Restaurant Review: Vandalia Grille

On my last visit to 212 Hale Street, I was a twenty-something with a boyfriend and no kids. I was trying to find my place in Charleston. At that time, the location housed the Vandalia Lounge, a comfy and crowded upscale bar. Nearly ten years later, I’m a married mother of two and the Vandalia has done some changing of its own. Now Vandalia Grille, it’s grown into what it really wanted to be, or at least what I wanted it to be: a cool and relaxed space for people who love food and good company. 

The menu offers small plates, designed to share, as well as salads, wraps, sandwiches, burgers, pizza, and sides. The selection is an inspired combination of traditional fare and foodie flair that hits a mark many restaurants miss. In a one-page menu, Vandalia Grille managed to offer at least 14 options that made me say, “mmmmmm, that sounds good.”

The famed sweet potato fries sat atop my must-try list, after recommendations and raves about their deliciousness from multiple friends. The fries did not disappoint. They were the perfect combination of crisp and tender and came with two dipping sauces that were the brand of special that keeps you coming back. I ordered them with a Mediterranean Veggie Wrap because I’m a sucker for anything with feta cheese and balsamic dressing. The wrap was good, filled with tasty grilled vegetables, fresh lettuce, the feta and dressing, but I think I would have been just as pleased with the Mediterranean salad (same ingredients, minus the wrap).

The restaurant’s décor remains much like I remember the lounge’s: casual, with cushy leather couches and sitting areas; modern, but warm. The occasion for my visit was lunch with friends. The kids stayed home so I can’t speak directly to family-friendliness, but I did notice other patrons with children in their parties. While The Vandalia might be perfectly receptive to guests who fall under the required height to ride the big coaster, I think it’s the kind of place I’d rather save for date night or lunch with the (grown up) girls.

Our server (Big Mama, according to the check), was friendly and down-to-earth without being unprofessional or too familiar, and she was just the right amount of attentive. A group of moms on a lunch break have a lot to say to each other. Big Mama totally got it and took care of us while giving us the space we needed for conversation.

Charleston doesn't always embrace the friendly and open spirit that many associate with West Virginia, maybe in an attempt to distance itself from other stereotypes and generalizations about the state. Food, as well as the atmosphere and manner in which it’s served, can be both relatable and distinguished. Vandalia Grille is doing it right.

Vandalia Grille

212 Hale Street

Charleston, WV 25301

(304) 343-4110

Vandalia Grille on Facebook

Restaurant Reviews Archive

Qdoba Mexican Grill
Buffalo Wild Wings
Pies & Pints/Lola's

Rockin Robin's Burgers and Shakes

Five Guys Burgers and Fries

Hillbilly Hot Dogs

Mama Said: Baby Talk

One of our Mama Said moms will be welcoming a new addition this fall! In celebration and preparation, I asked the moms to think back to the hazy days of baby and give us some advice. A couple of the Mamas also tried out two innovative new baby products, the Hug-a-Bib and Clippy Cloth. The stay-put bib and burp cloth were inspired by babies and designed by a mom. Here’s what our moms had to say about all things baby.

Mama Tried

A satisfied Hug-a-Bib customer.
(photo courtesy of Hug-a-Bib.com)

Hug-a-Bib, $11.99, on sale for $9.99 until September 30, 2013; Clippy Cloth, $19.99, on sale for $14.99.

“I loved using both the Hug-a-Bib bib and the Clippy Cloth. I found the bib a bit awkward to use at

first, especially on a teeny-tiny baby, but once I got the hang of putting it on, it was very handy and well made. The cloth on both items is super soft (100% cotton on the outer layers), and both seemed absorbent. While I typically only use a bib for one meal, I was able to use the Clippy Cloth for hours. It stayed in place once I clipped it to my shirt, and stayed clean and dry for the most part.

