Summer Camps
Rochambeau, the French International School is excited to conduct its summer program at our state-of-the-art Maplewood campus in the Heart of Bethesda.
Summer @ Rochambeau will offer a French bilingual day camp for kids aged 3 1/2 to 11 years, which focuses on learning through play, activities and discovery, in a fun, supportive environment.
2024 Summer
7 Weeks of Summer Fun
- Week 1 | 6/24 – 6/28
- Week 2 | 7/1 – 7/5 (No camp on 7/4 in observance of Independence Day)
- Week 3 | 7/8 – 7/12
- Week 4 | 7/15 – 7/19
- Week 5 | 7/22 – 7/26
- Week 6 | 7/29 – 8/2
4 Unique Camp Experiences
- Camp des Koalas | French Immersion Camp - 3 1/2 to 5 yrs,
- Camps des Aventuriers | French Immersion Camp - 5 to 11 yrs.
- Camps des Judokas | Judo Camp in French - 7 to 11 yrs. | Weeks 1 and 3
- Jump Start | Sports Camp & more (English) - 5 to 11 yrs. | Weeks 2, 4, and 6.
Camp des Koalas
Our French Immersion day camps will be staffed with completely bi-lingual teachers and aides, who will be able to put the focus on French language acquisition through activities such as arts and crafts, cooking, science and nature, music and dance, sports and much more. They will provide kids the opportunity to practice communication, and help them maintain positive relationships with those around them. We will keep group sizes small in order to prioritize social interactions and allow individualized attention from group leaders and assistants. Campers will build friendships as they immerse themselves in this diverse program.
Camp Structure:
- Includes daily nap/rest time in the afternoon.
- All camps are open to any child regardless of experience with French. While students aren’t expected to become fluent solely from their camp experience, they can usually understand quite a bit and say a few words and phrases.
- All activities are led in French. For campers with little or no French experience; context, repetition, and peer support help them integrate quickly.
CAMP DES KOALAS
Open to children 3 1/2 to 5 yrs old. This camp focuses on learning through play, discovery, and school readiness activities. Each week we will present a new theme that invites campers to explore their world through activities, projects, and language.
Daily Schedule:
- Camper arrival/planning the day together
- Activity rotation
- Snack
- Activity rotation
- Lunchtime and outdoor play
- Rest or nap time
- Closing activity/fun discussion about our favorite parts of the day
What to bring:
- Snack (an extra snack if participating in Aftercare)
- Lunch with a drink
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Baseball cap
- Naptime supplies
Where: Maplewood Campus | 9650 Rockville Pike, Bethesda MD
Camp hours: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm w/ optional Aftercare from 3:30 to 5:30 pm
Dates: 6 weeks of fun - from June 24th to Aug 2nd
Cost:
Camp $550/week, $160/day
Aftercare: $200/week, $60/day
Week 2 (4th of July week)
Camp $440/week, $160/day
Aftercare: $160/week, $60/day
Sample Weekly Themes:
- Music Makers
- STEM
- Outdoor Explorers
- Superheroes
- Animals
- Olympics
- Around the World
- Wheels Out the Wazoo!
All campers will get a T-shirt on the first day of camp
Camp des aventuriers
Our French Immersion day camps will be staffed with completely bi-lingual teachers and aides, who will be able to put the focus on French language acquisition through activities such as arts and crafts, cooking, science and nature, music and dance, sports and much more. They will provide kids the opportunity to practice communication, and help them maintain positive relationships with those around them. We will keep group sizes small in order to prioritize social interactions and allow individualized attention from group leaders and assistants. Campers will build friendships as they immerse themselves in this diverse program.
Camp Structure:
- All camps are open to any child regardless of experience with French. While students aren’t expected to become fluent solely from their camp experience, they can usually understand quite a bit and say a few words and phrases.
CAMP DES AVENTURIERS | A French immersion camp open to children 5 to 11 yrs old. This camp focuses on learning through play, discovery, and school readiness activities. Each week we will present a new theme that invites campers to explore their world through activities, projects, and language. We keep group sizes small - There is a 12-1 camper to teacher/counselor ratio.
