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Grades 5–8

Welcome to La Jolla Country Day School’s summer programs! We are excited that you are spending some (or all!) of your summer with us. If you’re returning from last year, welcome back, and thank you for choosing our program again.

Sessions run from June 6–August 5. There will be no camp on Monday, June 20 and the week of July 4–8. Sign up for a morning or afternoon class or stay for a full day of fun. Register for classes based on the grade level your child will be entering in fall 2022.

Morning classes run from 8:30–11:30 a.m. Drop-off for morning classes begins at 8 a.m. Afternoon classes run from 12:30–3:30 p.m. Drop-off for afternoon classes begins at 12 p.m. If your child is staying with us for the morning and the afternoon, they will enjoy a complimentary box lunch with their new friends between 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

See General Info or FAQs for more details. Registration closes at noon two weeks before the start of each session.
 
Classes are subject to change. Visit the registration website for the most up-to-date schedule.

Morning

List of 18 items.

  • Become Your Favorite Author! (Grades 5–6) 

    J.K. Rowling, Shakespeare, Suzanne Collins, Jerry Spinelli — who is your favorite? It’s time for you to become an author. Spend time reading different types of genres, exploring different authors, and creating a story that excites you and your audience. Publishing may take a couple of weeks after the book is completed. Materials fee included. 

    June 21–June 24 (LJCDS is closed June 20) 
    8:30–11:30 a.m.
    $296
    Led by LJCDS Middle School English educator Christa DeMovellan

  • Ceramics — Hand Building (Grades 6–12) 

    Explore ceramics through traditional hand-building methods. Coiling, pinching and slab techniques are covered via functional and non-functional art forms. Students work on sculptural techniques to enrich their understanding of this ancient and beautiful craft while also exploring surface design techniques such as stamping, carving, slip decoration, wax resist and glaze application methods. 

    *Note: This class does not work on the pottery wheel. Please see the Ceramics – Wheel Throwing class.

    June 21–24 (LJCDS is closed June 20)
    June 27–July 1
    July 11–15
    July 18–22
    8:30–11:30 a.m.
    $370 ($296 for June 21–24)
    Maximum 15 students
    Led by LJCDS Upper School ceramics educator Alexis Grinbold

  • Drawing and Painting (Grades 4–8) 

    Learn about different drawing and painting techniques, and learn new ways to use graphite, colored pencils, pastels, tempera and acrylic paints. Paint from real life, draw from your imagination and explore the work of artists from a variety of artistic backgrounds and movements.
     
    July 25–29 
    8:30–11:30 a.m.
    $370 + $20 materials fee
    Led by Lower School visual arts educator Porschia Talbot

  • Environmental Science (Grades 5–8)

    Interested in learning more about the planet? This introductory course exposes students to environmental science concepts and provides a good foundation for seventh-grade Life Science and eighth-grade Environmental Chemistry classes. Explorations focus on soil, water, land, air and human impact on ecosystems. The course offers several hands-on STEM-centric activities, including hydroponics, aquaponics, terrarium building, ecological footprinting and ecosystem exploration.
     
    June 13–17
    8:30–11:30 a.m.
    $370
    Led by LJCDS Middle School science educator Lauren Fieberg

  • IGNITE Youth Leadership: A Dare to Be Summer Camp (Grades 3–6)

    The IGNITE program is an engaging and interactive experience designed to help children build a strong sense of self, navigate the challenges they face and develop the skills needed to thrive in the world using tools like mindfulness and empathy.

    Developed by the Conscious Leadership Academy at the University of San Diego using research from the fields of leadership, social-emotional learning, psychology, and education, this program allows students to practice using their voices to advocate for themselves and create personal boundaries.

    June 13–17 (FULL)
    June 21–24 (LJCDS is closed June 20) 
    June 27–July 1
    8:30–11:30 a.m.
    $500 per session ($400 for June 21–24)
    Led by The Conscious Leadership Academy Dare to Be facilitator team

  • Keyboarding (Grades 5–6)

    Typing is more than a key skill for students in today’s computer-driven world — it can be an academic advantage. Students learn typing techniques and strategies with the goal of reaching 30 words per minute (wpm) for fifth graders and 40 wpm for sixth graders. 

