Camp Guide – Cathedral Heights, NW DC (St. Albans & NCS)

Have questions or want more information? We’re standing by to help you!

• • Email: customercare@headfirstcamps.com
  • Phone Number: (202)625-1921

• WHAT TO BRING – ALL PROGRAMS
  • Masks
    • All campers will be required to wear masks inside at all times and outside unless distanced for a mask break. Please make sure to send your camper with a mask from home clearly labeled with your camper’s name. We recommend sending extra masks with your camper. Headfirst will also have extra child-sized masks for campers who need a new one throughout the day. 
    • Staff will follow these same mask guidelines.
  • Water Bottle
    • Campers will be outdoors for a large portion of the day this year. Please be sure to send your camper with plenty of water and/or a water bottle to refill throughout the day.
    • Water coolers are available throughout the day for refills.
    • Campers will not be allowed to share water bottles, and we encourage you to pack enough water for the day if you are uncomfortable with your camper using camp/facility provided hydration stations.
      • Please note these hydration stations will be cleaned and sanitized daily for the safety of your camper and our staff.
  • Lunch and Snack
    • Pack in a sealed lunch box with your camper’s name and plastic/disposable utensils and napkins
    • Lunch boxes will be kept indoors in a cool place but will not be refrigerated – please include a cold pack
    • Campers may not share food items so please pack unique items for each child if siblings are present
    • Each camper will have one snack provided daily
      • The provided snack will be Goldfish crackers. There will also be a gluten free option. Campers are welcome to bring their own snack if these options don’t meet their needs. We recommend families with campers who have specific food allergies or sensitivities pack their own snack to eat.
  • Sunscreen
    • Apply sunscreen before arrival at camp
    • Headfirst will provide sunscreen for campers
    • If you would like your camper to use a specific type of sunscreen or has any allergies to common sunscreen, please send your camper with their own sunscreen in a labeled Ziploc bag for reapplication throughout the day
    • Campers will be outside a lot during the day, if you pack sunscreen, be sure to pack an ample amount
    • Sunscreen will stay in camper backpacks and taken out for use
  • Sneakers or closed-back shoes
    • No flip flops or sandals

  Please leave cell phones, iPads, gaming devices, other electronic devices, trading cards, toys and stuffed animals, sports equipment and irreplaceable items at home.

For Jr. Day Camp, Day Camp & Multi-Sport I

• Swim Suit for pool or waterplay
  • To maximize swim time, our youngest campers should arrive already wearing their swimsuit with/under their clothing
• Pack a change of clothes (including underwear) for after swimming
• Towel
• Goggles (recommended but not mandatory)

• Due to health and safety recommendations from federal, local and site partners, we will be unable to save any lost items that do not have a name on them.Please be sure to label all items that are sent to camp with your camper(s). Any item with a name tag will be sent home.

Arrival & Dismissal

All authorized drivers will be required to wear a mask during Headfirst carpool pick-up and drop-off to ensure the safety of campers, staff and families.

For safety reasons this summer, parents may have to drive through more than one carpool line to drop off campers in different programs. We will do our best onsite to ensure the carpool is running smoothly for quick drop off! All zones will run carpool from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. 

Zone A, Day & Jr. Day Camp: Zone A is located at 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016 on the campus of St. Albans School. Drop-off and pick-up will occur on Pilgrim Road off of Massachusetts Avenue. Please see the map on your Pick-Up Placard (Page 2) for details and follow Headfirst signs once on campus. 

Zone B, Multi-Sport Camp: Zone B is located at 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016 on the campus of St. Albans School. Drop-off and pick-up will occur on the bottom of Pilgrim Road. Plan to enter on Lynch Gate Road or South Road for quickest access to the Zone B carpool location. Please see the map on your Pick-Up Placard (Page 2) for details and follow Headfirst signs once on campus. In case of inclement weather, please diligently check your email for pick-up and drop-off information. 

