Why We’re #1

What makes Headfirst the #1 summer camp in the Washington, DC area? There are so many reasons! We're able to host our camps at the first-rate facilities of the area's top schools. Our experienced, top-notch staff and excellent camper to counselor ratio (6:1 for younger campers and 7:1 for older campers) allow our campers to benefit from individual and small group learning, whether they are doing an art project, a science experiment, learning to swim or perfecting their athletic skills. Our emphasis on effort over results allows campers to discover, make friends and have fun in a positive environment.

Perhaps the best way to describe why we’re #1 is through our name: H.E.A.D.F.I.R.S.T.

We hold our programs to the highest professional standards at all times. This applies to the organization, preparation, and execution of all camp programs, as well as the facilities we use and the skills and life-lessons we teach.

The hallmarks of all Headfirst programs. Coaching and teaching the “Headfirst Way” requires a substantial output of positive energy — an energy that is enthusiastic and contagious. Each program director and counselor is responsible for creating a warm, welcoming and fun positive camp environment.

Positive attitudes are contagious and prevalent in all Headfirst Camps. Positive attitudes promote a team environment and foster growth. Our goals are to teach and instruct, but also and more importantly, to provide a fun and exciting atmosphere at camp. If each camper enjoys his experience enough to want to participate again either next season, summer, or school year, then we have succeeded with our mission.

Headfirst Camps are unique. Our “special sauce” comes from the energy, enthusiasm and care we put into everything we do. From the minute a family arrives at camp through the end of the week, every element of a camper’s experience is faithful to the Headfirst approach.

Everyone has an “emotional tank,” the level of which is constantly in flux and controlled by the surroundings and happenings of our daily lives. When emotional tanks are full, campers become more teachable and better enjoy their experience. At Headfirst, we believe “teach-ability” in our campers is a variable – and one that we are able to positively influence.

We provide instruction of the highest level to our campers. As counselors, coaches, teachers and mentors, we continuously seek to improve our curriculum. With this approach we constantly improve our ability to teach the camp programs we love.

Our experienced and dedicated “positive motivators and teachers” — counselors, coaches, teachers and mentors — lead by example each and every day in a positive and encouraging manner.

Creating a safe environment for our campers is the highest priority at all times. Our staff is trained to be safety-aware and cautious at all times. During camp we are constantly alert and aware of potentially unsafe situations — and regularly perform “worst-case scenario” checks throughout the day. If we think something could happen, we assume it will happen. Anticipation and prevention are our greatest tools for maintaining a safe environment around our programs.

We are all part of the Headfirst Team, relentlessly faithful to the philosophy of the “We” over “Me.” We strongly encourage all campers and counselors to be “other centered” as opposed to “self-centered” at all times, supporting their fellow campers and counselors while respecting each and every individual.

Our twin daughters were at Headfirst for the vast majority of the summer in Multi-Sport, Cooking, Science and Xploration, and they had an amazing experience learning new sports, meeting new friends and thoroughly enjoying the attitude, motivation and energy of the PMTs. Thank you for your commitment to their fun, your unwavering commitment to safety and your dogged determination to provide all critical and useful information in a timely fashion. We look forward to future Headfirst experiences.

Rebecca Ross-Brown

2013 registration is open! Join the fun this summer! »