    June 13–17
    8:30–11:30 a.m.
    $370
    Led by LJCDS Middle School design and innovation educator Bob Simon

  • Kodely: Design Thinking x Micro:bit (Grades 5–6) 

    From designing a wearable pedometer to prototyping an Apple Air Tag, this camp provides a hands-on introduction to design-based challenges that have students exploring the intersection between hardware and software. Using micro:bit, a pocket-sized computer, students discover how to ideate, prototype and test projects they build while gaining an in-depth understanding of fundamental programming concepts like variables, loops, arrays and functions.
     
    July 11–15
    July 18–22
    July 25–29 
    8:30–11:30 a.m. 
    $438 per week + $50 one-time fee includes the micro:bit v2, micro usb cable, micro:bit case, batteries, battery pack, access to Kodely’s getting started hardware guide, and Kodely activity guides. Students take home the kit to continue experimenting and prototyping after camp.
    Minimum of 6 students 
    Led by Kodely team members

  • Mixed Media with Sewing Machines (Grades 4–8) 

    Learn to use a sewing machine and design wearable, huggable and hanging art pieces. Create a variety of mixed-media art projects using fabric, paint, different printing techniques, beads, wire and alternative materials.
     
    July 18–22
    8:30–11:30 a.m.
    $370 + $45 materials fee
    Led by Lower School visual arts educator Porschia Talbot

  • Musical Theater (Grades 5–8) 

    Students learn the fundamentals of musical theater performance and develop musicality, stage presence, acting techniques and how to perform with others in an ensemble. Several of the acting techniques covered include Laban, Viewpoints and Meisner techniques. Students learn to perform several scenes and musical numbers from popular musicals, and their work culminates in a final showcase performance.
     
    June 13–17
    8:30–11:30 a.m.
    $325
    Minimum of 5 students 
    Led by Seaside Arts Center instructor

  • Painting in Acrylic (Grades 4–8)

    Learn the basics of acrylic painting, brush techniques and color mixing. Learn how to map the outline on canvas, block in basic shapes and build up details to create beautiful canvas paintings.
     
    June 13–17
    8:30–11:30 a.m.
    $370 + $30 materials fee
    Led by Lower School visual arts educator Porschia Talbot

  • Puzzles, Games and Math (Grades 5–8) 

    We all play games and tinker with puzzles. This class allows students to use mathematics to gain insights into solving a puzzle or winning a game. 

    June 27–July 1 (Full)
    8:30–10:30 a.m. 
    No charge 
    Led by LJCDS Head of School Gary Krahn

  • Research Skills (Grades 5–8)

    Information overload is real and can stop us in our tracks when we're working on projects or just trying to go about our day-to-day digital lives. This course centers on learning the different 'moves' and strategies common to all research methods and finding what works best for you. Learn about the library as a guiding idea and program, not just a physical place, to get the support you need to further independent learning and citizenship.

    June 27–July 1
    8:30–11:30 a.m.
    $370
    Led by LJCDS head librarian Rafa Eaton

  • SPARK Business Academy: Coed Aspiring Fashionistas (Grades 4–8)

    In this stylish program, students gain knowledge of the fashion industry and develop skills in fashion design, fashion marketing, fashion journalism and branding. Students develop sketching skills, explore popular brands, analyze industry trends (e.g., athleisure), design various articles of clothing, define their own brand, explore careers in fashion and more.

    June 13–17
    July 11–15 
    8:30–11:30 a.m.
    $325 per week 
    Minimum of 10 students 
    Led by SPARK Business Academy instructor

  • The Global Leadership Youth Program (Grades 6–8)

    Of Poaching, Profits and Pangolins: International Wildlife Trafficking  
    As many as 200,000 pangolins are illegally poached every year, making them the most trafficked animal in the world; an unprecedented surge in the trafficking of wildlife threatens both global security and decades of conservation gains. Students learn about the suffering of animals for profit and how international cooperation can stop the traffickers in their tracks.

