All results / Stories / Marilyn Campbell
How to Prepare for Summer Camp Away
Many emotions arise when a child leaves for camp.
Julie Kaminski remembers the language from her desperate letters to her parents: “I love you. I want to come home now!” She recalls penning a dramatic plea to be rescued from residential summer camp more than 40 years ago. Today, Kaminski is preparing for her daughter's first camp experience away from home this summer.
Mental Health First Aid
County program offers insight into mental illness and teaches strategies for intervention.
Leslie Roberts recalls hearing a mother talk about getting her stepson admitted to a psychiatric hospital. “Her stepson was angry and acting out,” said Roberts. “She didn’t understand what her stepson was doing.”
Lessons in Charitable Giving
Conversations, modeling behavior and hands-on actions can help teach children about benevolence and compassion.
Matthew Mamalian’s holiday shopping list included some items that might seem atypical for a 12-year-old middle school student: shampoo, socks, soap and a few snacks.
Gifts for the Home
Local shop owners offer suggestions to make holiday shopping easier.
While holiday shopping is part of the spirit of the season, for some choosing a present for everyone on their list can be overwhelming. Local small business owners come to the rescue with gift ideas for the home.
A Stylish, Budget-friendly Kitchen in Alexandria
Local homeowners transform their kitchen, without breaking the bank.
When Janet and Frank McDermott purchased their Alexandria home in 1997, it was already outdated.
Combating Holiday Stress
Local experts suggest turning to yoga and meditation to relax.
Marybeth Montoro says her entire body relaxed as she lay stretched out on a yoga mat for savasana, a relaxation pose, at Pure Prana Yoga Studio in Alexandria, while her yoga instructor guided the class through a breathing practice.
PTSD: Recognizing and Healing
During PTSD Awareness Month, clinicians work to educate public on the disorder.
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Create a Back-to-School Game Plan
Educators tell how to make the transition less jarring.
As a single mother of a fifth grade student, Christine Schull is already making back-to-school preparations.
Quick Relief for Holiday Stress
Simple strategies for bringing down anxiety levels in a hurry.
“Listen to your favorite relaxation music on your iPod as you shop. It can help reduce anxiety in overcrowded shops. Reserve time to relax or meditate at peak times of stress.” — Michelle Walters-Edwards, Marymount University
A New Era at Local School
Matthew Gould tapped as head of Norwood School.
When the 2014-2015 school year opens in a few weeks, Norwood School will have a new leader at the helm. The Board of Trustees for the Bethesda school named Matthew A. Gould, Ph.D., as the new head of school earlier this month. Gould replaces Richard T. Ewing Jr., who retired from Norwood after 35 years. “Having grown up in the D.C. area and worked in various schools for the past 25 years, I was well aware of Norwood’s reputation as one of the largest and finest kindergarten-through-eighth grade schools in the country,” said Gould. “I was impressed with Norwood’s deep commitment and passion for educating the whole child in a joyful, nurturing and challenging learning environment. It was important for me to be in a school community that puts children at the center of everything.”
Academic Camps Combine Education and Fun
Local camps help students maintain school skills in a relaxed environment.
One summer Ana Lado created a summer camp activity for students at her neighborhood pool. The Marymount professor set up a picnic area, and included activities and books. Her plan was to engage the students and give them the opportunity to read and build reading skills while still enjoying fun activities traditionally associated with summer.
July 4th Safety
From swimming to fireworks, safety precautions for a festive Independence Day.
It was a near accident at camp last summer that sparked action by one parent. Elementary school-aged campers splashed in the pool. Everyone was having fun. Then tragedy almost struck.
Local Researchers Address ‘Concussion Culture’
Education and proper health care are keys.
With the impending warmer weather comes an increased number of children participating in outdoor activities. Some local health care professionals and researchers are issuing words of caution.
Uncorking the Possibilities
Local builders say wine storage options are almost limitless.
From those who sip an occasional glass of Chianti with friends to enthusiastic oenophiles, the notion of owning a wine cellar is fascinating to many people. In fact, a recent U.S. Luxury-Home Market survey by Wine Trends, a wine-consulting firm, showed that 67 percent of respondents were interested in incorporating wine storage into their homes.
Discussing Racial Injustice with Children
Books and visual art can help begin difficult conversations.
As horrific scenes of police brutality and images of passionate protesters fighting for racial justice are ubiquitous in a smartphone and social media obsessed society, parental control over information that children receive can be limited. Framing and discussing such issues can be equally as challenging.
A COVID-19 Summer Gives Time for Reading
From current events to mysteries, books can fill time and lead to lively family conversations.
During a recent 12-hour car ride to their summer home in Michigan, the Leland family finished two books, “Bridge To Terabithia” by Katherine Paterson and Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
Gentle and Subtle Resolutions for 2021
Try small, simple and achievable goals
For 2021, local mental health professionals advise being gentle with yourself when creating the daily schedules and resolutions that often come with the beginning of the New Year.