Park Specialty Camps
For Campers Ages 10-15.
Check Out Our Offerings for
Kids Ages 10-15 (Rising 5th-9th) This Summer!
Hands on, Minds On Specialty Camp
for Ages 10-14 (Rising 5th-8th)
Program Overview:
During Summer 2025, we are excited to offer the specialty camp concept once again. Our “Hands on, Minds On” experiences for older students age up the traditional day camp that many enjoyed as younger children. As students develop their passions, they are eager to have more immersive experiences in topics that challenge and inspire them, and our specialty camp program is designed to do just that.
The specialty camp program is a full-day experience that has two options for campers. They can either choose a full-day camp that provides an immersive experience in one topic for the full week, or they can pair two half-day camps that provide more variety throughout the day. The camps are designed and taught by Park teachers and experts, marrying individual passions with student interests. Each full-week session costs $500 (prorated for shorter weeks) and includes a wide range of experiences across disciplines (arts, sciences, technology, outdoors, and athletics).
Camp Details – Prices and Schedules:
Ages: 10-14 (rising 5th-8th Grade)
Dates: June 23 to August 1
Full Day: 8:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m.
Cost: $500 per week (full day, 5-day week)
Time: 8:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m. (Campers can be dropped off as early as 8:15 a.m. Afternoon carpool ends at 3:30 p.m.)
| Specialty Camps |
|---|
| Week 1: June 23 to June 27 |
| Week 2: June 30 to July 4 (camp is closed on July 4) |
| Week 3: July 7 to July 11 |
| Week 4: July 14 to July 18 |
| Week 5: July 21 to July 25 |
| Week 6: July 28 to August 1 |
Create Your Own Camp Experience!
For each week of camp, choose between the full-day experience, or pair a morning and afternoon session together for more variety throughout the day. Campers will also enjoy pool time each day and Challenge Course adventures twice per week. Schedule below is new for summer 2025.
Week 1: June 23–June 27
Campers can choose between the full-day experience, or pair the morning and afternoon sessions together for more variety throughout the day.
| Full-Day Experience | Morning Session | Afternoon Session |
|---|---|---|
| Lego Robotics | Sports Camp: Olympics Week | Mission in the Kitchen: Street Food Extravaganza |
Lego Robotics
Participants will use Robot Inventor kits to build robots with a computer brain, sensors, and motors. Then, they will code the robots to move and complete tasks using a simple drag and drop programming interface. No experience necessary!
Sports Camp: Olympics Week
Campers will be divided into “countries” and compete in a mix of sports, some of which are olympic sports and others of which are not. With opening and closing ceremonies, medal presentations, and exciting team challenges, this camp brings the thrill of the Olympics to Park.
Mission in the Kitchen: Street Food Extravaganza
Campers will explore and create their own versions of popular snacks like tacos, crepes, empanadas, and churros. With fun activities like food styling and hands-on cooking, they’ll discover the excitement of crafting delicious street food favorites from scratch. Please note that all cooking camps have an additional $25 materials fee.
Week 2: June 30–July 3 (camp is closed on July 4)
Campers can choose between the full-day experience, or pair the morning and afternoon sessions together for more variety throughout the day.
| Full-Day Experience | Morning Session | Afternoon Session |
|---|---|---|
| Public Speaking and Debate | 5 Days of Art | Mission in the Kitchen: DIY Food Creations |
Public Speaking and Debate
Build confidence, sharpen critical thinking, and find your voice. Campers will learn how to craft compelling arguments, speak with clarity, and think on their feet in a supportive and engaging environment. Through fun activities, collaborative debates, and practice in delivering speeches, participants will develop essential communication skills. Whether speaking to a crowd or engaging in a lively discussion, this camp empowers kids to express themselves with poise and purpose.
5 Days of Art
This “arts sampler” camp engages campers in a variety of mediums with daily projects that expose them to new themes and artistic approaches. Near the end of the week, campers will pursue an independent project that mixes mediums and/or builds upon the themes from earlier in the week, culminating in a gallery walk for artists and their families at the end of the week.
Mission in the Kitchen: DIY Food Creations
Campers will get creative with activities like building their own pizzas, designing smoothies, and inventing trail mixes. The week wraps up with a fun “chopped-style” challenge where campers create unique dishes from a mystery basket. Please note that all cooking camps have an additional $25 materials fee.
Week 3: July 7–July 11
Campers can choose between the full-day experience, or pair the morning and afternoon sessions together for more variety throughout the day.
| Full-Day Experience | Morning Session Options (select one) | Afternoon Session Options (select one) |
|---|---|---|
| Dungeons & Dragons | Lights, Camera, Bollywood: Exploring India’s Iconic Film Industry | Creative Writing and Nature Fun |
| Sports Camp: Sports Science and Analytics | Mission in the Kitchen: Breakfast Favorites |
Dungeons & Dragons
Step into the realm of epic quests, daring heroes, and fantastical worlds at Park’s Dungeons & Dragons camp. Campers will learn the essentials of tabletop roleplaying, from crafting unique characters to navigating thrilling storylines filled with puzzles, battles, and collaboration. Whether they’re seasoned adventurers or brand-new to the game, everyone will find a welcoming space to unleash their creativity and contribute to the unfolding story.