Zone C, Innovators and STEM Camp: Zone C is located at 3612 Woodley Rd NW, Washington, DC 20016 on the campus of National Cathedral School. Drop-off and pick-up will occur on 36th Street. Please see the map on your Pick-Up Placard (Page 2) for details and follow Headfirst signs once on campus. 

Siblings: This summer, to align with Headfirst’s Covid-19 policies and to minimize program overlap through cohorting, there will not be one common drop off location for siblings. Families with campers in multiple programs will need to drop off each camper at a separate location. 

AMX and PMX: Zone C and Zone A campers in AMX and PMX will follow their typical carpool route. Zone B campers arriving for AMX in the morning should follow the signs for Zone A drop off. Zone B campers being picked up from PMX should also follow signs for Zone A pickup.

In the interest of camper safety and maintaining an efficient carpool process, we ask that camp families stay in the car during drop-off and pick-up.

Morning Arrival (Drop-off)

Our regular camp hours are 9:00am – 3:00pm.

Please arrive on campus no earlier than the designated drop-off time. Morning carpool will begin at 8:30am and end by 9:00am.

Staff specific to each program will be the primary runners for carpool, allowing campers to go directly into the supervision of the staff working with them through the day.

Afternoon Dismissal (Pick-up)

To help us keep the line moving, be sure to place a completed carpool Pick-up Placard on the passenger side of your dashboard during afternoon pick-up, and ensure that all pick-up people are listed as Authorized Drivers. To print a placard or add authorized drivers to your account, please go to the “Forms” section of your parent dashboard account.

Without this Pick-up Placard or proper Authorized Driver status, our staff will be required to go through our pick-up authorization process, which will add wait time to your pick-up experience.

If you arrive earlier than your designated pick-up time, your camper(s) will still be in programming and not easily available for pick-up. Please don’t arrive early for afternoon pick-up. Our staff will send your car through the carpool line, ask you to find a space to turn around off-site, and then return at your designated time.

Morning & Afternoon Carpool Times for All Zones

• AM Drop-off: 8:30 am – 9:00 am
• PM Pick-up: 2:30 pm – 3:00 pm

We do not have a fridge on-site for our campers to store their lunch boxes or a microwave on-site for our campers to heat up their lunch. Lunches will be stored indoors during the camp day, but may be outside briefly during morning carpool. Therefore, if you are sending your camper with food that needs to be kept at a cooler temperature, we ask that you include an ice pack in your camper’s lunch box. We also ask that you do not send your camper with any lunch items that require reheating.

Also, please include any utensils or other items your camper may need to eat their lunch, as we do not supply utensils.

Campers will eat lunch with their group while following social distancing procedures.

All Camper Health Forms can be completed electronically! You can access this form through the Parent Dashboard and then:

• Select the “Forms” tab at the top of the page
• Click the form named “Health History Form”
• Fill out that form through the portal. Please note: no documents need to be provided or uploaded for this form.
• Click “Submit” to finish the form
• If you have multiple campers registered, repeat the above for each with their respective health forms

MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION AND AUTHORIZATION INSTRUCTIONS

** FOR CAMPERS WHO BRING MEDICATION THAT NEEDS TO BE ADMINISTERED ONSITE **

Please follow the instructions below carefully. If you have any questions, contact us at (202) 625-1921 or customercare@headfirstcamps.com.

If your child is bringing medication to camp, please follow these instructions so we may ensure your child’s safety at all times at our camps.

1. 1. Clearly mark the medication with your child’s first and last name.
   2. Complete and print out the Medication Administration and Authorization form in the Parent Dashboard (instructions below).
   3. Place both of the above into a one-gallon zip lock bag. Seal the bag.
   4. With a permanent marker, please neatly write your child’s first and last name on the outside of the bag.

Upon your arrival at camp on Monday, hand the bag – with both the medication and completed form inside – to the person who greets you at your car or check-in table. We will then walk your child directly to the camp Safety Coordinator.

