Great Leaders Make Great Camps
By Jeff Turner, Director of Co-Curricular Programs at Summit School
Research shows that the single most important variable in a student’s classroom success is the quality of the classroom teacher. In much the same way, a great summer camp experience is the result of a great camp leader. Summit School prides itself on hiring experienced, joyful teachers to lead its Summit Summer camps.
A great camp teacher has experience in the classroom. He or she knows how to inspire attention and focus student energy. Look for a camp that attracts teachers with expertise and years of experience. Our ROBOGIRL camp is led by Leslie Russell. Leslie is a Nationally Board Certified Science Educator with 17 years of experience in STEAM-based classrooms. As a fun, female scientist, RoboGirl allows her to foster a love of basic programming and problem solving in a uniquely challenging environment especially catered to the interests of the girls enrolled. Leslie has successfully led Lego Mindstorms camps and assisted with First Lego League teams over the years. She also co-leads a camp with Dr. Roger Echols called ESCAPE FROM THE LIBRARY. Roger and Leslie created this camp based on the bestselling children’s novels about Mr. Lemoncello’s library by author Chris Grabenstein.
Great camp leaders have passion for their subject matter. Look for a camp that hires teachers who are experts in their fields. Dr. Sirena Hargrove-Leak leads Summit’s STEAM camp. Sirena is an engineering educator with nearly 14 years experience as a professor at Elon University. She blends her engineering knowledge and skills earned through her BS, MS, and PhD degrees with her talent for engaging kids earned through her “M.O.M.” degree. Her teaching helps campers develop habits of mind proven to contribute to success- creativity, optimism, persistence, systems-thinking, conscientiousness and collaboration! Dr. Hargrove-Leak will also be teaching in two of our LEGO MINDSTORM ROBOTICS camps.
A great camp teacher loves and enjoys children! Look for a program with happy teachers, busy classrooms, and lots of laughter. Summer is a time for learning and fun. A camp teacher should be able to spark joy and curiosity in his or her campers. It takes a person who can see the world from a child’s perspective and one who can create memorable moments. Our Early Childhood camps, PROJECT PLAY and CAMP DISCOVERY were thoughtfully designed with the developmental, social and emotional needs of young children by Della Hinman. Della holds a BA from Wake Forest and an MA from University of Colorado Denver. She has brought energy and knowledge to Summit Summer from her graduate work in Boulder, Colorado where she studied at the Journey School, a Reggio-inspired school.
Here are two more examples of the 44 great leaders working at Summit Summer 2018.
Nathaniel Ward leads our ARCHERY camps and the SUMMER JAM SESSION. He holds a BA and an MA in English and has a wide range experience in Archery. He is well-versed in range safety and safe shooting practices. He currently teaches classes on drones and archery in Summit’s Afternoon Academy. He has been a performing musician for 28 years, in a wide variety of contexts from small coffeehouse clubs to night clubs and concert halls.
Summit’s Athletic Director is offering a new camp called SPORTS ADVENTURES. Ken Shaw is in his 24th year of coaching students. He has experience not only teaching athletic skills but also in having lots of fun, building relationships with students and helping students connect with each other. Join him for an adventurous week of fun and games.
Summit Summer offers over 90 of enriching, challenging and fun day camps for three-year-olds to rising 9th graders. Summit Summer is for everyone. More than 60% of our 2017 campers were from schools other than Summit. The program runs for seven weeks every summer. Families may sign up for one week or as many as seven. Early morning and late afternoon care are available. A tasty and freshly prepared lunch is included!
Learn more about these and other camps at www.summitschool.com/summer. All camps have enrollment limits so register soon. Triad Moms on Main readers may receive a 10% discount on camp tuition by using code TMOM10 before May 1, 2018.
*Sponsored by Summit School
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