The bib has a cool Velcro strap that attaches around the baby’s back to keep the bib in place. And, it worked. The bib stayed right where it should, which is particularly nice when the baby gets a bit older and grabs it (or is this only my kids?). The downside with the Velcro is washing it. It reminded me of my hook-and-loop cloth diapers (that’s right, I am Team Snaps!) when the Velcro would wrinkle and wear. The other downside is drying it. I chose to lay it flat to dry, although the directions say to tumble dry. They also recommend attaching the Velcro before washing and drying, which helps with the wear. Even waiting on the bib to dry, I totally think this bib saved me laundry. It was large so it had good coverage while my baby ate. 

At $11.99 and $19.99, I would find these products a bit too expensive to buy for myself, but both would make a great baby gift to others.”                 - Rachel 

“I thought the hug-a-bib was a great idea when I put it on her. She wouldn't be able to pull it up or off and it would stay put to protect her clothes better. However, as she ate her meal the bib scrunched up to her neck with the belt part scooting up her back. It was like it needed to be hooked to her pants to keep it down. As a result, it really did not work any better than a regular bib.

The Clippy Cloth is a great idea for those wiggly babies like mine. It clips to your shirt and keeps the burp cloth on your shoulder to give the mom or dad one less thing to juggle.”       - Tracie

Mama Answered

Q - What was or is your number one, can't-live-without-it piece of baby gear?

Happy baby = happy mama!

A – “I remember praising the Pack ‘N Play when the boys were babies. We took it everywhere. We'd even take one to the beach on vacation and put them under the tent when they were ready for naps! We also lived off of a portable DVD player when we would go out to dinner! It sounds bad, but between the ages of 18 months to 2 1/2, it kept them from burning down the restaurant!   - Angie

A – “I have a tie for the number one item - a playpen and a bouncy seat (those vibrating chairs).

Anytime Kara was fussy, I could put her in that seat and she would instantly calm down. The playpen allowed me to take a shower, go to the bathroom, clean, etc. without having to worry about the babies rolling under furniture or something crazy.”     - Melissa

A – “I have to say the Pack ‘N Play as well. I took Alexander with me to the law office where I worked every day until he was two years old. The Pack ‘N Play was the changing table; he napped in it, and it's where I put him down to play for a few minutes when I had to do some actual work that required both of my hands. And at the end of the day, it became storage for all of the blankets and toys.”  - Vicki

A – “The motorized swing was our life saver. We spent a small fortune in batteries, but it was well worth it. After that, I would have to go with the bouncy seat.”     - Sosha

A – “My number one piece of baby gear was definitely the $25 vibrating seat. Both of mine loved it! I made sure to have one at both my mom's and my mother-in-law's houses! It was small enough to take everywhere, and was an instant soother! Both of my babies liked to be a part of whatever action was going on, so I loved that it sat them in an upright position, so they felt like they were a part of whatever was going on!”     - Nikki G.

The vibrating, "bouncy seat" is a soother for many infants.

A – “I loved the bouncy seat! Roselyn was in my arms at most times but thanks to the bouncy I was actually able to shower every now and then. Something I still love is my rocking chair. I certainly recommend a comfortable one in case the mom ends up sleeping in it as much as I did. Those are some of my favorite moments even though at the time I was exhausted.”    - Tracie

A – “Does my mom count as baby gear? If not, I would have to say the ExerSaucer once she became mobile. It gave me a place to trap her while I mopped the kitchen or vacuumed the carpet. Plus, she really enjoyed it.”  - Bobbi Jo

A – “I love my diaper genies. They really save on the stench that comes from even putting pee diapers in the trash. I put the little baking soda discs in the bottom and as long as you don't let the bags go until the look like a stuffed sausage, you won't be bombarded with a stinky room. I have one downstairs in the living room and one in the bedroom. Swear by them.”     - Anika

A – “I absolutely loved my Moby Wrap when my babies were itty bitty. We got bonding time when we were out and about (instead of always keeping them in their car seat) and both of my girls loved it! In fact, I loved several of my baby carriers. My favorite now is my Beco. I carry my two-year-old on my back, and it's great!”       - Rachel

A – “My favorite piece of baby equipment, although I certainly didn't have a fancy one, was our stroller. My boy was too heavy to carry right away. We would never have left the house without it.”   - Nikki C.