Lights, Camera, Bollywood: Exploring India’s Iconic Film Industry
In this one-week crash course, experience the magic of Bollywood through iconic films that showcase the heart and soul of India’s film industry. Watch a selection of films, from historical fiction to pop hits, and explore their cultural and social influence. Through film analysis and discussion, you’ll uncover the storytelling techniques, music, colorful dance choreography, and larger-than-life characters that have made Bollywood a global phenomenon. In wrapping up films, we will also make our own creative reviews and advertisements of the movies. Whether you’re a film buff or new to Indian cinema, this short course aims to give you a deeper appreciation for the world of Bollywood in just one week!
Creative Writing and Nature Fun
Each day, we will enjoy multiple ways to get our creative energy flowing for our writing including notebook-making, music, games, yoga, and cooking. We will explore the beautiful, wooded 100-acre campus by walking the trails, enjoying the stream, and drawing inspiration from the beauty around us. Excerpts from both favorite and new-to-us writers of fiction, poetry, drama, and non-fiction will serve as models and inspiration. We will bring the ideas, experiences, and materials of our outdoor living into our writing. Campers will grow as writers by experimenting with different forms and designing their own solo and collaborative writing projects. Each camper will have one-on-one conferences with a writing educator, as well as the chance to share their writing with peers in a supportive, upbeat atmosphere.
Sports Camp: Sports Science and Analytics
Blend sports with STEM in this hands-on camp. Campers will explore concepts like biomechanics, nutrition, and performance tracking while using tools like heart rate monitors and speed trackers for interactive experiments. This camp combines athleticism and science to help participants understand the science behind peak performance.
Mission in the Kitchen: Breakfast Favorites
In this cooking camp, we will make pancakes, french toast, omelets, and more. Campers will also learn about meal preparation, presentation, and clean-up, as well as essential safety features related to cooking. Please note that all cooking camps have an additional $25 materials fee.
Week 4: July 14–July 18
Campers can choose between the full-day experience, or pair the morning and afternoon sessions together for more variety throughout the day.
| Full-Day Experience | Morning Session Options (select one) | Afternoon Session Options (select one) |
|---|---|---|
| Mythology and Legends | Storytelling and Art: Writing Stories and Designing Their Covers | Outdoor Art |
| Sports Camp: Prep for Middle School Team Sports | Mission in the Kitchen: Baking Bonanza |
Mythology and Legends
Step into the world of myths and legends from across the globe. Campers will bring ancient stories to life through creative crafts, role-playing games, and their own myth-making adventures. It’s the perfect mix of imagination, history, and hands-on fun.
Storytelling and Art: Writing Stories and Designing Their Covers
Are you interested in writing and doing your own illustrations? This camp will provide a space for aspiring writers and artists to express their creativity through storytelling. Over the course of the week, you will be given the opportunity to create short stories based on your interests. They can be a series of short stories, a graphic novel, or the start of your own novel. Along with some creative writing, you will also be creating the art that will accompany your writing. This can include cover art, promotional materials, chapter title designs, and art throughout the story. You will be embarking on your own creative journey.
Outdoor Art
Outdoor Art combines artistic expression with outdoor adventure, utilizing Park’s beautiful campus as its inspiration and studio. Campers will embark on nature hikes, sketch during snack time, and find inspiration in the flora and fauna around them. Campers will have the opportunity to experiment with different art forms, using the outdoors as the inspiration for their projects.
Sports Camp: Prep for Middle School Team Sports
Get ready for the upcoming school year with this camp that is tailored to the Middle School athlete. Designed to help students build a strong foundation in team sports, this camp focuses on essential skills that apply across soccer, basketball, and lacrosse. Campers will work on improving their athleticism, teamwork, and sport-specific techniques, preparing them for success in their upcoming seasons. Whether refining basic skills or mastering advanced strategies, this camp will give participants the confidence they need to excel on the field or court.
Mission in the Kitchen: Baking Bonanza
Campers will master essential skills like measuring, kneading, and decorating while creating delicious treats. With recipes ranging from cookies to pies, the week ends on a sweet note with a mini bake-off or decorating contest. Please note that all cooking camps have an additional $25 materials fee.
Week 5: July 21–July 25
Campers can choose between the full-day experience, or pair the morning and afternoon sessions together for more variety throughout the day.
| Full-Day Experience | Morning Session Options (select one) | Afternoon Session Options (select one) |
|---|---|---|
Intro to Entrepreneurship | 5 Days of Art | Creative Writing and Nature Fun |
Sports Camp: The Great Park Decathlon | Mission in the Kitchen: Summer Picnic Foods |
Intro to Entrepreneurship: Welcome to the Park Tank!
Introduction to Entrepreneurship will inspire the next generation of trailblazers and visionaries. Campers will ignite their passion for innovation and business in a collaborative and hands-on environment. After learning about key concepts related to business strategy and marketing, campers will participate in a “Park Tank,” pitching their ideas to fellow campers and camp staff.
