Summer Day Camp Overview : Memories to Last a Lifetime

Join us on an extraordinary journey – 4 weeks of exciting themed days, activities, and events designed to captivate kids entering Pre-K to 8th grade.

We offer three Day Camp programs based on grade level and ability. The 2009 Summer for all programs lasts from July 6-July 31. Each and every day has a theme that is celebrated camp-wide through a variety of engaging experiences. Be sure to see the complete calendar of our themes and activities! More information on our calendar, studios, and specific activities coming soon!

*Please note that all programs list age requirements by grade - this refers to the grade students will be entering in the Fall of 2009. Please feel free to contact us with any questions about age requirements.


A Typically Untypical Day

Nothing is “typical” about Camp Odyssey! We make every minute count with an energetic, fun-filled Opening, special theme and programs each day; studios that captivate kids with art, music, sports, science, video and much more; and an energetic Closing to wrap up the fun. Each week brings special events and days, and “Crazy Times” are a time-honored tradition.

Camp Activities and Programs

Campers enrolled in our Summer Day Camp are divided into age groups based upon grade level. Setting Sail, specially designed for our youngest campers, is the group dedicated to Pre-K and Kindergarteners. Campers in grades 1-6 are part of the “Legendary Day Camp Experience”, our core program for kids who just want to be kids! Finally, Teen Camp is designed to offer challenges and a change of scenery for campers entering grades 7 & 8. All age groups, from Pre-K - Grade 8, participate in all our activities; schedules are just tailored to fit the individual needs of each age group. Our experienced Group Leader and Specialist counselors - under the guidance of co-Day Camp Directors Nancy Berg and Karen Letonoff - plan and implement the zany, imaginative, and fun activities for which we are known. In addition to Opening, Closing, and theme events, campers experience multiple studios a day (on a rotating schedule) including: Art, Sports, Technology, Dance, Wacky Science, and more!

Setting Sail Overview (Pre-K and K)

This program, integrated into Day Camp, is specially designed for our youngest campers (pre-K and Kindergarten). They join the “big kids” at Opening and get plenty of the studio time (see below) they love – and they also have special, age-appropriate activities, experiences and breaks to suit their needs.
Cost: $175/week

Legendary Day Camp Experience (Grades 1-6)

Our core program for kids who just want to be kids! Groups include “One Fish" and "Two Fish” (grades 1-2), “Red Fish" and "Blue Fish" (grades 3-4), and “Dolphins” (grades 5-6). Our 5:1 camper to counselor ratio provides excellent supervision with lots of individual attention. Our experienced Group Leader and Specialist counselors plan and implement the zany, imaginative, and fun activities for which we are known. In addition to Opening, Closing, theme events, free play and activities, campers experience five studios a day (on a rotating schedule) including: Art, Outdoor Adventure, Sports, Video, Tech Lab, Dance, and Wacky Science. See below for more details on studios and daily events.
Cost: $175/week

Teen Camp Overview (Grades 7 and 8)

The Odyssey Teen Camp program offers challenges and a change of scenery for campers entering grades 7 & 8. Teens experience more variety and independence under the outstanding leadership of some of our finest counselors. The Odyssey Teen Camp program is designed to foster responsibility, self-awareness and positive character development in our teens. Campers take part in some of their favorite activities as well as lots of new experiences.
Cost: $197/week

Day Camp Studios

Studios are centers of activity that allow kids to express their creativity, spirit of adventure, brainpower and physical energy. Our broad range of studios are based on the premise that children will grow emotionally, physically and mentally when they are actively engaged in activities that they choose, challenge them, build relationships and are fun. Each day provides the opportunity to visit multiple studios, each with different choices. These include such varied selections as Art, Sports,Tech Lab, Dance, and Wacky Science. Visit back soon for a complete list of our 2009 studio offerings!

Other Options : Early Drop-Off & After-Camps

Camp Odyssey has numerous options available in the summer to extend the camp day for busy parents. See below for information on early and late programs, overnights, transportation options, and more!

Early Drop Off (7:30 – 8:30 a.m.)
Want to start your camp day on the early side? Drop-off your child as early as 7:30 a.m. to an early supervised play program. Offered every week, July 6-July 31. $29 per camper/week.

After Camp Program (3:00 – 5:30 p.m.)
SuperPlay: The camp fun and activities don’t have to end at 3:00! Campers will have the opportunity to continue the camp day in some of our most popular studios, including Sports, Arcade, and Art. All ages. $39/week.

Half Day Camp Option (12:00 – 3:00 p.m.)
Extend your day after finishing any of our specialty camps and join in the afternoon activities of our day camp. 12p-3p. $85 per camper/week.

Something For Everyone: Camp Odyssey Specialty Camps

You never know what you can accomplish until you try. Odyssey Specialty Camps let kids and teens explore their interests in-depth in a relaxed, fun and safe environment. Programs are led by qualified professionals who teach in small groups and provide ample individual attention. Choose from a full array of programs that include art, music, food, languages, and more!
*All specialty camps offered for 2009 are $149/week per camper.
*Please note that all programs list age requirements by grade - this refers to the grade your child will be entering in the Fall of 2009. Please feel free to contact us with any questions about age requirements.