A – “Cradle swing! My boys both slept in it for much of their newborn days. Buy two sets of rechargeable batteries for it and a charger!”     - Richelle

Q - Best baby advice. Real deal advice. The advice you'd like to give an expecting parent, even if it's not something you would actually say to a friend in person.

Fresh air and a little conversation can transform a bad mom day.

A – “It's easier said than done sometimes, but make sure you have help and support lined up.

Someone to talk to about all that parenting entails is a lifeline.” 
- Nikki C.

A – “Get out of the house! Even if you just walk outside with the baby. The sun or just the fresh air has amazing powers!”     - Tracie

A – “I would say don't listen to most of it! I have learned that parenting is very much like anything else, people do it differently. And that's okay. It's all right if you don't do everything just like your mom or your mother-in-law, listen to your motherly instincts. Figure out what your niche is, and it will be great.  – Angie

A – “My baby advice is for the ages of 5-6 months until whenever. Don't be a germ freak. It will build their immune systems to eat a little dirt. I am not saying you should allow them to eat rocks, sticks, grass, or handfuls of mud on a regular basis. However, once in a while a little grit doesn't hurt them either. At 13 months, Alexandra was crawling around on the deck at our house. I saw her pick something up and put it in her mouth. When I walked over and saw it, I wanted to die. It was one of those woolly caterpillars. I didn't freak and yank it. I was afraid she would bite it in two. So, I calmly and gently wiggled it from her lips. It finally came free and she went back to playing. I didn't sanitize her mouth with Listerine or anything. I just let her play. Alexandra was never on an antibiotic until she was 13 years old. I have no scientific or medical proof, but sucking on a woolly caterpillar for a few minutes as an infant may be the solution to many pediatric health issues.”   - Bobbi Jo

A – “It's not going to be perfect. It is a guarantee that your baby will crawl, talk, walk, or potty train later than you plan. And that is okay. Relax and enjoy this time.”    - Melissa

Take a deep breath and come back another day.

A – “Learn to go with the flow. If you arrive for your appointment at the photo studio and your child won't cooperate or is cranky, reschedule and leave; come back another time. Save yourself and everyone else a lot of unnecessary stress and let it go.”   - Vicki

A – “Relax! Take advice from others, but know that it might not work for you. And don't sweat the small stuff!    - Nikki G.

A – “Sleep and snuggle!!! Take a nap when the babies, or toddlers, do. Don't think you have to run around doing quick chores. Hug those little ones up and enjoy the quality time. One day they won't want to snuggle anymore because they're "older" and you'll wish you hadn't laid them down to go load the dishwasher.”    

                                                                                                              - Anika

A – “Trust your instincts and take advice (especially unsolicited advice) with a grain of salt. You are the mommy, and mommies tend to have some pretty good instincts. Just because Grandma Sally stops you in the store and says, "I did this with my babies 74 years ago, and they turned out just fine..." does not mean that is right for you and your baby. Oh, and cuddle those babies!”     

                                                                                                         - Rachel

A – “Throw all those damn books out. Well, don't throw them out, but make sure that you use them only as guidelines and not the gospel. Follow your instincts and remember that what worked for your best friend, sister, mama, etc., may not work for you... and that is okay. Also, I don't want to scare anyone, but I think it is important for people to know that there is a good chance that your marriage/relationship is going to go through some rocky times during the first year to 18 months. Hold on and work through them. And my last piece of advice is that new moms should make time to go out by themselves or with their friends (no baby, no husband). - Sosha

A – “Listen to the baby, not the "schedule," the neighbor, the Internet, etc. A newborn baby is NOT trying to manipulate you by crying. She needs something, even if it’s just to be held. At that age, a baby's wants ARE its needs!”    - Richelle

Learn about the moms of Mama Said, including those featured here.

