Week 4: July 8-12

Tuition: 395

Course: Cryptids are interesting creatures that may or may not exist, like Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, fairies, and more! We will spend this week reading about these creatures and making crafts inspired by them. We may even make some cryptid discoveries of our own!

Instructor: CFS Lower School Teacher Adrienne Flippin was born in Greensboro, North Carolina and raised in the New Garden Friends Meeting community. She earned her undergraduate degree in Literature from UNC-Asheville and her Masters of Arts in Elementary Education from UNC-Greensboro.

She spent many summers working as a camp counselor, and later on as a camp director, at New Garden Friends School. While living in Asheville, Adrienne served as an AmeriCorps VISTA with Asheville City Schools Foundation. She enjoys teaching through the lenses of experiential education and social-emotional learning. In her spare time, Adrienne likes reading, writing, hiking, and cuddling with her three sweet pets.

This course is offered in multiple weeks:
Week Two / June 24-28
Week Four / July 8-12
Week Six / July 22-26

Tuition: 365

Course: A very multimedia art class for young people with busy hands and big ideas. The class will be a balance of art lessons and plenty of self directed time with art materials. We will be playing with paint, fabric, oil pastels, mud, and more as we chase creative ideas that lead to even more ideas! This camp is all about empowering kids to develop and trust their creative instincts. This is not a product oriented art camp, although campers will have plenty of pieces to take home. Our goals are to build a positive foundational relationship with art making, build art skills, make new friends, and of course to have a very fun time at summer camp!

Instructor: Nyssa Collins is a multimedia artist, musician, and generally enthusiastic person. She is originally from Burlington, NC and studied Piano Performance at Humboldt State University. Tragically, she no longer lives in Durham, where she was a piano teacher, stilt walker, public artist, and puppeteer/artist with Paperhand Puppet Intervention for five years. She is currently a graduate student in the art department at the University of Tennessee, where she studies time based media, including shadow puppetry and animation, and the pipe organ. See her art here!: www.nyssacollins.com

Tuition: 365

Course: Come and learn about the magical world of fairies! We’ll learn about fairies and make our own fairy gardens, wands, and fairy trinkets to welcome our enchanted friends! Create special treats, potions, and crafts to add to our fairy collection. Enjoy tea parties in the fairy garden and read stories about fairies and their garden friends!

Instructor: Shannon Neu joined the CFS Summer Programs staff in 2021 and is excited to be back for another fun summer! She earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Education from UNC-Greensboro in 2016 and has been a music teacher in the Wake County Public School System ever since. For fun, Shannon plays the oboe in the Raleigh Civic Symphony Orchestra and enjoys reading, hiking, gardening, and cooking. She lives in Raleigh with her husband (Logan), her two cats (Jasper and Ruby), and a lot of plants.

Tuition: 365

Course: Learn how to make necklaces, bracelets, earrings and more using a variety of materials during this fun week of Jazzy Jewelry Making! In this camp, students will create their own original pieces and take them home to show off.

Instructor: Jenna Carlson joined CFS this school year as a Fountain Purple teacher. During the school year, she loves working with the 3rd and 4th years. But in the summer, she is a crafter extraordinaire! Jewelry making, cricut projects, coloring…you name it. She also loves all things Disney and Star Wars. If you’re looking for a fun, laid back camp where you can express yourself in different ways, then these camps are just for you!

This course is offered in multiple weeks:
Week One / June 17-21, Shannon Neu
Week Two / June 24-28, Jenna Carlson
Week Four / July 8-12, Cheryl Meyer
Week Five / July 15-19, Shannon Neu
Week Six / July 22-26, Cheryl Meyer
Week Seven / July 29-Aug 2, Sarah Woody

Tuition: 365

Course: LEGO camp is just around “the block!” We will have a fun-filled week of building with our extensive LEGO sets. Students are invited to create structures, vehicles, animals, cities, and fantastical scenes while they explore the fundamental principles of engineering! New sets appear each year–from Minecraft and Ninjago to Star Wars and the LEGO movie. Come dive into thousands of LEGO blocks and see where the adventure takes us! 

