Bethesda, MD
Mater Dei School
Mater Dei has been a flagship Headfirst location for years. A trusted, welcoming campus that feels purpose-built for summer. Our premier Bethesda-area site offers shaded green spaces, spacious indoor classrooms, and an outdoor pool just steps from our learning and changing areas, creating an ideal setting for campers to feel seen, known, and celebrated.
Each week, we design experiences around Headfirst Moments. The breakthroughs that happen when a child tries something new, takes a safe risk, or discovers a new passion. Using our Spot–Create–Celebrate approach, our staff creates days grounded in care, intentionality, and joy.
We’re excited to return in 2026 with the same thoughtful programming, premium experience, and love of summer families expect at Mater Dei.
Please see here for more information on our Summer 2026 offerings at this location:
Available Programs
JUNIOR DAY CAMP
The perfect first camp for your youngest explorer. Our Junior Day campers enjoy hands-on art, music, and sensory play, plus time to make friends and build early independence through our story-based activities. Daily instructional swim is offered as part of programming at our Mater Dei School location.
Ages: Rising Pre-K 3 – 4
Hours: 9am – 3pm
Dates: Week of June 8th – Week of August 10th
Early Bird Price (Until January 7th): $599
Standard Price: $629
DAY CAMP
Everyday exploration happens here, where no day looks the same. Day Campers bring to life a story-based theme through a variety of activities, like arts & crafts, STEM, music, and sports. Creative projects and challenges show them what they are truly capable of! Daily instructional swim is available as part of programming at our Mater Dei School location.
Ages: Rising K – 1st Grade
Hours: 9am – 3pm
Dates: Week of June 8th – Week of August 3rd
Early Bird Price (Until January 7th): $599
Standard Price: $629
INNOVATORS, INC.
Is your camper ready for a challenge? Field trips and expert workshops are included in this creativity-based camp. Campers are presented with a real-world problem to solve, and it’s all hands on deck as they work together through a series of projects that build not only new artistic and creative skills, but leadership abilities as well. Daily recreational swim is available as part of programming at our Mater Dei School location.
Ages: Rising 2nd – 3rd Grade
Hours: 9am-3pm
Dates: Week of June 15th – Week of August 3rd
Early Bird Price (Until January 7th): $599 – $619
Standard Price: $629 – $649
Multi-Sport Camp
It’s all fun and games here, so get active! Each week is different in this fast-paced program. Campers of all skill levels play multiple sports and games each day, becoming better teammates and leaders in the process. Multi-Sport camp at our Mater Dei School location includes daily swimming for all campers. Instructional swim lessons are age-dependent.
Ages: Rising K – 5th Grade
Hours: 9am – 3pm
Dates: Week of June 8th – Week of August 10th
Early Bird Price (Until January 7th): $599
Standard Price: $629
D.C. UNITED SOCCER CAMP
Looking for the most fun week of soccer in town? Play and learn in style at D.C. United Summer Camp! This offering includes five full days of soccer instruction and competition in D.C. United’s custom-built curriculum. Every camper will receive a D.C. United Camp official jersey and two (2) complimentary tickets to a select 2026 D.C. United regular season home game.
Ages: Rising K – 7th Grade
Hours: 8:45am – 2:45pm
Dates: Week of July 20th and the Week of July 27th
Price: $569
Nationals Baseball & Softball Camp
2026 Registration is Opening Soon! See 2025 Information here. The Headfirst Companies are proud to partner with the Washington Nationals to offer Nationals Baseball & Softball Camps at Norwood School! This week-long camp is a home run for young ballplayers and Nationals fans. Visits to Nationals Park are back for 2026!
Ages: Rising K – 7th Grade
Hours: 8:45am – 2:45pm
Dates: Coming Soon!
Price: Coming Soon!
Extended Day
We offer before and aftercare by the week as an option for families to extend their hours in the morning and afternoon.
Our Morning Extended Day (AMX) program option begins at 7:30 a.m. Campers will participate in small activities such as coloring or board games with Headfirst counselors before daytime programming begins.
Our Afternoon Extended Day (PMX) program option runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Parents may pick up campers anytime between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Campers will dive into a variety of engaging activities that are a light extension of daytime programming. From creative art projects and fun group games to goldfish snack and hands-on tinkering, there’s something for everyone! Our flexible curriculum offers plenty of opportunities for campers to choose their own adventures, ensuring they stay active and engaged throughout the afternoon.
- AM Extended Day Tuition: $100/week
- PM Extended Day Tuition: $200/week
Swim
At our Bethesda location we offer a range of swim activities to give our campers a chance to cool down!
Instructional Swim
Our Junior Day, Day, and Multi-Sport I (Rising K- Rising 1st Grade) programs includes daily instructional swim with goals that are kid-specific and catered to your camper’s swim level. Instructional swim is led by the expert Bethesda-based team at FINS Swimming. Your child will be carefully supervised at all times by their small group swim instructor, lifeguards, and counselors with a 3:1 child-to-staff ratio in the pool. Swim progress reports will be sent home weekly so you can stay up to date on your camper’s progress!
Recreational Swim
Our Multi-Sport II+ (Rising 2nd – 5th grade) and Innovators Inc. campers will participate in daily recreational swim. Recreational swim is an opportunity to engage in safe, supervised free swim and pool-based games. Campers will be assessed for use of permitted areas of the pool.
