Creative Campers Options

CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE – CREATIVE WRITING (GRADES 3 AND ABOVE)
Do you like inventing your own character? Or reading books where you get to make decisions for the main character? Well, now you can do both in Choose Your Adventure: Creative Writing! Each camper will have a chance to create their own main character, and then use their main character in a live session where they will make decisions and let the adventure unfold.

OUTRAGEOUS SCIENCE (ALL GRADES)
In a world of the expected, it's time to challenge those expectations. It's not enough to be simply wacky, in this course, we are outrageous. Campers will explore scientific topics in ways that are beyond imagination, and investigate the physical laws of nature as well as life science. Probing questions will be asked, challenged, and answered!

READING FOR FUN (ALL GRADES)
Kick back and relax: it’s free time to enjoy the pleasures of reading. Explore the universe without leaving the safety of your comfy chair! This is a great opportunity for campers to pick up that book they’ve been wanting to read forever, or even to do their required summer reading for school.

ROBOTICS (DOUBLE PERIOD - GRADES 4 AND ABOVE)
In this two-period class, campers will use materials from the LEGO® MINDSTORMS® NXT program. Working alone or in small groups, they will build a simple robot and program it to perform functions. Campers then test their robot by guiding it through an obstacle course or even collaborating with other robots to perform more complex operations.
Enroll for Section 1 in Periods 2 AND 3; enroll for Section 2 in Periods 4 AND 5.

SLIMY SCIENCE (ALL GRADES)
It’s cool to be slimy in this audacious class, where campers experiment with making all sorts of goo and even working volcanoes! Campers also explore the science behind why slime behaves as it does – is it a solid or a liquid? So get messy, get slimy, and learn a little science, too!

WEB DESIGN (GRADES 4 AND ABOVE)
Using HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), the backbone of website design, campers will learn how to structure content and insert text, images, and links all while creating their very own webpage! Campers will also learn how to style their page using CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) to change fonts, add borders and colors, and more. Future website designers, unite!

Culinary Arts classes do not use recipes that include peanuts or tree nuts as ingredients; however, Creative Summer is NOT a peanut-free environment. Campers with food allergies or dietary restrictions should carefully consider their participation in these classes.

BAKING (ALL GRADES)
One of our most popular offerings, this cooking class specializes in healthy breads, cakes, and other baked goods that everyone gets to sample. Classes will be segregated by grade groupings: Grades 2 & 3, Grades 4 & 5, Grades 6 to 8. Recipes go home with campers.

ALL THAT JAZZ (GRADES 2-5)
Dance choreographed to popular music. Emphasis is on technique and body placement. Campers will need: Jazz shoes or sneakers.

BARRE FITNESS / BALLET (ALL GRADES)
Dance or fitness? Why not both? Learn what ballet dancers have always known, that the basics of ballet dance are also the foundation of a fitness routine that builds strength, stamina, and flexibility. Students dance in bare feet only.

CARDIO DANCE (ALL GRADES)
Cardio Dance blends international music and fast-paced, fun steps to create a “dance fitness party” that is downright addictive. Choreography incorporates a wide variety of dance styles, including hip-hop, samba, salsa, merengue, mambo, martial arts, and even Bollywood and belly dance. Campers will need: Sneakers.

DANCE TEAM (GRADES 4 AND UP)
This class will focus on various styles of dance that high school dance teams perform: poms, jazz, lyrical, and hip hop. We will begin each class with a warm-up, focus on different dance skills each week, and learn a cumulative routine that includes two or more styles of dance. Campers will need sneakers.

HIP HOP DANCE (ALL GRADES)
This upbeat class explores the dance styles of the millennium. Hip Hop encompasses movement that has elements of poppin', lockin’, and breaking, as well as freestyle movement to give students the opportunity to develop their own sense of style. Campers will need: Jazz shoes or sneakers.

