Camp Classes – For Student Entering Grades 6th to 8th

Choice is an essential ingredient in our approach, which is why we provide a wide variety of classes and programs to choose from. Our innovative offerings include art, STEM, MakerSpace, world languages, academics enrichment, outdoor and urban adventures, cooking, sports, and many more specialty offerings.

Programs reflect our focus on innovative and immersive experiences. Our outstanding team of teachers and counselors help provide an environment where every camper feels free to be themselves, where creativity is allowed to flourish, and where the focus is on friendships and play. Most of all, Summer at MPA is a welcoming place where campers feel known.

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Create Your Schedule

Session 1

Session 1: June 26th to July 7th
Students have a choice of various activities per time block. During registrations, you will be asked to select one per block to create the daily camp schedule. Classes are Monday through Friday. Don’t select the same class twice, as some classes are offered multiple times to allow flexibility for families.  The descriptions are below.

Block 1: 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Graphic Novels
Welcome to Graphic Novels summer camp for middle school students! This exciting camp is designed for students who love to read and create their own comics and graphic novels. During the week-long camp, students will have the opportunity to explore the world of graphic novels and comics through reading and analyzing different graphic novels, as well as creating their own comics and graphic novels. Students will learn about the different elements of comics and graphic novels, such as storyboarding, paneling, and character development. They will also learn about the history of comics and graphic novels and how they have evolved over time. Our experienced instructors will guide students through the process of creating their own comics and graphic novels, including developing characters and storylines, drawing and inking, and adding color and text. Students will also have the opportunity to work in small groups to collaborate on comics and graphic novels. Throughout the session, students will also have the opportunity to participate in fun and interactive activities, such as drawing and sketching challenges, comic book trivia, and cosplay workshops. By the end of the session, students will have a completed comic or graphic novel of their own, as well as a deeper understanding of the world of comics and graphic novels. This camp is perfect for students who have a passion for reading and creating comics and graphic novels, and want to develop their skills and knowledge in this exciting field. So, join us for an unforgettable experience of Graphic Novels summer camp for Middle School students!

Performance Art
Welcome to our Performance Art Summer Camp for Middle School students! This camp is designed to introduce young learners to the world of performance art and help them develop their creativity and self-expression. Throughout the session, campers will engage in a variety of activities that will help them explore different performance art forms, including theater, dance, and music. They will learn about the basics of stagecraft, and will have the opportunity to create their own performances using these skills.
They will learn about different performance techniques and styles, such as improvisation and physical theater, and will work with our experienced instructor to develop their own pieces. Students will view performance works of artists such as, Bruce Naumann, Abrakanowicz, and David Hammon. They will then be asked to create their own performative works by employing simple body movements, interactions with others, and the environment (site specificity). A Performance festival will be held for the student artists to perform, and discuss with the class (and audience) their unique works.

Film Festival: Movie-Making Techniques
Students will develop story ideas with small production teams, practice shooting and editing techniques to create a cohesive narrative, and apply the design thinking process: from iterating on their projects to offering peer critiques. Students will learn the three stages of film production, storytelling techniques on-camera acting; techniques; Camera/iPad shooting techniques; editing in iMovie. Students will create: Silent Film; Super Hero Film; Fairy Tale Film; Fable Story. From pre-production storyboarding and scriptwriting to filming, all the way through post-production editing, the students are sure to make great friendships and great films all while sharpening their skills!

STEM Challenges
Summer STEM experiences serve as a platform for students to build passion and confidence for STEM through a deep dive into engaging content and activities that are designed to foster students’ growth mindsets as learners. We will be learning about different scientific phenomena and participating in challenges. From candy to chemistry, oceans to physics, we will explore a wide range of STEM activities. There is a $25 material fee. 

