Send announcements to The Loudoun Connection, 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, e-mail to loudoun@connectionnewspapers.com or fax to 703-917-0991. Deadline is Friday, two weeks before the event. Photos/artwork encouraged. For more information, call Jennifer Lesinski at 703-917-6454.
This free listing is reserved for activities and events that are open to the public at no or minimal cost.
The YMCA Loudoun County will hold several after-school programs for the 2006-07 school year, with locations at the following elementary schools, Road Hill, Catoctin, Hillside, Sugarland, Cool Spring, Evergreen Mill, Sterling and Forest Grove. Registration required, 703-777-9622 or visit www.ymcawashdc.org. Fee $285 per month with half off the first month.
The Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services has released a new, updated edition of its 2006 Summer Camp Guide. With the increasing demand for enrollment in the department's summer programs, a second edition of the camp guide was needed in order to incorporate new camps added since the first edition was released in March.
In addition to a planned distribution through the middle schools, the new camp guides are available at all PRCS community centers, manned parks, Loudoun County libraries and the department's administrative office located at 215 Depot Court in Leesburg. Summer camp details can also be found on the Web site at www.loudoun.gov/prcs/camps or call 703-777-0343.
The Natural History Day Camp for grades third-sixth at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve July 10-14. Campers will explore the woods, fields and waters of the 700-acre preserve and learn about the plants and animals that live there. The camp will run from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. each day. The cost is just $120. Banshee Reeks is located off of Evergreen Mills Road.
Contact the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy's Phil Daley, 540-338-6528 or pdaley@loudounwildlife.org or go to www.loudounwildlife.org.
Chronicles of Farmia: 4-H Camp, July 10-14 and July 31-Aug. 4, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Co-sponsored by the Heritage Farm Museum and the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service 4-H program and hosted by the Museum and Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve. Camp is designed to encourage campers to recognize the interdependence of agriculture, the environment and human needs and to work cooperatively to promote informed consumer choices and sustainable agricultural practices. Campers will utilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a curriculum that is based on the national Food, Land and People education initiative and on the Standards of Learning for Virginia. Include hands-on live-animal programs, interactive lessons on tools and tractors and a special session on gardening for children. Camp will run July 10-July 14, at the Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum and July 31-Aug. 4, at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve. Call 703-421-5322 to register. Ages: 9-13. Fee: $200.
Galilee United Methodist Church, 45245 Winding Road, Sterling, will be holding a Performing Arts day camp for rising third- through sixth-graders, July 31-Aug. 4, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. There will be a final performance at 7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 4. There are no auditions, every participant is encouraged to choose what he or she wants to do: music Ñ singing, hand chimes and rhythm instruments; performance skills Ñ drama and acting; choreography Ñ movement and sign language; stagecraft Ñ scenery painting. The cost is $150 per child. Registration forms and additional information available online at www.Galileeumc.org or at the church office or contact Kim at 703-430-2203 or by e-mail at KByrum@Galileeumc.net. Registration deadline is July 14.
Saint Matthew's Episcopal Church in Sterling is holding a Fiesta Vacation Bible School, July 24-28, from 5:30-8:30 p.m., for children 4 and up. Dinner will be served each evening at 5:30 p.m. Children participate in crafts, games, drama and activities. Registration forms are available on the Web site www.stmatthewssterling.org or by phoning the church office 703-430-2121.
The Loudoun Museum will be holding a Loudoun Heritage Super Camp, at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, Monday-Friday, July 24-28, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., for ages 8-12 years. Snacks and materials provided. Bring a sack lunch. Cost: $300. Reservations required, deadline July 14.
Super Camp covers several important historical events Ñ French and Indian War, Revolutionary War, Civil War, World War II Ñ and campers learn first hand how these events affected the lives of the people living in Loudoun County. Heritage camp utilizes activities, games, crafts, costumed interpreters, hands-on object exploration, and professional speakers to bring history alive. Call the Loudoun Museum at 703-777-7427 or e-mail education@loudounmuseum.org.
Potomac Falls Episcopal Church will be holding a Fiesta Vacation Bible School. The school will meet at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church from July 31-Aug. 4, from 9 a.m.-noon, for children age 4 through rising fifth-graders. Cost $25 for one child, $40 for two, but no more than $50 per family. Call Potomac Falls Episcopal, 703-404-0900 or visit www.potomacfallschurch.org.
The Audubon Naturalist SocietyÕs Rust Nature Sanctuary in Leesburg will offer summer nature camps for children ages prekindergarten through sixth grade. Choose from a lineup of camps that begin July 17 and run through Aug. 25. The camps focus on nature and are designed to foster environmental awareness and expand natural and cultural knowledge. Feature fun experiences with hands-on activities, hikes, games, crafts and explorations. Call 703-669-0000 or visit www.audubonnaturalist.org.
Free-Son Treasure Island Vacation Bible School, July 19-23, 9 a.m.-noon, fro ages 4-13, at Bethel OPC Church, 19856 Evergreen Mill Road, Leesburg. Includes Bible stories, snacks, crafts and games. Call 703-777-4221 or e-mail donnakham@covenant-isp.com.