4-9 Camps

Older campers may choose from an extensive menu of camp offerings each week! Campers must select both morning and afternoon programs for each week of registration (except in the case of the “Laurel Highland Sampler” program, which is a full-day program). Days will be split by outdoor lunch and relaxation time. Camp programs are designed to be engaging, active, and geared toward the unique interests of middle schoolers and young teens. $260 per week, except where specified below.

 

 

Find a seat by the campfire and get ready to learn all about outdoor cooking from Valley School’s Food Service Director, Mrs. Snyder. She will share her favorite recipes and guide campers through creating some awesome outdoor eats!

 

Technology will come alive as you explore the Valley School Tech Lab with our very own Mr. Brinton! Take your learning to the next level and take a deep dive into the topic that interests you most. Will it be programming, robots, 3D printing, or web design? Get ready to dig in!

 

Spend the morning exploring every aspect of the outdoors! Using art, writing, meditation, yoga, and more, campers will find adventure in the woods, along the stream, and under the towering pines that surround Valley School. This camp is led by certified yoga instructor and outdoor enthusiast, Brooke Roadman!

 

Led by expert artist and educator, Amy Roadman, this camp is a perfect mix of art and nature for those who like to explore, observe, and make discoveries, and create. Campers will draw on nature’s inspiration for the creation of their unique projects. They’ll work in outdoor locations including stream-side nooks and our outdoor classroom, use natural objects, and learn about field sketching before they dive into a project using media of their choice!

Jump into a week of service learning in the Laurel Highlands! This camp will be filled with specialized projects that will assist community members and organizations in need. Yard work, neighbor visits, clean-ups, and more! Become part of our first-ever volunteer camp! The week will be capped off with a special thank you surprise.

 

How was basketball invented? Who created the rules for hockey? What is the oldest sport? Explore, learn, and play a sampling of historic games—both on the field and off—with expert historian, Coach Croley.

 

How many different sports and games can we squeeze into one week of camp? Find out when you sign up for Sports! Sports! Sports! Bring your sneakers and water bottle, and get ready to play! 

 

How would you pack and prepare the perfect picnic? Spend the week planning and learning to create the best picnic ever with Valley School Food Service Director, Mrs. Snyder. She will jam-pack the week with fun recipes, cool cooking techniques, and lots of ideas for picnic locations! Each day campers will take their culinary creations to a new spot!

 

Led by expert artist and educator, Amy Roadman, this camp is a perfect mix of art and nature for those who like to explore, observe, and make discoveries, and create. Campers will draw on nature’s inspiration for the creation of their unique projects. They’ll work in outdoor locations including stream-side nooks and our outdoor classroom, use natural objects, and learn about field sketching before they dive into a project using media of their choice!

 

Dive into the world of digital communication. Connect with the platforms you like most, and learn the ins and outs of creating meaningful and dynamic content. Using our digital lab, campers will be guided by our technology educator, Mr. Brinton.

 

Sign up for a fast-paced week of soccer with Coach Jinks. This camp will challenge experienced players and raise the skill-level of new enthusiasts. Special focus will be given to developing skills that highlight team play and top-notch communication.

 

Explore the coolest spots in the Laurel Highlands! Paddleboard, kayak, hike, camp, and swim your way through a week of adventure! Campers will use Valley School as a base, and visit a different regional site each day.

One of our most popular camps is back! Use your tactical and strategic thinking skills to plan, build, and defend your outdoor fort! This popular camp culminates with a laser tag game of epic proportions!

 

So many games, so little time! Join our resident game-enthusiast, Mrs. Molnar, to brainstorm and play as many games as possible in one week! Board games, card games, lawn games, and more! Don’t miss this week of strategy, competition, and fun!

Jump into a week of specialized service learning! Campers will assist community members and organizations in need. This week is designed to activate life-long volunteerism and teach campers how good it feels to make a difference in their community by being generous with their time and talents!

 

Design! Weave! Tie! Twist! Wear! Ms. Earhart is ready to teach amazing bracelet designs and discover new patterns! While creating, campers will explore the outdoors, finding ways to incorporate nature’s colors and themes into their work.

 

 

If you like trivia, physical challenges, puzzles, and action, this is the perfect camp for you! Race your way through the week and then cap it off with an exciting trip to downtown Ligonier for the ultimate challenge! This is one of our most popular camps!

 

What would you do with an infinite supply of beads? Hop into this camp to find out! Beading aficionado, Mrs. Molnar, is ready to explore, imagine, and design!

 

Enter a world of gaming magic, adventure, sorcery, monsters, and more! Spend the week building your game foundation and working through dark dungeons, ruined cities, castles, and lava-filled caverns with your adventure team. Join this camp to see this classic game brought to life in a new way!

 

Spend a week building Lego challenge creations and letting your Lego creativity flow! Building will take place inside and out! No structure is too large! Every idea is welcome! Let’s Build!

 

Compete against your friends for the ultimate Gold Medal Prize! Events will include popular summer Olympic sports as well as sporty challenges unique to SOAR!

 

 

New for 2021, Battle Camp 2.0 is extreme! Campers will spend the week learning outdoor survival skills and planning and building battle forts. The week will close with a battle of epic proportions. Bring your strength, strategic thinking, and tactical creativity!

 

A summer camp mystery is ready to be solved during this week-long dive into forensic sciences. Join Upper School science teacher, Mr. Snyder, as he leads a hands-on investigation using specialized science. Campers will have the opportunity to interview local experts in forensics and crime investigation.

Stories, poems, sonnets, and plays are filled with mystery, magic, and more! Join English teacher, Mrs. Yates, as she shares her passion for literature through outdoor exploration, creative projects, music, and improv!

Sports with a ninja twist! All games and activities will involve ninja themes! Slice and dice your way through a whole week of action and sports!

 

 

Amazing Race this year is soooooo 2.0! It’s packed with MORE challenges, MORE trivia, and MORE action! Pick your team and get ready to go for the Amazing Race Grand Prize. Camp includes competitive excursions and travel.

 

All your gym class favorites packed into one week! Scooters, noodles, dodgeballs, and more! Create your own gym class games to share, and add to our all-time favorites list! Get ready to rock the gym!

Using the outdoors as our art studio, we will explore and create! Spend the week imagining, designing, and creating items inspired by the forest, stream, and fields.

 

You never know what will happen in the Science Lab! This camp includes a deep dive into Mr. Snyder’s favorite science topics and most interesting labs! Goggles, gloves, and lab supplies will be supplied!