Active Minds Learning Parkville: An Experiential Learning Adventure
Active Minds Learning Parkville offers a unique approach to education, focusing on experiential learning for children. With programs ranging from summer camps to after-school care, Active Minds aims to provide a structured environment where children can learn through hands-on experiences and engaging activities. The Parkville center, along with other locations, is dedicated to creating opportunities for children to explore, discover, and grow.
Experiential Learning: The Active Minds Philosophy
At Active Minds, the core belief is that children learn best by doing. This philosophy is reflected in their programs, which are designed to provide children with opportunities to experience learning firsthand. Whether it's meeting historical figures like Harriet Tubman on a Gettysburg Treasure Quest or exploring the halls of the White House, Active Minds strives to make learning engaging and memorable.
Mr. Mike, the Executive Director with 12 years of experience in education, emphasizes the importance of connecting field trips to classroom learning. His background in experiential learning and risk assessment ensures that all Active Minds experiences are both educational and safe. The program's focus on experiential learning is tailored to each child’s learning style, ensuring a personalized and effective educational experience.
Summer Camp: A Summer of Discovery
Active Minds Learning Camp offers a wide variety of weekly field trips and activities designed to keep campers engaged and stimulated. The camp schedule is packed with fun and educational experiences, ensuring that children learn while having a great time.
One of the unique aspects of the summer camp is the weekly activity fee, which covers the cost of three field trips, special in-camp activities, transportation, and lunch once a week. Each week is different, with varying activity fees depending on the planned excursions and events. For example, Hershey Week includes lunch and dinner at the park. The standard hours for the summer program are from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
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Staff Spotlight:
Active Minds boasts a dedicated team of educators who are passionate about creating a positive and enriching experience for children. Here are some of the key staff members at Active Minds:
- Ms. Logan: Team Lead and Teacher, graduated from Towson University with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education. She has experience teaching 4th and 5th grade in BCPS and joined Active Minds in 2021.
- Ms. Gillian: Preschool Teacher, certified by the Maryland State Department of Education’s Office of Childcare. She supports the preschool program at Perry Hall, assisting with daily instruction, small groups, and field trips. She joined Active Minds in 2023.
- Mr. Tony: Teacher, supports teachers in the room, on field trips, and in Aftercare during the school year. He joined Active Minds in 2024.
- Ms. Ruth: Teacher, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and History from Philippine Normal University. She is a Substitute Teacher in Baltimore County Public Schools and supports programs at the Perry Hall location. She joined Active Minds in 2022.
- Mr. Josiah: Director, joined Active Minds in Summer 2025.
- Ms. Shulette: Teacher, has a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and joined Active Minds in Spring 2025.
- Ms. Valerie: Support Staff, transports students to and from school for the Before- and After-Care program. She joined Active Minds in Fall 2024.
- Mr. Adam: Director and Teacher, changed careers to follow his passion for teaching and joined Active Minds in Fall 2022. He leads field trips for the Lutherville kids and supports preschool and aftercare.
- Ms. Cassandra: Teacher, currently studying education at Towson University and joined Active Minds in 2024.
- Ms. Gardyn: Support Staff, studying Sociology & Anthropology Pre-law at Towson University and recently joined Active Minds.
- Ms. Caylin: Support Staff, has been working in education since 2021 with experience in School Age programs. She joined Active Minds in 2025.
- Ms. Ashlyn: Team Lead and Teacher, a Physical Education teacher in Harford County Public Schools. She joined Active Minds in Fall 2023 as a teacher in the aftercare program.
- Ms. Lauren: Teacher, a Pre-Kindergarten teacher in Harford County Public Schools and joined Active Minds in Summer 2025.
- Ms. Diana: Director, joined Active Minds in 2022 and became the Director of the Parkville center before leading the Owings Mills location.
- Ms. Carmen: Teacher, has a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, is pursuing a Master’s of Education, and has four years of experience teaching in Baltimore County Public Schools. She joined Active Minds in 2024.
- Mr. Mike: Executive Director, spent 12 years in Baltimore and Harford County Public Schools as a science teacher and special educator. He joined Active Minds.
Aftercare Program: Structured and Supportive
Active Minds' award-winning school-age aftercare program is designed by educators to provide a structured environment and positive experience for children. The program offers engaging activities that are secretly learning opportunities in disguise, ensuring that children continue to learn and grow even after the school day ends.
Financial Assistance and Discounts
Active Minds Learning participates in the Maryland Excels Scholarship Program, which provides financial assistance to families who qualify. The program can cover the majority of summer camp costs, making it more accessible for families. Active Minds encourages all families to check if they qualify for this scholarship, as the income levels have increased significantly due to inflation.
To help families manage the cost of summer camp, Active Minds offers a payment plan that includes a deposit with two or three payments. The initial deposit includes a $60 registration fee, and the final payment of the activity fees is due the first Sunday in June before camp starts.
In addition to the scholarship program, Active Minds offers several discounts:
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- Sibling Discount: 10% off for all siblings.
- Kindergarten Discount: 10% off.
- Summer & Aftercare Discount: 20% off summer camp tuition when also signing up for the Fall Aftercare program, plus a bonus 10% savings on the first two quarters of Aftercare tuition.
Parent Testimonials: Real Experiences
Parents rave about the positive impact Active Minds Learning has had on their children. Here are some testimonials from parents who have experienced the benefits of Active Minds firsthand:
- Jennifer J.: "Active Minds has been by far, the best camp Jordyn has ever attended. The camp offers a wide variety of weekly field trips packed with tons of fun and educational activities that keep campers thoroughly stimulated and engaged."
- Lauren G.: "Active Minds Learning Camp is fantastic! One of my son’s favorite trips was to the Ravens Training Camp."
- Courtney R.: "Ashton really enjoyed Active Minds Learning Camp. She learned so much over this past summer."
- Parent: "My son is in 3rd grade & has been with Active Minds since Kindergarten. It's almost like a second home to him with how comfortable he's been with the staff and students. He gets to meet kids from other schools which he really likes."
- Parent: "Active Minds has been such a great place for our son and daughter. They have engaging activities which are secretly learning opportunities in disguise 🙂 The owners are wonderful and the staff is top notch. We have been sending the kids here for years and they care for our children as though they were an extension of our family."
- Parent: "My 8-year-old son loves Active Minds camp. He’s attended the last 2 summers and is looking forward to this summer. He loves the activities, field trips, and swimming days. He’s made friends at camp. Staff is professional, fun, and kind."
- Parent: "This camp is everything they advertise and more. I am so glad I found them. My child has learned so much. She comes home and gives me lessons on what she learned. She loves all the trips she never wants to miss a day of camp. The camp leadership and the staff are all about the kids."
- Parent: "I love Active Minds! I sent two of my kids there over the course of a few years - both over the summer and also for before/after school care. I never had to worry because I knew that they were safe and having fun and making friends."
- Parent: "This is my daughters second year in Actives Mind Learning Camp and she simply loves being a part of it!! I like the fact that they do a lot of outdoor activities. The staff is very friendly and caring too!!"
BBB Accreditation and Rating
Active Minds Learning is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). While BBB Business Profiles provide valuable information, it's important to note that the BBB does not verify the accuracy of information provided by third parties and does not guarantee the accuracy of any information in Business Profiles. When considering complaint information, it's essential to take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.
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