From the EVP's desk: Summer activities are in full swing

While the Montgomery Village Foundation (MVF) Department of Recreation and Parks works tirelessly all year long to bring quality programming to Village residents, summer activities seem to dominate the offerings each year. This summer is no exception! Whether you’re looking for a full weekend of fun, or just a few hours to get out of the house, MVF has enough going on all summer long for residents to enjoy.

The obvious summer activity is a trip to the pool—of course, with the only remaining question being which one? We have six awesome pools to choose from, and each one has a different look and feel. You could choose the one closest to your home, or the one with the most fun for the kids. Make it a mission to try them all! From lap swimming to water slides, the current channel to the Wibit inflatables, there are plenty of active and passive ways to enjoy the water. Check out the full pool schedule online for operating hours, and while you’re at it, download the RainOutLine.com App to get important closure information.

MVF’s Summer Camp opportunities, which meet a variety of interest levels, are thriving, and kids are having a great time. If you’re looking for daytime activities for your kids, there are still a few openings at a few of our camps. Try Sport & Splash Camp if your kids enjoy being outdoors and getting into the water or onto the court in the summer. Sunny Day Camp provides an all-around camp experience featuring sports, swimming, STEM, and games, as well as a field trip, activity or special guest each week. If your kids are crafty and creative, perhaps Arts & Crafts Camp is the place to be! Each week features art instruction and techniques to create unique take-home pieces; special guests and field trips are also included with this camp! Nature Camp, a one-week camp from Aug. 5 to 9, provides an exhilarating week immersed in nature where kids explore the great outdoors!

During the month of July, we have a free performance series geared toward our younger residents called KidjAM. Join four talented performing acts each Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m. under the pavilion at Apple Ridge Recreation Area, 10101 Apple Ridge Road. These musicians, magicians and entertainers know how to work a crowd!

For the music lovers, plan on attending one or all of our Community and Signature concerts at G. W. Bowie Music Pavilion in South Valley Park, 19003 Watkins Mill Road, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Known as Summers at South Valley Park, you can find some of the area’s best groups performing a variety of musical styles for your listening (and dancing) pleasure! We also have two movies to enjoy under the stars at South Valley Park: a Moonlight Movie featuring Twilight will be on Saturday, July 26 at 7:30 p.m. and a Family Movie Night featuring Brave will be on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 7:30 p.m. Bring a chair or blanket, a picnic or snacks, and sing along to your favorite songs or snuggle up for a movie. Check out the full schedule.

Keep the fun going all summer long, right here in your backyard. There is lots to do and most of it is free. I hope to see you out and about in the next few weeks and would enjoy the opportunity to say hello!