Block 2: 10:05 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Fun Facts about the Ancient World
Welcome to Fun Facts about the Ancient World, a summer camp for middle school students! This exciting camp will take students on a journey back in time to explore some of the most fascinating civilizations and cultures of the ancient world. Throughout the week, students will learn about ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, and discover the secrets of these civilizations through hands-on activities, interactive games, and fun projects. They will learn about the pyramids and pharaohs of Egypt, the gods and goddesses of Greece, and the Roman Empire and its powerful rulers. Campers will also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of fun and engaging activities, such as making ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, creating Greek pottery, and building Roman aqueducts. They will also learn about the everyday lives of people in these ancient cultures, including their food, clothing, and daily routines. In addition to learning about the ancient world, campers will also have the chance to make new friends and build teamwork skills. They will participate in group activities and games that will help them work together and learn from one another. At the end of the camp, campers will have the opportunity to showcase their newfound knowledge and skills in a final presentation, where they will share their favorite fun facts about the ancient world. So come join us for an exciting and educational summer camp experience at Fun Facts about the Ancient World! Sign up today and embark on a journey back in time to explore the secrets of ancient civilizations.

Catapults, Marble Ramps, and Contraptions
Discover the amazing world of physics through fun hands-on activities. From building and testing their own catapults to designing an amazing marble ramp, campers will learn about motion, force, accuracy, precision, and angles. Students will learn many laws of nature while creating fun contraptions to illustrate the physics behind it all. Campers will be actively building and creating on a daily basis and work collaboratively to construct the most successful and accurate catapults, bridges, marble roller coasters, and more. There is a $25 material fee. 

Math Enrichment
Students will brush up on key skills and concepts that carry across the middle grades, and will help them with feeling confident going into their next school year! Working on essential skills and concepts daily to minimize that classic summer learning loss. This session will provide fun, creative, and engaging activities to assist in student understanding of key concepts that overlap in grades 5-8. In math, the four operations, word problems, fractions, and individualized work take the center focus. Games, songs, and much more will help concepts remain fresh in their minds over the summer, and students will feel more confident going into their upcoming academic year! Our individualized approach helps students reinforce areas that need improvement while sharpening and looking ahead at the next skill to learn. Small class sizes will foster a close relationship between students and teachers.

MythBusters: Put Science to the Test
Does a porcupine “shoot” its quills? Are bats actually blind? Is there a dark side to the moon? Use scientific investigation, exploration, crafts, and games to determine if a variety of scientific phenomena can be verified or busted. Bring your own questions and design experiments to help you figure out the world around you. There is a $25 material fee. 

Block 3: 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Spanish Immersion
Our hands-on Spanish Immersion program focuses on conversation and verbal communication with culturally relevant experiences. Campers will be taken into a unique traveling experience around different Hispanic countries, where they will embark on a memorable cultural adventure while learning/practicing the Spanish language. Children will explore and learn about geography, society and arts. The program includes hands-on activities, Spanish class time, dancing and movement, art projects, science projects, and cultural activities.

Arts and Crafts: Melty Beads, Jewelry, Cricut Art, and More
For the tinkerers who love to create wonderful objects! Making a bracelet or necklace with simple beads and embroidery floss is the first step, but it doesn’t take long to expand their bead choice to include letters, specialty shape beads, or even a special pendant to use as a centerpiece for the necklace. Or experiment with Melty Beads and create beautiful patterns and art pieces. Get more complex patterns or create a melty beads basket. The creative possibilities are infinite! Or create magic wands or swords using the various tools available in the Thrall Family MakerSpace. Whatever you are building, our instructors are happy to show you new, more challenging techniques. There is a $25 material fee. 

Minecraft Modding
Discover the wonders of playing Minecraft using various mods. In this course, students will be introduced to mods, and understand how they work and how they can be installed. Students will modify blocks, items, weapons, biomes, dimensions, and mobs with new textures and learn to create their own characters. From Pokemon mod to superhero mod, campers will experience Minecraft in a completely different way.

Sports Camp Baseball
The MPA Baseball Camp is a great place for any young baseball player looking to improve his/her skills, work hard, make new friends, and have fun. Campers will be placed into age-appropriate groups and will work on all facets of the game, including hitting, fielding, base-running, and pitching. Detailed instructions will be provided in all aspects of the game. The Academy offers players a well-maintained field and two indoor hitting cages.

