Camp CDS will return in the Summer of 2021 with all the great activities that have drawn you to CDS in the past. Please watch for information regarding Priority Registration which will begin January 25, 2021. In the meantime, do not hesitate to contact camp@countryday.org if you have any other questions.

Programming for Camp CDS 2021 has been adjusted to be in accordance with CDC guidelines. THERE ARE NO WEEKLY OPTIONS FOR THE SUMMER OF 2021! Registration for each program is by Full Session Only.

Session 1: June 21 - July 9 (no Camp July 5)

Session 2: July 12 - July 30

Camp CDS is a fun-filled experience for young children. Camp CDS is a relaxed time for exploration, self-expression and socialization in a variety of age-appropriate activities throughout our campus. The camp, staffed by experienced early childhood teachers and assisted by students, places children in small groups that ensures careful supervision as the children enjoy the best of summer.

Camp Theme: Summer Olympics

Terrific Toddlers

For children older than 16 months by 6/15/2021 but younger than age 3 by 9/30/2021

Terrific Toddlers must attend program with a parent or caregiver. This twice per week class for our youngest campers is held on Thursdays and Fridays for 1 ½ hours each day. Our Director of Parent Education, Dr. Rene Hackney, leads a parenting discussion for half the class on Thursday, tackling topics such as cognitive development, tantrums, facilitating newfound independence, and more. The other half of the class is time for parents to lead children in play modeled and facilitated by two teachers. Fridays will be spent playing on the playground, learning circle games, songs and enjoying art projects and water play. Terrific Toddlers is offered Thursday and Friday mornings.

Tiny Splashers (Threes)

For children age 3 by 9/30/21

These younger campers spend their days in a nurturing environment having lots of fun with outdoor exploration, outside water play with sprinklers, art projects, games, stories, and music. It is a great time to build independence, learn through play, and make new friends. Tiny Splashers is offered Monday-Thursday, mornings only.

Little Dippers (Fours)

For children age 4 by 9/30/21

The Little Dippers spend their busy days swimming in our pool, challenging themselves on our playgrounds, investigating natural attractions and playing new games. Their days are rounded out with art projects, stories, music and more. Little Dippers is offered Monday-Friday, mornings only.

Kickin’ Kids (Rising Kindergarteners)

For children entering Kindergarten

Kickin’ Kids is a part day program that embraces the best summer has to offer. Whether it be time in the pool, an outdoor art project, camp songs, or playground fun, these campers engage in hands-on learning and complex projects. Kickin’ Kids is offered Monday-Friday, mornings only.

Outdoor Adventure Squad (Mixed Ages)

For children age 4 by 9/30/2021 through rising 1st graders

Outdoor Adventure Squad is a mixed-age group. A typical camp day includes swimming, playground fun, outdoor art and time for a lunch brought from home, as well as rest time. Outdoor Adventure Squad is offered Monday-Friday, full day only.

Playful Pals

For children who are age 4 by 9/30/2021 through rising 1^st graders

Taught by our School and Developmental Psychologist, Dr. Rene Hackney, this mix-aged, play-based class reinforces a range of social skills such as entering ongoing play, managing emotions, and solving social conflicts. The children also participate in swimming. Playful Pals is offered Monday-Wednesday, mornings only.

Stay & Play

For children age 4 by 6/15/2021

This summer we are offering Stay & Play in the afternoons to help meet your family's extended day needs. Stay & Play is available to children enrolled in full day programs, beginning at your child's camp class dismissal carpool time and running through 5:00pm. Children enjoy unstructured play outside until pickup. Stay & Play is offered Monday-Friday by full week only.

Please note that all programs are subject to minimum enrollment in order to be offered and are subject to change before contracts are issued.

As part of the Country Day community, you are invited to attend the evening parenting series workshops facilitated by Dr. Rene Hackney, CDS Director of Parent Education. We hope that you will have an opportunity to attend one or all of Rene's workshops.

When can I register for camp?

Priority registration opens for CDS families begins in January 25, 2021, and opens to the general public after Friday, February 1, 2021. Registration is first come, first served, with a waiting list maintained as many programs do fill quickly.

How do I register?

Please fill out our online registration form for each child attending. A non-refundable deposit, which will be counted toward your total camp payment, is also required and can be conveniently paid online. Once we have your registration and deposit, a signed copy of the contract we will send you along with full payment must be received by April 26th. All health forms, emergency and authorization forms, proof of identity, and applicable medication and allergy action forms are due by May 31st.

What are the dates of Camp CDS?

The first session of Camp CDS runs June 15-July 2 (there is no camp on July 3), and the second session runs July 6-24, 2020. Campers can enroll for one or both 3-week sessions, or by week in the Weekly Wanderers and afternoon classes.

Does my child have to be a CDS student to attend Camp CDS?

No, while we have many CDS students at camp, we welcome campers from a number of other area schools and children for whom this is their first experience in a camp or school setting.

Does my child have to be potty trained to attend camp?

