How to Beat the Heat and Boredom This Summer

Spring is finally here, and summer is just around the corner. Have you thought about your summer plans and how you can make the most of the summer break for your children? They can experience a meaningful summer camp that will stimulate their minds, get them active and engaged, all while creating lifelong friendships within the framework of a classical education at Great Hearts Summer Camps. These camps are offered during the month of June at Great Hearts Texas and Great Hearts Arizona for any student in rising grades 1st-5th, and Kinder Readiness for new, incoming kindergarten students, including those on the Great Hearts waitlist.

Lindsey Diaz-Gonzalez, a Great Hearts Co-curricular Team Manager, said they place great value on the relationship building and social aspect of Summer Programs. “We find that summer is the perfect opportunity for building and strengthening friendships both with existing scholars and incoming scholars.”

“This summer our campers will get to make rock candy, create with tessellations, use instruments and rhythm to tell stories, and learn from ancient and present-day artists,” said Francesca Morgan, a Great Hearts Co-curricular Team member. “In light of our mission, our curriculum team looks at Summer Camp as a path to learning in leisure.  Our curriculum is designed with not only ages in mind and camp themes, but with great intention so that even when we have time away from the academic studies during the school year, camp should still be a place where fun and acquiring new skills and information blend.  We aren’t just gathering crafts and games to do with the theme, but giving them context, content, and creativity.  We want campers to sing, play games, and build friendships just like a traditional camp, but we also want them learning through hands-on activities with subjects worthy of our attention.”

Deb Peil, Great Hearts Arizona West Valley Regional Manager and a Field Team Leader, was asked what a day in the life of a summer camp staff member looks like. “The Summer Camp teachers expend every ounce of energy in the implementation of a high-quality curriculum, while reaping the rewards of meticulous preparation to execute a summer camp that is fun-filled, educational, and memorable for all involved.”

“The majority of Summer Camp teachers are current Great Hearts after-school teachers or teachers in the academies. Their hands-on experience with the Great Hearts’ culture is mirrored in their interactions and applications to the summer program,” said Peil. “The summer teacher is an integral component in the daily activities; providing support and guidance for the campers to continue their journey of Truth, Beauty, and Goodness.”

“Planning for the first day of a Summer Camp for the teacher and campers begins months prior to the first day of camp.  The work of many comes together to create an experience that lives years beyond the actual experiences.  Many talents combined form a solid ‘product’ inclusive of curriculum, training, development, organization, material preparation, checklists, and so much more.  It is the combined efforts of all involved to provide the tools and resources required for a summer filled with learning, social development, creativity, and most importantly, fun,” said Peil. “Walking into a Summer Camp program, one will hear laughter and excitement and observe a true sense of wonder for the campers while experiencing learning.”

Peil says that Summer Camp is an opportunity for the campers to engage in sincere, meaningful experiences based on the weekly themes while forming new friendships and nurturing existing relationships. Weekly themes include Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead (science, technology, engineering, art, and math), Wild West, Masters of Tales (storytelling), and ArtVenture (creative expressions through art).  Themes may vary depending on location.

Great Hearts Arizona Summer Programs run June 5^th – June 30^th, 2023.  Great Hearts Texas Summer Programs are offered June 5^th – June 16^th, 2023. Register by May 1^st to receive our Early Bird Discount. Space is limited, so don’t hesitate to find out how you can take advantage of this great offer and find out how to register at https://www.greatheartsamerica.org/summer-programs/.

Do you have a story or know of a story that you would like to see featured at Great Hearts?  Please contact jmoore@greatheartsamerica.org.