Block 4: 1:35 p.m. to 3 p.m

Fun Board and Card Games
The title says it all! Come together to play some of old classics and some new board games as well. Enjoy fun camaraderie with your fellow campers. Games include: Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza card game, Taco V Burrito, UNO, Headbandz, Trouble, Mousetrap, Battleship, Chutes and Ladders, Candyland, Bingo, and more! The class will also include lessons on how to play in a fair and competitive manner and how to be a good sport. In addition, students will develop critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills as they learn to play these games. This class is perfect for students who love games and want to learn and play new games with their peers.

Creative Writing
Welcome to the Creative Writing Summer Camp for Middle School students! This exciting camp is designed for young writers who are eager to explore the world of creative storytelling. Throughout the week, we will delve into a variety of different types of creative stories, from fiction and poetry to plays and screenplays. We will analyze and discuss the elements that make these stories so engaging and effective, and learn how to incorporate these techniques into our own writing. In addition to studying the craft of creative writing, we will also have the opportunity to put our skills to the test by creating our own stories. Our experienced instructor will guide us through the process of generating ideas, developing characters, and crafting compelling plots. We will also learn how to revise and edit our work to make it the best it can be. Don’t miss out on this fun and educational summer camp experience! Join us for a session of exploring the world of creative writing and developing your own unique voice as a writer.

Games and Video Games
In MPA’s Games and Video Games Day class, Campers rotate between playing fun age-appropriate video games and playing fun, active games. Video games include Super Smash Bros, Splatoon, Mario Karts, Super Mario Odyssey, Pokemon Sword, Super Mario Maker 2, and more!

Sports Camp Baseball
The MPA Baseball Camp is a great place for any young baseball player looking to improve his/her skills, work hard, make new friends, and have fun. Campers will be placed into age-appropriate groups and will work on all facets of the game, including hitting, fielding, base-running, and pitching. Detailed instructions will be provided in all aspects of the game. The Academy offers players a well-maintained field and two indoor hitting cages.

Session 2

July 10th to July 21st
Students have a choice of various activities per time block. During registrations, you will be asked to select one per block to create the daily camp schedule. Classes are Monday through Friday. Don’t select the same class twice, as some classes are offered multiple times to allow flexibility for families.  The descriptions are below.

Block 1: 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Math Enrichment
Students will brush up on key skills and concepts that carry across the middle grades, and will help them with feeling confident going into their next school year! Working on essential skills and concepts daily to minimize that classic summer learning loss. This session will provide fun, creative, and engaging activities to assist in student understanding of key concepts that overlap in grades 5-8. In math, the four operations, word problems, fractions, and individualized work take the center focus. Games, songs, and much more will help concepts remain fresh in their minds over the summer, and students will feel more confident going into their upcoming academic year! Our individualized approach helps students reinforce areas that need improvement while sharpening and looking ahead at the next skill to learn. Small class sizes will foster a close relationship between students and teachers.

Cardboard Challenge
Everyone enjoys carnival games. Everyone loves piñatas! You can make them all right here at the Cardboard Challenge. The Cardboard Challenge is a fun, playful, and inspiring way to foster creativity in children through a simple process called creative play. Through creative play, kids engage their imaginations and open up their minds to what’s possible – and then they turn their ideas into something real. In this process, children learn to develop and test their own ideas, take chances, solve problems, get input from others and become better creative thinkers. Kids are challenged to create and build using cardboard, recycled materials, and imagination.

Coding and Robotics
Coding and Robotics Summer Camp for Middle School is the perfect opportunity for students to dive into the exciting world of technology and learn how to create their own robots and programs. This hands-on camp is designed for students who are interested in coding, robotics, and engineering. Throughout the camp, students will learn how to code and program robots and learn about the basics of robotics, including mechanics, electronics, and sensors. In addition to coding and programming, students will also have the opportunity to work on real-world projects, such as building and programming their own robots. These projects will give students a chance to put their new skills to the test and see the results of their hard work.

Geography
Welcome to the amazing world of Geography! This exciting camp is designed to teach students all about the different maps and map types that are used in geography. We will be analyzing various maps and learning about the different continents and countries that make up our world. Students will then be looking at each continent individually and learning about the different countries. We will then be learning how to use map skills and to make a map. Students will learn about the different tools and techniques used to create maps and will be given the opportunity to create their own map using their newfound skills.

