Nursery
A Gentle, Joyful Summer for Young Children
Designed Especially for Ages 2–3
Our Summer Camp for two- and three-year-olds is thoughtfully created to meet the unique developmental needs of our youngest campers. At this age, children are learning how to separate with confidence, build trust beyond their families, communicate their feelings, and explore the world through their bodies and senses. Camp at FSH provides a warm, predictable, and nurturing environment where these important first steps can unfold with care.
The day moves at a young child’s pace. Teachers follow children’s cues, offering gentle guidance while honoring each child’s growing independence. Daily rhythms are consistent and soothing, helping children feel secure and confident as they explore.
Experiences for our youngest campers include:
- Outdoor play on our expansive campus, with space for running, digging, climbing, and discovering
- Water and sensory play using natural materials that invite curiosity and calm
- Music and movement to support coordination, language development, and joy
- Art and making with open-ended materials that encourage self-expression
- Story time, puppetry, and dramatic play to build language and imagination
- Quiet spaces for rest, comfort, and connection
Teachers provide close supervision, warm encouragement, and individualized attention, creating strong bonds that help children feel safe, capable, and excited to learn.
What Parents Can Expect
Families can expect a camp experience that reflects the same thoughtful, relationship-based approach that defines Friends School Haverford throughout the school year.
A Calm, Nurturing Environment
Camp classrooms and outdoor spaces are intentionally arranged with soft materials, natural elements, and cozy areas that support regulation and comfort for young children.
Experienced Early Childhood Educators
Our camp staff are trained early childhood professionals who understand how young children grow and learn. Teachers focus on building trusting relationships, supporting social-emotional development, and creating meaningful learning experiences through play.
Small Groups & Individual Attention
Low child-to-teacher ratios allow educators to truly know each child, their interests, needs, and temperament, and respond with care and intention.
Consistent Communication
Families receive regular updates and communication about their child’s experience, helping parents feel connected and confident throughout the summer.
A Community of Care
Guided by Quaker values, we prioritize kindness, respect, cooperation, and responsibility. Children learn to care for themselves, one another, and their environment in ways that are developmentally appropriate and deeply meaningful.
A Day in Our Two-Year-Old Camp
Each camp day unfolds with predictable rhythms and gentle transitions, helping young children feel safe and secure. Our schedule strikes a balance between movement, outdoor exploration, creativity, rest, and connection.
Tentative Daily Schedule
8:30–9:20 | Early Arrival & Transitions
9:00–9:20 | Arrival & Transitions
Free play, caregiver connection, and soft music as children settle into the morning.
9:20–9:40 | Morning Circle
Songs, movement, stories, greetings, and shared community.
9:40–10:30 | Outdoor Exploration
Outdoor play, water tables, sand, nature walks, and sensory stations across our beautiful campus.
10:30–10:45 | Snack & Care Routines
Hand-washing, sitting together, and independence are gently encouraged.
10:45–11:15 | Creative Play
Art, music, blocks, and open-ended play experiences.
11:30–11:45 | Self-Care & Prepare for Lunch
11:45–12:15 | Lunch
12:15–12:30 | Clean-Up & Prepare for Siesta
12:30–2:15 | Siesta Time
2:15–2:50 | Afternoon Outdoor Exploration
3:00 | Dismissal or Transition to Camp Extended Day
3:00-5:00 | Camp Extended Day
Program Goals
Our Two-Year-Old Summer Program is designed to:
- Foster a safe, loving environment
- Support children’s social and emotional development
- Encourage language growth and curiosity
- Build confidence and emerging independence
- Offer rich opportunities for sensory, outdoor, and creative play
Weekly Summer Themes
Our weeks are gently organized around joyful, age-appropriate themes that invite exploration and imagination:
- Hello Summer! – Colors, sunshine, and welcoming routines
- Water Wonders – Splashing, pouring, bubbles, and sensory fun
- Nature Neighbors – Leaves, bugs, stones, birds, and outdoor discovery
- Art & Messy Play – Painting, clay, textures, and creative expression
- Music & Movement – Dancing, rhythm, instruments, and joyful motion
- All About Me – Bodies, emotions, independence, and self-awareness