January 17, 2024

Camp Families,

Welcome to The College School’s 2024 Summer Adventure Day Camps and Expeditions! We’ve got an exciting and engaging summer planned for your campers. Registration will go live to the public on Saturday, Jan 27, 2024, at 9:00AM CST. Our summer program combines popular returning themes along with fun new themes and experiences.

Sincerely,
John McElwain
Summer Camp Director
jmcelwain@thecollegeschool.org

Adventure Day Camps

Adventure Day Camps are designed for Preschoolers through rising Fifth graders and categorized into three groups: 

Adventurers: Rising Pre-K and Kindergarten. * All campers must be fully potty trained and four years old by July 1, 2024 (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)

Summer Camp Dates:
June 3, 2024 – August 2, 2024
Monday – Friday, 9AM – 3PM
No camp June 19, July 4th, or July 5th
Before Camp Care: 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM, M-F
After Camp Care: 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM, M-F

Session One: 6/3 – 6/7
Session Two: 6/10 – 6/14
Session Three: 6/17 – 6/21(off on June 19)
Session Four: 6/24 – 6/28
Session Five: 7/1 – 7/3 (off on July 4 and 5)
Session Six: 7/8 – 7/12
Session Seven: 7/15 – 7/19
Session Eight: 7/22 – 7/26
Session Nine: 7/29 – 8/2

Weekly Day Camp Schedule Overview:
Monday: On campus theme-related activities and explorations
Tuesday: Field trips for Voyagers
Wednesday: All camp swim at Webster Groves Public Pool 12PM – 1:30PM
Thursday: Field trips for Explorers
Friday: All camp swim at Webster Groves Public Pool 12PM – 1:30PM

Day Camp Pricing:
$290 Per 1-Week Session (Five Days)
$235 Session Three (Four Days)
$175 Session Five (Three Days)

Before camp care $50 per week
After camp care $75 per week

Deposits / Refunds:
For Expeditions and Day Trips: 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: $145 deposit for each two-week camp session. $100 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: $100 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, and Voyager campers.

Explorers and Voyagers will have one field trip each session.

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

Campers bring their lunch to camp each day.

A daily snack is provided.

Rest/nap time is optional for our younger Adventurer campers.

GROW WITH THE FLOW: GARDEN AND SCHOOLYARD ECOSYSTEM EXPLORATION

Session One: 6/3 – 6/7

Our greenhouse and gardens provide wonderful opportunities to connect with nature as campers interact with native plants and fresh vegetables. In addition to exploring the spaces and engaging in plant and natural material related activities, campers will observe the insects and wildlife that play important roles in our schoolyard ecosystem. All campers will choose their own herb or vegetable to take home and grow this summer! 

Explorer and Voyager Field Trips may include Earthdance Farms or Shaw Nature Reserve.

ANIMAL ALLIES

Session Two: 6/10 – 6/14

Animals are all around us, from our pets to wild species in the St. Louis area. Campers will explore why some animals are considered invasive, endangered, at-risk, and what people can do to be advocates for creatures in their neighborhoods and around the world. Both wild and domestic species will be discussed with special attention on native wildlife.   

Explorer and Voyager field trips may include visits to the World Bird Sanctuary, Lone Elk Park, or Longmeadow Rescue Ranch.

ADVENTURE ENGINEERING / ULTIMATE NINJAS

Session Three: 6/17 – 6/21 (No Camp 6/19 for Juneteenth)

This ever popular theme is coming back for another summer! Drawing inspiration from movies and games, this session will focus on building obstacle courses, problem solving, riddles, games, and improvisational engineering. We will utilize several indoor and outdoor spaces to design and create fun and exciting initiatives that foster creativity and movement.  Activities may include creating obstacle courses, improvisational engineering challenges, Among Us game initiatives, paper airplane / airplane design and contests, golf shot challenges, frisbee trick shots, scavenger hunts and orienteering. 

Explorer and Voyager Field Trips will include Ultimate Ninjas STL.

SHOW ME MO! STATE PARKS

Session Four: 6/24 – 6/28

Campers will explore the state park system in Missouri and southern Illinois. We will investigate and highlight the unique geological features and ecosystems within these parks and conservation areas. Additionally, campers will visit a state park where they will have the opportunity to play, hike, and explore. At the end of the session, campers will create a personal list of state parks that they want to visit with their families after camp has ended. They will develop an itinerary complete with park locations, attractions, and directions to share with their families. 

Explorer and Voyager Field Trips may include Don Robinson State Park or Washington State Park.

Red, White, And Blue Week / Backyard Games

Session Five: 7/1 – 7/3

During this shortened, three-day week, campers will head to various locations on campus to play classic backyard and indoor party games. The field, gym, dining room, and theater will all be utilized to play games like croquet, frisbee golf, badminton, bags, washers, hot foot, and ping pong, to name a few. Although there will be no off-campus field trips this week, all campers will go to the pool on Wednesday.

CLIMB ON!

Session Six: 7/8 – 7/12

Climb on! Climbing! ALL campers can participate in this back-by-popular-demand activity! 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.

