Summer Camp

Adventure Day Camps are designed for Preschoolers through rising Seventh graders and categorized into four groups:

Adventurers: Rising Pre-K and Kindergarten. * All campers must be fully potty trained and four years old by July 1, 2026 (6:1 camper/staff ratio)
Explorers: Rising First and Second graders (8:1 camper/staff ratio)
Voyagers: Rising Third, Fourth, and Fifth graders (8:1 camper/staff ratio)
Trailblazers: Rising Sixth and Seventh graders (8:1 camper/staff ratio)

2026 Summer Camp Dates:
June 1, 2026 – August 7, 2026
Monday – Friday, 9AM – 3PM
No camp on June 19 (Juneteenth)
No camp on July 3 (Friday)

Before Camp Care: 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM, M-F
After Camp Care: 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM, M-F

• Session One: 6/1 – 6/5
• Session Two: 6/8 – 6/12
• Session Three: 6/15 – 6/18 (off on June 19)
• Session Four: 6/22 – 6/26
• Session Five: 6/29 – 7/2 (off on July 3)
• Session Six: 7/6 – 7/10
• Session Seven: 7/13 – 7/17
• Session Eight: 7/20 – 7/24
• Session Nine: 7/27 – 7/31
• Session Ten: 8/3 – 8/7

Day Camp Pricing:
$325 Per 1-Week Session (Five Days)
$275 Session Three (Four Days)
$275 Session Five (Four Days)

Before camp care is $60 per week
After camp care is $85 per week

Swim Schedule:

Monday: On campus
Tuesday: Adventurers swim from 12PM – 1:30PM
Wednesday: Explorers, Voyagers, and Trailblazers swim from 12PM – 1:30PM
Thursday: Adventurers swim from 12PM – 1:30PM
Friday: Explorers, Voyagers, and Trailblazers swim from 12PM – 1:30PM

Deposits / Refunds:
For Expeditions: 50% of the camp fee due as a deposit and is non-refundable. The remaining balance must be paid two weeks prior to the start of each camp session. Written notification of cancellation must be made, via email, no less than four weeks prior to the start of the session.

For Adventure Day Camps: $165 deposit for each one week camp session. $125 of each camp session deposit is non-refundable. The remaining balance must be paid two weeks prior to the start of each camp session. Written notification of cancellation must be made, via email, no less than two weeks prior to the start of the session. Full payment must be received in order for the camper to attend each session.

For Babysitter’s Training Camp: $165 non-refundable deposit required for each session. The remaining balance must be paid two weeks prior to the start of each  session. Written notification of cancellation must be made, via email, no less than two weeks prior to the start of the session. Full payment must be received in order for the camper to attend each session.

Day Camp Themes

• Our themes are designed to balance thematic learning with classic outdoor summer fun!

• Camp days are spent participating in theme-related activities as well as free time and organized games on our playgrounds and natural playscapes, soccer field, blacktop, gymnasium, greenhouse, garden, theater, and our neighboring Lockwood Park.

• Themes are shared throughout the age groupings. Each session theme will have different, age appropriate activities for Adventurer, Explorer, Voyager and Trailblazer campers.

• Explorer, Voyager and Trailblazer will have a field trip once per week.

• All campers will visit the Webster Groves Pool for swimming twice a week.

• Campers bring their own lunch / drink to camp each day.

Session One: 6/1 – 6/5

Kick off summer with sun, splashes, and sandy fun as we jump into a week of beach-themed adventures, including pool days, water games, creek exploration and playtime on our very own beach at our LaBarque Campus. From sandcastle challenges to ocean-inspired crafts, this week is all about starting summer with big smiles and cool vibes—no ocean required! In addition to theme related activities, the focus will be on welcoming campers and getting comfortable with places and faces.

Field trips will be taken to our sandy beach on our LaBarque Campus.

Session Two: 6/8 – 6/12

This session celebrates the vibrant art and artists of the St. Louis region. Throughout the week, campers will explore local styles, neighborhoods, and creative voices through age-appropriate art activities inspired by St. Louis artists. Each day blends art-making, storytelling, movement, and playful discovery while introducing campers to the idea that art lives all around them including parks, buildings, and communities. The week culminates in a collaborative mural project, where campers work alongside local artists to design and paint large-scale artwork. This final celebration highlights teamwork, creativity, and community pride, giving each child a chance to leave their mark on a shared piece of St. Louis–inspired art.  

In addition to visits from local artists, campers may take a field trip to a professional art studio.

