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What does "ESF" stand for and how long have your camps been in operation?
ESF stands for Education, Sports and Fun, and we have been operating children’s day camps since 1982. Considered the leader in children’s summer camps, we have earned a reputation for providing quality, award-winning programs, an experienced staff and exciting opportunities for children of all ages.
ESF has had a vital influence on the lives of children since it was founded in 1982 by brothers, Michael and Bill Rouse. Wanting to fulfill their dream of making a positive and lasting impact on the lives of children, the Rouse brothers sought to create an extraordinary summer camp steeped in tradition and filled with memories to last a lifetime–thus the idea for ESF Summer Camps was born. Those who attend ESF understand that it is far more than just a season at camp. It is a place where campers feel at home their very first year, where new experiences can be tried and old skills improved. Our traditional values and goals are reflected in every aspect of camp. From our carefully planned programs and premier facilities to our emphasis on individual achievement in a family atmosphere, ESF is truly a special place for our campers and their families.
Who will be supervising my children?
Team ESF is comprised of teachers, as well as college students and graduate students who are pursuing degrees in child-related fields of study. Many of our staff earn college credits through our college co-op program, established at over 40 universities. For teachers on our staff, we offer professional development opportunities. All staff candidates undergo reference checks, background checks, and a series of intensive interviews with our Directors. We also conduct staff orientation training programs, that focus on a series of camp and child-related topics, which include: safety and security procedures, group management strategies and team-building. Each staff member receives over 15 hours of training before the first day of camp. For staff members, ESF is considered one of the finest training grounds for tomorrow’s leaders and educators.
Our team of top-notch, professional educators and college students possess exceptional skills, a commitment to the development of each camper and sensitivity to their needs. They continually offer a helping hand and give each camper the confidence needed to try all activities. They encourage campers to grow, to learn, to trust in their abilities and to believe in themselves. Above all, our staff has the determination and the dedication to make a difference in the lives of children.
Will I be able to meet the camp staff before the start of camp?
Yes. We hold our Family Orientation in late May or early June. Camp staff will be present and available to meet and speak with parents and campers at this event. At this time, you will also be able to pick up all important camp-related materials and security passes. It is extremely important that campers and their families attend Family Orientation.
Do you offer transportation?
We assist families who would like to form carpools, but we do not offer a bus service. However, we have a very popular and flexible extended day program, Club OT, which campers love. If you are interested in organizing a carpool, please check the appropriate box on the application. In May, we will help you create a carpool by sending you a list of names, telephone numbers and street addresses of people in your town who also express a similar interest.
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Do I have to choose consecutive weeks?
No. The weeks you choose do not need to be consecutive. There is a minimum enrollment of two weeks. You may choose two weeks, or as many weeks as you like, as long as space is available. Please note that there is limited enrollment and, due to our unique programs and the camps' popularity, spaces fill quickly.
How are your campers grouped?
Campers are grouped according to age and grade level. If you would like your child grouped with a friend, please write his/her friend’s name and home telephone number in the appropriate area on your child’s application.
Do you have a nurse on staff?
Yes. There is a nurse on duty throughout the camp day.
Do you offer an Extended Day Program?
Yes, in Club OT, our extended day program, we offer age-appropriate activities for all campers who arrive at camp early or stay late. We offer a 15% discount off Club OT charges for families attending four or more weeks of camp.
Do you offer a lunch program?
Campers can bring their own lunch and drink to camp, which we refrigerate, or they have the option of participating in our optional lunch program for an additional cost.
How do we stay informed about the camp's happenings throughout the summer?
At Family Orientation, you will receive a camp calendar, which includes special events throughout the summer. Throughout the summer (and year-round), you can log onto our MyESF online portal to access helpful information about camp and upcoming activities and events. We also send home written information each week to provide updates and feedback. Additionally, our staff members are available to speak with you personally, and they welcome any questions, feedback or suggestions that you may have.
What does your camp do in the case of extremely hot days?
Keep in mind that our facilities are the best around. On inclement weather days, we can go inside without any activity interruption. Also, each camper is encouraged to drink water at regular intervals. We have water coolers with cups placed throughout the campus. On excessively hot days, a larger portion of time is spent indoors.
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DAY CAMP (boys and girls, ages 4-8)
Do campers do the same activities every day?
Campers are accompanied by their counselors and follow a consistent, well-planned, rotating schedule of activities, which include arts & crafts, sports, instructional swim, science, world cultures, drama & theater and special events. Every week offers a different theme and special event. By planning every minute of every day, we can gear our activities to the age level of each group and foster an environment in which campers can enjoy new experiences.
