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As summer approaches, many parents are looking to keep their kids engaged, learning, and having fun.

Summer computer coding camps offer a perfect blend of education and entertainment, equipping kids with valuable skills that will serve them well in the future. A local option that’s gaining popularity is the Panda Programmer coding camp!

Here’s five reasons why sending your child to a coding camp can be a game-changer:

1. Boost Problem-Solving Skills

Coding is all about breaking down a problem and finding the most efficient solution. At coding camps, kids learn how to think critically, troubleshoot issues, and approach challenges in a methodical way. These problem-solving translate to every aspect of life, from schoolwork to everyday decision-making.

2. Prepare for the Future

As technology continues to shape the world, understanding coding and the basics of computer science will only become more important. Sending your child to a coding camp helps them develop foundational skills that will help them throughout their life.

3. Ignite Creativity

Contrary to popular belief, coding isn’t just about math and logic — it’s also a highly creative process. The Panda Programmer curriculum is designed to let kids express themselves creatively while learning a valuable technical skill. It’s a fun, hands-on way to see their ideas come to life.

4. Socialize and Collaborate

While coding might seem like a solo activity, it’s often a collaborative effort. At Panda Programmer coding camps, kids work on projects in teams and collaborate with other students.

5. Have Fun

Coding camps offer a fun, interactive environment for kids to explore their interests and passions. Engaging instructors and hands-on projects make the experience educational and enjoyable. Plus, at Panda Programmer’s summer camp, the fun extends beyond coding. Campers have the option to participate in ukulele classes and chess tournaments and enjoy outdoor time as well.

A computer coding summer camp is more than just a way to keep your kids busy during the summer months — it’s an investment in their future. Computer coding is a skill that will continue to open doors for children in countless ways.

Connect with Panda Programmer on Facebook and Instagram today or email [email protected]. Panda Programmer has locations in Gaithersburg, Silver Spring and Bethesda. Visit www.pandaprogrammer.com to learn more.

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Take a step in a new direction.

When: Saturday, January 25 at 11 a.m.
Where: Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center | Montgomery College-Rockville Campus

This story was going to begin like all the best stories. With a school bus falling from the sky. But no one saw it happen — they were all too busy.

Washington, D.C. area native, New York Times best-selling author, and Kennedy Center Next 50 leader Jason Reynolds conjures 10 tales (1 per block) about what happens after the dismissal bell rings.

10 blocks. 10 unique tales. There’s something for everyone across these 10 vignettes about identity, compassion, fear, and friendship — as told through puppetry, dance, music, projections, audience participation, kamishibai (paper theater), and more. This faithful stage adaptation of Reynolds’ award-winning book (Carnegie Medal, Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book, National Book Award for Young People’s Literature finalist, and more) encourages audiences to look both ways not only when crossing the street, but also when acknowledging the people walking by.

This show is recommended for ages 10 and up!

For tickets and information, visit www.montgomerycollege.edu/PAC or call the box office at 240-567-5301.

Written by New York Times Best-selling Author Jason Reynolds. This world premiere is a Co-production with Theater Alliance, adapted by El Chelito and Raymond O. Caldwell, and directed by Caldwell. 

Larry from Rockville, Maryland, couldn’t even walk through the door when he arrived at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center by ambulance.

The chest pain he was experiencing was unbearable, and he was terrified. Within minutes, the medical team at Shady Grove confirmed that he was having a heart attack.

The team quickly cleared the blocked artery and inserted a stent. However, the blockage had triggered an abnormal heart rhythm, requiring the response team to use the defibrillator paddles.

Thanks to their expertise and swift action, Larry’s life was saved that day. It wasn’t just their medical skill — it was their compassion that carried him through the darkest moments.

From the nurses holding his hand in the ICU to the physical therapists encouraging him to take his first steps after surgery, the team at Shady Grove became his lifeline. This is what a local community hospital is all about.

Today, Larry is back home with his family, able to celebrate the moments he thought he’d never see again. He expresses his gratitude to the team at Shady Grove and to the people in the community who support the hospital. Without them, he wouldn’t be here today.

The generosity of the community makes a real difference, and Larry is living proof of that. Please consider a tax-deductible charitable donation to Shady Grove Medical Center, your community hospital.

Together, we can ensure Shady Grove Medical Center remains a beacon of hope and healing for all who need it.

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December 25th Day of Service (D25) is the DMV’s largest volunteer event on Christmas Day.

Over 350 volunteers come out to pack homemade treats, deliver food packages, sing carols to hospice patients, play BINGO at nursing homes and homeless shelters, do crafts with children transitioning out of homelessness, and serve meals to folks in need. Now, in its 38th year, this is a Christmas tradition for individuals and families alike.

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, we invite you to join us for a few hours to do something good and bring some warmth and cheer to people who may not have anyone else to wish them a merry Christmas. All instructions and supplies are provided, along with a volunteer lead to serve as point person for each site.

Choose your project based on location, type of activity, or time of day — we have something for people of all ages and abilities! Volunteer spots go fast but we still have a number of projects that need your help.

Along with sending teams of volunteers out to serve folks in need, we also host a blood drive at our community center, located in Dupont Circle.

Advance registration is required for all D25 volunteer projects, except the blood drive, although making an appointment to donate blood is highly encouraged.