5 Days of Art
This “arts sampler” camp engages campers in a variety of mediums with daily projects that expose them to new themes and artistic approaches. On Thursday and Friday, campers will pursue an independent project that mixes mediums and/or builds upon the themes from earlier in the week, culminating in a gallery walk for artists and their families on Friday.
Creative Writing and Nature Fun
Each day, we will enjoy multiple ways to get our creative energy flowing for our writing including notebook-making, music, games, yoga, and cooking. We will explore the beautiful, wooded 100-acre campus by walking the trails, enjoying the stream, and drawing inspiration from the beauty around us. Excerpts from both favorite and new-to-us writers of fiction, poetry, drama, and non-fiction will serve as models and inspiration. We will bring the ideas, experiences, and materials of our outdoor living into our writing. Campers will grow as writers by experimenting with different forms and designing their own solo and collaborative writing projects. Each camper will have one-on-one conferences with a writing educator, as well as the chance to share their writing with peers in a supportive, upbeat atmosphere.
Sports Camp: The Great Park Decathlon
This action-packed camp challenges participants with 10 sport-specific events, including track and field, basketball drills, soccer skill tests, and more. Campers will push their limits in strength, speed, and strategy while competing individually and in teams.
Mission in the Kitchen: Summer Picnic Foods
Campers will create fun, portable dishes like sandwiches, pasta salads, fruit kabobs, and refreshing lemonade. The week culminates in an on-campus picnic, where everyone can enjoy the delicious meals they’ve prepared in the great outdoors. Please note that all cooking camps have an additional $25 materials fee.
Week 6: July 28–August 1
Campers can choose between the full-day experience, or pair the morning and afternoon sessions together for more variety throughout the day.
| Full-Day Experience | Morning Session Options (select one) | Afternoon Session Options (select one) |
|---|---|---|
| Dungeons & Dragons | Mock Trial | Sew Beautiful |
| Sports Camp: World Sports Sampler | Mission in the Kitchen: Dessert Masterpieces |
Dungeons & Dragons
Step into the realm of epic quests, daring heroes, and fantastical worlds at Park’s Dungeons & Dragons camp. Campers will learn the essentials of tabletop roleplaying, from crafting unique characters to navigating thrilling storylines filled with puzzles, battles, and collaboration. Whether they’re seasoned adventurers or brand-new to the game, everyone will find a welcoming space to unleash their creativity and contribute to the unfolding story.
Mock Trial
Mock Trial is a nation-wide competition designed to get High School and College students exploring and practicing the law. In this one-week camp, Middle School campers will gain exposure to Mock Trial and the parts of a real trial: opening and closing remarks, direct and cross examinations, and preparing as a witness or attorney. During the week, time will be spent developing understanding of the law, writing and preparing parts, and working as a team to create a case.
Sew Beautiful
Jump start your sewing journey! Learn the basics of machine and hand sewing, as well as tips and tricks for making any sewing project go smoothly. During the week, campers will make three different projects: a tote bag, a pencil case, and pajama pants. We’ll focus not only on sewing skills, but we’ll also practice using good problem-solving strategies, hone our fine handiwork abilities, and explore our creative side! No prior sewing experience required. Note: Students should plan to bring a working sewing machine from home to leave at Park to use during their week at camp. Park has a few machines to lend on an as-needed basis.
Sports Camp: World Sports Sampler
Campers will explore lesser-known sports from around the world, including cricket and handball. Through hands-on practice and engaging lessons, they’ll learn the rules, techniques, and cultural significance of each sport, gaining a deeper appreciation for global athletic traditions. It’s a fun and educational way to discover new games and expand sports horizons.
Mission in the Kitchen: Dessert Masterpieces
Campers will learn cake decorating, chocolate molding, and sugar art, crafting beautiful and delicious treats. The week wraps up with a friendly competition bake-off, where campers can show off their skills and creativity in a fun, hands-on challenge. Please note that all cooking camps have an additional $25 materials fee.
Leadership Development/Counselor in Training (C.I.T.)
Ages: 12–15 (Rising 7th-9th Grade)
Date: June 23 to July 3
(camp is closed on July 4)
Time: 8:30 a.m.– 3:15 p.m.
Cost: $550 / 2-week camp
*Campers can be dropped off as early as 8:15 a.m. Afternoon carpool ends at 3:15 p.m.
Calling all young people interested in working with kids! Do you want to learn more about childcare, train to become a counselor at Park Camps, or do you have dreams of one day working with young people?
During the morning sessions of Park’s Leadership Development Camp, campers will receive extensive training in childcare, including discovering fun games and activities to do with kids, what to do in an emergency, and even tips on how to get a babysitting job. During the afternoon sessions, campers will have the opportunity to apply their training from the morning workshops by working directly with younger kids. In addition, campers will be asked to process their experiences with each other and a lead instructor. Through the CIT Program, campers will learn to become stronger leaders. After completing the two-week Leadership Development program, campers may apply to intern for the remainder of the summer. ** Completing the Leadership Development Program does not guarantee participants will be hired as future paid counselors at Park Camps.