Daily Schedule:
- Camper arrival/planning the day together
- Activity rotation*
- Snack/recess
- Activity rotation*
- Lunchtime and outdoor play
- Activity rotation*
- Group activities – outdoors
- Closing/fun discussion about our favorite parts of the day
What to bring:
- Snack (an extra snack if participating in Aftercare)
- Lunch with drink
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Baseball cap
Where: Maplewood Campus | 9650 Rockville Pike, Bethesda MD
Camp hours: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm w/ optional Aftercare from 3:30 to 5:30 pm
Dates: 6 weeks of fun - from June 24th to Aug 2nd
Cost:
Camp $500/week, $150/day
Aftercare: $150/week, $50/day
Week 2 (4th of July week) Camp $420/week, $150/day
Aftercare: $120/week, $50/day
Sample Weekly Themes
- Music Makers
- STEM
- Outdoor Explorers
- Superheroes
- Animals
- Olympics
- Around the World
- Wheels Out the Wazoo!
All campers will get a T-shirt on the first day of camp
Camp des Judokas
Judo Camp is taught by M. Frederic HOCDÉ, a second degree black belt who teaches judo in the Washington DC area and has been teaching Judo at Rochambeau for many years - "Instructing is my passion and I focus my Judo classes around a few key values such as politeness, respect, self-control, and balance" . Frederic has been teaching Judo at Rochambeau for xxx years and has succeeded in developing a Judo program that develops confidence, discipline, strength agility and fun.
Program of a typical week:
- Learning the moral code of Judo
- Discover the history of Judo (creator, country of origin, customs)
- Learn the basic words of judo: Hajime (start), Matte (stop), dojo, judogi (kimono), and the technical vocabulary of judo: Ne waza (standing judo), goshi (hip)
- Learning judo techniques
- Fun games, treks and treasure hunts
- Artistic activities: coloring, origami, calligraphy and more
- Judo: an individual and team discipline: learn to share, to be motivated, to have the will, to improve physical and mental performance
- Discovery of Japanese traditions: trains, food, music and gardens.
- Travel virtually to French-speaking and non-French-speaking countries to discover the practice of judo by children from all over the world.
CAMPS DES JUDOKAS
Week 1 | Judo et Origami | June 24-28
Judo, a Japanese martial art and origami is the art of folding in Japan, a great combination for a short break from these two activities.
Discover the 8 rules of the moral code of judo: politeness, respect, self-control, modesty, etc.....
Judo is a very popular sport in Europe and Japan. You will learn judo techniques, learn how to fall without hurting yourself.
And a lot of Japanese vocabulary like Hajime, matte, dojo, obi, judogi, etc....
In origami, children will make animals, objects and on the theme of nature.
There are also artistic activities like painting, coloring and cutting.
Strength, balance and control are the judoka's keys to executing the techniques according to each belt level.
Your child will flourish and have an extraordinary week.
Week 3 | Judokas and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games | July 8-12
Discover the history of the Olympic Games from Ancient Greece to the modern Olympic Games. Who is Pierre de Coubertin?
In 1964, judo became an Olympic sport.
Discovery of the places of the Olympic Games with the new sports
Let's meet the Olympic Judo champions: from Angelo PARISI (Moscow) in 1980 to Clarisse AGBEGNÉNOU and Teddy RINER in 2021 (Tokyo) Long live the French Judo Team!! Who are the judokas and judokates who will be at the Olympic Games in Paris?
Understand what the Para Olympic Games are.
Strength, balance and control are the judoka's keys to executing the techniques according to each belt level.
Your child will flourish and have an extraordinary week.
There are also artistic activities like painting, coloring and cutting.
Children will make the mascot for the Olympic Games
My balance, my speed and the 8 moral code of judo.
Through exercise, and treasure hunts, children will improve their balance and perfect their speed.
Where: Maplewood Campus | 9650 Rockville Pike, Bethesda MD
Camp hours: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm with optional
Aftercare from 3:30 to 5:30 pm
Dates: Weeks 1, and 3.