    The Global Leadership Youth Program is for students from across the globe to learn about international affairs and diplomacy while building their conflict-resolution skills. With a unique itinerary of guest speakers, diplomacy simulations, group projects and cultural enrichment activities, this program is ideal for students looking to increase their cultural understanding and global acumen. 

    June 21–24 (LJCDS is closed June 20)
    8:30–11:30 a.m.
    $408
    Led by the San Diego Diplomacy Council

  • Wearable Tech Workshop (Grades 6–8)

    If you can dream it, you can craft it. Want to make accessories that light up? Learn how to build basic electronics into pins, hats, jewelry, shirts or totes. Take your skills one step further by learning how to code LED light animations with micro:bit and NeoPixels. Students create several projects to wear and take home. Participants should have a willingness to try new things and tinker and be comfortable with the idea of working with computers and small components. Materials fee included.
     
    July 18–22
    8:30–11:30 a.m.
    $465
    Minimum of 5 students 
    Led by LJCDS computer science and robotics educator Misha Kutzman and design and innovation educator Casey Walker

  • Writing Skills (Grades 5–6)

    Do you ever wonder how to generate writing ideas? Ever wonder how to get those ideas from your head to the page? Or, do you wish you could organize your thoughts and write more easily? In this class, students practice writing skills with vocabulary and descriptive writing plus organizing persuasive essays on topics that pique the author's interest.

    June 21–July 1 (LJCDS is closed June 20) 
    8:30–11:30 a.m.
    $670
    Led by LJCDS Lower School music educator Wendy Clemente

  • Writing Skills (Grades 7–8) 

    Do you ever wonder how to generate writing ideas? Ever wonder how to get those ideas from your head to the page? Or, do you wish you could organize your thoughts and write more easily? In this class, students practice writing skills with vocabulary and descriptive writing plus organizing persuasive essays on topics that pique the author's interest.

    July 11–July 22
    8:30–11:30 a.m.
    $740
    Led by LJCDS Lower School music educator Wendy Clemente

  • Young Engineers (Grades 5–8) 

    Students who love to experiment with LEGO® learn in this challenging environment through games and scientific experiments that visualize natural phenomena and the forces acting around them. Campers learn the engineering behind machines used every day and perform science experiments that they can take home. Build motorized LEGO® bricks models reflecting STEM theories learned together each week.

    June 21–24 (LJCDS is closed June 20)  
    June 27–July 1
    July 11–15
    July 18–22
    July 25–29
    8:30–11:30 a.m. 
    $260 per session ($208 for June 21–24)
    Led by Young Engineers of Greater San Diego

Afternoon

List of 12 items.

  • Ceramics — Wheel Throwing (Grades 6–12)

    It’s time to explore personal expression through the versatile and oh-so-messy medium of clay using the pottery wheel. Students learn various forming techniques with an emphasis on wheel throwing and the production of functional pottery forms. Surface design techniques such as stamping, carving, slip decoration, wax resist and glaze application methods are covered. Class is limited to 13 students.

    June 21–24 (LJCDS is closed June 20) 
    June 27–July 1
    July 11–15
    July 18–22
    12:30–3:30 p.m.
    $370 ($296 for June 21–24)
    Maximum 13 students 
    Led by LJCDS Upper School ceramics educator Alexis Grinbold

  • Chinese Character and Calligraphy (Grades 5–8) 

    Chinese calligraphy is traditionally appreciated for its aesthetic quality. In this class, students dissect the etymology of Chinese characters to learn the evolution from pictography to current form. Almost 90% of Chinese characters could be translated from radicals and phonics and this class will introduce basic radicals and phonics. Students learn the importance of stroke order, proportion and accuracy to express the meaning of the characters. Besides daily practice, other hands-on activities include creating masks, postcards or greeting cards using Chinese pictographs. 
     