1. 1. If your camper’s medication must be with them at all times (e.g., an EpiPen or inhaler), the Safety Coordinator will place it in an Emergency Fanny Pack and give it to their counselor, who will wear it on his/her person at all times. If your camper changes groups or transfers into another activity that is supervised by another counselor, the medication will be transferred to the counselor supervising your camper and his/her group. The Safety Coordinator will also provide your child with a temporary red bracelet (this will happen each morning at check-in). We will mark the bracelet with your child’s name on it so his or her identity can be matched to the medication for the duration of the camp day.
   2. If your camper’s medication does not need to be with them throughout the entire day, the medication will remain with our Safety Coordinator so s/he may supervise the medication administration at the appropriate time(s) of day.

Important Notes:

1. The Headfirst Companies will supervise medical administration but will not administer medication directly, with the exception of campers who bring their own EpiPen and are suffering from anaphylaxis, and campers who bring their own inhaler and are suffering from an asthma exacerbation.
2. All medication will be returned at the end of each week. If your camper is attending multiple weeks, please bring the medication bag (including the form) each Monday.
3. If you believe your camper’s medical condition requires additional consideration beyond what was previously outlined, please contact us directly so we may discuss the establishment of a tailored medical management plan.

To complete the “Medication Administration & Authorization” form:

• In the Parent Dashboard, select the “Forms” tab
• Click on your camper’s name, and then select the form named “Medication Administration & Authorization”
• Click on the “Download the blank Medication Administration & Authorization form” link
• Print and complete the document
• Scan and upload the document by following the same uploading steps (in the Health Forms section), and selecting the “Browse…” button to select completed and scanned copy to upload
• Include the copy you printed out in your camper’s zip lock bag with his/her medicine

Extended care is offered on a weekly-basis in the morning and afternoon. Campers can be dropped off as early as 7:30am and picked up any time before 6pm. And since the kids in our Extended Day enjoy a variety of activities, including sports, crafts, and board games, they’ll come home happy (and tired!).

Snack will be provided by Headfirst – choice of Goldfish crackers or a gluten-free option. Campers are welcome to bring their own snack if these don’t meet their needs. We recommend families with campers who have specific food allergies or sensitivities pack their own snack to eat.

To enroll, just add the Extended Day option through the Parent Dashboard or over the phone.

Available by the week only.

• AM Extended Day Tuition: $89/week
• PM Extended Day Tuition: $149/week

SAMPLE EXTENDED DAY SCHEDULE:

For camper safety, Headfirst Summer Camps provides a table during lunch and/or snack that is free from both peanuts and tree nuts, which we call the Allergy-Free Table. If you indicated during the registration process that your camper has a life-threatening food allergy, we request that you complete the Allergy-Free Table Waiver, to indicate whether or not you wish for your child to sit at this table during lunch/snack.

To complete the waiver, please do the following:

• In the Parent Dashboard, select the Forms tab. Click on your camper’s name, and then select the Allergy-Free Table Waiver form. Read the instructional text and questions, and select either Yes or No at the bottom of the page.
  • By selecting Yes, you agree that your child will sit at the Allergy-Free Table with other children and counselors who experience similar food allergies. You also agree that your child will bring a lunch and/or snack that is free from peanuts and tree nuts.
  • By selecting No, you agree that even though your child has a peanut, tree nut, or other food allergy, and may be seated with campers whose lunch and/or snack may contain these common food allergens, you do not feel it is necessary for your child to sit at the Allergy-Free Table.

Please contact us with any questions or concerns.

