Branksome Hall Day Camps: Parent Interview with Nancy Cibuku

Watch our Parent interview with Nancy Cibuku to hear firsthand what children experience and how they grow at Branksome Hall Day Camps.

Transcript of the interview

What's unique about Branksome Hall Day Camps that made you want to enroll your children there?

They go to school at Branksome Hall, so I thought it'd be an easier transition, especially during the COVID times and lockdown. I was nervous to send them off to camp, but they were very excited. I felt a little calmer taking them there.

Branksome Hall Day Camp has different kinds of activities for them, from dancing to art to adventure camp. So that opened up a wide variety of different activities for the kids to do. It's a co-ed camp.

They also provided lunch. So that was a big bonus because I have picky eaters. So that was another checkmark off the checklist.

How were your children's first experiences with Branksome Hall Day Camps?

When they first started the school, I thought it'd be a good transition to get them from preschool into the school, so a little gap would be the camps. It was nice; they got to build some friendships and get to know the facility.

At the time, I think it was three years ago, it was huge for them. So they were a little bit overwhelmed, but as the years passed, they loved it. The second year I asked them, "Do you want to go somewhere else? We can try something different." And they're like, "No, Branksome Camps, that's it."

Was there any change or noticeable personal growth you saw in your children after spending time at camp?

During the lockdown, they became more closed in. We didn't have many playdates. It was all virtual playdates with their friends, and they're very social kids. They only played with each other and with me, and they didn't really socialize.

So it was a big difference going to camp. They were nervous at first because of the closures and everything, and then, seeing other people, they didn't know how to react when they first walked into camp. They're like, "Do we hug our friends? Do we just wave?" But as the days went by, they became more confident.

I see a big smile on their face. They come home super excited to tell me what they've done and also try different activities. Before, it was just dance, and then all of a sudden they wanted to do sports, adventure camp with the older kids, and I was like, "Whoa, this is something different."

How can a parent support their child to get the most out of this camp?

To support them, I would maybe go with a friend, or ask some friends if their child is very shy to go to the same camp together. I know my youngest was very shy, and I asked a friend if she was registering for camp, so she said yes, and we put both girls in the camp, and they had a lot of fun together.

Also, I highly suggest if you're going to go to the school to try out the camps too, so they can see the facility, get used to it, and make friends before the school year starts.

What do your children say about Branksome Hall Day Camps?

They really enjoy Branksome Camps. Every day is something new. They learn something new in dance, and then they come home and they present it to my husband and me. And even the grandparents are like, "Look at me. Look what we can do."

They know things outside. They want to go for walks, which is nice. I encouraged them before to do walks, but now they want to do it on their own.

Sports too. That was never really an interest until they started doing camps. We registered in soccer. So it was a big growth for them during the summer.

Any final thoughts?

All around,  Branksome Hall Day Camp was a great camp. The camp counselors are outstanding. The administrative staff too is amazing. I was a nervous one to send my kids away, but it was safe, which was nice. It was safe and the girls were happy.

It's co-ed, all ages, different activities from tennis to different sports, soccer, basketball. So I wouldn't worry. I'd send them to the camp.

My main tip would be to sign up early because it sells out quickly. We were on the waiting list and I just sat there crossing my fingers every day. An email would pop up and I'm like, "We're in, sign up right away." So that's my main tip.