Noozhawk’s ParentNooz Camp Guide is officially here and we made sure to make things easy when planning your child’s summer!
To give parents the tools to help make informed decisions about Summer Camps for their kids in Santa Barbara, Noozhawk has conducted a series of interviews with representatives of local programs for this year’s Summer Camp Guide.
In this interview, Noozhawk spoke with John Daly, Founder and President at The Key Class to learn more about the summer programs they are offering this year.
The Key Class ETI-CAMP
Question: What is the name and focus of your camp or program?
Answer: ETI-CAMP, Etiquette camp to learn about etiquette and life skills in a fun relaxing manner. Unlike Cotillion or other more traditional methods of teaching etiquette, we prefer the casual fun approach that can be used in everyday life. We will utilize indoor and outdoor spaces in downtown Santa Barbara for a large range of activities.
Q: How long have you been running the program? Do you have any professional accreditations or certifications?
A: The Key Class has existed for over ten years and has taught 8,500 students of all ages. We have recently expanded to include summer camps. Our Program Director, Shersy Benson, is a Harvard trained organizational behaviorist and is passionate about helping our youth grow to their full potential using cutting edge techniques. As a former Easter Seals camp counselor and Zoo Camp counselor Shersy knows how to make learning fun.
Q: What goals will the participants be working on to achieve?
A: Better manners and soft skills for life. Each day will tackle a different topic in depth. Topics include introduction to manners and etiquette for all occasions, personal grooming and hygiene , social skills for communication, dining etiquette and table manners. Etiquette in public places, travel and public speaking, to name a few.
Q: How would you best describe the educational aspects of your program?
A: We have Harvard-trained staff that helped design the engaging curriculum to ensure it covers the most important skills for success.The Key Class has been around for over a decade and is always looking for new ways to improve and expand our curriculum. We pride ourselves on providing cutting edge and inclusive educational techniques to engage and support the growth of our students. We encourage positive behavior through supportive techniques. Some major concepts we will discuss include:
Table manners: Learning how to set a table, use utensils correctly, and behave properly during a meal.
Communication skills: Developing effective communication skills, such as how to introduce oneself, engage in small talk, and converse with others in a respectful and polite manner.
Personal grooming: Learning how to dress appropriately for different occasions and maintaining good personal hygiene.
Social etiquette: Understanding the basics of social etiquette, such as how to greet people, make eye contact, and show respect to others.
Respect for diversity: Emphasizing the importance of respecting cultural, ethnic, and religious differences in social settings.
Leadership skills: Encouraging campers to develop leadership skills, such as taking initiative, working as a team, and demonstrating responsibility.
Q: Describe the types of activities a child would participate in on a typical day.
A: We start with an ice-breaker and introduction. We provide stories illustrating the importance of the days lesson. We do an engaging activity that may include games or crafts. We end the day with positive affirmations to end the day. We encourage each student to bring their new skills home.
A typical day would be the dining class. The students will sit at a semi formal table setting complete with dishes and silverware and glassware and learn the meaning of each piece on the table setting and how to order food in a restaurant .
Q: What is the typical age range for your camps?
A: Ages 7-12.
Q: Do you offer full day and 1/2 day options?
A: Half day only 12:00 PM- 3:00 PM Monday thru Friday.
Q: What is your policy regarding background checks and training for staff?
A: All staff has been live scanned and vetted for teaching, and have several years of teaching experience.
Q: What is the cost of your camp? Do you offer any scholarships?
A: The Camp cost in $449.00 inclusive of a final day graduation sit down luncheon. Limited partial scholarships are available based on financial needs.
Q: Is there anything you would like to share about your program that was not already mentioned above?
A: We offer school programs throughout the academic year in addition to summer camp. We offer downloadable classes for teens on our website. John Daly, the founder and President of the Key Class is the father of five children and grandfather to five more children and was named Person of the Year in Santa Barbara in 2021. Over the last 7 years, Mr. Daly has also been a teacher for Fun In The Sun (FITS), a program by United Way of Santa Barbara, teaching children and teens over the summer.
Click here to learn more about The Key Class ETI-CAMP!