PUMP IT UP! (GRADES 3-8). Get into shape through a variety of fitness games and activities designed to get you active while having fun. Led by TJS PE teacher Nancy Berg. 9a-12p. July 20-24.

Nancy graduated from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor's degree in biology. She worked for several years as a research assistant at the Mayo Clinic, leaving to raise her family. Nancy began coaching soccer while in high school and continued to coach over the years. Eight years ago she became involved in Special Olympics as a volunteer and now serves as the Program Director for the junior program for the Sussex De-Terminators as well as coaching the cycling and basketball teams and assisting with the aquatics program. Nancy enjoys running, swimming and baking during her spare time.

JUEGOLANDIA (PRE-K-GRADE 1). “Playland” in Spanish. Featuring favorite games led in spanish, this camp is a fun way to begin learning the language. Led by TJS Spanish teacher “Senora” Stefine. 9a-12p. July 6-10.

As a high school Spanish student in Zenia, Ohio, Stefine spent her junior year in Argentina. She earned a bachelor’s in Spanish with a minor in religious studies at The College of Wooster, studying one summer in Ecuador. Besides being a private tutor, she taught Spanish at Wooster City elementary schools, the Wayne County Montessori schools and Wee Care. She joined the staff of The Jefferson School in January 2008. Stefine is a published author of a play and several fantasy and science fiction short stories. She enjoys reading, sewing, knitting, musical theatre and her two cats.

WATERCOLOR PAINTING (GRADES 4-8). Learn the basics of watercolor painting and explore different techniques in this class sure to please artists of all skill levels. Led by TJS Art teacher Karen Letonoff. 9a-12p. July 13-17.

Karen holds a bachelor’s in fine arts from Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia. After completing a postgraduate year of study in sculpture she joined the staff of the Johnson Atelier Technical Institute of Sculpture where she taught in the metal chasing and patina departments. When Karen relocated to the Rehoboth Beach area in 1995, she became co-owner of an art gallery in which she designed and created custom forged steel furniture and cast bronze home accessories. She has taught art classes, participated in the creation of community murals and painted in homes throughout the area. Karen returned to teaching as an early childhood educator in 2003 before joining the staff at The Jefferson School.

COOL KIDS CREATIONS (PRE-K - GRADE 3). Explore art, music, cooking, and more! Creative activities built around a central theme - a perennial favorite. 9a-12p. July 13-17 and July 27-31.

BUGS, CREEPY CRAWLERS, AND CRITTERS (PRE-K-GRADE 1) Explore The Jefferson School’s beautiful campus and discover the many types of critters it has to offer. Each day will be filled with hands-on experiential activities, games, songs, stories and exploration - both outdoors and indoors.  Come join the fun! 9a-12p. July 6-10.

Gayle Rush, is an early childhood teacher at The Jefferson School.  She has been teaching in classrooms and camps for over 30 years.  On any day Gayle will have critters of her own in her classroom.  As a former Camp Director and Counselor Gayle shares her love for nature, critters and science with children from Pre-K -2nd grade.  

ECOMAZING! (GRADES 4-6) Explore the wild and wacky world of our natural environment. Discover what nature has to offer through games and activities. Investigate the connections in our environment that lead to a deeper respect for the earth through direct experiences. Learn basic survival skills and become more comfortable with outdoor learning and fun. 9a-12p. July 20-24.

Julia Zalesak has participated in nature and outdoor experiences her entire life. She enjoyed camping and hiking trips with her parents from Maine to Florida. Julia graduated from Salisbury University with an Elementary Education Degree and has been involved with Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s environmental education program both as a student and educator.

FABULOUS FUN FOODS (GRADES 4-8). Learn to prepare, cook, bake and EAT delicious fun foods. We will make chocolates, bake cookies and fruit pizza. Have you ever made you own jam or jelly? You will in this camp, and you will get to take a jar home with you! We will also create our own ice cream sundaes, bake cookies, make chocolates and create fun fruit pizzas. Yum! Warn your parents that you might not be hungry for lunch this week! 9a-12p. July 13-17.

Krista Scudlark owns Backyard Jams and Jellies. She has been picking fruit and making preserves for over 20 years. Much of the fruit she uses is grown in her backyard. Krista also teaches after school cooking and gardening classes for the Cape Henlopen School District's Cape Carousel Program.

CHARACTERS... PLOT... ACTION! (GRADES 6-8).  Are you one of those people who LOVE to read?? And better yet, do you imagine the story coming to life as you read it?  If so, then this is the camp for you!  Join us as we read popular stories, plays, and poems and then turn each one into the performance to end all performances. Together, we will make authors’ works come alive! 9a-12p. July 27-31.

Karen Willey is a reading teacher at Sussex Academy of Arts and Sciences.  She is a lifelong resident of Sussex County and loves to read, be outdoors and participate in antique hunting.  Karen earned her Master of Education from Wilmington University and received her Bachelor of Science degree from Salisbury University.