Disclosure: The Hug-a-Bib and Clippy Cloth were provided at no charge for the purpose of evaluation and review of the products.

We want to hear from our readers!  How can our panel's years of experience and wide-ranging areas of expertise help you?  We're opening the floor for parenting questions for our moms to answer and seeking products for review!  E-mail us at kvalleyparent@gmail.com.

Mama Said Archives

Organize Your Life

Walking the Green Tightrope
School Me
Meet the New Mamas
Meet the Mamas of Mama Said

Spring 2013 Kids' Quips & Pics

"While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about." ~Angela Schwindt

Twice a year, Kanawha Valley Parent has the privilege of offering our readers an incredible opportunity: a chance to win a photography session and portrait package from Heather Smith Photography. Readers submit their children's funniest, most adorable quotes and pictures. Favorites are chosen on our Facebook page and the winner and top nine runners-up are featured here. These are the picks from our Spring 2013 contest. Enjoy, and stay tuned for Fall 2013!

It's a Bird, It's a Plane...

"Great idea, Super Daddy!" 

 ~ Luke, age 2 1/2

She Who Giveth

Mom: "Bayla, we have got to do a major toy purge. I'm giving what you don't play with to poor kids."

Bayla, age 3: "Well, I am going to give your clothes to their moms!"

 

Know-it-ALL

"Ut hum, MOM! I already know ALL that, DUH!!!!" ~ Logan, age 4

Kiss and Smell

Daddy: "Hey, Lila, did you kiss any boys at school today?"

Lila, age 4: "No, but Orville tried to make me smell his armpit and I didn't."

The In Crowd 

"Since mustaches are in, Daddy is cool now." ~ Kara, age 8

Role Play

“Daddy’s job is to clean the car; Mommy's job is to cook everything; and my job is to fight the bad guys." 
~ Lily, age 4

Hawaii Four-1-1

Caleb, age 6, shows me a picture of a tropical paradise. He looks at me and says "Mommy, doesn't this look like a picture of Hawaii?" Caleb has never seen a picture of Hawaii, so I was wondering where the sudden interest came from. He then says, "Mommy, do you know the real name for Hawaii?" I could tell he was 100% serious about this, so I humored him and said, "I am clueless, enlighten me." Straight faced, he looked at me and said, "Florida!"

She's a Keeper!

After 11 months of being a big brother, Sam, age 4, said: "Mom, I decided I finally really like sister so I want to adopt her, that way we can keep her forever!"

Strong Supporter

"Mmmmmmm, I didn't know there were hot dogs after the March of Dimes walk!! Go ahead and sign me up for next year." 
~ Kellan, 11 months 
(captioned by Mom)

On a Roll

Eli, age 6, while roller skating: "You paid a lot of money to watch me fall!!"

For more adorable kids and hilarious quotes, see the top ten from our fall Kids' Quips & Pics contest here!

Time to Vote!

The quips are in! Here are the adorable kids who entered our Spring 2013 Kids' Quips & Pics Contest. Visit Kanawha Valley Parent on Facebook to see the funny things these kids had to say, and to vote for your favorites!

Kids' Quips & Pics, Spring 2013 - slideshow

Summer Camp Guide Additions

We've updated our Summer Camp Guide! The new listings include camps and classes in ice skating, hockey, science, soccer, gymnastics and more. Give it another look and get planning!

Spring 2013 Kids' Quips & Pics Contest

It's that time again! Kanawha Valley Parent is teaming back up with Heather Smith Photography to give away a free professional photography session and portrait package (a $375 value!) to one very lucky reader! Here's how to enter: Send your child's funniest, sweetest, most adorable quote, along with a picture and the child's first name, to kvalleyparent@gmail.com. Is your tot too tiny to be tossing out one-liners? Send us a snapshot with your best caption. Pictures will be posted in an album on our Facebook page and the entry with the most likes and/or comments will win the photography package, plus a featured space on our "Kids' Quips & Pics" page!

