Just Ahead: Extraordinary Summer Fun

If you’ve ever been on the School campus during the summer months, you may have happened upon a group of happy children—all wearing bright yellow t-shirts with smiley faces—heading off to the pool, to the woods for a nature hike, or boarding a bus for an outing to the zoo. Principia’s summer program will be offered again this year, but with a new twist, as Summertime Discovery XL. Why XL? “Summertime Discovery is bigger and better this year,” co-director Connie Dennett writes, “with an ‘X-panded’ program led by ‘XL-ent’ coaches, teachers, and staff.”

Weekly theme-based sessions (beginning with “Pirates!”) from June 7 to August 27 will offer children from age four to sixth grade a variety of new program options. For example, mini-clinics in soccer, basketball, and tennis will be led by Athletic Director Travis Brantingham, Assistant Athletic Director Shad Nichols, and Middle School Director Alyssa Henn, respectively. “These clinics will focus on actual athletic skill development in each sport adjusted to the playing levels of the children,” Dennett explains. Similarly, certified instructors will offer structured swimming lessons at various skill levels, as well as recreational aquatic activities. The all-new “Spotlight on Drama,” led by Liesl Patterson, Upper School theatre teacher, will give children opportunities to explore the dramatic arts and participate in performances. And, of course, arts and crafts, music, outdoor games, fun with nature and science, and weekly field trips will continue to be important parts of the program.

Another exciting addition this year is Theatre Arts in Focus, a half-day middle school session from 1:00–5:00 p.m. for students entering grades 7–9. Under Liesl Patterson’s direction, students will choose their own activities in playwriting, acting, lighting, set/prop design, and stage crew. Each Friday, the students will put on a show for the community, possibly charging a small admission fee that will be donated to a worthy organization, or performing for community groups as part of a summer-long community service effort. Middle schoolers will also have plenty of time for games, swimming, and all-around summer fun.

For parents, perhaps the best new feature is the affordable price—$150 per week for full days and $100 per week for half days. With only a couple of days before the program launch, this summer’s co-directors Connie Dennett and Patrice Saad urge interested families to register now.

The all-new Summertime Discovery program begins on Monday, June 7. Come for a week, a month, or until school starts and discover how much fun the summer can be!