About Us
Managed by University Recreation & Wellness, the Terp Quest Summer Day Camp was started in 2006 to provide an exceptional day camp experience for the children of UMD faculty/staff and others in the surrounding community.
The full-time, year-round Terp Quest professional staff are committed to meeting the needs of Terp Quest campers and their parents. They are complemented by a dedicated seasonal staff of counselors and activity specialists.
Terp Quest Summer Day Camp activities are specifically structured for children entering first grade to those entering 7th grade. Children are placed in groups which allow them to interact on a daily basis with their academic and developmental peers.
A Group -- rising 1st and 2nd graders
- Our youngest campers must have completed a minimum of one full year of full-day kindergarten.
B Group -- rising 3rd and 4th graders
C Group -- rising 5th and 6th graders
- For campers entering 5th, 6th or maybe even 7th grade in the fall following camp, depending on age.
Important Notes:
- Age restrictions are set as part of the registration process to ensure appropriate group placement, but we understand that all campers may not meet these pre-set parameters.
- Terp Quest will not allow campers to register out of age group if it is not an appropriate placement. Example: a camper entering the 2nd grade cannot be placed with a sibling or friend entering the 4th grade.
During a typical week, campers will have the opportunity to experience the following activities:
Arts & Crafts. 2 or 3 times a week our campers explore their artistic sides with instruction from our Arts & Crafts Instructor. Take home projects and camp keepsakes are a weekly focus.
Sports & Games. Every day, we play both competitive and cooperative games to build strength endurance, and flexibility and teach sportsmanship and teamwork. We encourage all campers to take part in some way. We are all about trying new things!
Swimming. A camp favorite! Every day our campers get to swim and play in the outdoor pool, under the supervision of Red Cross certified lifeguards and attentive Terp Quest counselors. We also have the opportunity to participate in special activities at the indoor pool during the summer.
Adventure & Climbing. While outdoors, 1 or 2 days each week, campers get to learn about various adventure activities and challenge themselves on our rock climbing wall, bouldering grotto, and ropes/challenge course. All activities are "Challenge by Choice."
Field Trips. At least one time every week, we make it a point to explore the University of Maryland campus, looking for new experiences and enjoying favorite spots in our backyard. Sites we have visited in the past include the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, the Xfinity Center at College Park, the Fire Science Engineering Lab, Terp Zone Bowling, and the School for Public Health Sustainable Garden.
Guest Presentations. Every year, interesting speakers and performers are invited to educate and entertain our campers. Past performers have included Reptile World, Cool Science, Story Tapestries, Under the Sea, The UMD Health Center, and Physics is Fun. We typically host one guest per week unless our schedule is too full with other fun activities!
Terp Quest utilizes a variety of facilities, in many ways, to provide a comprehensive schedule of activities for our campers every day. Our home base remains the Eppley Recreation Center. We regularly use other RecWell facilities and host our Arts and Crafts program in dedicated space in Chestertown Hall.
- Multipurpose Room
- Racquetball Courts
- Fitness Studio
- LaPlata Turf
- Outdoor Aquatic Center
- Natatorium
- Climbing Wall
- Adventure Program
If you would like a tour of facilities used for camp, please contact us at terpquest@umd.edu to set up an appointment.