US: Mid-Atlantic Family Vacation Camps – Affordable Fun. 
The idea of being a kid again, even if only for a short time, is attractive. A family camp vacation requires no skills and there are family camps to fit all family types. Learn to sail with your teen off Annapolis; go river rafting or zip lining; spend a weekend sharing nature.
Here’s the scoop. Family camps provide an economical way for parents to bond with their children in a kid-friendly atmosphere while someone else takes care of the details. Some are pure camps that allow adults along with kids, some are hybrids that are really resorts with great activity programs and other are learning sessions customized to families. We have found some interesting summer vacation options for families.
West Virginia: ACE Adventure Center Resort Family Campy Vacations. While not officially a family camp, the location, accommodations, central lodge, and daily activities create a family camp atmosphere. Each family group determines the activities of the day for each member. The menu includes guided zipline canopy tours, whitewater rafting on either the New River or the Gauley, kayaking, mountain biking, rock climbing, rappelling, hiking, volley ball, horseback riding, beach time, and swimming in the lake. They make a family vacation easy to manage by including your place to sleep, eat and play, all in one package.
Bonus points: The location with all of its benefits is ideal for a reunion large or small. (ACE Adventure Resort, Oak Hill, WV. Call toll-free 1- 888-223-7238, direct (304) 469-2651 or
www.aceraft.com)
Pennsylvania: Dingman's Ferry, Poconos Family Nature Weekends. The Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) is based along the Delaware River within the 77,000-acre Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and is within driving distance of New York City & Philadelphia. From February through October each year PEEC conduct seasonally themed weekend family camps. Programs include cross-country skiing and, animal tracking in the winter to nature hikes, crafts, and campfire in spring. Summer and fall months include interpretive hikes, animal presentations, fishing, canoeing, and crafts. All family camp weekends include lodging, meals and snacks as well as social and recreational activities that are perfect for families, friends, and relatives.
Bonus points: To make the weekend a camping adventure, PEEC also has tent platform camping sites available. Here’s the deal: They offer discounts for commuters, children eight years old or younger and for families attending multiple programs. (Pocono Environmental Education Center Dingmans Ferry, PA USA 18328. (570) 828-2319 or
www.peec.org)
Pennsylvania: Preston Park, Camp Wayne Father – Son Weekend. Located in the northeast corner of Pennsylvania approximately 2 ½ hours from New York City or Philadelphia is a summer sports heaven for boys. The camp complex includes more than 400 acres and two private lakes. Name your favorite sport and it is likely they offer some version of it. The campus features: golf, mini golf, tennis, baseball, le Crosse, volleyball, football, watersports, and zip lining.
Bonus points: They are known for exceptional Sports Specialty Camps dedicated to improving skills while having fun.
Here’s the deal. Each August the Camp reserves time for “Father – Son Weekend” that offers dads a chance to get in on the fun. This special weekend includes activities that nurture relationships and facilitate the making of memories. (Camp Wayne for Boys 15 Camp Wayne Road Preston Park, PA 18455. (516) 883-3067 (winter), (570) 798-2511 (summer) or
www.campwayne.com)
Maryland: Sailing School for Families. With numerous family orientated sailing clinics, Annapolis Sailing School is perfect for families with teens to learn to sail together. For example, “Become a Sailing Family” is a seven-day program for families of three to six members. It begins with “Become a Sailor in One Weekend” (created for children 16 and older), a course which is followed by a five-day cruise on a 30-foot sailboat. For children 5-15, the parallel course, KidShip, teaches them to sail so they too can join you on the family cruising course. For the weekend portion sleeping arrangements are at a nearby hotel.
Bonus points: Another option “Sail into History” combines our Monday through Friday "Beginner" course with accommodations and is ideal for families with children 8-15 years old. (Annapolis Sailing School 601 Sixth Street Annapolis, MD USA 21403. Toll-free 1-800-638-9192 or (402) 267-7205 or
www.annapolissailing.com)
Content researched and written by FTF staff. Images provided by ACE Adventure Resort. Updated Copyright 2012.
