Imagine a day packed full of archery, crafts, nature walks and all the idyllic activities you might find in a summer camp located hours away from the bustle of the DMV. At “Congo Camp” (the shorthand used by those in the know), kids ages 4 to 14 can enjoy many of the activities of a traditional overnight camp without leaving Northern Virginia. The Sleepy Hollow campus in Falls Church is located on 40 acres, which means there’s room for everything from horseback riding or zip-lining off a three-sided climbing tower to jumping in a new, tricked-out swimming pool. The camp does field trips, too, such as kayaking on the Potomac. “For a large number of families, we’re part of their summer tradition,” says camp director Dan O’Neil. –Adele Chapin
Other top vote-getters:
Calleva, Camp Kids Place, Camp Sarraka, Knights of Columbus Summer Camp, MoCA Arlington Summer Camp, Social Grace Summer Camp, Steve & Kate’s Camp, Summer@Potomac, TIC Summer Camp, YMCA Arlington Summer Camp