INTRO TO BREAKDANCING (ALL GRADES)
Breaking is a form of street dance that incorporates intricate body movements, coordination, style, and aesthetics. Students will learn the freestyling footwork components of breakdancing and learn to add their own “flavor” in a safe and controlled environment. Campers will need: Sneakers.

MODERN DANCE (ALL GRADES)
Modern technique with a twist. Our Modern Dance class combines traditional modern technique with a variety of ethnic dance styles from around the world. Students dance in bare feet only.

POM POMS (ALL GRADES)
Have fun and learn basic pom pom and synchronized dance moves! Turns, kicks, arm formations, toe touches, jumps, and pom passes are just a few of the elements that make up a great pom pom routine. Campers will need: Sneakers. Pom-poms are provided.

TAP DANCE (GRADES 2-5)
Students learn basic skills, progressing into combinations like walk the cat, walk the dog, shuffle ball change, front and back Irish, riff walks, and flaps. New and continuing students are welcome. Campers will need: Tap shoes.

ACTING INTRODUCTION (GRADES 2-4)
What is an actor, if not a storyteller? Beginning with basic techniques, campers gain confidence through practice in scene study and theater games. They will learn and rehearse short scenes adapted from classic tales and children’s literature.

CURTAIN CALL – THE MUSICAL (DOUBLE PERIOD – GRADES 5 AND ABOVE)
Be part of a production company, from auditioning for a part to performing at Carnival Showcase. This two-period class provides an opportunity to work on a larger-scale production. Campers in Curtain Call must be available for a dress rehearsal after camp the third Tuesday of each session. Attendance for the entire session is required. The Musical will be performed in the evening on the last Thursday of each session.

IMPROVISATION (GRADES 5 AND ABOVE)
Improvisation is an essential skill for every budding performer. In this fun and zany class, campers will learn how to think on their feet, create unique characters and scenes on the spot, cultivate teamwork, and gain poise, confidence, and stage presence. Campers will showcase their talents with a completely improvised performance during Carnival.

MYSTICAL MAGIC (GRADES 2-5)
Magic isn't just about the tricks – it’s about the magician. Gain confidence and command attention while you dazzle your friends with sleight-of-hand that is simply amazing.

PUPPETRY (GRADES 2-5)
Each camper will create a puppet from head to toe, and learn how to make it become an actor on the stage. Each class will write a play and perform it at the Carnival Showcase.

RISING STARS – THE MUSICAL (DOUBLE PERIOD – GRADES 2-4)
This class opens the magical world of dramatic arts through play production. For two periods, young campers are introduced to the dramatic arts, culminating in a musical production. Campers in Rising Stars must be available for a dress rehearsal after camp the third Wednesday of each session. Attendance for the entire session is required. The Musical will be performed in the late afternoon on the last Thursday of each session at Carnival.

THEATER WORKSHOP (GRADES 4 AND ABOVE)
In this class for campers with some acting experience, campers build their technique through a variety of improvisational exercises designed to loosen up their bodies and voices, build self-confidence, and unleash their creative spirit. They will also prepare and work on performance of scripted scenes and monologues.

AMAZING RACE (GRADES 2-4)
Do you want to compete in the challenge? Creative Summer’s Amazing Race takes campers on a three-week scavenger hunt. To win the “Race,” campers complete daily challenges by solving clues and tackling various obstacles, while facing detours along the way!

CHESS (ALL GRADES)
Chess can teach students concentration, long-range planning, and memory and analytical skills as well as introduce them to the importance of controlling numerous variables and the spirit of true sportsmanship.

DEBATE (GRADES 4 AND ABOVE)
Words have the power to change the world! In this class, campers use crazy topics such as “Could Godzilla beat King Kong?” to learn not just to prepare their case, but to listen actively in order to respond to the other side. Campers will develop the power of persuasion and gain confidence to speak in front of any group.