Session Three: 6/15 – 6/18 (off on June 19)

Utilizing our campus garden and greenhouse, campers will explore where food comes from by planting seeds, caring for garden beds, and harvesting fresh vegetables and herbs. Children will learn about soil, insects, composting, and the important role nature plays in feeding our communities as they engage in age-appropriate activities, games, and stories. Each day includes time in the garden, creative art projects using natural materials, simple cooking and tasting activities, and plenty of outdoor play. Campers will discover the value of local farms and seasonal foods while building teamwork, curiosity, and confidence. Whether pulling carrots, meeting pollinators, or enjoying a snack made from garden ingredients, children will leave with muddy hands, happy hearts, and a deeper connection to the food on their plate.

Field trips may include a visit to Earthdance Farms or New Roots Urban Farm

With no camp on Friday, that scheduled swim is moved to Monday, 6/15.

Session Four: 6/22 – 6/26

Fostering a connection to the outdoors and comfort in nature, this session explores the basics of tent camping and outdoor exploration. Utilizing our own adventure education gear, campers will learn how to choose a safe and comfortable campsite, set up tents, utilize camp gear, and care for their camp space.  Younger campers will focus on imaginative play within their camp, learning through games, stories, and creative exploration. Older campers will build practical outdoor skills, including basic orienteering, map reading, and teamwork challenges. Throughout the week, campers will learn through play, practice, and adventure while developing respect for nature and a love of being outside. Staff will heavily support the set up of tents and basecamp so that the focus is on fun!

Field trips will include our Jan Phillips Learning Center / LaBarque Campus

Session Five: 6/29 – 7/2 (off on July 3)

During this shortened, four-day week, campers will head to various locations on campus to play classic backyard and indoor party games. The field, gym, dining room, theater, and adjoining park, will all be utilized to play games like croquet, frisbee golf, badminton, bags, washers, hot foot, and kickball, to name a few. 

Although there will be no off-campus field trips this week, all campers will visit the pool for their scheduled swimming days. With no camp on Friday, that swim day was moved to Monday, 6/29.

Session Six: 7/6 – 7/10

Climb on! Climbing! ALL campers can participate in this TCS tradition. Our campus rock climbing wall will challenge and strengthen campers as they learn the safety and climbing skills necessary to summit. Climbing is an important part of our curriculum and our equipment is designed to fit campers of all ages. Harness and helmet fitting, basic knot tying, and climbing techniques are some of the topics discussed during this fast paced week. In addition to climbing, our youngest campers will engage in fun and interactive art projects while learning about famous climbers and explorers.

Field Trips will be to the Upper Limits Indoor Rock Climbing Gym.

Session Seven: 7/13 – 7/17

Get ready to spread your wings for this mid-summer session!  Whether an avid bird watcher or a casual paper airplane maker, this session is designed for curious campers of all interest levels. Through hands-on activities, games, art, and outdoor discovery, campers will learn how birds fly, why feathers are amazing, and how humans have been inspired by flight for centuries. Each day features age-appropriate activities that encourage creativity, movement, and scientific thinking. Campers will observe local birds, build and test flying creations, experiment with wind and air, and take part in imaginative play that lets them become birds themselves. Older campers will dive deeper into aerodynamics and engineering challenges, while younger campers enjoy sensory play, stories, and crafts centered on birds and flying.  

Field trips may include a visit to The World Bird Sanctuary or The St. Louis Zoo. 

Session Eight: 7/20 – 7/24

Get ready to push, pull, spin, zoom, and soar!  Campers will explore the exciting world of forces and motion through age-appropriate experiments, creative challenges, outdoor games, and simple engineering projects. From building ramps and testing speed to launching objects and discovering how gravity, friction, and momentum work, kids will learn real science by doing. Every day blends STEM learning with play, teamwork, and imagination—because the best way to understand motion is to get moving!

Field trips may include Arch Reactor or MADE by the Magic House

Session Nine: 7/27 – 7/31

Get ready for a week of wild discovery and animal adventures! This session invites curious campers to explore the amazing connections between animals, people, and the natural world. Through hands-on games, crafts, stories, and outdoor exploration, campers will learn the difference between wild animals and pets, discover how domestic animals live and work alongside humans, and meet the heroes who help animals through rescue and conservation efforts. Campers will explore native wildlife, learn why local ecosystems matter, and uncover how invasive species can impact habitats. Older campers will dive deeper into wildlife habitats, conservation science, and coexistence with animals, while younger campers learn through imaginative play, sensory activities, and storytelling. By the end of the week, campers will leave with a greater appreciation for wildlife, a foundational understanding of conservation, and unforgettable memories from their animal-filled adventure. 