• Day Camp (rising K & 1st)
  • REPTILIAN RESEARCH
    • Beat the heat of summer with some of the most amazing cold-blooded creatures to ever roam Earth!
• Innovators, Inc. & Innovators, Elevated (rising 2nd – 5th)
  • SHOWSTOPPERS
    • From dramatic monologues to opening numbers, grand finales to overtures, we’ll explore what makes our favorite performances SHOWSTOPPERS.
• Jr. Day Camp (rising Nursery & Pre-K)
  • PREHISTORIC PLAYTIME
    • It’s hard to see your own awesomeness when you’re constantly comparing yourself to the mighty reptiles that once ruled the earth… just ask Lizzy the Lizard!
• Multi-Sport (rising K-7^h)

• Day Camp (rising K & 1st)
  • MYTHICAL CREATURES AND MAGICAL BEINGS
    • During this magical week at Headfirst, campers will explore the mysterious creatures that have echoed throughout legends for thousands of years.
• Innovators, Inc. & Innovators, Elevated (rising 2nd – 5th)
  • DASHING THROUGH THE DECADES
    • Throughout the week, we’ll become pop culture prodigies as we celebrate a new decade each day through its music, games, clothing, and historical events!
• Jr. Day Camp (rising Nursery & Pre-K)
  • FANTASTIC BEASTS FOUND
    •  During this magical week, we’ll explore the legendary creatures and objects of some of our favorite tall tales as we blur the lines between fact and fantasy.
• Multi-Sport (rising K-7^th)

• Day Camp (rising K & 1st)
  • OUR STATE FAIR
    • You’re invited to join Headfirst as we take a trip to state fairs around the country where you will enjoy delicious state fair food, learn about animals, and practice your game playing skills, all while enjoying the sites and sounds of a State Fair!
• Innovators, Inc. & Innovators, Elevated (rising 2nd – 5th)
  • MUSEUM CURATORS
    • The Innovators are commissioned to chair the next great metropolitan museum – inspired-by and featuring artwork solely created by kids!
• Jr. Day Camp (rising Nursery & Pre-K)
  • FUN AT THE FAIR
    • Come one, come all – the State Fair is here at Headfirst and each state is ready to wow!
• Multi-Sport (rising K-7^th)

• Day Camp (rising K & 1st)
  • ANCIENT ADVENTURES
    • During this legendary week at Headfirst, campers will travel back in time to the incredible dynasties of Ancient Asia!
• Innovators, Inc. & Innovators, Elevated (rising 2nd – 5th)
  • MISSION TO MARS
    • 3, 2, 1, BLAST OFF…into a universe of adventure during this week of space exploration!
• Jr. Day Camp (rising Nursery & Pre-K)
  • DIGGING UP DYNASTIES
    • Grab your spades, sieves, and shovels as we dive deep into the amazing cultures of Ancient Asian civilizations.
• Multi-Sport (rising K-7^th)

• Day Camp (rising K & 1st)
  • GREEN THUMBS GALORE
    • Campers will explore farm to table when they learn Gomer wants to grow a garden.
• Innovators, Inc. (rising 2nd & 3rd)
  • NATIONAL PARK NAVIGATORS
    • This week the Innovators discover diverse habitats – including rainforests, deserts, mountaintops, and woodlands!
• Jr. Day Camp (rising Nursery & Pre-K)
  • GROWING A GARDEN
    • When Gomer learns that most food comes from plants, he wants to grow his own garden but isn’t quite sure where to start.
• Multi-Sport (rising K-7^th)
• STEM III (rising 4th & 5th)
  • PATENT PENDING
    • Campers will plan the blueprint, build the prototype, and pitch inventions using littleBits™ award-winning technology.

• Day Camp (rising K & 1st)
  • WOODLAND WONDERS
    • Let’s go on a nature hunt through the woodlands to see what animals and plants we can find.
• Innovators, Inc. & Innovators, Elevated (rising 2nd-5th)
  • GLOBAL GASTRONOMY
    • Whether we’re mastering eggs rolls or rolling pizza dough, this week challenges campers to evaluate, experiment, and explore elements of culinary culture from around the world.
• Jr. Day Camp (rising Nursery & Pre-K)
  • ADVENTURE IN THE WOODLANDS
    • Be on the lookout for squirrels, bears, birds, and trees as we wander through the woods, Headfirst style!
• Multi-Sport (rising K-7^th)