Instructor: Cheryl Meyer (she/her), is a Lower School teacher and librarian at Carolina Friends. A Durham native, Cheryl has a B.A. in English and a certificate in Early Childhood Education from UNC-Chapel Hill and a Masters’ Degree in Library Science from North Carolina Central University. Before coming to CFS, she taught in a Reggio Emilia-inspired preschool and in a high school ESL classroom in Pohnpei, in the Federated States of Micronesia, while serving in the Peace Corps. Cheryl’s current position combines so many of her interests - service, education, advocacy, and equitable information access! In her free time, Cheryl loves to kayak and explore with her two children. 

Tuition: 365

Course: Dive into the SUPER world of heroes and villains as you create your own original superhero-inspired character. Together, we’ll use improvisation, games, and guided explorations to combine these new characters into a short original play to share with friends and family. 

Instructor: Blair Cadden (she/her) is a theatre-maker and teaching artist who is thrilled to be sharing her love of theatre with CFS this summer! She holds a B.A. in theatre from Wofford College and an M.F.A. in directing from Boston University. Blair is originally from Charleston, South Carolina, where she was the co-founding Artistic Director of the theatre company 5th Wall Productions. She’s taught theatre to students of all ages at Lexington Children's Theatre, Spartanburg Youth Theatre, Boston University, Duke University, and–currently–McDougle Middle School in Carrboro. 

When she’s not making or teaching theatre, you can find Blair cuddling with her beloved dog Moe, hiking, baking cupcakes, or making very lumpy pottery.

This course is offered in multiple weeks:
Week Three / July 1-5
Week Four / July 8-12

Tuition: 365

Course: Calling all little yogis for an exciting journey into the world of mindfulness, where campers will embark on a week of engaging activities designed to nurture their developing emotional intelligence. From captivating stories that bring emotions to life, to thrilling games of Emotion Charades that spark laughter and connection, our campers will practice navigating and managing their emotions while recognizing and understanding the emotions of others in a supportive and joyful environment. Through art, mindfulness, kid-friendly yoga poses, breathing exercises and creative problem-solving, we'll empower our young explorers with introductory skills of self-awareness, empathy, and resilience. Get ready for a week that will spark emotional growth, positive connections, and endless smiles at CFS!

Instructor: Brisa is a nurturing mother to two incredible girls aged 5 and 7, a wife to her love, a world traveler and a lover of people. She channels her passion for life into her yoga and coaching workshops. As a skilled yoga teacher, a mindset coach and a wellness and adventure enthusiast, Brisa proudly serves as the founder of Empowered Yoga Retreats, where she thrives in empowering others through the transformative practices of yoga, mindfulness and coaching and travels. Her genius unfolds in the beauty of adventure and meaningful human connections. With over 13 years of teaching experience, Brisa brings a wealth of expertise to her classes. Recognizing the uniqueness of each student, she is dedicated to fostering their individual development. In her classes, Brisa's vibrant and compassionate style creates a safe and energizing environment, allowing students to progress toward their physical, personal and emotional goals. Beyond the studio, Brisa is fueled by a passion for coaching yoga for children, driven by her wish for every child to have access to the transformative tools that yoga and mindfulness offer for well-being. She envisions a future where yoga and mindfulness seamlessly integrate into early education. Brisa is actively collaborating with Duke University Hospital, contributing to a study aimed at exploring how yoga can aid in the healing journey of cancer patients and survivors, emphasizing its potential to nurture the body, mind, and spirit. 

Tuition: 365

Course: Do you love being outside and finding creative ways to interact with nature? Using a variety of natural and manufactured materials, students will have the opportunity to create stunning artwork. Each day we will explore a different area of the CFS campus, including the nature trail, so that we can have a variety of canvases and settings for our creations.

Instructor: Meridy Nicholson is a CFS alumni and currently earning her Bachelor’s Degree at Otis College of Art and Design in Fashion Design. She is passionate about outdoor education, working at nature camp for the past two summers. She loves to be creative and explore new ways to make art, whether that is through painting, digital art, or fashion design. In her free time, Meridy loves to go on hikes, cook, draw, listen to music, and spend time with family and friends.

