Traditions: More Than Just Summer Camp

As the #1 summer camp program in the Washington, DC  metropolitan area, Headfirst Camps offers more than a typical camp experience. Since 1997, our traditions and approach to teaching not only generate a positive environment, but also create a lasting impact on our campers’ personal growth and overall development—one that lasts well beyond their Headfirst Camp experience.

In particular, our all-camp morning and dismissal meetings are a Headfirst trademark, creating an atmosphere of leadership, positive energy, team spirit and an endless amount of fun and inspiration. From Monday morning to Friday afternoon, each meeting is strategically planned to build and foster unique relationships between our campers and counselors while emphasizing the Headfirst Camp philosophy.

With the underlying themes of leadership, life-lessons and motivation, our all-camp meetings include:

• Camp Director speeches promoting leadership, responsibility, fitness, healthy diet, and more
• Camper participation to assist in the official “opening” and “closing” of camp each day
• Creative and fun games where campers support their counselors and get the opportunity to see them participate in friendly team-building competitions
• Week-long camper participation in “mystery games”
• Camper leadership challenges
• The Headfirst Dunk Tank – where campers throw and counselors get dunked
• Daily camper awards and give-away items
• Visits from our professional camp mascot, Gomer!

All-camp meetings are held twice per day, once in the morning and once at dismissal. Meetings are appropriate for all ages, however, on occasion directors will dismiss one or some of the camp programs and/or older age groups depending on the topic of the meeting.

Leadership

Each day at our all-camper assembly, we have a tradition of educating campers by promoting life-lesson and leadership skills. Please take a look at some of the short speeches we deliver each day at camp. We use the acronym L.E.A.D.E.R. and focus on 1 or 2 letters per day. Here are some example video clips:

• Clip 1: “L” is for “Lead by Example”
• Clip 2: “E” is for “Extend Courtesy”
• Clip 3: “A” & “D” are for “Appreciate Family and Friends” & “Do Healthy Things”
• Clip 4: “E” & “R” are for “Energy & Enthusiasm” & “Responsibility”

• Mater Dei, Bethesda MD
• St. Albans, Washington DC