Field trips may include Longmeadow Rescue Ranch or Suson Park Animal Farm.

Session Ten: 8/3 – 8/7

Wear your swimsuit everyday this week! To celebrate the end of summer, we’re diving into a week of splashing fun with our action-packed water-themed session! Each day is filled with exciting games, creative activities, and team relays designed to keep campers cool and engaged. From water and shaving cream filled balloon relays, to sponge tag and obstacle courses, this camp is perfect for kids who love to play and explore. Campers will also enjoy creating water-inspired crafts and participating in group competitions that build teamwork and laughter. Don’t miss this unforgettable week of wet and wild adventures! 

Field trips may include Slick City or Ultimate Ninjas. 

2026 Expedition Camp information

All of our summer expeditions have both limited spaces available and minimum numbers needed to assure that they are properly staffed with the required ratios for safety and supervision.

We recognize that some of our graduating students are still in the admissions process for secondary schools and that some of those schools may have mandatory summer orientation dates. We advise checking with the school(s) where you are applying before registering for TCS summer expeditions.

As outlined at the top of this page, 50% of the camp fee is due as a deposit at the time of registration and is non-refundable. 

If an expedition does not meet the minimum number of campers by April 1, 2026, families will be notified by email and given a full refund. 

All questions / concerns regarding SUMMER expeditions should be directed to: stoats@thecollegeschool.org

Sunday, May 31 – Friday, June 5, 2026
Appropriate age range: Middle School and Early High School-Aged Students
Limited to 20 campers || (Minimum 8 campers by April 1)
Overnight expedition: Sunday, 8:30 AM – Friday, 6:00 PM
Price: $1400

This high-adventure, 6-day, 5-night expedition will have campers paddling two National Scenic Rivers: the Buffalo River, located in Northern Arkansas, and the Eleven Point River, located in southern Missouri. Campers will utilize National Park Service campgrounds while floating the Buffalo River and gravel bar camp while on the Eleven Point River. Both rivers are truly stunning in terms of natural beauty. Our first three days will be spent on the Buffalo River, the first river in America to be designated a National River. The upper sections are widely regarded as the best and most scenic floats in the entire Midwest because of the towering bluffs and waterfalls, including Hemmed-in-Hollow, the tallest from the Rockies to the Appalachians! Next, the trip heads north and back across the state line to the Eleven Point River, which was the first river in Missouri to be designated a National Wild and Scenic River. The Eleven Point is fed by more than 30 natural springs (including Greer Spring, the second largest in Missouri), which contribute significantly to the river’s clean waters and scenic beauty.

Trip Leaders: Scott “Stoats” McClintock, Austin Smith, Sarah Hassing

Monday, June 8 – Friday, June 12, 2026
Appropriate age range: Rising Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Grade
Limited to 17 campers || (Minimum 8 campers by April 1)
On campus/Near St. Louis: Monday and Tuesday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Overnight expedition: Wednesday, 8:30 AM – Friday, 3:00 PM
Price: $900

Paddles and Saddles is not only the longest running and most popular summer expedition that TCS has ever offered, but it also has the highest demand with both sessions typically selling out. For more than two decades our rising Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh graders have made life-long memories on this extremely fun and unforgettable trip. The first two days of camp will be spent having fun and building group unity through exploration, play, and swimming at two different shut-ins near St. Louis. Both are geologic wonders and create natural playscapes for enjoying the start of summer break. The second half of the week will be a 3-day/2-night expedition to Bass River Resorts where the group will stay in a lush, air-conditioned cabin each evening and spend two days rafting down the beautiful Courtois and Huzzah Rivers. Our final day will feature a morning horseback ride through the surrounding Mark Twain National Forest before a stop on the way home for a celebratory treat in Steelville, the “Floating Capital of Missouri”.

Paddles and Saddles is an iconic TCS summer experience. By design we utilize whitewater rafts on this trip, because they provide the opportunity for developing adventurers to gain valuable paddling experience on moving water but in a purely fun and enjoyable way. It is the steppingstone that prepares them for the more technical and advanced summer expedition offerings that are available to our older students. The reason this trip has been talked about as almost a rite of passage for more than two decades is because, without fail, Paddles and Saddles is always a super fun, all-around wonderful experience and a perennial summer highlight for participants!

