World Explorers 2012
Within a relaxed, safe, accepting environment, children aged 3 to 9 learn about two major world regions and their cultures during two four-week sessions, and then tour local environs in week 9. Campers explore each region through encounters with its music, art, dance, food, geography, history, ecosystems and languages. In 2012, campers will explore Europe and the Caribbean.
Each week, artists-in-residence visit to share talents and work on special projects with campers. Our partnership with the University of Pennsylvania’s Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology gives us unique access to visiting experts in anthropology and archaeology as well as real artifacts that give campers a hands-on experience. Onsite programs are complimented by field trips to museums, nature centers, zoos, farms, theater performances and other local events. In addition, while campers are "thinking globally", they're learning about "living locally". They visit Greener Partners' Hillside Farm every week for lessons about nutritious, sustainable, organic local food systems. Twice weekly, they participate in instructional and recreational swimming at Knowlton Swim Club with certified water safety instructors.
Each four-week session is capped by an art and performance fair in which campers share what they have learned with the community. These exhibitions include original artwork, as well as singing, dancing and drama.
Summer Synergy 2012
Featuring the fun of hands-on learning (without homework!), Summer Synergy provides rising 5th-8th graders a mid-summer "boredom break", immersing them in weekly "experiential intensives". Aiming to enlighten and engage, each course concludes with a showcase of campers' creations:
July 16-20: Got Robots?
Use MIT’s PicoCrickets and LEGO NXT and RCX processors to create whimsical musical and kinetic sculptures, creatures that dance, interactive jewelry and robots that perform specific tasks, all while learning principles of design and basic computer programming concepts.
July 23-27: Rock Band Studio
Be a guitar hero (or drum, keyboard, bass, flute, violin, vocal or other instrumental hero for that matter!). Learn to play R& B and rock songs in a band using traditional as well as invented instruments, and then employ mics, soundboards, mixers and software to record “sessions” onto a CD just like professional sound engineers. No prior musical experience required.
July 30-August 3: Wood Sculpture Workshop
Foster creativity, spontaneity and collaboration while having fun exploring the creations and techniques of artists who work with wood. Learn to use woodworking materials and tools to craft both small personal sculptures and a larger, more permanent sculptural installation with fellow campers.
Experienced, professional educators staff Summer Synergy's enlightening and entertaining courses. Early registration is encouraged as Synergy enrollment is intentionally limited to ensure that campers have ample opportunity to explore their interests in a creative atmosphere.