Block 2: 10:05 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

CPR and First Aid Training Certification
First aid training classes give you the information and the skills you need to help adults and children during many emergency situations. CPR classes offer an opportunity to save lives. The skills you’ll learn during the process can make all the difference to someone in need. This is a great way to introduce students to these concepts and teach them how to react in emergency situations. This class is through the American Red Cross, and students will receive a certification. Parents will receive an email from the Red Cross website, and instructions will be sent to set up your child’s account. 

Zombie Science
Welcome to Zombie Science! This summer camp class is designed for elementary school students who have a passion for science and a love for all things zombie. In this fun and hands-on class, students will learn biology and perform the scientific method through a variety of engaging activities. From dissecting a sheep’s brain to creating zombie blood, students will learn about the biology of the human body, with a fun zombie twist. There is a $25 material fee. 

STEM Challenges
Summer STEM experiences serve as a platform for students to build passion and confidence for STEM through a deep dive into engaging content and activities that are designed to foster students’ growth mindsets as learners. We will be learning about different scientific phenomena and participating in challenges. From candy to chemistry, oceans to physics, we will explore a wide range of STEM activities. There is a $25 material fee. 

Creative Writing
Explore your imagination and become inspired to create your own original works in Creative Writing this summer. In this course, summer campers will use short stories, fairy tales, poetry, and other sources to draw inspiration from that will lead to creative ideas. Learn how to create interesting characters and descriptive scenes that will be developed in a story that captivates.

Block 3: 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Minecraft Architecture
Delve into the world of Architecture and learn what it means to think like an architect while you explore the principles of building design. During this course, you’ll learn how to combine different materials, colors, and shapes to create stunning buildings; use floor plans and blueprints to map the interior and exterior of your structures; create your own Minecraft architecture firm to show off your personal flair; design projects based on clients’ needs and make changes until they are happy with your work.

Recyclables as Public Art
Students will work with a professional artist to create a large outdoor sculpture using a variety of plastic items. Weather permitting, classes will be held outdoors. An art opening and a discussion on recycling as an artistic process will be held at the end of this two-week course.

Sports Camp Basketball
Want to really excel at basketball? We have just the basketball camp or program to help you transform your game. We strive to cover basketball fundamentals and team-oriented play while creating a positive atmosphere where boys and girls will learn and have fun. Our skilled coaches work with each athlete to develop the skills of passing, posting, and scoring in the paint, offensive and defensive rebounding, blocking-out, fast-break outlet passing, using screens, and shooting. In addition, players will work on how to get open, footwork, triple-threat position, one-on-one moves, ball-handling, and passing skills. Athletes who attend this camp will leave the camp with a better understanding of the game and the individual requirements of each position on the floor.

Mystery
Welcome to Mystery Summer Camp for Middle School students! In this exciting program, you will learn the art of solving a mystery. Using inference-based skills and the ability to draw conclusions, you will be able to think like a detective and uncover clues to solve a mystery. We will begin by learning the basics of how to solve a mystery and how detectives go about their work. Then, as a class, we will tackle a mystery together and put our new skills to the test. Finally, you will have the opportunity to create your own mystery, putting your imagination and problem-solving abilities to the ultimate test. This summer camp is the perfect opportunity to learn new skills, challenge yourself, and have fun! Join us and discover the thrill of solving a mystery.

Block 4: 1:35 p.m. to 3 p.m

Games and Video Games
In MPA’s Games and Video Games Day class, Campers rotate between playing fun age-appropriate video games and playing fun, active games. Video games include Super Smash Bros, Splatoon, Mario Karts, Super Mario Odyssey, Pokemon Sword, Super Mario Maker 2, and more!

Fashion Show
FunFashionistas: In this class, students will design and create original and wearable art. A variety of non-traditional methods—tying, looping, stapling, and gluing will be used to assemble garments. Students will work “on schedule” towards a runway fashion show at the conclusion of this 2-week course.

