Madison and Ella distinguish between effort and injury. Long car rides taught them to rely on their own imaginations. Theater nudged them to stand however close to the spotlight they could manage, even when they’d rather disappear. And summer camps—those muddy, unpredictable, gloriously imperfect experiences—gave them countless chances to try something new and realize I can do this without the stigma that can accompany failing in other contexts. Growth rarely happens
inside the comfort zone, which is why I’m such a believer in giving kids opportunities to stretch beyond what feels easy. Summer programs are perfect for this, so that's why during "summer camp search season" we focus on showcasing the wide variety of camps and programs available in each area we serve. Here's the link to the
portal page. These days, as we approach the 25th anniversary of KidsOutAndAbout.com in June, I see that same principle playing out: The technology has changed, the business climate has changed, but the equation hasn’t. Discomfort still shows up right before something meaningful. And I still hear Mr. Schmidt’s voice in my head: Don’t worry, you’ll live.
—Debra Ross, publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com, co-author of The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities
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KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more. If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site. |
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Jr. Wizards and Mystics Basketball Camps are first and foremost teaching programs; designed to emphasize fundamental instruction, individual improvement and team concepts in a fun yet structured environment. Summer camp is for ages 6-14 of various skill
levels. Campers will work every day on the fundamental skills needed to become a better player in a fast paced and fun environment.
Click here to register today!
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Spark Creativity All Summer Long!
Children’s Art Classes Alexandria opens this June—and our Summer 2026 Art Workshops are now open for registration! Designed for young artists ages 3–18, our workshops explore drawing, painting, clay, watercolor, anime/manga, mixed media, and even specialty themes like Pokémon Artistic Academy. Our award winning curriculum builds confidence, creativity, and real artistic skills in a fun, supportive studio environment.
Workshops run June 29–August 14
Alexandria, VA
Register today: va-alexandria.childrensartclasses.com
Spaces are limited—save your child’s spot for a colorful and inspiring summer!
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Enjoy extended hours in the garden with food trucks on site. Grab a drink or snack and wander the wooded paths that meander past sculpture collections. Perfect for a date night, a gathering with friends, or solo reflection. Evenings at Annmarie during
golden hour are truly magical.
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Learn about the engineering process with this hands-on workshop!
Use the engineering process to design and build a car out of LEGOs. Builders will test their designs on our racetrack before making any necessary changes to their models. Participants will learn about the aerodynamics of vehicles like cars and trains and how to make a vehicle travel a longer distance at a faster speed.
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Hop aboard for an egg-citing springtime adventure the whole family will love!
Each child will receive a special visit from the Easter Bunny, perfect for photos and sweet holiday memories. Enjoy a ride through the woods, and then out into picturesque Maryland farm country past Barricks Farm, established in the early 1820’s. On a clear day you can view the Catoctin Mountains west of Frederick. Before returning to the Walkersville Station you will cross the beautiful Monocacy River on the recently reconstructed railroad bridge. The
view is impressive and will be the highlight of your trip. The ride is leisurely, with speeds limited to ten miles per hour.
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Stomp over to Hidden Oaks Nature Center to enjoy a dinosaur-themed program and outdoor egg hunt while visiting Dinoland in Nature Playce. Canceled in case of inclement weather. One adult only per registered child preferred. (3-8 years)
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The National Cherry Blossom Festival’s signature Opening Ceremony is an artistic celebration of the 1912 gift of trees from Tokyo to Washington, DC, and an annual tribute to the longstanding friendship between Japan and the United States. This unique,
one-time-only performance will feature special performances from acclaimed artists with ties to both countries. The event features performances from world-renowned artists connected to both the US and Japan, showcasing the depth and diversity of Japanese arts, including breathtaking traditional sword dances by Futago Onikenbai; pop music by award-winning singer Ayaka Hirahara, and modern dance choreographed by Takehiro Ueyama.
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Busch Gardens Williamsburg is proud to introduce ASL Saturdays, occurring on the 3rd Saturday of each month, providing exceptional American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation services for guests who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. Partnering with American Sign
Language Services (ASLS)—a leader in interpretation for over a decade—we are committed to delivering an inclusive and unforgettable experience for all.
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The all-new 2026 Camp Invention® program, Spark, is coming to curious kids in your community this summer! Rising K-6 campers will collaborate with friends to tackle hands-on, open-ended challenges. They’ll team up with robotic capybaras, ride the waves of entrepreneurship, uncover the power of protecting their ideas and build a DIY space rocket! Each experience is designed to spark confidence, build persistence and create unforgettable summer memories. Visit invent.org/save/camp to secure your spot! Register using CIFUN25 by 3/31 to save $25 or CIFUN20 by 4/28 to save $20 when you register. Interest-free payment plans are available, making camp affordable for all families.
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- Free spring mini photo session with Shoott! - DC Metro area - Shoott - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA, March 18-20, 2026, See link for times
- 34th Annual Strathmore Juried Exhibition: STEEPED - The Mansion at Strathmore, Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD, USA, March 17-19, 2026, Tue–Fri: 12–4pm / Sat: 10am–3pm
- Observe the Sun with
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum - Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum - Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, Jefferson Drive Southwest, Washington, DC, USA, March 20-21, 2026, 12 pm - 3 pm
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The KidsOutAndAbout annual guide to summer camps in the DMV is back! You can search by date, age, or categories like day/overnight, sports, drama, music, theatre, arts & crafts, technology, robotics, horseback riding, preschool, & more. Our guide
puts summer fun right at your fingertips!
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Parents have an abundance of choices when it comes to PreK and day care options in the DMV area! Use our Big List to help find the best one for your kiddos and check our events calendar to find Open Houses where you can meet teachers and tour the
schools.
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Looking for a thrilling family-friendly adventure in the DMV area? Escape rooms are interactive, puzzle-packed experiences where you and your team work together to solve clues and complete your mission-all before time runs out! Whether you're escaping a
spooky cabin, cracking a high-stakes heist, or breaking a magical curse, escape rooms offer exciting, screen-free fun for kids, teens, and adults.
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2025's Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Detroit Metro Area, as voted by thousands of parents! Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including winners in special categories like Top Arts Educator, Top Sports Educator, and Top STEM
Educator!
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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