We will be accepting submissions until May 1, 2012 at noon. All photos and quotes will be published to Facebook in an album at that same time. Voting will begin on May 1 and continue until May 8, 2012 at noon. The lucky winner will be notified and announced here and on Facebook.

Our Spring 2012 winner, Brooklyn, and family
Photo by Heather Smith Photography

Runners-up will also be included on the KVP "Kids' Quips & Pics" page. Please submit only by e-mail and do not post photos directly onto the Facebook page. Comments and likes on entries posted directly to the page will not be counted. Only entries included in the album will be eligible to win. By submitting your quote and photo, you authorize Kanawha Valley Parent to publish these materials on our Facebook page and web site. You may enter one quote/photo for each child in your family. The free portrait package offer must be redeemed by November 8, 2013.

To recap:

1. Go to Heather Smith Photography to see how much you will treasure having Heather capture your family memories.

2. E-mail your kid's best hilarious quote, first name, and a picture to kvalleyparent@gmail.com by noon on May 1, 2012.

3. Visit Kanawha Valley Parent on Facebook from May 1-8 to like and comment on your favorite quips & pics. Tell your friends to like Kanawha Valley Parent and vote for your child!

Good luck!



See the winner and runners-up from our fall Kids' Quips & Pics contest here.

Summer Camp Guide

Whether you're looking for an activity to keep the kids busy, an opportunity for growth and education, or a little bit of both, our summer camps and activities listing has options for everyone! We hope to add new camps as local businesses and organizations finalize their summer program plans. Have fun out there!


Lil' Bears Music Studio (Karen Morris)
kmorrismusic@earthlink.net
(304) 610-7699
Who: Ages newborn-7 years.
What: Summer music programs, including a mommy and me class for ages newborn to 18 months, Creatures at the Ocean, Music for Little Mozarts, Appalachian Arts, and Jumping Beans.
When: June 2-August 4, June 10-July 16, June 11-July 9, June 17-21, July 8-12, and July 15-26, 2013.
How Much: $75-$200 (discounts for multiple children).

A happy camper at Alpine Bible Camp.

Alpine Bible Camp, 161 College Drive, Mt. Hope
(800) 806-2180
Who: Ages 5-18; Family camp for all ages.
What: Week-long sleep-away and day camps with a focus on outdoor adventure.
When: Available June 3-August 3, 2013.
How Much: $40-$340/week, plus registration fees.


Appalachian Children's Chorus, Oakwood Baptist Church, 855 Oakwood Rd., Charleston
(304) 343-1111
Who: Grades 3-9.
What: Choral day camp.
When: June 3-7, 2013, 8:30 a.m.-noon.
How Much: $50.


Christ Church United Methodist, 1221 Quarrier St., Charleston
(304) 342-0192
Who: Ages 2-4, Grade K-5.
What: Preschool and elementary day camps with after-care available at an additional cost.
When: Available June 3-August 3, 2013.
How Much: $75-$125/week.


First Presbyterian Church, 16 Leon Sullivan Way, Charleston
(304) 343-8961
What: Can-Do Week; Bible School with activities highlighting intentional acts of kindness.
When: June 3-5, 2013, 5:00-7:30 p.m.
How Much: Free.


The First Tee of WV, Coonskin Park, Charleston (also available in Mt. Clare, Morgantown, Huntington, Chapmanville, Parkersburg, and Lewisburg).
(304) 391-5000
Who: Ages 5 and up.
What: Six-week sessions, 60-90 minutes of introduction to the game of golf and its inherent values.
When: June 3-July 19, 2013.
How Much: $50-$75/session.


