Parent Encouragement Program

At this summer camp, the focus is on friendship! With ample opportunity to plan and experience their play in free time, the boys' interests and imaginations help shape the daily agenda. During free play, the small camp size of 14 boys allows the camp directors to provide the boys with "coaching" that will reinforce friendship and leadership skills. The campers will have indoor and outdoor play, team challenges, peer encouragement activities, and boy-style crafts at their disposal. Through the "old-fashioned neighborhood play experience" while at camp, the boys will have opportunities in which to explore their imagination, learn friendship skills, and how to contribute to the group camaraderie. Please note: because of camper/staff ratios, this is not a therapeutic camp.

Camp Directors Sarah Downs is a certified K-12 teacher and is currently teaching fourth and fifth graders with learning disabilities in Lexington, Virginia. Sarah co-directed PEP's Building Buddies Camp last summer with David Downs, the PEP Girls Friendship Camp in 2006 and Boys Friendship Camp in 2005 with Barb Thompson. She also ran the children's program at the Laramie River Ranch in Wyoming, and (years ago) was a Counselor-In-Training at PEP's Friendship Camp for girls. Sarah has that valuable combination of friendship skills training with athleticism and a desire to share her love of fun and games and coaching experiences with children of all abilities. David Downs currently teaches computer and reading skills to middle school students in Lexington, Virginia. He co-directed the Buildiing Buddies Camp last summer with Sarah. He has also coached a wide variety of sports to children of all ages and has also helped conduct several youth athletic camps during the summers in Charlottesville, Virginia. David enjoys being a mentor to children by promoting a healthy social and active lifestyle.

Activities: Organized daily discussions and group challenges, arts and crafts, singing, movement, generous free time, water play, games and more--designed to foster healthy friendship skills and leadership opportunities.

The basic necessities: Campers bring a bag lunch and drink each day. Refrigerator and bottled water on-site. Sneakers or sturdy shoes are necessary for outdoor games. Bicycle or scooter and bathing suit for water games on one day to be announced. Bring a blanket or throw for quiet times.

For parents of campers: A parent orientation on "Helping Your Child Foster Friendships" will be held at the PEP Office in late May or early June. This is an important part of your child's camp experience so we urge parents to attend -- even if you have attended before. During camp, parents are invited to visit at the 3:00pm dismissal time on our "Welcome Wednesday."

Cost and Application Information: $305 for one week. Additionally, all campers must be PEP members ($50/year for a family - you can choose to join after your camp application has been accepted.) Please note that there are usually more applicants for the Camp than spaces. Returning campers and children of PEP Leaders and Board receive a preference in placement. Limited scholarships are available. A non-refundable deposit of $100 is due with the application. This deposit is immediately returned if there is not space for your child in this summer’s Camp. If your child is accepted into Camp, the deposit is non-refundable. Please make checks payable to the Parent Encouragement Program. Mastercard/Visa/Discover available. The balance of $205 (plus PEP membership, if due) is due by May 15, 2008, if not already paid. No refunds of the balance after this date. Applications are considered as they are received; the camp directors must review each application. All camper and medical information must be updated by May 15, 2008.

For more information, contact the PEP Office at 301-929-8824 or email PEPOffice@aol.com

Click here to download a printable copy of PEP's Building Buddies Day Camp Information and Application Form.