    June 27–July 1 
    12:30–3:30 p.m.
    $400 
    Minimum of 6 students
    Led by San Diego Chinese Academy educators Jojo Ni and Marian Liu

  • Cooking Round the World (Grades 5–8) 

    A summer of delicious fun awaits your child! Each camp week has a different theme. Sign up for 1 week or 6 weeks. Click here for class descriptions.
     
    June 13–17
    Cooking Round the USA 
    June 21–24 (LJCDS is closed June 20)
    Mac and Cheese Me 
    June 27–July 1 
    Cooking Round the World 
    July 11–15 
    All About Dumplings 
    July 18–22 
    Island Cooking 
    July 25–29 
    Star Wars: May the Fork Be With You! 

    12:30–3:30 p.m.
    $295 per session ($236 for June 21–24)
    Minimum of 10 students 
    Led by Cooking Round the World

  • Drawing and Painting (Grades 4–8) 

    Learn about different drawing and painting techniques, and learn new ways to use graphite, colored pencils, pastels, tempera and acrylic paints. Paint from real life, draw from your imagination, and explore the work of artists from a variety of artistic backgrounds and movements.
     
    June 21–24 (LJCDS is closed June 20) 
    12:30–3:30 p.m. 
    $296 + $20 materials fee
    Led by Lower School visual arts educator Porschia Talbot

  • Grow a Garden! (Grades 5–8)

    Learn how to grow your own food. This course gives students the skills and knowledge they need to start growing their own ecological garden through hands-on STEAM activities such as planter building, seed planting/starting, garden design, native planting and hydroponics. The course evolves based on student experience and interest. All students take home their own herb planter.
     
    June 13–17
    12:30–3:30 p.m.
    $370
    Led by LJCDS Middle School science educator Lauren Fieberg

  • Hip-Hop (Grades 1–8)

    Learn various styles of hip-hop and study the history that shaped the dance form as it evolved from African-American and Afro-Caribbean dances like tap, jazz, swing, disco, breakdancing, Capoeira and traditional African dance. Each day includes stretching and cardio warm-up, dance games, and learning hip-hop moves and style through choreography. There is a culminating performance at the end of camp.
     
    June 27–July 1 
    July 11–15 
    July 18–22  
    July 25–29  
    12:30–3:30 p.m. 
    $325 per week 
    Minimum of 5 students 
    Led by Seaside Arts Center instructor

  • IGNITE Youth Leadership: A Dare to Be Summer Camp (Grades 7–8 Girls) 

    The IGNITE program is an engaging and interactive experience designed to help children and teens build a strong sense of self, navigate the challenges they face and develop the skills needed to thrive in the world using tools like mindfulness and empathy.

    This camp focuses on helping middle-school-aged girls find a sense of security in who they are and feel comfortable in their ability to both be an individual and feel a sense of belonging. Topics focus on the issues most relevant to girls, such as confidence, voice, body image and friendships. 

    While this camp teaches children and teens critical skills to thrive in the world, it is based on connecting with others, learning about the self and having fun. Facilitators prioritize creating a safe and inviting environment for the participants to learn and grow. 

    Please note, while this camp focuses on the issues most prevalent for those who identify as females, all are invited to attend. 

    June 13–17
    June 21–24 (LJCDS is closed June 20) 
    12:30–4 p.m.
    $500 per session ($400 for June 21–24)
    Led by The Conscious Leadership Academy Dare to Be facilitator team

  • IGNITE Youth Leadership: Dare to Be Summer Camp (Grades 8–10)

    The IGNITE program is an engaging and interactive experience designed to help teens build a strong sense of self, navigate the challenges they face and develop the skills needed to thrive in the world using tools like mindfulness and empathy.

    Developed by the Conscious Leadership Academy at the University of San Diego using research from the fields of leadership, social-emotional learning, psychology, and education, this program allows students to understand and explore the skills that are required to be effective leaders. They are encouraged to accept the responsibility of making their environment a better place by paying attention to issues such as inclusion and belonging. 