No, we welcome campers at whatever level of potty training they've attained. Each classroom has easy access to child-sized bathroom, most of which have changing tables. We do, however, require that children be reliably potty trained to enter the swimming pool; alternate arrangements will be made for any children during pool time as appropriate. Children in the Tiny Splashers and Terrific Toddlers classes do not go to the pool but instead, participate in water play regardless of potty training level.

What makes Camp CDS unique?

Unlike some other camps which employ an outside summer staff, the vast majority of our camp classes are staffed by experienced early childhood educators with experience at Country Day School, assisted by trained high school and college students. Our on-campus pool, designed for young children with steps and a gentle slope into shallow water, makes swim instruction safe and convenient, and allows for additional private lessons for those interested. Our numerous playgrounds provide a variety of physical challenges in the beauty of nature. Camp CDS offers a variety of class options to meet the different scheduling needs of our families, and provides memorable experiences like Camp Sing, pony rides, and much more! We strive to continue the safe, nurturing environment which is a hallmark of Country Day School throughout Camp CDS.

What is a typical day like at Camp CDS?

Every class is different based on their schedule of enrichments, age and focus of the program, and the interests of the campers. All children arrive at their designated 10 minute carpool window and transition into their camp day. A typical day for a part day program might begin with playground time, followed by swimming or water play, after which children change into dry clothes and enjoy a camp-provided snack together. Each day incorporates either indoor or outdoor learning and play centers which include art projects, age appropriate toys and blocks, dramatic play, and more. Programs tend to end their day with a story and songs before their 10 minute departure carpool window. Children in 4- or 5-day programs also have weekly artclasses and special activity times such as pony rides or moon bounce, and may include Camp Sing as well. Children staying for a full day classes also enjoy a lunch brought from home and a rest time at midday.

My child has allergies, can Camp CDS accommodate our family?

Camp CDS is an allergy aware program and we make every effort to safeguard children with allergies. Snacks provided by Camp CDS are nut-free, and children's lunches brought from home may not contain nut products. In the case of other life-threatening allergies we may ask parents to refrain from sending certain items, as well. All camp staff are trained in CPR, first aid, and administering emergency medications including epinephrine auto-injectors (ex. EpiPen). Children with allergies that require emergency medication kept on hand must have an Allergy Action & Medication Release Form on file and provide the medication in its original box with prescription label if applicable. Please note that our campus does have several nut trees on the grounds.

Where can I locate information about camp fees?

Our camp program prices are listed on the fees page.

My family travel plans overlap with one of the camp sessions, can I get a reduced rate for our absence?

Unfortunately we cannot offer reduced fees for absences in camp programs offered by the session. Our Weekly Wanderers and afternoon classes are, however, offered either by session or by individual week and offer more flexibility for a busy schedule.

My child has only ever attend morning programs, what can you tell me about your afternoon program options?

Our afternoon programs provide campers with the same general schedule as the morning part-day programs, but with a focus unique to the afternoon classes and with the added benefit of being available by the week for those with summer travel plans. The Getting the Most Out of Play class begins with a lunch time together during which children and teachers can share stories from the day, discuss the afternoon schedule, and enjoy a packed lunch from home.

Afternoons at Camp CDS tend to have fewer children on campus and thus allow for camp classes to roam the playgrounds and have the freedom to undertake larger-scale projects in unoccupied classrooms. Water play and swimming seem even more appealing under the afternoon sun. An afternoon program can also be a great option for children transitioning to a full day or afternoon program in the coming school year as it allows children a change to adjust to a new schedule in a relaxing environment. Each classroom has a cozy corner and our playgrounds have shady spots if a child who is growing out of nap time needs a place to rest. Many families also find that avoiding the morning rush is a nice choice, as well!

How do I sign my child up for private swim lessons?

An email with more information will go out to registered families closer to the start of Camp CDS. Private lessons are available for an additional fee per class Monday through Thursday after morning classes depart, before afternoon classes arrive, and at the end of the camp day. Swim lessons open to all campers who are reliably toilet trained. Individual swim lessons can be arranged for one or more lessons per week, and are scheduled through our Pool Manager directly.

Do you offer extended day in the summer?

We offer early morning and late day care for an extra fee. Early extended care begins at 7:45am for children enrolled in morning or full day classes, and late day extended care is available until 5:00pm for children enrolled in afternoon and full day camp classes. If you are interested in this option please indicate so on your registration form. Please note that extended care programs are dependent upon reaching a minimum enrollment.

How can I register for a full day of camp?

We have a full day class option for children age 4 by 9/30/19 through entering 1st grade. Our Weekly Wanderers class is a full day class in which students stay with the same teachers and peers, for the day. We do not offer a full day option for children younger than age 4 by 9/30/18 at this time. We have discontinued the possibility of combining a separate morning and afternoon program for campers as we found this to create repetition and a few too many transitions for young children, so with the best interest of the children in mind no longer offer this option.

Additional questions? Contact the CDS Camp Office at 703-356-4282 or camp@countryday.org.