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Did you know that there are over 15,000 summer camps in the U.S.? With so many choices, our hearts melt hearing how much campers love spending their summers with us at Sidwell Summer. We’ve worked hard to create a community where kids are celebrated as they learn, explore, and grow while having an amazing experience! Parents often ask us what amazing things their kids are doing. Our Summer Director, Elizabeth Mayer, recently gave a few campers a turn in the spotlight to share why they love summers at Sidwell. You heard it here first!
Sebastian
How do you feel about Sidwell Summer?
I feel very good about it. I've done woodworking before, and I think making a foosball table would be a new experience and a challenge.
Why do you like coming to Sidwell Summer each day?
I like that it’s a big school and they have a lot of materials ready for camp each day. And the counselors are very nice.
Tell me what you like about your counselors.
Max is very nice and lets us do our projects. However, he says we have limited wood, so we have to make things miniature. We can't make something like, like a full-sized cabin! [Come on, Max! 😅]
What I like about Dylan is that I think we're gonna become good friends. He's teaching me how to balance a stick on my finger!
What's one thing you would tell someone who hasn't been to Sidwell before?
I would tell them that you shouldn't be scared. They’re very nice, and you might have new counselors every year.
Psst…if your child is feeling as nervous about camp as Sebastian once was, those day one jitters often don’t last long. It’s part of the experience! Our knowledgeable, caring counselors are ready to lend a helping hand for any activity. In fact, learning how to step outside of your comfort zone is just one reason why we encourage kids to try new things!
Claire
How many summers have you been coming to Sidwell Summer?
Around 8.
Why do you choose to keep coming back?
Because I really like it and it's fairly close to my house. It's really fun and I'm just really used to it.
What‘s your favorite thing about Sidwell Summer?
I really like the Handwork Studio because I get to be creative and make things that I didn't know I was even capable of making. The teachers are also really nice!
Have you been to other camps?
Besides the four years I've gone to Sidwell, I've also gone to Headfirst.
Why do you return to Sidwell year after year?
There's a lot more variety than other camps.
What activity has been your favorite so far this summer?
I really liked the machine sewing at Handworks because I got to make clothes that I might actually wear.
What did you make?
This year I made two dresses, but I’ve made a variety of other things over the years.
I saw you doing something really cool in the STEP program. Tell me about that! Have you had experience with it before?
I've definitely not had experience in acrylic painting. It was really cool to make a dragon. I love dragons! STEP is also really fun because there’s a lot of variety.
Why should someone send their child to Sidwell Summer?
The teachers are really, really nice, and the snacks are good. There's just a lot of variety and I've been going since I was a rising kindergartner. Now I'm a rising seventh grader!
[Note to parents! STEP (Summer STudies Enrichment Program) helps students entering grades 6–9 keep their academic skills fresh. These one-week sessions further develop foundational skills such as writing, math, and critical thinking, while exploring new and fun interests and topics! Not to mention structured learning time to ease the transition into the new school year.]
Jake
Tell me what you like most about Sidwell Summer.
The teachers are nice and I like playing the fun sports and games that my teachers organize. I also like to make art with Miss Sarah.
Overheard around camp(us)!
Camper, age 8, Bethesda Campus –
“Sidwell Summer is the BEST! It is fun and you make new friends and learn new things.”
Camper, age 6, DC Campus–
“I love my teachers and counselors. Everyday is very very fun at camp. I like the Tennis coaches – they helped me when I was trying hard but couldn’t do it. I love making stuff at camp! People are nice at Sidwell Summer.”
Camper, age 11, DC Campus –
“I picked my camp this summer and it’s a lot of fun. All the kids are nice and I’m learning too!”
Camper, age 4, Discovery Junior Day Camp, DC Campus –
“I love the camp. It’s not school, it’s camp!”
And there you have it. What kids love the most about Sidwell Summer, and why they keep coming back for more, straight from their mouths. Thanks so much to Sebastian, Claire, and Jake for taking time out of their busy days to chat with us.