    While this camp teaches teens critical skills to thrive in the world, it is based on connecting with others, learning about the self, and having fun. Facilitators prioritize creating a safe and inviting environment for the participants to learn and grow. 

    June 27–July 1
    12:30–4 p.m.
    $500
    Led by The Conscious Leadership Academy Dare to Be facilitator team

  • Mixed Media with Sewing Machines (Grades 4–8)

    Learn to use a sewing machine and design wearable, huggable and hanging art pieces. Create a variety of mixed-media art projects using fabric, paint, different printing techniques, beads, wire and alternative materials.

    June 13–17
    12:30–3:30 p.m.
    $370 + $45 materials fee
    Led by Lower School visual arts educator Porschia Talbot

  • San Diego Opera—Italian for Spanish Speakers with a Focus on Opera! (Grades 7–12) 

    This six-week course provides a rigorous, enjoyable way for Spanish-speaking students to accelerate their learning of Italian, build confidence and strengthen Spanish skills. Understanding these skills is an asset in their post-secondary education and future careers. The course is unique for its bridge-building method and arts-integration component. Language-learning materials for acquiring conversation, reading and writing skills are drawn from the study of three opera libretti (El último sueño de Frida y Diego, Gianni Schicchi, Tosca). San Diego Opera singers enrich language study as language learning is enlivened and enhanced by visual, auditory, kinesthetic and cultural connections. 

    Prerequisite: This course is for students in Grades 7–12 who have heritage Spanish or at least two years of Spanish courses. One year of Spanish will suffice for highly motivated students.

    June 13–July 29 (LJCDS is closed June 20 and July 4–8) 
    12:30–3:30 p.m.
    $1,035 (six weeks) 
    Minimum 6; maximum 20  
    Led by Stephanie Jed, Ph.D., UC San Diego Emerita of Italian and Comparative Literature
     
    For non-LJCDS students who wish to inquire about receiving a limited number of SD Opera scholarships, before registering, contact John Gabriel at John.Gabriel@sdopera.org.

  • SPARK Business Academy: Budding Entrepreneurs (Grades 5–8)

    If you love Shark Tank, this empowering camp is for you. Join other intrepid students and develop a business plan for your own business idea. Students learn to take risks and persevere while making business-like decisions about strategy, marketing and finance. Optional activities include building a website and designing business cards. Students build confidence by learning hands-on throughout the week and making their pitch presentations on the last day.

    June 21–24 (LJCDS is closed June 20)
    July 18–22
    12:30–3:30 p.m. 
    $325 per week ($260 June 21–24) 
    Minimum of 10 students 
    Led by SPARK Business Academy instructor

  • SPARK Business Academy: Junior CEOs (Grades 5–8)

    Want to know what it’s like to be the boss at Apple or Nike for a day? In this leadership program, students act as CEOs for leading companies and collaborate to make strategic recommendations to address real business issues. Case studies include popular companies and examine the role of female and minority CEOs. Students enhance their problem-solving skills, develop business savvy and cultivate a strategic mindset as future leaders.

    June 27–July 1 
    July 25–29 
    12:30–3:30 p.m. 
    $325 per week 
    Minimum of 10 students 
    Led by SPARK Business Academy instructor

Full Day

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  • Make it 3D! (Grades 5–8)

    How do you go from an idea on paper to a real-life object? Explore 3D modeling, 3D printing, hand-building with wood, sculpting, paper crafting and more. Students build teamwork skills through group design challenges, make friends through playing games and bring home projects to show off their creativity and hard work. Participants should have familiarity with using a computer mouse and Google Chrome and be comfortable learning to use loud or sharp tools (drill, hand saw, utility knife, etc.). Materials fee included.
     
    June 27–July 1
    8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. (a boxed lunch is provided)
    $740
    Minimum of 6 students 
    Led by LJCDS design and innovation educator Casey Walker and King-Chavez Community High School biology and STEM educator Daniel Mulvihill

La Jolla Country Day School

9490 Genesee Avenue
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-453-3440

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