Middle School Options

Students will use math to plan an unforgettable virtual camping trip. From budgeting for supplies and planning meals to choosing campsites and calculating travel costs, students will sharpen their math skills through hands-on, real-world challenges. Along the way, they’ll work together, solve problems, and discover that math is a powerful tool for making decisions — on the trail and beyond!

• Offered Sessions 1 & 2
• Teacher: Brijette Boggan

This project based course will have students spend their first week learning how to code a Micro:Bit mini computer. Students will code their Micro:Bit and learn how to connect it to and control external devices such as LEDs. The second week of this course will have students learn how to use the Scratch block based programming language to create simple but fun games.

• Offered Sessions 1 & 2
• Teacher: Jim Cibulka 

In this creative middle school course, students design and build their own original civilization from the ground up. As they bring their societies to life, they explore key themes such as geography, religion, economics, agriculture, shelter, and clothing. Through this hands-on project and imaginative problem-solving, students learn how these elements work together to shape cultures and communities.

• Offered Sessions 1 & 2
• Teacher: Leanne Groves

This creative writing opportunity is grounded in local and Missouri history. Students will learn about historic Missouri events and locations such as the 1904 World's Fair and Forest Park, the construction of the Arch, Grant's Farm, Cahokia Mounds, and Meramec Caverns. 

• Offered Sessions 1 & 2 
• Teacher: Dominic Kues

This course introduces students to the art of storytelling through audio. Students will explore how ideas become engaging podcasts by developing topics, writing scripts, conducting interviews, and recording and editing audio segments. Students will strengthen skills in writing, speaking, listening, research, and collaboration while learning how to communicate clearly and creatively for an authentic audience.

• Offered Sessions 1 & 2
• Teacher: Ms. Lauren Bellamy 

Come along as we explore the ancient art of mosaics. For thousands of years, artists have been using mosaics to add a bit of color to their homes and communities. During this class, you will learn about the history and technique of mosaic making. In addition to this you will complete a collaborative project with your friends and create your own mosaic masterpiece to take home.

• Offered Sessions 1 & 2
• Teacher: Allison Witt

Students will step outside the classroom to discover the hidden geometric blueprints of the natural world. They will transform into "math-artists," using data and design to explore the intersection of nature, symmetry, geometry, and logic. Come prepared to use your powers of observation and imagination to create art; spend some time outside, and learn about the patterns in nature!

• Offered Sessions 1 & 2
• Teacher: Maggie Forrestal

Welcome to the Poet's Palate! This course integrates aspects of culinary arts with creative writing, culminating in a Pop-Up Poetry Café where students serve a creation alongside a performed poem that captures its essence. Students will move from concrete sensory details to figurative language and abstract critical thinking, using food as the medium. Guided by the belief that cooking and writing are both acts of profound creation, this work will challenge students to "taste" their words and "write" their flavors. Throughout the camp, students will engage in hands-on culinary labs alongside immersive writing workshops. They will learn to identify the narrative arc of a meal, use sensory details to elevate their poetry, and discover how culture and memory influence both the food we eat and the stories we tell. Bon appétit!

• Offered Sessions 1 & 2
• Teacher: Nicole Post

The Mission: Turn your iPad into a professional movie studio and master the art of digital storytelling.

Week 1: The Secret Language of Photos: Unlock the secrets of pro photographers! This week, you’ll learn to use light like a master, find the perfect "Point of View," and capture photos that create a mood. We’ll dive into the world of visual storytelling, learning how to tell an entire story using nothing but your lens.

Week 2: 60-Second Cinema: Step into the Director’s chair to create "Narrative Nanos": epic, one-minute movies that pack a punch. You’ll learn to write scripts, shoot cinematic footage, and edit your clips into a professional short film. From the first frame to the final cut, you’ll find your voice and bring your story to life.

• Offered Sessions 1 & 2
• Teacher: Anissa Williams

Ever feel like your brain just "locks up" when things get stressful? In this class, we’re going to figure out why. We’ll look at how your brain handles big feelings and why it sometimes feels like an alarm is going off in your head. The goal is to move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling in control. We’ll do fun experiments to see how our bodies react to stress and then build a personal Regulation Menu or Stress Kit filled with grounding techniques, focus strategies, and self-advocacy scripts to take into the new school year.

• Offered Session 1 Only 
• Teacher: LaToya Jones

This course engages students in a hands-on, interdisciplinary project: designing and planning their own summer camp. Through math-centered problem-solving and creative collaboration, students explore how mathematics is used in real-world planning while integrating cooking, sports, art, and team-based activities. Students will work in small groups to make decisions, solve problems, and present their completed camp designs, emphasizing communication, creativity, and critical thinking.

• Offered Session 1 Only 
• Teacher: Patty Goeke

In this course, students will dive into the worlds of nature and language by transforming old Missouri Conservation magazines into original works of poetry. As they hunt for hidden messages in science articles, students will also build their own root word dictionaries to unlock the secrets of how words are formed. The week wraps up with a creative final project, where students showcase their new skills through a handmade dictionary or a unique piece of word art.

• Offered Session 2 Only
• Teacher: Cara Midkiff

In this class, we will explore traditional and contemporary Summer Camp Arts and Crafts through projects such as lanyards, friendship bracelets, diamond painting and more! We will also create and maintain a nature sketchbook and digital artist portfolio to track our arts and crafts creations. This class will have you dreaming of summer all year long!

• Offered Session 2 only
• Teacher: Ellen Holley

Have you ever been a part of a drum circle? Join us as we study music from around the world through the lens of hand drumming. We will be learning drumming techniques, singing lots of great songs with accompaniments and movement, connecting African and Latin American cultural traditions to the music performed and discovering how music can be the perfect vehicle for teaching team building, respect, focusing, listening, problem solving, and other important life skills. Plus, we will be seeking performance opportunities for the end of our session! Let’s drum!

• Offered Session 2 Only 
• Teacher: Mr. Erik Hansen