Happy child and happy mom!
My almost nine-year-old daughter can't wait to return to ESF-Riverdale for her third summer this year, and I could not be happier to send her there. She feels a sense of independence riding the little bus out of the city, and yet it's close enough from Manhattan for my comfort level. It's a warm, fun, nurturing camp environment in a beautiful setting with top-notch facilities, caring and mature counselors and an on-site nurse.
The activities are plentiful, and my daughter has learned to love sports that I never thought she would even try. Daily swim lessons have been terrific, and the weekly reports on her progress have been thorough and a source of pride for my daughter. (The on-site towel service is a perk for me!)
The character-building values that are infused each week throughout the activities are wonderful and dovetail beautifully with what we teach at home and what is encouraged at school. My daughter loves the team spirit as well as the opportunity for the kids to be recognized for their leadership and demonstrating the weekly character attributes. To be selected as a "Camp Scout" was a thrill she won't forget.
The Day Camp show at the end of the summer is a highlight for the kids as much as for the parents, and it's clear that it is a labor of love by the staff to help the children present such a marvelous performance.
Our family finds ESF-Riverdale to be a wonderful value, and I recommend it to anyone. read more