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.
Mater Dei School Bethesda, MD
Summer at Mater Dei
Made for big energy and familiar faces.
Welcome to Headfirst @ Mater Dei School
Mater Dei is one of Headfirst’s flagship campuses — a trusted Bethesda-area location that feels purpose-built for summer. With shaded green spaces, spacious indoor classrooms, and an outdoor pool just steps from learning and changing areas, the campus offers an ideal setting for campers to feel comfortable, confident, and cared for throughout the day.
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30 Years in D.C.
Trusted by generations of families across DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia for over 30 years.
History
Community & Belonging
Campers feel welcomed, included, and part of a supportive community from day one.
Camps at Mater Dei School
Jr. Day Camp
- Nurturing
- Joyful
- Confidence-Building
Day Camp
- Fun
- Engaging
- Inclusive
Multi-Sport I
- Active
- Exploratory
- Confidence-Building
Multi-Sport II
- Active
- Exploratory
- Confidence-Building
Innovators, Inc
- Creative
- Curious
- Empowering
Pro-Sports Camp
Nationals Baseball Camps
- Immersive
- Aspirational
- Unforgettable
Pro-Sports Camp
Nationals Softball Camps
- Immersive
- Aspirational
- Unforgettable
Pro-Sports Camp
D.C. United Summer Camps
- Team-Driven
- Energetic
- Inspiring
Mater Dei Location Details
What to expect at our Mater Dei campus—from swimming to arrival and pick-up
At our Bethesda location, swimming is a central part of the camp day — offering campers a refreshing break, skill development, and joyful movement in a safe, structured environment.
Instructional Swim
Junior Day Camp, Day Camp, and Multi-Sport I campers (Rising K–1st) participate in daily instructional swim designed to meet each child where they are. Instruction is led by the expert Bethesda-based team at FINS Swimming, with small groups focused on comfort, confidence, and foundational swim skills.
Campers are closely supervised at all times by certified swim instructors, lifeguards, and Headfirst counselors, with a 3:1 child-to-staff ratio in the pool. Families receive weekly swim progress updates, so you can stay connected to your child’s growth and milestones.
Recreational Swim
Multi-Sport II+ (Rising 2nd–5th) and Innovators, Inc. campers enjoy daily recreational swim, featuring supervised free swim and pool-based games. Campers complete a swim assessment to determine appropriate pool access, ensuring a safe and positive experience for every swimmer.
We offer morning and afternoon Extended Day options for families who need additional coverage before or after the core camp day.
Morning Extended Day (AMX) begins at 7:30 a.m., giving campers a calm, welcoming start with relaxed small-group activities like coloring, building, board games, and story time—supported by our caring Headfirst counselors.
Afternoon Extended Day (PMX) runs from 3:00–6:00 p.m., with flexible pickup throughout the window. Campers enjoy a lighter extension of the camp day, including creative projects, group games, outdoor play, hands-on tinkering, and a Goldfish snack break. The flexible structure encourages choice, exploration, and connection while keeping kids active and happy.
- AM Extended Day Tuition: $100/week
- PM Extended Day Tuition: $200/week
Drop-off and pick-up take place at Mater Dei School, 9600 Seven Locks Road.
- Morning drop-off: 8:30–9:00 a.m.
- Afternoon pick-up: 2:30–3:00 p.m.
Please remain in your car and follow posted signage—our team runs a friendly, efficient carpool system to keep arrivals and departures smooth. Additional carpool details will be shared with enrolled families as summer approaches.
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Enrollment is open, and camps fill quickly.
Join our list for helpful reminders, program updates, and important information as the summer approaches.
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