Mad Science of West Virginia, Oakwood Centre, Charleston
(304) 205-5479
What: Week-long enhanced science camps at Mad Science; basic camps are also available to be hosted at your location (school, community center, etc.).
When: Enhanced camps: June 3-7, 10-13, 17-21, and 24-28, 2013, 9:00 a.m.-noon; July 8-12, 15-19, 22-26, and 29-August 1, 2013, 9:00 a.m.-noon and 1:00-4:00 p.m.
How Much: Enhanced: $200/session; Basic: $120/session (per child).


Maverick Gymnastics, 3406 Chesterfield Ave., Charleston
(304) 925-3004
Who: Ages 2 and up.
What: Recreational gymnastics classes; eight-week session.
When: June 3-July 26, 2013
How Much: $100 for eight-week session.


Quantum Sports Center, 3548 Teays Valley Rd., Hurricane & 58th St., Charleston (Kanawha City)

Kickin' it at Quantum Sports Center.

(304) 562-1020
Who: Ages 4-17.
What: Sports day camps for various age groups and levels of expertise. Multi-sport for younger kids or more challenging and technical/specific soccer camps for older children. Quantum will also bring their Team Camp to your practice facility.
When: June 3-August 2, 2013 (one week per camp).
How Much: Non-member: $200/full day, $100/half-day per week; Member: $160/full day, $80/half day per week.


WVU Extension Service, Kanawha County 4-H, Camp Virgil Tate, Charleston
(304) 720-9573
Who: Ages 9 and up.
What: Week-long overnight camps featuring fun evening campfires and opportunities to learn skills including archery, cooking, arts, sports, and science.
When: June 3-7, 2013, ages 13+; June 10-14, ages 9-12.
How Much: $190, scholarships and reductions available.


YMCA of Kanawha Valley, 100 YMCA Dr., Charleston & 5113 Rocky Fork Rd., Cross Lanes
Charleston: (304) 340-3527, Cross Lanes: (304) 776-3323
Who: Kindergarten - age 15.
What: Day camps; dance, football, baseball, soccer, and tennis are among the themes offered.
When: June 3-August 9, 2013.
How Much: $75-$155/week.


St. Andrew Nursery School, 246 South Pinch Rd., Elkview
(304) 965-KIDS
Who: Ages 2-4, Grades K-5.
What: Week-long day camps. A different theme each week throughout the summer, with topics including music, animals, science, and more.
When: June 4 - August 8, 2013. Morning only: 8:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Afternoon only: 1:00-5:30 p.m.; Full day: 8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
How Much: Half day: $80/week; Full day: $145/week.

Learn from the coaches at UC.

University of Charleston, 2300 MacCorkle Ave., SE, Charleston
Who: Ages 4-18.
What: Sports day camps: football, basketball, women's volleyball, softball, and soccer.
When: June 6-August 10, 2013 (various camps throughout the summer).
How Much: $50-$175.


The Wilderness Christian Camp, Gay, WV
(304) 512-1162
Who: Grades 3-6, 7-12.
What: Three to 20-day overnight camps with a thematic focus on outdoor adventure, survival, character-building, and Christianity.
When: Various camps offered from June 6-July 6, 2013.
How Much: $79-$525.


Charleston Baptist Temple/New Beginnings, 209 Morris St., Charleston
(304) 395-4311
Who: Ages 3-9.
What: Day camps with varied themes: Pirate Treasure, Arts & Crafts, Hawaiian Luau, Animal Adventure, and Music Makers.
When: June 10-13, 24-27, July 8-11, 22-25, and 29-August 1, 2013; 9:00 a.m.-noon.
How Much: $90/session.


Revolution Gymnastics, Tyler Plaza, Cross Lanes
(304) 941-FLIP
Who: Ages 18 months and up.
What: Gymnastics classes, nine-week session.
When: June 10-August 9, 2013.
How Much: $72-$169 for nine-week session.


River City Youth Ballet, 4110 MacCorkle Ave., SE, Charleston
(304) 925-DANC
Who: Ages 3 and up.
What: Ballet programs and camps for all skill levels.
When: June 10-14 and 24-28, July 9-18, 27-28, and 29-August 1, 2013.
How Much: $53-$150.


