“Would you rather swim in a pool of jello or chocolate pudding?”
“Would you rather live in space or under the sea?”
“Would you rather from a safe distance see a fox or a bear?”
This year, preschool and kindergarten students looked forward to beginning AfterCare with a “Question of the Day” from AfterCare Coordinator, Eliza. She joined FSP last August bringing with her a wealth of experience working at summer camps in Mid-Coast and Central Maine.
After a school year working at FSP, here are a few reflections on Aftercare and FSP from Eliza:
“AfterCare is similar to summer camp in so many ways: there is a lot of choice, outdoor energy, fun games with kids of different ages playing together. You have to strike the right balance of fun things for kids to do in conditions that might not be perfect… it’s the end of a long, hot/cold, wet/sunny, day.”
“Working at Friends School this year, I’ve noticed the really careful consideration and intentionality in the choices that are made. I’ve really felt seen and heard in the decision-making process.”
“I’ve gleaned so much institutional knowledge in FSP’s kitchen.” Kitchens are hubs for conversation, and at FSP that is no different. “Putting together snacks, I am often in conversations with families who are dropping off meal trains or a special snack. Families and staff members share their institutional knowledge with no expectation that I should do things the way it always has been done. But I get to soak up the best stuff and run with it.”
You might find Eliza joining in a game of frisbee, kicking a ball back and forth, navigating the ethereal rules of AfterCare four square, or sitting down to a round of LIFE. Although this summer, you will find Eliza most weeks at FSP hanging out with our oldest campers - Crow Camp!
This year, FSP’s AfterCare program grew from 49 students to 72 students! A big hearty thank you to Eliza and the AfterCare team who worked hard to navigate this growth. If your family is interested in signing up for aftercare for the 2023-2024 school year, more information will be provided via email over the summer. Registration is tentatively set for Tuesday, August 1.