This course is offered in multiple weeks:
Week Two / June 24-28, ages 7-11
Week Four / July 8-12, ages 7-11
Week Seven / July 29-Aug 2, ages 11-14

Tuition: 365

Course: Calling all Pokémon trainers who just gotta catch ‘em all! Come enjoy a weeklong exploration and appreciation of the world of Pokémon. In this course, we’ll dive into the Pokémon Trading Card Game to learn how the game is played, understand different cards’ values, and improve strategy. During the week of fun, we will learn how to make Pokémon decks as well as how to become better Pokémon trainers. By the end of the session, everyone will be well on their way to becoming a Pokémon master. All levels of experience with the Pokémon Trading Card Game are welcome. Participants are invited to bring their own cards, but decks, play mats, and other game supplies will be provided for everyone.

Instructor: Ben Allison is a Chapel Hill local who works as an Extended Day Coordinator at CFS during the school year. After being on the Summer Programs Leadership Team last summer, he is excited to return as a camp instructor! By May of 2024 he will have graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a major in Human Development and Family Studies, and he is currently intending to become an educator in the state of North Carolina. In his free time he enjoys playing video games, listening to, writing and playing music, and reading. 

Tuition: 365

Course: Come on down, you’re the next contestant in… Games Galore! We’ll spend our time playing favorite game show games, board games, card games, and outdoor games. If playing Wheel of Fortune, Candyland, Go Fish, and freeze tag all in one day sounds awesome, then this is the camp for you! We’ll play lots of games, stretch our teamwork skills, find confidence in ourselves no matter the outcome of a game. Let’s get gaming!

Instructor: Sarah Woody joins us from Grady Brown Elementary in Hillsborough. Where she was named Beginning Teacher of the Year for the 23’-24’ school year in Orange County. She loves all thing history and STEAM related and loves to talk about all the cool places to visit in North Carolina. When shes not teaching 4th graders she is watching movies, hanging out with her 2 dogs and husband or, playing card games with her family. 

Tuition: 365

Course: Lights, camera, action! Join us to learn the basics of script-based acting and perform in scenes! Students will learn improvisational games and other warm-ups, character development, vocal exercises, and other performance skills that will help them gain confidence on stage. On Monday, we'll choose several two- and three-person scenes and rehearse them throughout the week to prepare for a performance on Friday! No experience necessary.

Instructor: Abby Kameny has been involved in Carolina Friends School Summer Programs for 20 years. She started out as a camper, served as a Counselor-In-Training, was hired to work in the Extended Day program, and then became an instructor! She recently taught English in Spain, and is now a high school ESOL teacher in Maryland. Abby has also been involved in theatre, improv, and singing throughout high school and college.

Tuition: 365

Course: Beginners and experienced musicians alike will learn the fundamentals of writing lyrics and melodies. We will explore songwriting using guitar, bass, ukulele, keys, percussion, and/or electronic music to make original songs as individuals or in a collaboration with other campers. We will explore your favorite songs to see how they were written. You will have the opportunity to perform your original works on the last day of camp! 

Instructor: Leites Chiong has been playing guitar for almost 30 years and teaching guitar for over a decade, with stints in various bands along the way. He's a father of four, including three children at Carolina Friends. Leites teaches all styles of music for acoustic and electric guitar, as well as bass guitar and Ukulele (including in CFS’ after-school music program for children AND adults from CFS or anywhere else). He helps beginners through advanced students learn how to play and how to write songs. Leites enjoys working with children and seeing the love of music grow within them.

Tuition: 365

Course: Fantasy fan, are you? In this camp, you will dive into the realm of fantasy world building! You will be able to dream up your own fantasy world by creating environments, landscapes, towns, and the various characters, creatures, heroes and villains that inhabit them. You will have the opportunity to bring these worlds and characters to life through written biographies and backstories, as well as art, drawings, and physical models and crafts for all to stand in awe of.  We will draw inspiration from existing works of literature and media, such as The Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Harry Potter, as well as fantasy games like Dungeons & Dragons, RuneScape, and World of Warcraft. Who knows? This could even expand into creating your own game!

Instructor: Michael is originally from Berkshire County in Western Massachusetts. He graduated from Saint Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont in 2018. He later went on to earn a master’s degree in Elementary Education from Westfield State University in Westfield, Massachusetts in 2022. Michael is of the belief that all children are naturally adventurous, open-minded, and inquisitive, and that it is the job of the teacher to help nourish and strengthen those qualities. Michael enjoys the creative side of teaching and strives to make sure the learning environment in his classroom is a student-centered one that promotes student self-sufficiency and creativity. When not in the classroom, Michael enjoys hiking, cycling, watching movies, and cheering for the Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, and Green Bay Packers. 