Sports Camp Basketball
Want to really excel at basketball? We have just the basketball camp or program to help you transform your game. We strive to cover basketball fundamentals and team-oriented play while creating a positive atmosphere where boys and girls will learn and have fun. Our skilled coaches work with each athlete to develop the skills of passing, posting, and scoring in the paint, offensive and defensive rebounding, blocking-out, fast-break outlet passing, using screens, and shooting. In addition, players will work on how to get open, footwork, triple-threat position, one-on-one moves, ball-handling, and passing skills. Athletes who attend this camp will leave the camp with a better understanding of the game and the individual requirements of each position on the floor.

Famous Artists Through History
Famous Artists Through History is a summer camp for middle school students that explores the lives and works of some of the most renowned artists throughout history. Each day, campers will learn about a different artist, including their background, style, and impact on the art world. The students will analyze various artists’ lives and understand what they were living through, and how this inspired their work. They will look at their artwork and then learn about how this depicts what was going on in history and how they were telling the story of history. In addition to learning about art, campers will also participate in fun, interactive activities and games that help them understand the artists and their works in a more relatable way. This camp is perfect for students who are interested in art, history, or both!

SESSION 3

July 24th to August 4th

Students have a choice of various activities per time block. During registrations, you will be asked to select one per block to create the daily camp schedule. Classes are Monday through Friday. Don’t select the same class twice, as some classes are offered multiple times to allow flexibility for families.  The descriptions are below.

Block 1: 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Academic: Reading Comprehension and Structure of Writing
Welcome to Reading Comprehension and Structure of Writing Summer Camp for Middle School students! Throughout the camp, students will participate in a variety of activities that will help them understand and analyze texts more effectively. We will focus on different reading strategies and techniques, such as summarizing, questioning, and inferring, that will help students understand the main ideas and details in a text. In addition to reading comprehension, we will also focus on the structure of writing. Students will learn about the different elements of writing, such as sentence structure, grammar, and punctuation, and how they work together to create clear and effective writing. We will also work on organizing ideas, creating outlines, and drafting and revising essays.

Red Cross Babysitting Certifications
Earn your babysitting certification from the American Red Cross. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve cared for your siblings for years and now want to start earning money or even build a business, our programs can help. By allowing you to demonstrate your skills to the families seeking your help, a Red Cross Advanced child care certification or Babysitting certification shows parents that you take your job seriously. Designed and taught by experts, Red Cross Babysitting certification course materials are interactive, informative, and fun. Created to help you provide the best care possible, our program can help you deliver compassionate care, and learn to interact with infants and children in fun, age-appropriate ways. This way, you can build a rapport with the children you care for, learn to understand them and tailor your care to meet the family’s needs. 

Shark Tank Jr.
Welcome to Shark Tank Jr. Summer Camp! This exciting program is designed for middle school students who are interested in learning about entrepreneurship and business. Throughout the camp, campers will learn the basics of creating a business plan, pitching their ideas, and working in teams. Each day, campers will participate in interactive activities and simulations that will help them understand the process of starting and running a business. They will also have the opportunity to work on their own business ideas and present them to a panel of “sharks” at the end of the session. In addition to learning about entrepreneurship, campers will also have the opportunity to work on important life skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. By the end of the camp, campers will have a greater understanding of what it takes to be an entrepreneur and will have the opportunity to showcase their business ideas to the community.

Respect the Mic: Spoken Wordz in poetry, hip-hop, and music
Students will learn the concepts of distress tolerance through the expressive arts. Students will learn how to manage stress, strong emotions, and have a fun outlet to express themselves in unique ways.

Block 2: 10:05 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Social Justice
This camp is designed to teach children about important social issues and inspire them to become active members of their community. Throughout the session, campers will learn about different forms of discrimination and inequality and discuss ways to promote fairness and equality in our society. They will also have the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities and projects that promote social justice and raise awareness about important issues. By the end of the session, campers will have a better understanding of social justice issues and will have the tools and knowledge to become advocates for change in their own communities.