GAMES GALORE (ALL GRADES)
You don’t need a device to play these games! Learn to play the latest and greatest card and board games as well as revisit old favorites. Campers will enjoy strategy games such as CATAN and chess, simple classics like Spot-it and Uno, as well as newer games like Taco vs. Burrito, Exploding Kittens, and Sushi Go.

LEADERSHIP FOR GIRLS (GRADES 2-5)
This fun and interactive class for girls is designed to provide a safe environment for girls to participate in discussions related to current affairs, gain confidence, and achieve personal growth. Activities may include vision boards, building a personal brand, and goal  setting.

LEADERSHIP SEMINAR FOR GIRLS (DOUBLE PERIOD - GRADES 4 AND ABOVE)
This program for older girls focuses on women in leadership roles in the world and their journey along the way. Campers will engage in discussions about the challenges women face in a safe and thoughtful environment, and may work on individual and/or collaborative projects that highlight the many roles women play in society, business, sports, politics and entertainment.

NATURE’S WAY (GRADES 2-5)
Study nature on the Holton-Arms campus. This beginning ecology and environmental studies course is designed to give campers new awareness of the relationship between living and non-living things. This is truly a discovery course. Campers will need: Water shoes, a swimsuit or change of clothing, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

NEWSPAPER (ALL GRADES)
Here’s your chance to discover and report on the happenings at camp. Be instrumental in writing and publishing the camp newspaper. Campers should be able and willing to spend time writing stories for the paper. This class will include investigative reporting, editorial writing, and entertainment reviews.

RELAXATION STATION (GRADES 4 AND ABOVE)
Pamper your body, mind, and spirit! Campers will create body care products or calming craft such as: bath bombs, peace rocks, aromatherapy spray, gratitude journals, exfoliating body scrubs, stress balls, meditation bracelets, and more! Each class ends with a guided meditation that will leave you feeling peaceful and refreshed for the rest of your day at camp! Campers will work with essential oils and skin care products. Campers with skin allergies should carefully consider their participation in this class.

SIGN LANGUAGE (ALL GRADES)
American Sign Language (ASL) is a graceful and expressive language, and much more than just finger-spelling. Hand signs are just a part of this language that also uses posture, body language and facial expressions to communicate without a sound. Campers will learn to combine signs into phrases, sentences, and basic conversations, as well as to finger spell proper names.

All instruments are provided by the camp.

BROADWAY MELODIES (ALL GRADES)
A song in a musical can serve many purposes – to define a character, advance the story, or just provide a little fun! In this ensemble class, campers don't just sing tunes from Broadway’s greatest shows - they perform them!

GUITAR (ALL GRADES)
Why is guitar so popular? It’s versatile, easy to learn, and fun! Master just a few basic chords and you’ll be strumming along with your favorite tunes in no time. Play it alone or accompany voices; as a solo performer or in a band. Whatever music you prefer – pop, rock, metal, folk, country, or classical – chances are you can play it on a guitar.

PIANO (ALL GRADES)
Small-group instruction for beginning and intermediate students. Piano beginners will focus on basic skills such as reading notes and rhythms, and playing scales and basic chords. Intermediate students will work on improving their proficiency.

PITCH PERFECT (GRADES 5 AND ABOVE)
Ever want to be in an a cappella group? Come learn harmonies and vocal percussion, and have an all-around fun time as we sing songs from the top of the charts! Ability to read music is helpful but NOT required.

SING! (ALL GRADES)
The voice is an instrument. In this fun and informative class, campers will learn to play their instrument and care for it properly, focusing on voice techniques to improve their singing skills and develop their musical style. Warm-ups, breathing, matching pitch, and reading music are some of the topics we will cover.

SINGER / SONGWRITER (GRADES 4 AND ABOVE)
Learn about basic song structure, rhyme-patterns, and tricks of the trade. Create a musical track and then write your own lyrics. At the end of class, you will have a recording of your own original song!

