The First Family Heads to Camp David This Weekend

President Obama will spend the weekend at Camp David, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney announced in his briefing Thursday. The first lady and their two daughters, Malia and Sasha will join him. This will be Obama's 17th visit to the compound since becoming president.

Camp David is the president's country residence, located in a secluded area of Maryland's Catoctin Mountain Park. It provides the family a getaway for solitude and relaxation.

While previous presidents have been known to spend a lot of time at Camp David, President Obama is a different story. Michelle Obama has said that her husband does not care for the rural getaway all that much because he is an urban guy.

The last time the first family spent time at the compound was October 2nd, 2010.

Mr. Obama's predecessor, President George W. Bush, spent many weekends at Camp David with aides, advisors and heads of state. By comparison, at the same point in his presidency, President Bush visited Camp David 62 times.

The first family will leave for Camp David on Friday, which happens to be youngest daughter Sasha's 10th birthday, and return on Sunday.