What should my child bring to camp?
Your child should bring a backpack with a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, an extra T-shirt and a bag lunch (which will be refrigerated), unless you decide to register for our optional lunch program. It’s also a great idea for your camper to come to camp wearing waterproof sunscreen. A complete list of items to bring is provided at Family Orientation.
Will my child learn to swim?
Yes! Each Day Camper participates in a daily instructional swim program and is taught by our certified lifeguards and swim instructors. Our program, which stresses water safety at all skill levels, enables each camper to progress at his/her own pace. Your child will receive a ribbon for each new swim level achieved. You will also receive a bi-weekly written progress report charting your child’s swimming progress. Our swim program is the best around and features a low camper-to-instructor ratio and a high level of supervision and individualized attention.
How do you address reluctance to swim?
Our goal is to teach each camper to swim, however no camper is forced to swim if they have a fear of the water. The first step is to help a camper become comfortable with his or her instructor. Once that happens, we focus on water adjustment and skill progression. We have great experience in teaching campers how to swim for the first time and, with our low camper-to-instructor ratio, we also can take intermediate swimmers to higher skill levels.
How much time is spent indoors versus outdoors?
Campers spend approximately half of their day indoors and the other half outdoors. We have multiple indoor facilities to run our programs in the event of rain or extreme heat.
For Day Campers in the Pre K age group, do you offer a naptime or rest period?
If needed, campers are given a rest time in place of a scheduled activity. There is no scheduled naptime. Every activity is designed to be age appropriate, with our heavier activities in the morning and our lighter activities in the afternoon.
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SPORTS CAMP (boys and girls, ages 7-14)
What kind of child would enjoy Sports Camp?
Sports Camp is for the child who loves to play sports all day. Our camp is designed to accommodate campers of all skill levels. Most of our new campers have only played a few of the sports we offer. We familiarize the campers with all of the sports by introducing them to the fundamentals of each sport.
How competitive is Sports Camp?
While competition does take place in Sports Camp, our program mainly promotes the development of athletic skills, sportsmanship, teamwork, leadership and self-confidence.
Will my child learn to play all sports offered at Sports Camp?
Campers learn and play two to three sports every day and receive top-notch instruction on an individual and group basis. Our schedule ensures that all the sports we offer are covered each week.
What should my child bring to camp?
Your child should bring a backpack with a baseball glove (when announced), shin pads (for soccer), swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, an extra T-shirt and a bag lunch (which will be refrigerated), unless you register for our optional lunch program. It’s also a great idea for your camper to come to camp wearing waterproof sunscreen. A complete list of items to bring is provided at Family Orientation.
Do you offer swimming to Sports Campers?
Yes! Campers can participate in a daily recreational swim under the guidance and supervision of Red Cross certified lifeguards. Sports Campers can also participate in an optional swim instruction program, taught by our certified swim instructors.
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SENIOR CAMP (boys and girls, ages 9-15)
What is Senior Camp?
Senior Camp is designed to broaden the horizons of the older camper and allows campers the opportunity to participate in unique True Life Adventures, swimming, sports, arts & crafts, leadership/teambuilding, science, special weekly activities, special events and more.
What are "True Life Adventures"?
TLA’s are amazing journeys into the worlds of drama & theater, outdoor adventure, gourmet cooking, community service, sustainable design, music production & songwriting and much more. Each adventure is uniquely designed for all levels of experience and interest. Variety is the key as we offer various TLA’s throughout the summer.
Do campers do the same activities every day?
Campers are accompanied by their counselors and follow a consistent, well-planned, rotating schedule of activities, which include art, sports, instructional swim, science, team building activities and special events. Every week offers a different True Life Adventure and special event. By planning every minute of everyday, we can gear our activities to the age level of each group and foster an environment in which campers can enjoy new experiences.
Do you offer swimming to Senior Campers?
Yes! Campers can participate in a daily, recreational swim under the guidance and supervision of Red Cross certified lifeguards. Senior Campers can also participate in an optional swim instruction program, taught by our certified swim instructors.
What should my child bring to camp?
Your child should bring a backpack with a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, an extra T-shirt and a bag lunch (which will be refrigerated), unless you register for our optional lunch program. It’s also a great idea for your camper to come to camp wearing waterproof sunscreen. A complete list of items to bring is provided at Family Orientation.
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