Nurturing MD Day Camps for 4 year old--ESF, Barrie, or others?

[Anonymous]

My DD has been in the same daycare/preschool since she was 3 months old, but I have been disappointed with the summer "camp". I would like a camp with nice activities, but more importantly, one that has kind & nurturing staff...thinking about ESF at Georgetown Prep or Barrie Day Camp. WE live in Rockville, but can travel a bit for the right fit.....

So, anyone have a fabulous experience with ESF or Barrie or other camps?

Also, when do you sign up before it is full--any tips?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I'd consider skipping ESF. It's definitely not as nurturing as it looks or aspires to be. The counselors assigned to the children are quite young, so they can be uncertain what to do when problems come up.

[Anonymous]

I'd suggest Camp Sonshine. My 5 year old went for the first time this summer, and she loved it. Good activities, and definitely what I'd call nurturing.

[Anonymous]

I had a number of friends who really liked the Kaleidoscope program held at Sidwell's Lower School. My children are older (8 and 10) and did the Travelers language program and soccer, but these friends had 3 1/2 and 4, 5 year olds and really liked the activities, small campus, and nurturing teachers.