A transformative summer experience for children ages 6–16 who need a little extra help remembering their pleases, thank-yous, and inside voices. Results guaranteed — or they stay longer.
If your child has said "whatever," interrupted an adult, refused to say please, eaten with their elbows on the table, or rolled their eyes in the last 30 days — they may be an ideal candidate. Our admissions team is standing by. Enrollment can happen quickly when necessary.
Each activity is carefully designed by our team of etiquette professionals, former diplomats, and exhausted parents. All sessions are mandatory. Smiling is encouraged.
Firm handshake, direct eye contact, first and last name — clearly. Grunting, mumbling, and staring at one's shoes are addressed in the remedial track. Campers practice 40 introductions per day.
Morning SessionFrom bread plate placement to the fish fork, campers learn the full 12-piece formal setting. Speed rounds, blind folded settings, and the legendary White Glove Inspection are highlights of the week.
Pre-Meal DailyCampers write a minimum of 15 handwritten thank-you notes per day. Topics include: gifts received, meals provided, lessons endured, and simply existing in someone's presence. Illegible handwriting is re-submitted.
Afternoon SessionA patented 5-day decibel reduction program. Campers wear sound monitors throughout the day. Those who exceed 55 decibels are redirected to the Reflection Meadow for additional quiet contemplation.
All DayIntensive repetition and real-world simulation. Role play scenarios include: asking for the salt, receiving a gift one did not want, and thanking Grandma for a sweater. Advanced campers tackle "No thank you" etiquette.
Daily RotationBalance book drills, spine-alignment workshops, and the world-famous "Chair Challenge" where campers sit without slouching for increasing durations. Current record: 47 uninterrupted minutes. A gold star awaits the champion.
Morning SessionProper phone greetings, message-taking, and the revolutionary concept of putting devices away when someone is speaking. Phones are collected at breakfast and returned upon successful completion of the "Look Me in the Eye" quiz.
Afternoon SessionPractical field exercises in the camp's Purpose-Built Door Maze and the crowded simulation bus. Campers practice for elders, guests, and anyone carrying something heavy. The final exam takes place in town. Observed. Scored.
Field SessionBecause "That's not fair!" is not an argument. Campers study the art of "I understand your perspective, however…" and practice not interrupting, not huffing, not sighing audibly, and not making a face. The face portion takes the longest.
Evening SeminarOur cabins are immaculate. We expect yours to be too. Beds are inspected at 6:45 AM sharp. A wrinkle is not a minor issue. It is a teachable moment.
Our cabins hold 8 campers and one Cabin Etiquette Officer. Rooms are inspected each morning before breakfast. Campers who pass earn a Tidiness Token. Campers who do not pass receive a thoughtful written critique and may re-make their bed while others eat.
Every meal is a lesson. No exceptions. Elbows off the table is merely the beginning. We have much, much higher standards.
Our counselors are caring, patient, and absolutely thrilled to be here. They have heard every excuse. They remain unmoved. But they do smile — because that is what one does.
Former finishing school instructor with 22 years of experience. Has witnessed a child use a soup spoon for dessert and recovered fully. Certified in Advanced Napkin Folding.
Holds a master's degree in Communication Sciences. Invented the Bramble Decibel Meter now used in 14 etiquette camps nationwide. Very, very calm at all times.
Former military officer and domestic arts enthusiast. Holds the record for fastest hospital-corner fold: 4.2 seconds. Inspects beds with her own ruler. It is a nice ruler.
Mediator, author, and father of four. Wrote the seminal workbook "Because I Said So Is Not Enough". Has never once raised his voice. Claims it is easy. Campers disagree politely now.
PhD in Social Psychology. Pioneered the "Handshake Immersion Method." Has trained over 3,000 children to make eye contact and say their name without mumbling. She is very proud of each one.
Penmanship expert and stationery enthusiast. Believes the handwritten thank-you note is the highest form of human communication. Has read 200,000 of them. Corrects spelling. Gently.
These are real testimonials from real parents who are very, very relieved.
"I showed my son the Manners Camp website on a Monday. By Tuesday he was saying please without being asked. By Wednesday he held the door open for me. I am not exaggerating. This website saved our household."
"My daughter used to leave the table without asking to be excused. I casually mentioned that Manners Camp offers a full summer program. She now asks to be excused, clears her plate, and has started folding her own napkin. Remarkable."
"My son rolled his eyes at dinner last week. I simply opened my laptop to the enrollment page. He has not rolled his eyes since. He has also started saying 'Good morning.' Unprompted. I don't know what you've done but keep doing it."
"We told our twins about the Formal Table Setting Mastery class and the mandatory thank-you note workshop. They now set the table without being asked and have written notes to both grandmothers. Spontaneously. In cursive."
"I read my daughter the part about the 6:45 AM bed inspection. She now makes her bed every single morning with what I can only describe as determination. She also stopped slamming doors. I haven't changed a thing. You have."
"My son interrupted me four times in one evening. I showed him the Indoor Voice Intensive page — specifically the part about the Reflection Meadow. He has not interrupted me since. He is also sleeping better, which I did not expect."
Three program lengths available. All include full room, board, activities, and as much character development as your child requires. Which may be considerable.
Parents ask. We answer. Thoroughly. With correct grammar.
Yes. "Whatever" is addressed in Week 1, Day 2 of the Respectful Disagreement Seminar. It is treated with the seriousness it deserves. Results are typically swift.
Interestingly, most children choose to improve their behavior significantly upon learning about the program. This is the desired outcome. Either result is acceptable.
Phones are collected upon arrival and returned upon departure. Campers are encouraged to use the time to have conversations. Out loud. With other humans. While making eye contact.
There is an entire seminar on this. It is called "Gracious Acceptance and the Art of Eating What Is Served." It is very good. The pudding is earned, not given.
A minimum of 15 per day in the standard program. Recipients include family members, teachers, neighbors, postal workers, and occasionally the camp's own chef. The practice is its own reward.
Counselors report that most campers are quite cheerful by Day 3, once the initial adjustment period concludes. By Week 2, several have been described as "genuinely pleasant." This is the goal.
Ages 6–16. We have found that the earlier one attends, the better. Though late enrollment is available at any time, often on somewhat shorter notice than families anticipate.
Yes. Manners Camp™ is fully accredited by the National Institute of Childhood Refinement, the Etiquette Educators of North America, and several parents who really needed it to work and are very grateful that it did.