Explorer and Voyager Field Trips may include Upper Limits Indoor Rock Climbing Gym or Climb So iLL

ARCHERY (VOYAGERS) / GAMES AND SPORTS (ADVENTURER AND EXPLORERS)

Session Seven: 7/15 – 7/19

Join us for a week of archery, sports, games, and accuracy challenges! Voyager campers will learn the basics of the Genesis compound bow before heading to the range for practice. If you did this camp last year, we have an extra instructor that will help you improve upon the skills gained last summer. Explorers and Adventurers will engage in individual and cooperative games. Sports and games may include soccer, basketball, bowling, bocce, putt putt challenges, soft/magnetic darts, pool noodle tag, and more.  

Explorer and Voyager Field Trips may include an archery range, RYZE Adventure Park, or Magic Mini Golf.

BE YOUR HERO! / FLIGHT OF FANTASY

Session Eight: 7/22 – 7/26

Explore the world of age-appropriate fiction, fantasy, and graphic novels as campers bring their stories and characters to life! Campers will explore their interests in fantasy through the study of art, literature, and technology. They will conduct research to imagine, design, and create their own fictional characters through a mix of hands-on and AI generated tools. Campers will have a final project to present to fellow campers and to bring home at the end of the week. 

Explorer and Voyager field trips may include Betty’s Books and The Novel Neighbor book store.

SPLASH SCIENCE / WATER PLAY GAMES AND RELAYS

Session Nine: 7/29 – 8/2

Wear your swimsuit all week to this final session! In addition to swimming, campers will engage in a variety of water play activities, experiments, relays, and games. Sponges, buckets, cups, bottles, balloons, and even shaving cream, will be used in fun and hilarious group games and activities as we stay cool and end our summer with some classic summer fun. 

Explorer and Voyager Field Trips may include Slick City or Go PLAY! Indoor Playground

Expeditions

2024 Expedition Camp information

STOATS FLOATS: BUFFALO AND ELEVEN POINT RIVERS - **NEW IN 2024**

Sunday, June 2 – Friday, June 7, 2024
Age range: Rising Seventh, Eighth and Ninth Grade
Overnight expedition: Sunday 8:30 AM – Friday 6:00 PM
Price: $1250

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, featuring pristine springs, caves, and waterfalls. This expedition is only offered to our older, more experienced campers with previous paddling experience as the upper section of the Buffalo is one of the most technical sections that can be floated in the entire Midwest.

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

PADDLES AND SADDLES

Monday, June 10 – Friday, June 14, 2024
Appropriate age range: Rising Fifth, Sixth, and Rising Seventh Grade
Limited to 17 campers per session
On campus: Monday and Tuesday
Overnight expedition: Wednesday 8:30 AM – Friday 4:00 PM
Price: $700

Discover canoeing and riding skills during a trip down the beautiful Courtois River, where we will explore gravel bars, gaze upon starry nights, and ride horseback through the forests. Two days will be spent at The College School and around the St. Louis area learning skills, building group unity, and preparing for the three-day, two-night trip. Paddles and Saddles is always a wonderful and fun experience!

Trip Leaders: John McElwain, Scott Phelps, Jenny Morrison

STOATS FLOATS: CURRENT AND JACK’S FORK RIVERS - **NEW IN 2024**

Monday, June 17 – Friday, June 21, 2024
Appropriate age range: Rising Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Grade
Overnight expedition: Monday 8:30 AM – Friday 4:00 PM
Price: $1100

Increase your paddling and kayaking skills on this 5-day, 4-night expedition along the spring-fed waters of the Current and Upper Jack’s Fork rivers, both designated National Scenic Rivers. Campers will learn about the karst topography that dominates this area of the state and which is responsible for the formation of the remarkable caves, sinkholes, and springs that the area is equally known for. Campers will be fully immersed in an epic journey as we cook, eat, and sleep on the gravel bars along the riverways. This expedition is suitable for campers of all paddling experience levels.

Trip Leaders: Scott “Stoats” McClintock, Darel Shelton, Sarah Hassing, Jim Wood, Austin Smith, Taylor Smith

TAKE ME OUT (OF TOWN) TO THE BALLGAME - **NEW IN 2024**

Monday, June 24 – Friday, June 28, 2024
Appropriate age range: Rising Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Grade
Limited to 24 campers
Overnight expedition: Monday 8:30 AM – Friday 4:00 PM
Price: $900

Join us for an experience you will never forget, as we chase the spirit of America’s favorite pastime through the heartland! We’ll head north and catch a minor league baseball game in Peoria, IL. Next, we’ll travel to Iowa to watch two classic movies about baseball (“The Sandlot” and “Field of Dreams”) at one of the two remaining drive-in theaters in the state. The following day we’ll play a baseball game on the actual baseball field that was built and featured in the “Field of Dreams” movie. In addition to our baseball focused activities, we will also break up the drive by stopping to explore caves at Maquoketa Caves State Park as well as taking some leisurely breaks at various swimming holes along the route.

Trip Leaders: Scott Phelps, Erin Buehler, Scott “Stoats” McClintock

Certification Classes

Babysitter's Training Camp

Ages: Rising Sixth – Tenth Graders
Limited to ten campers per session
Session One: May 28 – 29
Session Two: May 30 – 31
8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Price: $250 

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

2024 CIT Summer Leadership Program - Level One TBD (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.