What sets Headfirst apart
Everything we do is designed with intention — from how kids are grouped to how progress is recognized — so families can trust the experience and kids can grow with confidence.
Sprouting Scientists Rising 1st-Rising 2ndMade for wonder. Built for discovery.
A playful first step into science, curiosity, and confidence.
Welcome to summer.
Sprouting Scientists is a hands-on science program designed to spark curiosity and make discovery feel exciting and accessible for young campers. Through kid-friendly weekly themes, campers explore science concepts using messy experiments, guided investigations, and playful STEM challenges that encourage them to ask questions, test ideas, and learn from what happens next. With plenty of movement, outdoor play, and water time built into each day, Sprouting Scientists balances exploration and energy—helping campers build confidence, creativity, and a genuine love of learning.
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Growth-Focused Programming
Every activity is designed to build confidence, independence, and skill—not just fill time.
Our approach
Age-Intentional Design
Programs are intentionally designed for each age group—so kids feel confident, capable, and supported.
Community & Belonging
Campers feel welcomed, included, and part of a supportive community from day one.
Daily Swim or Water Play (Location-Dependent)
At most locations, campers enjoy daily swim or water play as a fun, refreshing part of the day.
Nothing here is accidental
We design environments that elevate what kids bring and support how they grow — every step of the way.Built for curiosity, confidence, and connection.
Each day balances structure and freedom — so kids stay engaged, supported, and excited to come back tomorrow.
A Headfirst Moment
It might be the first time a camper jumps into the pool, raises their hand, or leads a team huddle. These moments don’t happen by chance—we design for them, support them, and celebrate them.
Explore Camps
Excited to come back. Every day.
“My daughter has been absolutely thrilled with the activities and how fun and engaging the counselors and fellow campers are. So much that she made me change her plans for the end of summer and stay.” Multi-Sport Parent, Cathedral Heights, DC
Peace of mind, built in.
Families tell us the same thing again and again: their children are happy, supported, and eager to come back — and they feel confident every morning at drop-off.
Sprouting Scientists Details
Sprouting Scientists gives young explorers a playful, hands-on introduction to the world of STEM. Campers dive into age-appropriate experiments, creative building challenges, and discovery-based activities that spark curiosity and encourage exploration. Guided by supportive counselors, campers are encouraged to ask questions, test ideas, and learn from what they observe—building confidence as they discover how things work. With intentional programming designed to nurture early problem-solving skills and imagination, Sprouting Scientists helps kids head home each day excited about what they explored and learned.
- Ages: Rising 1st–2nd Grade
- Hours: Monday–Friday, full-day programming; Extended Day available
- Locations: Available at Flint Hill School and St. Albans/NCS
- Camper-to-Counselor Ratio: 8:1 for safety and individualized support
- Water Play: Daily, age-appropriate water play for all campers
Water play is a fun and refreshing part of the Sprouting Scientists day. Campers enjoy age-appropriate water activities—such as sprinklers and inflatable water features—that allow them to cool off, move their bodies, and engage their senses. All water play is carefully supervised, with close attention to safety and comfort so campers feel secure, supported, and ready to jump back into their next discovery.
Each day in Sprouting Scientists follows a lively, intentional rhythm designed to spark curiosity and build confidence. Campers participate in two hands-on exploration blocks where they experiment, observe, build, and test ideas through playful STEM challenges. A group games period gives campers time to move, collaborate, and connect with friends between creative sessions. This balance of structured exploration and joyful movement helps young scientists stay energized, engaged, and excited about what they’ll discover next.
Weekly themes keep Sprouting Scientists fresh and exciting, inviting campers to explore a new area of science each session. One week might focus on colorful reactions and mysterious mixtures, while another explores crystals, animals, or the natural world. Each theme introduces new questions, experiments, and creative challenges that encourage curiosity and playful problem-solving. With hands-on discovery at the center of every week, campers stay engaged, confident, and eager to see what they’ll explore next.
Locations
Northwest DC | Cathedral Heights
- St. Albans School & National Cathedral School
Oakton, VA
- Flint Hill School
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