• Day Camp (rising K & 1st)
  • SKIPPING TO OUR OWN BEAT
    • Melodies and harmonies will keep us busy this week as we explore the instrument families.
• Innovators, Inc. (rising 2nd & 3rd)
  • PARTY PLANNERS
    • In our week as Party Planners, we’ll explore festivities from around the world, and then plan our very own camp-worthy celebration!
• Innovators, Elevated (rising 4th & 5th)
  • HISTORY’S MYSTERIES
    • During our Ancient Civilizations week, our budding archeologists and anthropologists will explore the culture and innovations of ancient Rome, Egypt, and Greece.
• Jr. Day Camp (rising Nursery & Pre-K)
  • MUSIC MAKERS
    • Explore the wonderful world of music this week while creating instruments and expressing yourself through song and dance!
• Multi-Sport (rising K-7^th)

• Day Camp (rising K & 1st)
  • OPERATION: SAVE HEADFIRSTAZON!
    • Campers will discover the amazing creatures that live camouflaged under rocks, high in tree branches, and in the rushing rivers of this incredible habitat.
• Innovators, Inc. & Innovators, Elevated (rising 2nd-5th)
  • EARTH CHANGES & NATURAL DISASTERS
    • In our week of Natural Disasters, the Innovators are chasing wild weather while protecting their planet.
• Jr. Day Camp (rising Nursery & Pre-K)
  • JAMMIN’ IN THE JUNGLE
    • It’s time to dive deep into the jungle where we will bounce back from obstacles and discover some of the most dazzling mysteries of our world.
• Multi-Sport (rising K-7^th)

• Day Camp (rising K & 1st)
  • WILD WEATHER
    • Join us for a week of weather watching as we learn about all types of wild weather!
• Innovators, Inc. (rising 2nd & 3rd)
  • MAGNIFICENT MAGICIANS
    • In our Magnificent Magicians week, the Innovators will create wonder in their world by learning sleight of hand tricks, concocting potions, and staging the ultimate illusions.
• Jr. Day Camp (rising Nursery & Pre-K)
  • THE WONDERS OF WEATHER
    • Come explore the different ways we can describe and experience weather through stories, games, and experiments!
• Multi-Sport (rising K-7^th)
• STEM III (rising 4th & 5th)
  • AVIATION ACADEMY
    • Campers will engineer and pilot hot air balloons, parachutes, gliders, planes, helicopters, rockets, and more!

• Day Camp (rising K & 1st)
  • ATLANTIS ADVENTURE
    • Shrouded in mystery and magic, come dive deep within yourself AND the ocean for what is sure to be a treasurable experience.
• Innovators, Inc. (rising 2nd & 3rd)
  • HISTORY’S MYSTERIES
    • Journey with the Innovators as we interpret hieroglyphics, race chariots, mummify fruit, and even stage a mythological wax museum!
• Jr. Day Camp (rising Nursery & Pre-K)
  • DEEP SEA DISCOVERY
    •  This week at Headfirst Camps, the Lost City of Atlantis, once thought to be nothing more than a tall tale, comes to life!
• Multi-Sport (rising K-7^th)

If you’d like to request that your camper be in a group with another camper, you are able to submit a “Buddy Request” anytime between registration and June 1st. To submit a buddy request, fill out the form titled “Buddy Requests” in your parent dashboard account.Each year, we are joined by campers who come to camp with friends, those who come to camp not knowing anyone and many campers who are new to the area altogether. For all categories of campers, and the many in between, we strive to create a culture and group dynamic that aids each child in achieving their personal best and in expanding his or her social comfort zone.

Our Buddy Policy allows families to make limited requests for their child to be paired with friends — while also ensuring that each camp group can be arranged thoughtfully and balanced in such a way that every member of that group is set up to enjoy and make the most of every day with us.

We do our best to accommodate buddy requests as we know how important this can be to our campers. The number of buddies that we guarantee varies by both camper age and the program for which you’re enrolling – please see the table below for more information.