Cost: (per week)
French Immersion camp $525
Aftercare: $150 per week
What to bring:
- Kimono + belt
- Water bottle
- Large notebook
- Summer sportswear and shoes
- Flip-flops or sandals (easy to put on)
If your child does not have a kimono, the judo teacher will be able to lend you a used kimono and belt for the week for $25
Jump Start
All Sports and Games Camp is bringing kids back to the playground with a wide variety of engaging and active games. Kids will spend each day rotating around all different sports in an environment where coaches teach the rules of the playground, incorporate all of the kids regardless of abilities, and stress the important lessons of sportsmanship and being honest in play. Games include everything from kickball, soccer, flag football, whiffle ball, and basketball to all sorts of dodge ball games, capture the flag, and even old school "kick the can!" Coaches create an environment where kids of all skill levels and abilities feel comfortable and included. Although we always compete to win, the spirit of the game and FUN is at the center of everything we do. Simply put, kids have fun and learn by DOING!
JUMP START SPORTS & GAMES CAMP
Week 2 | July 1 - 5 (No Camp on 4th of July)
Week 4 | July 15 - July 19
Week 6 | July 29 - Aug 2
Where: Maplewood Campus | 9650 Rockville Pike, Bethesda MD
Camp hours: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm with optional
Aftercare from 3:30 to 5:30 pm
Dates: 3 weeks of fun Weeks 2, 4 & 6 of camp!
Camp costs:
All Sports and Games Camp - $525/week
Week 2 (4th of July) - $430/week,
Aftercare - $130/week, $50/day
Volunteers
Students age 14 - 17 will have an opportunity to work with us this summer as Volunteers. Students will participate with our camp program by assisting in leading activities, engaging with students during various activities and planning their own activity for their assigned age group. Volunteers should come to camp with their Volunteer shirt, sneakers, a water bottle, a packed lunch and lots of energy! Volunteers will go through a mandatory training prior to the start of camp! We look forward to having you join in on the fun at Summer @ Rochambeau!
Please use the links below to register for each session your child is interested in volunteering at camp.
Summer Camp Session #1 : This session covers weeks #1 and #2 of camp (June 24-July 5th)
Summer Camp Session #2: This session covers weeks #3 and #4 of camp (July 8-July 19th)
Summer Camp Session #3: This session covers weeks #5 and #6 of camp (July 22 -August 2nd)
registration & general information
CAMP COSTS:
Registration by one-week sessions is required for all camps.
Weekly registration fees include camp t-shirt, and all activities in the 8:30 am-3:30 pm camp day. You may register for the optional aftercare program for an extra fee.
Registration for Jump Start Sports Camp will be done via Sawyer.
- Jump Start Sports Camp - Weeks 2, 4, and 6: $525
REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
What you will need to complete your child's registration:
If you do not already have one with Rochambeau, you will need to create an account with Hi Sawyer. You may do so by going to THIS LINK. Once you have created the account, you will be able to register for the desired camps.
Once you have registered, you will receive a welcome email from Rochambeau with a request for the following information:
- Camper's name, birthdate, T-shirt size
- Parent/guardian name, email address and phone numbers
- Camper's medical information
- Allergies
- Immunization records or valid exemption
- Family doctor name and contact information
- Health insurance information
- Date of last physical exam
- Emergency contact
- Name and contacts of person(s) authorized to pick up the campers
- Camper's school
- Camper's level of French language
- Camper photo
SAFETY AND BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS:
Our top priority is the safety of our campers and our staff. We strive to keep all participants safe and provide a supportive environment where everyone can feel welcome. We expect all camp participants to follow safety instructions given by any staff member.
All campers must show respect to their peers, adults, property and all material belonging to them and to the school. They must use appropriate language, and participate in activities to the best of their ability. All camp teachers and counselors are there to answer any questions and help all those who ask for it.
Rochambeau does not tolerate any form of discrimination, bullying, fighting or abusive language. Any camp participant who engages in these behaviors, will be sent home for the day, or longer, depending on the severity of the incident. No refunds will be issued for this type of dismissal.
We will communicate frequently with parents. We ask that all parents support our efforts to keep the campers safe and ask you to contact us about any concerns, using the following email address: camps@rochambeau.org or at the following phone number: 301-530-8260 ext 240.
