IDS: summer camp

IDS Summer Programs 2008 (PDF)

Forms (PDF format)

Camp Registration
Health Forms
Pick-up Permission Form
Acceptable Use Policy
T-shirt Order
MAPA Application

The Middlesex Academy for the Performing Arts

Welcome to the Independent Day School
Summer Camp!

June 23 - August 1, 2008

We offer half-day and full-day sessions of
one to six weeks programs for children ages 4-14.

Choose from a large selection of courses in nature studies,
the arts, sports, culture, science, and technology.

Leadership Training Program for children ages 13-15

Dear Summer Campers and Families,

Welcome to The Independent Day School Summer Camp! We are excited to bring you another summer of fun-filled, exciting and educational courses, as well as enjoyable theme-based afternoon recreational activities. We are offering many of our popular past courses as well as new and exciting ones. Our goal is to offer campers the best enriching courses and the most fun-filled programs possible in a nurturing and supportive environment. Please contact the camp office if you have any questions regarding summer camp. Hope to see you this summer!

Rae-ann Kershnar, Camp Director
(860) 347-7235
kershnarr@independentdayschool.org

About Our Camp

The Independent Day School Summer Camp, entering its sixteenth year, continues to offer enriching and creative programs for children ages 4-13 and a leadership program for children ages 13-15. Most of the staff have been with the camp or at The Independent Day School for many years. Additionally, a significant number are teachers from area schools. College-aged employees are also counselors and high school students are assistants. Our staff is selected for its maturity, reliability, and sensitivity to the needs of children.

Campers are encouraged to explore a wide range of activities. The programs are designed to promote learning, confidence and individual growth. New friendships form and old ones are renewed as children participate in courses of their choice.

Children may enroll in camp for one to six weeks. Full day 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and half-day 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon programs are available. Childcare services are offered: Before Camp (7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.) and After Camp (3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.). Full day campers participate in our afternoon recreation program. Swimming, games, outdoor education and arts & crafts are all part of the afternoon fun.

For many families requiring transportation, central pick-up and drop off points are arranged. Morning shuttle buses meet campers between 8:00 and 8:30 AM, and afternoon drop off is from 3:20-4:00 PM. Camp transportation is NOT available for the Noon pick up or from the After Camp Care Program. All children returning on the bus will leave IDS at 3:00. A minimum number of campers is required for transportation to be available. There will be an extra fee for this service.

Program Descriptions:

Ages 4-5
Summer Explorers is a recreation program based on a weekly theme. This summer the topics include: outer space, oceans, the rain forest, transportation, dinosaurs, and folk tales. Activities involve arts & crafts, cooking, games, music, creative movement, and dramatic play. Some of the activities might range from children making their own rocket ships, creating an ocean classroom, baking cookies in the shape of various vehicles, to writing their own folk tale. Daily swimming takes place at a local pool facility. Morning snacks and beverages are brought from home. Those campers participating in the afternoon program also bring lunch and beverage. Please note that we are a peanut/nut vigilant facility and ask that you not pack foods containing peanuts or nuts. The afternoon program allows for free play as well as structured games and arts & crafts.

Ages 6-12
Summer Academy and Scholarly Fun include recreation, arts, music and academic classes. Campers participate in a course of their choice during the morning. A snack and beverage are brought from home. Campers who stay for the afternoon program pack a lunch and beverage from home. Campers join the Afternoon Theme-based Recreation Program, dividing their time between swimming at a local pool as well as games, outdoor education and arts & crafts on our campus. (Please see course descriptions.)

Ages 13-15
Leadership Training offers a one-week course for boys and girls 13-15 years old and includes American Red Cross Baby-sitting, Basic First Aid/CPR and counselor-in-training components. This one-week program begins at 9:00 AM and concludes at 3:00 PM. Participants will volunteer in various camp courses during their time of training and will be supervised and given feedback. Upon completion of this course, campers can interview for the opportunity to be a voluntary counselor assistant for the remaining of the summer. (Please see detailed course description)

Camp Facility
The campus, located on 30 rolling acres of land, provides access to ponds, nature trails, and nearby swimming facilities for camper use. The school contains classrooms, an art studio, two science labs, a computer lab, and a stage for summer activities. The gym and fields offer excellent locations for our instructional sports and games program. The gym is also used for rainy day activities.

Our Camp Philosophy
Summer at IDS is an opportunity for children to meet new friends and reunite with old ones while engaging in enriching activities of personal interest. Campers are encouraged to conduct themselves in a respectful, friendly and helpful manner. Instructors and counselors model expectations for behavior.

We believe that children are capable of making independent choices when the atmosphere is supportive and accepting, and that they flourish when such an environment is maintained. Children are encouraged to participate in age-appropriate activities, which promote confidence, learning, and individual growth.

Who We Are
The Independent Day School is a Connecticut Association of Independent Schools accredited institution, which adheres to the guidelines and reflects the standards set by the National Association of Independent Schools. In addition, we are licensed by the State of Connecticut as a youth camp. We share the same philosophy and standards of excellence reflected in The Independent Day School’s Mission Statement: “Our mission is to guide young people toward high standards of scholarship and citizenship, an appreciation of the arts, and sound physical, social and intellectual growth in a nurturing environment. We encourage our students to develop a sense of curiosity, and to display empathy and respect for one another. We value hard work, and want our students to experience the rewards of self-discipline and the excitement of discovery. Our intent is to create responsible citizens for a diverse and changing world.”