/ Programs / Camp Montessori / Traditional Camp

Traditional Camp

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 for each group selects themes for each week, requests special visitors and field trips, and sets up the “home base” room in the way that best suits his or her vision. The head and the rest of the staff in each group work together to design a lively and interesting program in which their joy and enthusiasm about learning and living can inspire and engage the campers.

The preschool rooms are headed by teachers from our school-year program, and the summer program resembles that program in the way that the day is structured (circle time, playground time, individual “work time,” rest, and group activities) and in the way that we work with the children (lots of encouragement for their development of independence and competence, balanced with awareness of others and social skills). It is different in that we spend more time outside, we don’t have report cards or formal conferences, and most teachers do not give Montessori academic lessons with Montessori materials. There is lots of support for growth of literacy and numeracy, lots of music, lots of hands-on learning on the week’s theme, and lots of room for children to choose their activities and their play/work-mates.

We have more staff members in each room in the summer, because the makeup of the group changes a bit each week, and we want to be able to give the children individual attention and help when they need it. When they don’t need it, we step back and enjoy their success! Feel free to stop by for a visit any summer morning, and see the program in action.

We have “specials” in the summer, as we do during the school year. In the summer, they are Music, Environmental Science, and Sports & Games. Our specials teachers work with the children in each group twice each week.

The elementary (K and up) program also fits all those descriptions, but they also take field trips (weekly) and walk through our woods to Windybush Pool M,W, & F.

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! We spend a great deal of time outside, but we also make use of our excellent indoor facilities, especially in very hot or rainy weather.

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.

Swim lessons

A limited number of slots for swim lessons (K-3 rd grade) on Tuesdays are available; contact the camp director for more information.

Traditional Day Camp Options

• You may choose a 5-day or a 3-day program.
• A full day begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m.
• Children (ages 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.
• Three-day registrations are for TWTh only.
• Infants and toddlers must register for at least 2 consecutive weeks at a time. We believe that this consistency of care setting is necessary for this age group.

Discounts

Early Registration: 5% may be deducted from the total of registrations for six or more weeks received on or before April 15. Sibling: 10% of the second child's fees may be deducted from the family's total fees. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis: we will maintain a waiting list after sessions have been fully enrolled.