Escape Room
Escape Room Summer Camp for Middle School students is an exciting and challenging adventure that will take students on a journey of problem-solving and teamwork. Our campers will be placed into teams and given a series of puzzles and riddles to solve in order to escape a themed room. Each day, campers will be presented with a new escape room scenario, each one more challenging than the last. Throughout the week, campers will learn valuable skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and communication. Students will also use technology and be presented with various digital escape rooms. In addition to the escape room challenges, campers will also participate in team-building activities and games that will help them bond and work together more effectively. By the end of the week, campers will have gained confidence in their abilities and a sense of accomplishment as they conquer each escape room challenge.

Baking with Ms. Allie
Join the energetic and fun Ms. Allie in the kitchen to learn the basics of baking while getting to eat your projects! This class is beginner-friendly and will help students grasp the foundation of how their favorite treats are made so that they can continue to make their own. There is a $25 material fee. 

Respect the Mic: Spoken Wordz in poetry, hip-hop, and music
Students will learn the concepts of distress tolerance through the expressive arts. Students will learn how to manage stress, strong emotions, and have a fun outlet to express themselves in unique ways.

Block 3: 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

STEM Challenge: Roller Coaster Design
Join us for Roller Coaster Design Camp and learn to create your own model-sized roller coasters! In addition to having tons of fun and building skills in design and construction, campers also learn basic concepts in physics such as gravity, mass, inertia, velocity, acceleration, and potential energy, that they can apply when building the ultimate roller coaster. If you can imagine it, you can build it! There is a $25 material fee. 

Arts and Crafts: Melty Beads, Jewelry, Cricut Art, and More
For the tinkerers who love to create wonderful objects! Making a bracelet or necklace with simple beads and embroidery floss is the first step, but it doesn’t take long to expand their bead choice to include letters, specialty shape beads, or even a special pendant to use as a centerpiece for the necklace. Or experiment with Melty Beads and create beautiful patterns and art pieces. Get more complex patterns or create a melty beads basket. The creative possibilities are infinite! Or create magic wands or swords using the various tools available in the Thrall Family MakerSpace. Whatever you are building, our instructors are happy to show you new, more challenging techniques. There is a $25 material fee. 

Games and Video Games
In MPA’s Games and Video Games Day class, Campers rotate between playing fun, age-appropriate video games and playing fun, active games. Video games include Super Smash Bros, Splatoon, Mario Karts, Super Mario Odyssey, Pokemon Sword, Super Mario Maker 2, and more!

Sports Camp Flag Football
Get ready for two weeks of Flag Football and fun! At our Flag Football Camp, we focus on building skills and gaining confidence with basic and advanced techniques. Players also benefit from technical and tactical training with age-appropriate activities such as tactics under the pressure of an opponent and game conditions. We keep it fun and lively!

Block 4: 1:35 p.m. to 3 p.m

The Chemistry of Cooking
Discover the science of cooking! Our hands-on cooking programs are a fun and engaging way to teach kids essential life skills while promoting an appreciation for the art of cooking. Plus, the end results are delicious! There is a $25 material fee. 

Fun Board and Card Games
The title says it all! Come together to play some of old classics and some new board games as well. Enjoy fun camaraderie with your fellow campers. Games include: Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza card game, Taco V Burrito, UNO, Headbandz, Trouble, Mousetrap, Battleship, Chutes and Ladders, Candyland, Bingo, and more! The class will also include lessons on how to play in a fair and competitive manner and how to be a good sport. In addition, students will develop critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills as they learn to play these games. This class is perfect for students who love games and want to learn and play new games with their peers.

Minecraft Coding
Make chickens rain down on your world, or create a gladiator mini Minecraft game: in this Minecraft Coding class, the possibilities are endless. Review the use of the Minecraft Education edition and learn how to create new Minecraft worlds. MakeCode allows coding with visual blocks, based on a drag and drop interface for beginners, as well as in text with a JavaScript interface for the more experienced learners. Lessons include batch block coding, giving your character superpowers, and coding mini-games.

Sports Camp Flag Football
Get ready for two weeks of Flag Football and fun! At our Flag Football Camp, we focus on building skills and gaining confidence with basic and advanced techniques. Players also benefit from technical and tactical training with age-appropriate activities such as tactics under the pressure of an opponent and game conditions. We keep it fun and lively!