Trip Leaders: Scott Phelps, Jenny Morrison, Scott “Stoats” McClintock

Monday, June 15 – Friday, June 19, 2026
Appropriate age range: Rising Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Grade
Limited to 17 campers || (Minimum 8 campers by April 1)
On campus/Near St. Louis: Monday and Tuesday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Overnight expedition: Wednesday, 8:30 AM – Friday, 3:00 PM
Price: $900

Paddles and Saddles is not only the longest running and most popular summer expedition that TCS has ever offered, but it also has the highest demand with both sessions typically selling out. For more than two decades our rising Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh graders have made life-long memories on this extremely fun and unforgettable trip. The first two days of camp will be spent having fun and building group unity through exploration, play, and swimming at two different shut-ins near St. Louis. Both are geologic wonders and create natural playscapes for enjoying the start of summer break. The second half of the week will be a 3-day/2-night expedition to Bass River Resorts where the group will stay in a lush, air-conditioned cabin each evening and spend two days rafting down the beautiful Courtois and Huzzah Rivers. Our final day will feature a morning horseback ride through the surrounding Mark Twain National Forest before a stop on the way home for a celebratory treat in Steelville, the “Floating Capital of Missouri”.

Paddles and Saddles is an iconic TCS summer experience. By design we utilize whitewater rafts on this trip, because they provide the opportunity for developing adventurers to gain valuable paddling experience on moving water but in a purely fun and enjoyable way. It is the steppingstone that prepares them for the more technical and advanced summer expedition offerings that are available to our older students. The reason this trip has been talked about as almost a rite of passage for more than two decades is because, without fail, Paddles and Saddles is always a super fun, all-around wonderful experience and a perennial summer highlight for participants!

Trip Leaders: Scott Phelps, Jenny Morrison, Scott “Stoats” McClintock

Sunday, June 21 – Friday, June 26, 2026
Appropriate age range: Rising Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Grade
Limited to 14 campers || (Minimum 8 campers by April 1)
Overnight expedition: Sunday, 8:30 AM – Friday, 6:00 PM
Price: $1200

This Wisconsin-based adventure will take place at Wynfal Farm in the Driftless region of southern Wisconsin, about an hour west of Madison. This area is an outdoor paradise with tremendous scenery and a fascinating story. Our focus will be on examining the human and environmental history of the area through a variety of unique adventures. The goals of the trip are simple – have fun, explore, and be curious! Activities include a flatwater paddling adventure on the Wisconsin river, visiting “Taliesin” (the legendary home, studio and 800-acre estate of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright), rock climbing, rappelling and swimming at Devil’s Lake, and exploring forward-thinking land stewardship at Wynfal Farm. Afternoons at camp may include air rifle, archery, games, art activities, and outdoor cooking. Side trips may include the famous Wisconsin Dells and/or the (in)famous House on the Rock, an astounding and truly one of a kind complex of buildings, collections and exhibits. This trip is an absolute blast with new and different adventures every day! 

Trip Leaders: Darel Shelton, Scott “Stoats” McClintock

Monday, July 13 – Friday, July 17, 2026
Appropriate age range: High School (at least one year removed from attending TCS) and College-Aged TCS Alumni
Limited to 14 campers || (Minimum 8 campers by April 1)
On campus: Monday, 9:00AM – 3:00PM
Overnight expedition: Tuesday, 8:00 AM – Friday, 4:00 PM
Price: $1300

For years the most frequently requested trip by our students has been a Stoats Floats summer trip, specifically designed for them, because they’ve headed off to different high schools / colleges. Our former students want to keep the flame alive that was sparked through their shared adventure education experiences while at TCS and they want to continue to foster the bonds they created here in our community. Therefore, I am very excited and proud to share that over the last several years we have built the summer expedition program up to a place where we can now honor their request!

The first day of the camp, we will meet at school to prepare for the overnight portion. We will pull all the necessary gear, fit everyone with PFDs, head to the grocery store and do the shopping together, and generally make sure everyone has what they need before we depart on Tuesday morning. From there, the 4 day/3 night overnight portion of this trip will consist of three non-consecutive days canoeing on the icy cold, spring-fed waters of the upper Current River. The other day will be spent visiting Blue Spring (our favorite swimming hole on the Jack’s Fork River) and Rocky Falls (our favorite waterfall in the area).