UKULELE (ALL GRADES)
Ukulele is a fun and engaging instrument – it’s portable, great for playing popular music, and so much fun to sing along with. All you need to do is master a few chords and basic strums, and you'll find that you can’t help but share the music with your friends! Ukuleles will be provided by camp.

VIOLIN BEGINS (GRADES 2-4)
The violin is a versatile instrument that is woven into many musical styles, including rock, hip-hop, country, and jazz as well as classical music. This introductory class, for campers with little to no experience, is meant to encourage the camper’s, creativity, coordination, and self-discipline, and advance the camper’s joy-filled journey to musicianship. Violins will be provided by camp.

VIOLIN CONTINUES (GRADES 2-4)
Campers with one to two years of violin experience will enjoy continuing their study of this expressive and versatile instrument. This next-step class is meant to build the camper's skills and confidence and increase their enjoyment in playing music. Violins will be provided by camp.

Campers should have a water bottle to stay hydrated during strenuous activities.
Sunscreen is recommended for all outdoor sports.

ARCHERY (GRADES 4 AND ABOVE)
Aspiring Hawkeyes will be introduced to the sport of archery by a certified instructor. Bows and arrows are provided and are of proper length and weight according to the specifications of the Camp Archery Association. Campers will need: Sneakers and sunscreen.

BASKETBALL (ALL GRADES)
Dribble, pass, and score. Learn Zone and Man-to-Man Defense and basic Offense patterns. Campers will have the opportunity to participate in an organized game at the Carnival Showcase. Campers will need: Sneakers – no black soles.

DODGEBALL (ALL GRADES)
This ultimate extreme sport will include Prisoner Dodgeball, Dr. Dodge, and Bombardment. This high-energy class will keep you moving. Campers will need: Sneakers – no black soles.

GOLF (ALL GRADES)
Learn the fundamentals of golf: grip, aim, posture, and stance as you master putting, chipping, and full swing. This program uses the Almost Golf Ball, the practice ball designed to be safe for children and easy to hit. Campers enjoy both outdoor and indoor activities, including miniature golf obstacle courses. Campers will need: Sneakers and sunscreen. All golf equipment is provided.

LACROSSE (GRADES 2-5)
This fun beginner course focuses on basic skills such as catching and throwing the ball as well as knowledge of the game. For safety reasons a soft ball is used. Campers will need: Sneakers and sunscreen. Lacrosse sticks and balls are provided.

MULTI-SPORTS (ALL GRADES)
Let’s go outside and play! We’ll play old favorites like softball, kickball, and soccer, as well as new games such as tchoukball and handball. On bad weather days when we need to be indoors, pillo polo, whiffle ball, and volleyball may be on the agenda. This class emphasizes teamwork, sportsmanship, and good old-fashioned fun. An indoor version of this class is also offered. Campers will need: Sneakers (no black soles) and sunscreen.

PERSONAL FITNESS (GRADES 4 AND ABOVE)
This personal fitness training class mixes up your fitness routine using a variety of exercises and equipment – steps, fitness balls, weights, and cardio. This exciting class teaches campers that fitness can be fun! Campers will need: Sneakers.

PING PONG (3 AND ABOVE)
According to Urban Dictionary, Ping Pong (also known as table tennis) is “the greatest non-video game past time on the face of the 3rd planet.” Learn the rules and basic skills, and then start hitting the ball back and forth. Fun, fun, fun!

SOCCER (ALL GRADES)
Learn the “fun”damentals of soccer. Daily activities include fun games, physical skills, and social interaction created specifically to improve technical soccer skills. Players receive age-appropriate instruction and are grouped to match their ability. An indoor version of this class is also offered. Campers will need: Sneakers, shin guards, and sunscreen. Soccer cleats are optional.

STROKE CLINIC (ALL GRADES)
A swimming course for experienced swimmers that focuses on developing proper technique for starts, turns, and the four major strokes: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle. This course is designed for campers who are on a swim team (or plan to join one) and would like extra practice and instruction. Campers must be able to swim four lengths of the pool, freestyle and backstroke, without stopping. Taught by certified instructors in our indoor pool. Campers will need: Swimsuit and towel, labeled with camper’s name.

