CAMP EDMO

My three children high schoolers and I spent some time the other day reflecting on the summer camp experiences that they had when they were in elementary school (and, over the years, there were many) — which ones they really liked and which ones not so much. One that rose to the top for all three was EdMo! They still remember the hands-​on science projects they did every day, the great counselors who drew them in and put them at ease (2 of the girls were quite shy and anxious at that time), the perfect balance between structured activities and time to run around outside. As a parent, I also appreciated the ease of drop off and pick-​up, a couple of friendly-​faced counselors every morning and afternoon to walk the girls inside and to safely connect them with me at the end of the day. The girls were happy, engaged, excited, and I knew they were in good hands throughout. For those of you with elementary school-​aged children, looking for a terrific day camp, I highly recommend EdMo!

I can’t say enough good things about this Camp Edmo. First of all its in an extremely nice neighborhood. The staff is the friendliest I’ve ever encountered at any camp! They really know how to hire great directors and counselors at camp Edmo. They are patient and kind and always have the kids best interest at heart. My son is extremely shy at first but his first day his team leader made him feel so welcomed. The best part of the camp is the curriculum. The team at camp Edmo really provides a fun atmosphere for the kids to learn. They do projects every day it seems like and everyday my son came home with something new that he created. It’s great that my son is having so much fun while learning!

This review is for camp edmo JR for pre-​k kids. I believe the staff and administration like kids and want to create a fun and safe experience. That said, this camp is not appropriate for 4-​year-​olds. If you’re looking for something really wonderful for that age, look elsewhere.
When camp first started, the room for that age didn’t have basic things taken care of such as covered outlets, electrical cords out of the way of kids, kleenex, wet wipes for the bathroom, open packs of batteries sitting around on the shelves, etc. When I explained these issues to the woman and girl watching the 4yos, they took care of them, but goodness knows how many things came up during the day that I didn’t see. I also was made to feel like I was being a buttinsky and was not welcome in the room for the rest of the week — the kids were sent out at the end of the day.
Secondly, I was absolutely shocked that the teachers do not watch the kids on the toilet and they do not wipe the kids. The counselors told me they weren’t comfortable with doing it because they felt it was violating the child. Then I got a call from administration saying that the counselors won’t be wiping the kids. This was a shock to me for four reasons: 1) every preschool I know has visibility into the toilet area because they are a drowning hazard (mainly for kids under 3yo) and mainly because kids can get really dirty 2) the toilets were quite large for pre-​k kids; 3) kids that age are just learning to wipe themselves correctly after bowel movements; and 4) nothing in the materials or sign-​up asked if the kids could wipe themselves. Of course I’d be upset if kids were inappropriately touched but wiping a kid’s bottom or just making sure with one final wipe that the kid’s bottom was fully clean is not inappropriate touching and does not violate a child. Not making sure the child clean after a bm is inappropriate.
Finally, I saw some of the material they did on stage for the entire camp and it was wholly inappropriate for pre-​k kids. The problems ranged from the content being completely over the heads of the kids and boring for them to being too adult for kids.

Let me start off by saying that my son really loves Edmo Jr in Noe Valley. He loves it so much that he wants to check himself in every morning when he’s dropped off and he cannot stop talking about all of the cool project he has been working on. It seems he is really enjoying camp. I should also add that he is currently 4 and starting Kindergarden in the Fall.
I really wish I could give this school 5 stars. The reason I cannot is because we have not had a 5 star type of experience with this camp. We started out at the Marina location in the Makers program. According to the website, this program caters to kids entering Kindergarden. On the way to dropping my son off the second day, I got a call saying he was not fit for that camp location as he was the youngest and we wee transferred further away to this Noe Valley location. This change was a benefit for my son because he felt more comfortable around kids his age who were more friendly toward him. The first week, my son came home with all sorts of art projects and even a pet rock. He had the biggest smile. The only negative thing he experienced at camp was some kids pushing him down and him scraping his elbow. I chalked that up to age related drama and nothing out of the ordinary.
Everything I have mentioned has been the great news. The reason for a 3 star review instead of 4 is because of the mixed messages I get between the staff and what is advertised on their website. I got an email from the staff saying that my son needs one on one attention and is too young for their program. I found this funny since he just graduated from a private preschool with a class size of 16 students with no complaints for his teachers. Perhaps, my son is overly excited and not listening. I feel a great camp should should help make it’s campers better people. After all, «it takes a village to raise a child» (an African proverb). I am questioning if this was the right summer camp to send my son to.

This will be our 3^rd week at Camp Edmo this summer and it is wonderful! I was concerned about transitioning from Kindergarten to camp (new environment, new leadership, etc.) and boy was I concerned about nothing. As Mark R. has stated, the kids really seem engaged and happy. Two things that are important to me as a parent.
I am sorry to see A.M. review as I haven’t personally experienced this at all… maybe Edmo has put processes and parameters in place to change it… hasn’t been a concern in 2014. Go Camp Edmo!

Edmo provides a great learning environment with fun activities. However, I am rating Edmo low becuase there is a lack of child supervision. Three times in one week when I went to pick up my child, there was no one watching the kids play. I was able to pick up my child, put them in my car and I could have easily driven away without anyone noticing. I had to actually go find someone and ask them if I could sign out my child! The fact this happened three times out of 5 is very concerning and I will not be putting my child in the camp ever again.

My son went to the Noe Valley Program in 2009. Fantastic camp. Best
money we spent last year. My son was not happy at pre-​school and was
not very enthused about school at all. Edmo changed all of that
around. He was a little nervous at first, but waved cheerfully goodbye
on the very first day with the loving support of the staff. Totally
comfortable by the end of the first day. He _​never_​wanted to leave.
Even on the days when I could have picked him up early– he insisted on
staying until everyone went home. It was the full camp experience–
singing, chants, games, friends and fantastic projects– not just
crafts, but engaging, thoughtful, integrated science and art. I
dropped off an eager child and picked up a boy brimming with news
about his day. The staff was warm, and made my son feel welcome and
special each and every day. Now he sings just for the pleasure of it!
(Never would have happened before.) We opted for the organic lunch
program– very easy and according to my son, tasty as well. He is
looking forward to this year!