Sidwell Summer

[Anonymous]

Does anyone have feedback on the Explorer Day Camp (Wisc Ave) for a 6-year-old? I'm particularly interested in the quality of the teachers/counselors/supervision. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

And how does the Wisconsin program compare to the Bethesda day camp for the same age? (Not the OP, but also wondering...)

[Anonymous]

From the Web site, it sounds like a pretty basic program--nothing fancy, no pool, no specialized instruction a la CASA or Levine. Is that a fair description?

[Anonymous]

Sorry, I think I misstated the name. It's the Junior Explorers--for kids entering pre-K through 1st.

[Anonymous]

My daughter and son did Juniors over the past few years (have graduated onto Voyagers/Explorer now) - each homebase was led by an adult teacher (mostly teachers during the school year, but not Sidwell teachers) with a college age counselor. Nice themes (under the sea, space, etc.) each week and they both loved the daily water play and special guest each week. Mad Science and art were some of the specialties as well - each led by an adult so a nice kid/adult ratio. The program was in the middle school building which has nice open classrooms. My kids really love the programs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:From the Web site, it sounds like a pretty basic program--nothing fancy, no pool, no specialized instruction a la CASA or Levine. Is that a fair description?

Sidwell Summer's Juniors is a traditional program with qualified/experienced adult teachers - specialized instruction comes with the 'specials' like Mad Science, Music (a wonderful teacher from GDS) and the art teacher is phenomenal (Ms. Eliza). Specialized teachers come in at the Explorer Day Camp (grades 2-5, Clay, photography, etc.) and with the ExploreStar (grades 6-9) with professional cartoonists, judge leading Mock Trial, a professional television producer leading Broadcast Bootcamp, etc....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:And how does the Wisconsin program compare to the Bethesda day camp for the same age? (Not the OP, but also wondering...)

Sidwell Summer person here - location is the big difference in the programs when you are looking at K/1st grade. The Bethesda campus tends to have more of a 'community feel' with the nice playgrounds and a smaller program. The DC campus is bigger and more urban - but the children adapt well and the Juniors travel with their teacher and counselor to all activities. Starting with grade 2, participants in the Explorer Day Camp choose their schedule when they apply and create their own weekly schedule (great opportunity to get in some enrichment/'academics' with the sports or arts if needed). On the Bethesda campus, Senior Team participants (Grades 2-5) choose during the program their activities. Both programs offer fun, enriching activities with adult teachers/instructors/coaches - just a different atmosphere. The DC campus is great if you have older siblings looking to do different programs (sports, field trip based, etc) - one drop off point. Please give us a call (202-537-8133) or send an email [e-mail] if we can help!