SWIMMING - INSTRUCTIONAL (ALL GRADES)
Small-group instruction in basic strokes such as freestyle and backstroke. Campers will be grouped by ability (from beginning through intermediate) and taught by certified instructors in our indoor pool. Campers will need: Swimsuit and towel, labeled with camper’s name.

ULTIMATE FLAG FOOTBALL (GRADES 2-5)
This introductory course gives you two sports for the price of one!

• In Flag Football, campers learn the basics of football without the contact and heavy equipment. Campers will throw and catch the ball, run drills, and learn basic football terminology and game structure, eventually working up to playing actual flag football games. For safety reasons, this is non-contact football.
• Ultimate Frisbee combines disc throwing with the team aspects of a sport structured much like soccer.

Campers will need: Sneakers and sunscreen.

VOLLEYBALL (GRADES 2-5)
Players learn the rules, procedures, and customs of volleyball, as well the fundamentals of serving, passing, setting, hitting, and blocking. Campers will need: Sneakers – no black soles.

YOGA (ALL GRADES)
Get in touch with your inner light. Learn yoga poses, flowing sequences, breathing exercises, balances, and relaxation techniques. Strengthen both the body and the mind through this ancient and timeless practice. Namaste.
Campers will need: Comfortable clothing that allows free movement.

 

Materials used in some Visual Arts classes are messy; campers may want to bring a smock or extra t-shirt to protect their clothing.

CLAY ARTS (GRADES 5 AND ABOVE)
Learn to create various clay objects with the coil, slab, and pinch-pot methods by hand and then learn how to throw a pot, using an electric wheel. Create and decorate plates, jars, and bowls. All masterpieces are glazed and fired in the kiln. Smocks/aprons are recommended.

CRAFTS WORKSHOP (ALL GRADES)
Learn a variety of crafting techniques using new and recycled materials. Sculpt, paint, cut, fold, tie, glue, and mold materials to create both useful and decorative items. You name it, you can create it!

CROCHET (GRADES 3 AND ABOVE)
Start with a hook and some yarn; make a basic slip knot and crochet a foundation chain. Learn a few simple stitches and you have the basis to create a variety of fun and useful objects. Beginners can make a pot holder or a simple scarf. Campers with some experience may create more elaborate projects, such as stuffed animals, warm fuzzy hats, decorative items, Afghans, and more.

DARKROOM PHOTOGRAPHY (GRADES 4 AND ABOVE)
Enter in to the work of the original Photoshop, the darkroom. No need for a camera, campers will create a pinhole camera and explore basic darkroom techniques. As well as experiment with different materials to enhance their photographs. Campers are more than welcome to bring a film camera.

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY (GRADES 3 AND ABOVE)
Go beyond your digital camera’s Auto mode and learn the fundamentals of photography. Campers experiment with lighting and camera settings to capture images, and then explore techniques for editing and enhancing their images on a computer. Bring your camera the first day and every day. Campers will need: Digital Camera. A cell phone or tablet will not work for this camp activity.

DRAWING (ALL GRADES)
Campers will be introduced to a variety of techniques including still life, figure drawing, portraiture, and landscape. Campers will focus on the drawing “basics” - recognizing edges, line, and angles; seeing proportion and perspective; and understanding shadow and highlights. Media used will include regular and colored pencils.

GIMP MAGIC (ALL GRADES)
Learn the art of plastic lace - also known as gimp, boondoggle, and scoubidou! Start with basic stitches such as square, circle, and butterfly to create traditional key chains and bracelets. Or kick it up a notch and learn to make animals, people, and just about anything you can imagine!