ELECTRONICS POLICY:
All of our summer camps are in-person and are designed to keep students away from screens and focused on social interactions, having fun and trying new things. As such, most electronic devices are not permitted. if the camper shows up to camp with an electronic device, please note that Rochambeau is not responsible for the loss or damage of this device. This device will be stored in the camper's bag or cubby, and the family will be contacted and reminded of the policy.
For our older campers - grades 1 - 5 - we strongly discourage electronic devices. If a smart watch or smartphone is sent to camp with the camper, this device must remained turned off in the camper's bag during the camp day. If you need to contact the camper for some reason, at the beginning of each camp week, we will give you contact information for that particular session. Tablets, laptops, gaming devices, headphone, air pods and the like are NOT allowed at the camp.
MANDATORY TRANSPORTATION: As per the TMP (Transportation Management Plan)
The Summer Camp will follow the same monitoring and enforcement program detailed in the TMP for the typical school day.
If enrollment for the Summer Camp reaches 150 campers or more, the TMP imposes that Summer @ Rochambeau commit to busing at least 25% of its campers.
Summer @ Rochambeau will put into place the Park & bus program, which will include 3 specific pick-up points on bus routes in close proximity to the Maplewood campus;
- Grosvenor Metro: 5301 Tuckerman Ln, North Bethesda, MD 20852
- YMCA Ayrlawn: 5650 Oakmont Ave, Bethesda, MD 20817
- Lynnbrook Center: (intersection of Highland Avenue and Lynnbrook Drive) 8001 Lynbrook Dr, Bethesda, MD 20814
CANCELLATION POLICIES
CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY:
Rochambeau reserves the right to cancel a camp session if registration does not reach the minimum requirement of 8 students. In this case ONLY, will you receive a full refund.
All requests to cancel camp registration must be received in writing to camps@rochambeau.org. Please include your full name, participant's full name and the weeks that you are registered for.
Registration cancellation prior to summer camp start date:
Please note that we plan our staffing needs according to registrations in order to provide a safe, structured atmosphere for our campers.
If you choose to cancel a session on or before May 17th, we will issue you a refund of all fees, minus a $100 per session cancellation fee. Any cancellation after May 17th will not be refunded.
Registration cancellation after camp start date :
No refunds will be granted after the camp season has started. Rochambeau will address requests on a per case basis and consider options to transfer enrollment to a future week.
TRANSFERS TO A DIFFERENT SESSION:
You may request a transfer to another session date - space permitting. You must give us at least a 2 weeks (14 day) notice. We will NOT be able to do the transfer:
- If the session you want to transfer from falls below the minimum required students.
- If the session you are requesting is full to capacity.
No Show, No Communication:
Participants who do not attend their registered session or who do not contact Rochambeau two weeks in advance to request a transfer, will not receive a refund.
FAQs
- HOW DO I REGISTER FOR SUMMER @ ROCHAMBEAU CAMPS:
- WHAT PAYMENT METHODS MAY I USE ?
- WHEN IS THE LAST POSSIBLE DAY TO CANCEL A SESSION? HOW DO I REQUEST A CHANGE OR A CANCELLATION?
- WHAT IS INCLUDED IN CAMP COSTS?
- WHICH CAMPS SHOUD I REGISTER FOR?
- DO YOU OFFER LUNCHES? ARE SNACKS PROVIDED?
- IS THERE NAP-TIME / REST TIME?
HOW DO I REGISTER FOR SUMMER @ ROCHAMBEAU CAMPS:
WHAT PAYMENT METHODS MAY I USE ?
WHEN IS THE LAST POSSIBLE DAY TO CANCEL A SESSION? HOW DO I REQUEST A CHANGE OR A CANCELLATION?
All withdraw requests must be done before May 17th if you wish to receive a refund. A $100 per-session cancellation fee will be applied to all refund requests. No refunds will be granted after May 17th,
All requests to withdraw must be done in writing to the following email address: camps@rochambeau.org
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN CAMP COSTS?
WHICH CAMPS SHOUD I REGISTER FOR?
If you are interested in French Immersion for your child, you can register them for Camp des Koalas (3 1/2 - 5 yrs), Camps des voyageurs (5 to 12 yrs) or Camp des judokas (6 to12 years). For English speaking camps, you can register for the HOOPED sports camps (5 to 12 yrs). For more detailed information, please see camp descriptions above.