River Ridge Church,  2090 Greenbrier St., Charleston & West Teays Elementary, 3676 Teays

Valley Rd., Hurricane
(304) 347-8585
Who: Ages 4 (by June 30, 2013) - rising 6th graders.
What: Big Kick Soccer Camp presents the Gospel to kids in a fun and inviting way within the context of a great soccer camp. Great leaders, good soccer instruction, some zany characters and the truth of the Bible make for a great summer experience that participants in the past look forward to all year.
When: June 10-14, 2013 in Charleston, June 17-21, 2013 in Teays Valley.
How Much: $45/child, $15/additional sibling.


South Charleston Memorial Ice Arena, Shops of Trace Fork, South Charleston
(304) 744 4ICE
What: Fun Camp (Day), Hockey Day Camps, and Figure Skating Camp.
When: Fun Camps: June 10-14, July 1-5, and 15-19, 2013, 9:00 a.m.-noon; Hockey: June 17-21, July 22-26, and 29-August 2, 2013; Figure Skating: July 8-12, 2013.
How Much: $115/one Fun Camp, $190/two, $270/three; Figure skating and hockey camp costs will vary.


West Virginia Chaos, Shoenbaum Soccer Stadium, Coonskin Park, Charleston
(585) 329-2092
Who: Ages 2-12, middle school, high school and college.
What: Balconi Top Training soccer day camps, with a focus on enhancing skill level.
When: June 10-14, 2013
How Much: $125-$275


Putnam County Parks and Recreation, 1 Valley Park Drive, Hurricane
(304) 562-0518
Who: Ages 3-16.
What: British Soccer Day Camps from Challenger Sports provide players of all ages and abilities with the opportunity to receive high-level soccer coaching from a team of international experts.
When: June 17-21, 2013.
How Much: $90-$180.


Beyond the Backyard, camp held at Coonskin Park, Charleston
(866) WV-WOODS
What: Outdoor Adventure Day Camp.
When: June 22, 2013
How Much: TBD.

Get artsy with Charleston Stage Company.

Charleston Stage Company, held at West Virginia State University, Institute
(866) 390-ARTS
Who: Preschool-Grade 12
What: Day camps offer quality hands-on experience in the performing & visual arts through structured classes taught by professional artists. Projects prepared in each class are presented in a final showcase at the end of each camp.
When: Preschool-Grade 2: June 24-28, 2013, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Grades 3-6: July 1-12, 2013, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Grades 7-12: July 15-26, 2013, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
How Much: $150-$300, plus fees. Scholarships available.


The Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences, One Clay Square, Charleston
(304) 561-3570
Who: Grades Pre-K-12; family camps for all ages.
What: Summer Discovery Camps. Nature day camp at Kanawha State Forest; day camps at the Clay Center with various themes: building, film making, acting, animals, and art. Family day camp for all ages (one adult must be included.)
When: June 24-28, 2013, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; July 1-5, 10 a.m.-noon; July 9-12, 10 a.m.-noon; July 15-19, 9 a.m.-noon; July 22-26, 1-4 p.m.; July 23-26, 10 a.m.-noon; July 25-26, 6-9 p.m.; July 30-August 2, 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m.; August 6-9, 9:30-11 a.m.
How Much: $20-$135/session.


St. Albans Studio of Dance, 808 B St., St. Albans
(304) 727-7150
What: Summer session of children's dance classes, including tap, ballet, lyrical, modern, hip-hop, jazz, twirling, tumbling and more. 
When: June 25-July 30, 2013
How Much: $65.



Did this listing help you find the perfect summer camp or activity? If so, please let the businesses and organizations know that you found them on Kanawha Valley Parent!


Do you offer a summer camp or activity for children in the Charleston, WV area. Contact us at kvalleyparent@gmail.com. We would love to add your camp to our list!