Sidwell Summer Camp Carpool: Connecting DC & Bethesda

Why do we love Carpool?  We believe Carpool is a big piece of the Sidwell Summer magic.  Carpool is a window into the fun and teamwork that happens each day at Sidwell Summer.  It's where families, campers, and staff engage in the morning to set the tone for a great day at camp, and, in the afternoon, a wonderful night at home with family.  Carpool is where days are made!  

Good Morning!  Carpool is a time for our staff to shine!  As families drop off their children, they get to see friendly faces and are greeted with a warm and (sometimes overly enthusiastic) ‘Good Morning!’  Every Sidwell Summer employee who works at carpool is there by choice.  We’re the first to tell our staff that Carpool isn’t for everyone because, well, let's be honest, it can be overwhelming!  We’ve found that having staff that is comfortable and ready to welcome you makes all the difference and we hope you see that too.

Carpool provides an opportunity for families a window into the fun and teamwork that happens each day at Sidwell Summer.  Carpool is where parents see their child’s face light up when their favorite counselor opens the car door or knows their name!  It’s where your five-year-old shuffle off to meet their new best friends or your thirteen-year-old walk over and high-five their buddies.

We also love Carpool because of what it means for your child(ren).  For children, Carpool represents where the magic begins for your child.  It’s where they confidently say bye to their grown up, greet their counselor like a friend, and greet their friends like family.  Carpool signifies safety upon which the day’s adventures can begin.  It also creates independence - for campers and grownups.  Children are free to explore the world in a safe environment without the direct influence of their grownups.  Grownups are free to be grownups for a little while, whether that time is used for work or managing the household (although, we do hope you plan at least one fun thing for yourself throughout the week!). 

Another reason we love Carpool?  Carpool also serves as a way to build community among families.  Parents often share their experiences and tips with each other, creating a sense of camaraderie and support at Sidwell Summer!  We see this most when a parent drops off a first-time camper, who might cling to their grownup a little bit longer.  This often begets the empathetic, “That was us last year! Don’t worry, they’ll be fine tomorrow.”  It's also a great way to meet new people and build a tribe of parents outside of the academic school year.

Moreover, Carpool is where we see and hear about the camp day.  As families pick up their child(ren), they get to see staff again and hear feedback on their child's day.  This interaction lets families stay informed and involved in their child's camp experience, despite not being campers themselves (again, sorry, we do not offer Discovery Day Camp for grownups!).  For children, it's an opportunity to share stories about their adventures and accomplishments throughout the day.

Carpool is where campers say goodbye to their friends and staff each day.  It's a chance to express gratitude and appreciation for the experiences they had together.  We believe every interaction builds a sense of community and fosters positive relationships among children and staff, and the Carpool interaction is no different!

Finally, Carpool can set the tone for a great night at home with family.  When children are picked up in a positive and supportive environment, they carry that energy with them.  They are more likely to share insights into their experiences and be excited about coming back the next day!

Yes, we know we’re not supposed to look forward to Carpool, but frankly, we do!  Carpool is a focal point of the Sidwell Summer community, bringing families, campers, and staff together.  It serves as a way to set the tone for a great day, foster positive relationships among campers and staff, and allows you a window into the joy that Sidwell Summer is!  So, next time you're in our Carpool line, take a moment to appreciate the importance of this routine and the positive impact it has on our Sidwell Summer community.

If you have additional questions or need assistance planning your (Sidwell) summer, please contact us at summer@sidwell.edu or 202-537-8133.