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Summer camp on your mind? You’re not the only one!
At Sidwell Summer, our team is constantly in a summer-state of mind. Our full-time staff spends the whole year prepping and planning to ensure your kids have an enriching, unforgettable camp experience that they'll be raving about for years to come. Get to know the team behind the fun and some of their favorite memories from Sidwell Summer.
Elizabeth Mayer, Director of Sidwell Summer Programs
Leading the charge is the one and only Elizabeth Mayer, Sidwell Summer's high-energy Director who has been crafting magical camp memories since 2007. A Smith College alum with a passion for education, Elizabeth views "providing a safe, caring, and warm environment for individuals to have fun" as her number one priority.
One of her favorite traditions captures the quintessential camp spirit: "I love tie-dye! It's so fun seeing the creativity shine through in the kids' designs." Elizabeth is eager to kick off another (Sidwell) summer being "at the forefront of the action" while trying to make each year better than the last. This go-around, she can't wait for the themed dress-up days. "I love seeing all that spirit!"
Jocelyn Pollard, Bethesda Campus Coordinator
On the Bethesda Campus, coordinator Jocelyn Pollard is a pro at making families feel right at home from day one. The Howard University and Kaplan grad, with a background in psychology and photography, vividly recalls giving a tour to a new-to-camp nervous family in the spring, before camp started. The young shy camper immediately warmed up, and "their registration went from one week to all summer!" Now entering her 3rd year leading the Bethesda Campus, Jocelyn believes, "it's our goal to open our doors and make friends feel welcome."
Her favorite tradition? The simple summer pleasure of "passing out Friday popsicles treats on the lower field!." Jocelyn hopes every camper "takes with them a feeling of belonging, fun and friends" when they go home each day.
Cate Woodward, Discovery Day Camp Director
As director of Discovery Day Camp, Cate Woodward has a knack for "leading staff to create an innovative, fun camp where kids can learn and play." The American University psychology and literary studies alum loves everything about camp, but especially "Friday Dress Up Days” where campers (and staff!) get to show off their spirit (and wacky outfits)!
In fact, one of Cate's favorite Sidwell Summer memories is an epic duel of "dressing up in themed inflatables with Tanya, Director of S’More Fun and Extended Day, to show off our spirit and see who had the best costume each week." After all, she says, "what's summer staff camaraderie without a little friendly competition?!"
Tanya Tilghman, S'More Fun and Extended Day Director
So it should be no surprise that Tanya Tilghman also loves Friday Dress Up Day… just ask her about dressing up as an inflatable astronaut during 'Out of this World' week last summer! As a lifelong educator, Tanya knows how to lead and have fun.
While Tanya is all about those dress up days, her driving force is nurturing kids' growth and skills, especially those faced with adversity. Her wish for every Sidwell Summer camper is that "they leave feeling seen, nurtured, enriched, and energized."
Jaye Ebanks, Sports Camp Coordinator
Empowering young people is also a top priority for Sports Camp Coordinator Jaye Ebanks, who has been with Sidwell since 2010! The University of Miami alum utilizes "skill building, exploration, and critical thinking to enrich campers' mind, body, and spirit." This year, Jaye is most excited to meet a new batch of campers and witness them gaining confidence and "feeling empowered to try new things," like the unforgettable inflatable obstacle course! Jaye can’t wait to see you on the field or court this summer!
Julie Schofield, Office Manager
Behind the scenes keeping everything running smoothly is office manager Julie Schofield. If you have called or emailed Sidwell Summer, you may already know her as she is the kind and helpful voice on the other end. The University of Maryland health grad treasures reading the heartfelt thank-you notes campers write for the dedicated staff or the kind emails families send highlighting their Sidwell Summer experience. This year, Julie can't wait to lead the behind the scenes efforts to ensure families are happy and informed all summer long!
Elisa Otero, Soccer Camp Director
Elisa is excited to be back at Sidwell Summer as some time away (working on Disney cruise ships!). Her gentle and kind presence is welcomed on the soccer field and beyond at Sidwell Summer! Elisa loves “all the fun that summer camp allows.” While teaching and improving campers soccer skills is a summer goal, ensuring all campers feel included and supported takes top priority. Elisa loves to lead an activity that gets all campers engaged from the start of the day! This summer, Elisa can’t “wait to meet all the new campers and connect with those who are returning” to Sidwell Summer!
Karen McCann McClelland, Director of Auxiliary Programs
With nearly 25 years under her belt at Sidwell Friends School, Karen McCann McClelland is the spirited force developing renowned programs during the summer and school year! ensuring an unparalleled camp experience. She is a passionate creator of "new programs and business ideas" who is focused on "advancing staff through coaching."
During the summer months, Karen loves "seeing people get in the spirit" during dress up days. But most of all, she is invested in ensuring Sidwell Summer is running smoothly and efficiently all summer long.
With this incredible lineup of caring and qualified individuals, who pour their hearts into creating transformative summer experiences, you should feel confident sending your child to Sidwell Summer. Spaces are limited, don't delay - sign up today!
Ready to give your child a (Sidwell) summer to remember? Join us at Sidwell Summer Discovery Day Camp.
Summer is coming - register today as spaces are filling fast!
