What DEAN Families Are Saying

Real feedback from the parents who know us best. Every review here comes from a family who spent a summer with us, and their words say more about DEAN than we ever could.

Best summer camp The Philadelphia The Washington Main Line Philadelphia Main Line Parent 2026 LOVE Award Winner-transparent-1
DEAN Family Reviews

 

"The boys are having a wonderful time. We really appreciate all the clear communication and pictures. The counselors have been stellar. Everyone is incredibly energetic and friendly, and they do a lot with the kids to make it a really nice day."

Haverford College Parent
DEAN Day Camp

 

"You guys are the BEST!! Thank you for taking such great care of our boys and for providing them with a wonderful camp experience. All of your efforts do not go unnoticed. Jack comes home from camp so happy each day with lots of stories to share!"

Haverford College Parent
DEAN Day Camp

 

 

"Johanna is very excited about this camp and learning how to sew. She tells us about her progress with the dress and her lunches. She seems to have a great time and loves the lunches too!"

Haverford College Parent
Machine Sewing Camp

 

 

"Troy is having a blast this week and loves coming home and sharing what he has cooked up. Family loves eating the cupcakes and pies so far."

Haverford College Parent
Culinary Arts Camp

 

 

"This is not a camp where teenagers are on their phones as counselors. The staff greet my children by name every morning and are genuinely excited to spend the day with them. You feel very good dropping your kids off. "

Haverford College Parent
Art & Lit Camp

 

"We were drawn to the super flexible hours with no additional charge. You can drop off at 8:00 one day and 9:00 the next, and everything from lunch to snacks is included. The variety of activities is unlike anything we've found at other camps. Our boys came home with a published comic book, a skateboard they built themselves, and a week's worth of cooking projects. "

Haverford College Parent
Art & Lit Camp

 

"DEAN is a creative and warm environment where my children have thrived! Each day, my child was brought to the car with a brief anecdote about the fun and learning that they had that day. I felt that we were a part of a fantastic community. My kids made instant friends at DEAN when they came in knowing no other campers. The staff is welcoming and accommodating when circumstances arise that require flexibility. Of all of the summer experiences we have tried over the years, DEAN is the best prepared for working families. We can not wait for another summer with DEAN next year. "

Haverford College Parent
Various Camps

 

"DEAN has so many different options for activities the kids get to swim, do water play or just play outside everyday. They have indoor actives when the weather isn't suitable to have children outside. My child comes home everyday Fed, and tired, a great mix for the summer. There's before and aftercare provided at no extra cost for the working mommies like me and when I come for pick up my son begs to stay even though all the rest of the kids have gone home. There's a mix of young adult and adult counselors I feel my child is watched and interacted with through out the day where I know they are safe and they are not just having a free for all. We will be back next year and hopefully every summer until my child can become a counselor of his own."

Haverford College Parent
Various Camps

 

"My girls love their experiences at DEAN. The staff is great! My kids do many fun activities everyday and come home with so much to tell me. We will be back next summer."

Haverford College Parent
Various Camps

 

"My daughter has attended Dean Adventure camp for several years now, both in the summer and in the winter as part of the days off program. It is a wonderful camp. The counselors are engaged and care about the campers. The staff provide detailed surveys about lunch preferences, ranging from whether your child has allergies to if you would like them to consume sugary beverages and dessert as part of their lunch. It might sound minor, but as a former teacher, this shows that they truly care about us as parents and respect our wishes. Perhaps two of the greatest aspects of this camp is that before and after care is included in the cost as is lunch and all snacks. As a working mom, it takes the pressure off from having to pack a lunch and snack every day, and my daughter loves getting to choose her own food at the cafeteria.  DEAN piqued her interest in sewing and she has since made additional clothing items for her dolls at home on my machine."

Haverford College Parent
Fashion Design & Style Camp

 

"Connor described his day on Monday as 'awesome' and 'the best day ever.' It sounds like working with tools and building stuff with his hands has been a transformative experience for him."

Haverford College Parent
Woodworking Camp

 

"My daughter is truly so happy at this camp. I can tell that the counselors and camp director really care about the children as individuals. I cannot say enough good things about DEAN. It's been such an amazing summer so far and we can't wait to keep it going!"

The Lawrenceville School Parent
DEAN Day Camp

 

 

"The counselors' backgrounds are impressive. One is an artist and another is a baker. Their individual experiences contribute to the success of the camp. My son is an artist who loves to cook. He's having a great time."

Key School Parent
DEAN Day Camp

 

 

"I'm impressed with the skills Ramona is learning: peeling and cutting apples, using an egg beater, making a lattice top. She feels accomplished and excited at the end of the day. Great experience overall!"

Key School Parent
Culinary Arts Camp

 

 

"DEAN was immediately responsive to my daughter's needs and I am very grateful. I am delighted with the camp experience."

Haverford College Parent
Fashion & Machine Sewing Camp

 

 

"Maye loved Monday. She loves writing and it sounds like they wrote all day. She is feeling very comfortable. The teachers are nice. She had fun with the drawing contest. The only thing you need to do for the week to be perfect is keep having them write!"

Sidwell DC Parent
Art & Lit Camp

 

 

"We have been impressed every year with the camp. Our daughter comes home beaming with pride every day, and by the end of the week has not only learned some pretty fantastic sewing skills, but has a quality piece of clothing that she has made! The counselors are incredible, the camp is well organized and run. It's truly a highlight of the summer and our daughter can't wait to return year after year! "

Haverford College Parent
Fashion & Machine Sewing Camp

 

 

"DEAN is summer camp done right. Both my kids have loved the variety of different activities, not only across the weeks, but also within the camp day to keep things exciting. As a working parent, I appreciate so much the hours- which actually span a normal working day, without extra charges- and the ease and flexibility of both pickup and drop off. I also love that they have lunch included, again with variety that my kids like, and weeks that span the full summer, and counselors that are lively, experienced, and even remember my kids year to year. On top of all this, the administrative team is amazing with strong communication. 5 stars for DEAN! Thanks for keeping my kids happy and active (and me sane) over the summer!"

Haverford College Parent
Various Camps

 

 

"One thing in particular that I find attractive about this camp is the all-inclusive pricing. It includes before and after care, all snacks, as well as lunch at the Haverford College cafeteria. Going to the college cafeteria to select her lunch each day is a highlight for my daughter and I hope the camp will be able to keep this offering."

Haverford College Parent
Various Camps

 

 

"My kids loved DEAN. The activities and instructors were great. We especially loved the flexible pick-up and drop-off times and that lunch is included."

Haverford College Parent
Various Camps