Pre-School Center

OPEN TO BOYS & GIRLS

Nursery through Kindergarten (Ages 3-5)

THE PROGRAM

It’s surely a “Small World” at the Pre-School Center!
Every activity and event is planned specifically for the very special needs of 3 – 5 year olds.

EACH EXCITING DAY THERE IS…

– Live music to sing and dance to with glee.
– Mixed media arts & crafts for the most imaginative creations.
– Athletics for sporting games and fun-filled movement and coordination activities.
– Swimming. Daily swim instruction and recreational swim for fun and learning.
– Nature, Farming & Gardening to discover the natural world around us.
– Story time for imagining “What if…”
– Dramatic Play with everything from dress-up costumes to building blocks.

SWIMMING

It wouldn’t be camp without lots of pool time! Campers enjoy a daily swim period for fun and learning in one of our four outdoor heated pools! Preschoolers are at the perfect age to establish the skills and confidence to become great swimmers. Laurel Hill utilizes a Red Cross program to ensure that each child receives quality, goal-oriented instruction. Preschoolers experience instructional swim in small groups, accompanied by peers who match their age and skill level. Campers also enjoy a recreational swim, with plenty of time to splash around with water toys!

PRE-SCHOOL ATHLETICS

The Laurel Hill Pre-School Athletics division offers an unparalleled environment for young campers to develop a love for sports, fitness, as well as acquiring vital beginning skills.

Our nurturing and professional athletics staff encourage every child to explore new interests in a safe and supportive environment. Campers enjoy a variety or “pre-school leveled” activities including baseball, basketball, soccer and much more! Our athletics program is full of “tot size” sports and games and fun filled movement and coordination activities.

ART, MUSIC & DRAMA

The vigorous day is balanced with art, music, drama, and nature. Our staff instructs in techniques that make each child’s work personally satisfying and encourage and support all campers in bringing their creative ideas to life.

In Art, campers use clay, paper, beads, and various other mediums and inspirations to create pieces worthy of any museum!

During Drama, campers have the opportunity to perform on stage and tap into their “inner actors and actresses” promoting expression and self-confidence.

Creative Music allows for the expression of every child through song and dance.

NATURE

Preschoolers can be found visiting animal friends and tending vegetables at Laurel Hill’s child-size Farm and Garden. Horses, sheep, goats, chickens, birds, and bunny rabbits live happily alongside our flourishing Garden overflowing with tomatoes, string beans, cucumbers and more. Preschoolers learn the basics of farm animal care, and have the opportunity to dig, water, and harvest the delicious vegetables they grow!

AND THERE IS MORE…

– Carnivals – Parades – Olympics – Show Time – Festivals –

YEAR ‘ROUND’ COMMITMENT

The highest quality summer experience for pre-schoolers is a reflection of Laurel Hill’s winter program. Our classes from nursery through eighth grade represent an unsurpassed tradition of academic and artistic achievement, social growth, and self-discovery. The Laurel Hill School is prepared to serve your child’s schooling and recreational interests throughout the year.

Staff

Our staff is our greatest asset. We carefully select a team of warm, nurturing, creative and mature men and women who simply adore working with children. They are passionate about ensuring that every child feels valued, respected, secure, and cared for. Directors, Group Leaders, Counselors, Teachers, and Specialists in every camp division and program throughout our campus promote the wellbeing of all our boys and girls.

NEVER OBSERVING FROM THE SIDELINE

Never observing from the sidelines, Laurel Hill staff is fully engaged with camper life. Whether in the pool helping the children with their strokes or on the field, assisting with practice in a new skill. Sleeves are rolled up as our staff gets elbow deep in art with the boys or girls or digging in the garden.They are totally present!

FIELD DIRECTORS

Field Directors at Laurel Hill are a unique group of dedicated educators. Their commitment is to make sure every camper is truly happy and taking advantage of the wide variety of opportunities for personal growth, friendship and high interest challenges available at Laurel Hill. They also provide continuing in-service workshops and daily guidance to the counseling staff.

TEACHERS AND SPECIALISTS

Teachers and Specialists are professionals in their area of instruction. They provide
Opportunities for campers to learn new skills, explore new interests with engaging and exciting activities. Always set to an “I can do it!” skill level campers build confidence in their abilities while expressing curiosity in doing yet more. Group Leaders and Counselors provide sensitive assistance and support to campers in every aspect of the activity.

GROUP LEADERS AND COUNSELORS

Each group is supported by a group Leader as well as a Counselor. Together they create a nurturing and loving environment which recognizes the importance of each individual camper. Most importantly, they are dedicated educators who love children.

STAFF ORIENTATION

We provide one of the most thorough orientation programs in camping. Staff is trained in all aspects of camp life, child development, and best practices in child management. Laurel Hill maintains a special focus on how to foster community and belongingness. All staff members are trained to identify and respond to individual camper needs and create an inclusive, welcoming, and happy environment built on mutual respect and trust.
We are eager to get to know you, too! Please feel free to call or write to learn more.