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.
Day Camp Rising K-Rising 1stFriends from day one
A classic camp experience built around belonging, leadership, and growth.
Welcome to summer.
Day Camp blends active play, creative exploration, and group challenges into a dynamic summer experience for growing campers. As campers build friendships, try new activities, and take on greater responsibility, they gain confidence and a strong sense of belonging. Counselors intentionally create moments that help campers lead, collaborate, and feel proud of who they are becoming.
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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.
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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.
Care you can trust.
“Every day Sarah and Roman came home smiling and full of stories — and loved going to camp each morning. The staff is excellent, and I always knew my kids were being cared for. That peace of mind means everything.” Cheryl L.
Spot • Create • Celebrate
At Headfirst, confidence is designed. Our camps create intentional experiences where kids feel seen, known, and celebrated — so they’re encouraged to try new things and take safe risks.
Our staff follow a simple approach: Spot when a camper is ready, Create the opportunity, and Celebrate the breakthrough.
Our Approach
Trying leads to believing. And swimming.
“Our son had a blast and even became more comfortable with the water as a result of the daily pool time and supportive environment. He’s still learning how to swim so we are very pleased with that milestone!” Day Camp Parent, Bethesda, MD
Day Camp Details
Day Camp offers rising Kindergarten and 1st grade campers a joyful, story-filled summer where they explore, create, and build friendships in a warm, supportive environment. Guided by weekly themes, campers dive into hands-on projects, imaginative play, and playful challenges that spark curiosity and connection. Our counselors intentionally use the Spot–Create–Celebrate approach to support Headfirst Moments—when campers try something new, build confidence, and head home proud of what they accomplished.
- Ages: Rising Kindergarten–1st Grade
- Hours: Monday–Friday, full-day programming; Extended Day available
- Locations: Offered at all Headfirst sites
- Camper-to-Counselor Ratio: 8:1 for safety and individualized support
- Instructional Swim: St. Albans/NCS, St. Patrick’s, and Mater Dei
- Water Play: Available at Flint Hill School
Swim and water play are thoughtfully woven into the Day Camp experience with safety and comfort as top priorities. At select locations, campers participate in instructional swim in small groups led by trained staff, focusing on water comfort, basic skills, and confidence. At other locations, campers enjoy age-appropriate water play—such as sprinklers and inflatable water features—providing a fun, refreshing way to cool off. All water activities are carefully supervised so campers feel secure, supported, and ready to enjoy every part of the day.
Each day at Day Camp follows a lively, age-appropriate rhythm built around a fun weekly theme. Campers rotate through activities such as music and movement, sports and games, art and STEM, and Storytime—designed to spark imagination, creativity, and connection. Daily swim or water play adds another highlight, while counselors intentionally support Headfirst Moments as campers explore new ideas, practice early independence, and grow in confidence. Throughout the day, campers feel encouraged to participate, collaborate, and take pride in what they create.
Weekly themes turn Day Camp into a new adventure each week, inspiring everything from group games to creative projects and Storytime. Themes such as Mission to Mars, All Paws on Deck, Revolutionary Robots, and The Greatest Show on Earth spark imagination and keep each week feeling fresh and exciting. Paired with daily swim or water play and supportive small-group activities, these themed experiences help campers explore, create, and build confidence in an environment designed for joyful discovery.
Locations
Bethesda, MD
- Mater Dei School
Northwest DC | Cathedral Heights
- St. Albans School & National Cathedral School
Northwest DC | Palisades
- St. Patrick’s Episcopal Day School
Oakton, VA
- Flint Hill School
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