What are your thoughts on Potomac School's summer camp?

[Anonymous]

My 4 year-old daughter started Potomac School's summer camp last week for a 6 week program (2 three week sessions). Everyone raved about how great it is and how happy she will be. She has had 4 accidents in 7 days. Not once did I get a phone call or an incident report. Am I over-reacting on this or is this a terribly over-rated program? I am not at all impressed with the lack of communication and very surprised at the situations that have arisen. What are your thoughts?:

1. peed in her panties the first day (they did send home a note about that. Very uncharacteristic of her- she is not one to have accidents and I am a mother of 3, so I know they happen.)
2. ripped part of one toenail off at the pool on the second day (which they bandaged and was really no big deal, but I only found out about it when I was bathing her later in the day and saw the bandage)
3. another child rubbed used chewing gum onto her favorite stuffed animal toy cat- when they had requested kids to bring in their favorite animal for show and tell. this is an animal she sleeps with every night and I was disgusted to have to remove a stranger's child's chewing gum from my child's toy...
4. got a huge, huge "raspberry"- raw, raw skin and large abrasion all down one side of her leg from an accident on the playground- this one happened yesterday and I was completely horrified when I saw it. Especially since no one bothered to call me or say anything about it! I am actually hoping this doesn't scar.

That is it for now but I am anxious now and would appreciate anyone's feedback.. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

That is appalling. I'm so sorry your daughter is having an experience like that. I don't think that you are over-reacting at all.

It looks like their summer camp is licensed by the State for childcare. It sounds like they are not filling out injury reports properly, and you might want to lodge a complaint in hopes of improving things.

http://www.dss.state.va.us/facility/search/licensed.cgi?rm=Inspection;Inspection=32422;ID=16344;search_keywords_name=potomac

My 7 year old is at camp there right now. It's our first experience with their summer camp and so far we are very happy with it, but your post makes me hesitant to send our 4yo DD to camp there next year (which we were considering). Is your DD in the half-day or full-day program? Please post again about how this progresses.

[Anonymous]

She is in the half day program. Thanks for your feedback.

[Anonymous]

I think I would call the school administration about the fact that you are not getting feedback or injury reports. Do you know if the camp counselors are regular teachers there? It sounds like a teacher problem to me - I doubt they could've prevented the injuries from what you write but they could've let you know in writing or discussed it during pick-up. My child has gone to Little Langley for a couple years and always seemed to have a great time if you are looking for somewhere different.