HAND LETTERING (GRADES 4 AND UP)
Hand lettering is an art form that focuses on drawing letterforms by hand. Unlike its close cousin, calligraphy (where writing beautiful words is the focus), in hand lettering we draw, decorate, and stylize individual letterforms. And while calligraphy uses specialized instruments, you can do hand lettering with pretty much any writing tool that you have!

JEWELRY MAKING (ALL GRADES)
Making jewelry is fun! This class teaches basic techniques of beading and jewelry making to create earrings, necklaces and more. Before you know it, you'll be impressing family and friends with your beautiful handmade jewelry!

KNITTING (ALL GRADES)
Campers learn the basics of casting on and the knit and purl stitches. With the basics down, campers can create their own scarves, hats, headbands, and more – the options are limitless!

MIXED MEDIA UPCYCLING (GRADES 2-5)
Campers use multiple methods and a variety of media to upcycle found and/or recycled objects to craft unexpected works of art. Cloth painting, sculpture, decoupage, papier-mâché, and appliqué are some of the methods campers may employ to create expressive designs on objects both decorative and useful.

MODERN ART MADE EASY (ALL GRADES)
Modern artists boldly challenge themselves to explore the world through the fundamentals of art, line shape, form, color and texture. In this class students will be introduced to artists Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollack and others to introduce modern art practices through easy to follow hands on activities designed to give students an appreciation of one of arts most inspirational and colorful periods, and fill your home with original and colorful modern art!

PAINTING (ALL GRADES)
Explore the many media and methods of artistic painting! Campers will be introduced to a variety of paint materials, such as tempera, water color, and acrylic, and use them to create expressive works of art..

PARTY PLANNING (GRADES 3 AND ABOVE)
So you want to throw a party, but don’t know where to start? Here is your chance to plan and design a party with a team of creative minds. Make decorations, plan menus and learn to make party food. Design invitations and games. Even learn some practical stuff, such as estimating food and drink needed, and setting a budget.

SEWING (GRADES 4 AND ABOVE)
Even if they have never seen a sewing machine before, this class will give campers the confidence to work on a variety of sewing projects. Campers will learn the basics of operating a sewing machine, then employ their new skills to create projects such as hair scrunchies, pillows, shorts, and pajama pants.

STITCHERY (ALL GRADES)
Campers will learn to do needlepoint on plastic canvas using colorful yarns. Projects may be made using basic stitches, such as continental stitch, whipstitch and backstitch, or campers may incorporate more complex designs and stitches in their work, such as gobbelin or mosaic stitches. Campers are also encouraged to create their own designs.

WATERCOLOR PAINTING (GRADES 4 AND UP)
Create dream-like works of art using essential water color techniques. Flat wash, dry brush, wet on dry, wet on wet, masking, and salting are just a few of the methods campers will explore in this exciting and imaginative class.

YARN CRAFTING (ALL GRADES)
Campers will be introduced to a variety of yarn crafts, such as crocheting, knitting, weaving, and macramé. Some techniques use needles, hooks, or looms, and some just use fingers. By wrapping, twisting and braiding yarn you can create a multitude of fun and fashionable projects – the possibilities are endless!

Creative Campers have a five-period class day. They will choose one activity per period per session online in late April, according to the priority schedule outlined below. You may explore the planned activities on our Creative Campers Options page. These options are subject to change until final class menus are emailed to Creative Camper families.

Registration links and class menus will be emailed to registered families no later than April 10.

Class selection begins at 7 p.m. and ends at 5 p.m. the following day for each priority grade group.

For Campers in Grade(s)	Selection begins at 7 p.m. on	And ends at 5 p.m. on
Grades 7 and 8	Monday, April 24	Tuesday, April 25
Grades 5 and 6	Tuesday, April 25	Wednesday, April 26
Grade 4	Wednesday, April 26	Thursday, April 27
Grades 2 and 3	Thursday, April 27	Friday, April 28

Campers who miss their grade’s selection window may choose their classes starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 28, after all the grade groups have had their day of selection priority.