Each night, we’ll be off the water and staying in a rented lodge on a private, 4-acre lot in the woods that is not too far from the river access points we’ll be using. This lodge/barndominium was designed for large groups and it’s perfect for our needs with multiple hangout spots both inside and out. It also has two showers, beds for all participants, and most importantly, given that it will be mid-July… AIR CONDITIONING!

Evening activities will include:

• Stargazing at Peck Ranch Fire Tower (lowest light pollution in the state!)
• Advanced Owl Calling
• Bottle Bash Tournament / Nerts Showdown
• 1st Annual “Back In My Day” Storytelling Competition
• And end with an ice cream and milkshake celebratory night in beautiful, downtown Eminence

Come reconnect and reminisce with old friends, make some new ones, and revive your adventurous spirit on this 1st Annual TCS Alumni Stoats Floats trip! For as our friend John Muir said, “I only went out for a walk, and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out I found, was really going in.”

Trip Leaders: Scott “Stoats” McClintock, Austin Smith, Sarah Hassing

Ages: Rising Sixth – Tenth Graders
Limited to ten campers per session
Session One: June 2 – 3
Session Two: June 4 – 5
8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Price: $300 

We are excited to bring back Babysitter’s Training Camp. TCS nurse, Jen Martin, will teach the skills necessary to be a successful and safe babysitter. This course offers hands-on training in skills needed to babysit such as: developmentally appropriate play, safe handling of infants and toddlers, feeding, diapering, and much more.  This course will also include the opportunity to earn American Red Cross Babysitter’s Training Certification and infant CPR and first aid certification.  

Day one will dive head first into first aid and CPR.  Campers will have the opportunity to earn American Red Cross Babysitter’s Training with Infant CPR and First Aid certification. Students must successfully complete skills and an exam to become certified.

Day two will be all about the business of babysitting.  Campers will learn about developmental milestones and age-appropriate play, safe handling of infants and toddlers, feeding, and diapering.  Students will also learn about safety on the job, interviewing, setting prices, and building a resume/babysitting portfolio.

*CPR certification is not guaranteed.  Campers must demonstrate competence in CPR to gain certification.

Lead: Jen Martin, TCS Staff Nurse

Level One -$300 (Enrollment fee for CPR Certification) Level Two No Cost / Completion of Level One Required

All Summer

Ages: Rising Eighth – Tenth Graders

To register, contact John McElwain, Summer Camp Director, at jmcelwain@thecollegeschool.org. There are a limited number of spaces available. 

This opportunity is designed for rising eighth through tenth graders. After the completion of the two year program, students become eligible for a paid summer camp support position.

The CIT (Counselor In Training) program is for students interested in developing leadership skills, gaining experience working with children, and building self confidence.  The program includes many aspects of a camp counselors role including: CPR certification, training sessions on such topics as basic child development and behavior management, counseling techniques and best practices, communication and leadership, and environmental stewardship. In addition to obtaining CPR certification and childcare experience, CITs will be mentored by camp leaders, and interact with professional educators to obtain the skills necessary to create a fun, engaging, safe, and upbeat camp experience. Volunteering a minimum of four one-week sessions per summer is a requirement to complete each level. CITs may volunteer more than four sessions per summer. 

Level One / Year One 

The first step of our CIT program is to obtain child and infant CPR certification as well as a childcare training course. This course will need to be purchased and completed to advance. Once these accreditation requirements are met, CIT’s will be eligible to choose four sessions of camp to volunteer. CIT’s must volunteer for a minimum of four weeks in order to advance to level two. During that time, CITs will work alongside camp leaders and support staff. They will attend and support all camp activities, swimming, and field trip opportunities. Additionally, CITs will have weekly check-ins and meetings with a supervisor. CITs will have the opportunity to ask questions, receive feedback, and get support from lead camp staff in a group setting. 

Level Two / Year Two 

This portion of the CIT program focuses on the CITs’ personal and professional growth goals from the previous season. Additionally, they will choose which age group they are most interested in supporting. Building upon their experience, CITs will focus on specific areas of interest such as behavior management, team building and icebreakers, activity/game setup and support, arts and crafts activities, and outdoor adventure activities. Second year CITs will have the opportunity to lead activities and games under the supervision of leaders and support staff. In addition to weekly check-ins, CITs will establish their own goals and performance indicators for their meetings with camp leaders. Like the previous year, they will support all camp activities, swimming, and field trip opportunities. This level supports and encourages personal and professional growth as well as goal setting and accountability. After volunteering a minimum of four sessions during the season, and upon completion of level two certification, CITs are eligible for a paid support position the following summer.