Camp Montessori’s Traditional Camp program is led by experienced educators who are dedicated to supporting the growth of each child. Camp is a place in which to nurture friendships, explore ideas, learn new skills, make choices, work and play together. The head and the rest of the counselor staff in each group work together to provide a lively and interesting program in which their joy and enthusiasm about learning and living can inspire and engage the campers.
Most groupings have a two-year age span. You may choose a 5-day or a 3-day program. A full camp day begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. Half day camps begin at 9:00 and end at 12:00. Children (age 3 and up) may be registered for one week or for up to ten weeks. Weeks need not be consecutive, and registration may occur at any time, if space is available. Toddlers must register for at least 2 consecutive weeks. Preschool/Elementary Traditional campers may attend any 3 days, as long as those days are determined at registration. The Toddler 3-day option is TWTh.
The elementary (K and up) program campers walk through our woods to Windybush Pool every Monday,Wednesday, & Friday. There are frequent field trips, ranging from 8 per summer for the oldest group to 5 for the Kindergarten group. Every day’s plan includes a balance of group projects/games and times when children can make their own choice of activity. Each week’s theme includes a component of learning/inquiry --- we think and play! Our Physical Education teacher works with each group twice each week. We explore the woods and creek, we build things, we go to museums and amusement parks, we design and run special activities for the younger children, and we enjoy time with friends. We spend a great deal of time outside, but we also make use of our excellent—and air-conditioned—indoor facilities, especially in very hot or rainy weather.
Swim lessons: a limited number of slots for swim lessons (K-3rd grade) on Tuesdays are available; contact the camp director for more information.
The preschool camp program has a structure similar to our school-year preschool program. It is led by one of our year-round Montessori teachers, and staffed by several of our year-round assistant teachers. It is more recreationally focused than the school year program, but still focuses on hands-on learning, social, emotional, and language development, and fun! We are lucky to have such a large campus to explore, and we take special advantage of it in the summer. Our Physical Education teacher works with every class twice each week, and we bring in visiting programs from local museums, nature centers, and theater groups. The children are cooking, reading, singing, running, making friends, and learning something new every day!
The intent is to have a relaxed but civilized setting in which children can grow cognitively, emotionally, and socially. Each week’s program is designed to work equally well as a stand-alone experience or as part of a summer-long adventure. We welcome the addition of children who do not attend Wilmington Montessori’s school year program, as this adds to the richness of our community and to the diversity of the peer group.