Bullis Summer Camps Offer Fun and Unique Opportunities

Learning to walk a tight rope, launch a rocket, compete in an Olympics, become familiar with American Sign Language—these are just some of the many skills that over 2,000 campers are mastering this summer at Bullis’ wide assortment of summer programs.

Forty-three exciting and interesting subject camps and 17 athletic camps are offered in the seven-week program which draws to a close next week.

Darlene Haught, Director of the Bullis Summer Program explained that many of the popular and well-attended camps are offered year after year—but she also had talent coming to here asking to bring their camp to Bullis.

“We look at the enrollments from the previous year and then explore new offerings too," Haught said. "This year we have added 10 new excellent camp programs and have expanded several others at the request of instructors who want to offer even more great experiences for our campers.”

Some of the more unusual camps at Bullis this year are the Circus Camp Stars, taught by professional entertainer Michael Rosman; the innovative Coach Doug’s Space Adventure Camp; Total Golf Adventure: Par for the Course which takes place at Trotter’s Glen Golf Course; Wide World of Sports and Wilderness; Handwork Machine Sewing; and Fishing…Now and Forever.

Kids also enjoy learning to cook at the Bullis Culinary Academy, studying forensic biology at CSI Bullis, exploring Mad Science: Earth, Space and Beyond, and even flying in a four-passenger aircraft in the Aviation Camp.

Many of the instructors are Bullis faculty members and others are contract instructors with vast experience and impressive resumes.

The Circus Camp instructor, Michael Rosman, is himself a consummate showman. A graduate of the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus Clown College, Rosman is a comedic juggler and unicyclist who has appeared in numerous venues, including cruise ships, Las Vegas and the Late Show with David Letterman. He works with campers on juggling, plate spinning, acrobatics, clowning and even stilt walking! 

“We outlaw ‘bored’ in the first five minutes of this camp!” said Rosman.

Alison Crosby teaches the Bowen McCauley Dance: Studio to the Stage camp. Crosby trained at the Maryland Youth Ballet and the Joffrey School in New York City.

Another unique camp is the Handwork: Machine Sewing, taught by The Handwork Studio LLC of Narberth, PA. The instructors teach practical arts such as knitting, crocheting, hand and machine sewing, embroidery, quilting, fashion and crafts—lost arts for many young people today.

The Bulldog Day Camp is another popular option for campers aged 4 ½ to 10. Director Marty Berger started it more than 10 years ago and kids return year after year for the activity-filled sessions. Swimming, sports, arts and crafts, and theme days are highlights of each week. Every Thursday, the campers are taken on an exciting field trip. One of the counselors stated that the kids, and the counselors go home every day excited about the day—but worn out from all the activities!

These camps challenge, educate and fascinate as well as provide an interesting way to spend part of one’s summer. Haught states that one-third of the campers are Bullis students. Many other campers hail from Potomac and other nearby communities. 

“We even had three campers who were French and spoke no English, but they loved the camp and were able to develop their English skills,” Haught said.

Although the camps are nearly finished for this summer, the campers have enjoyed their experiences—and look forward to returning next year.