Tuition: 380

Course: If you have an affinity for the culinary arts and a curiosity about the science, then this is the camp for you! We will dive deep into physical and biological forces at play to bring us food that nourishes our body and soul. We will of course be tasting all sorts of things along the way! My hope is that at the end of our time together, you feel as though you have new appreciation for the astounding complexity behind food as well as its perfect simplicity. (Please note that while students will be cooking each day, they should still plan to pack or bring money to purchase lunch each day)

This course will involve dealing with gluten, yeast, dairy, and other allergens. We want this learning opportunity to be accessible to all students, while also providing a comprehensive experience. If allergies are of concern please reach out before signing up to see if this camp would work for your student. 
 

Instructor: Emmanuel Oquaye is in his second year working with us at CFS as a substitute teacher and summer programs instructor, and is serving long term as a Spanish teacher this spring. He is excited to share his passion for sports and culinary arts with the students again this summer. Emmanuel has a wide range of interests, from cooking and baking to pottery and horticulture.

Tuition: 365

Course: Join us for a weeklong celebration and exploration of queer identities, communities, joy, resilience, resistance, and creativity. Make some new friends and invite the ones you already have to enjoy LGBTQIA+ fashion, visual and performing arts, pride cookies, games and activities, nature walks, and talking circles. 🌈🌈

Instructor: Dan Hill is an early school support teacher at CFS who holds a B.S. in mathematics as well as a B.A. in creative writing. They have worked in education as a tutor in various subjects for learners ages 4-35, taught high school math, and now have found a calling for working in early education. 
They spend their free time crocheting, learning about skin care, and making spreadsheets for fun!

This course is offered in multiple weeks:
Week One / June 17-21, Achiri Acha
Week Two /  June 24-28, Zeke Petrou
Week Three / July 1-5, Mike Oggiani
Week Four / July 8-12, Achiri Acha
Week Five / July 15-19, Achiri Acha  

Tuition: 365

Course: Can’t get enough of sports? We totally understand. Some of our students take sports all summer. So we get it. We introduce basic rules, strategy, and techniques of basketball, Frisbee, soccer, and some indoor gym games (as well as Capture the Flag!) for the fun of playing. We focus on technique, skill development, and team building. All activities take place on our outdoor playing fields (using cooler morning temperatures) and in our two air-conditioned gym facilities. Sports experience is absolutely not necessary. Our goal is for you to learn how to play so you’ll feel comfortable knowing the rules, understanding the strategy, and practicing good teamwork. We don’t stress competition. We're here to help you improve your game and have fun!

Instructor: Achiri Acha has been at CFS since he was six years old! He mentored with Jordan Shamp in Sports camp, became a Counselor-In-Training, and then moved on to become a camp assistant and instructor for the past seven summers. Achiri has worked in Extended Day at Lerner School and School’s Out Camps at the Jewish Community Center and currently works at USA Ninja Challenge during the school year. Achiri's goal is to be an elementary school physical education instructor and coach.

This course is offered in multiple weeks:
Week One / June 17-21, Tracy Schledorn
Week Three / July 1-5, Blair Cadden
Week Four / July 8-12, Kate Pendergrass

Tuition: 365

Course: What makes you a more effective leader and team player? Let us show you some tools. Using group building games, art, theater, movement, discussion, and individual reflection we learn and practice leadership techniques. We will work as individuals and as a group to enhance confidence, cooperation, and communication. The workshop is an excellent exercise in developing leadership skills for jobs and community roles. 

If you're interested in being a Counselor-In-Training (ages 13-15) in CFS Summer Programs, this course is a prerequisite. We work through some basic “how to deal with” situations, focusing on conflict resolution and effective ways of listening and responding. And no, we do not sit in chairs throughout the day listening to lectures! This is an active course culminating in a "shadow day" as a CIT and a certificate of successful leadership training completion.

Instructor: Kate Pendergrass joined the CFS Middle School staff in 2009. She has a B.A. in Middle Grades Education with concentrations in math and social studies from Elon University, and a Masters Degree in Math Education from UNC-CH. Kate teaches a range of math classes as well as an Identity class in the Middle School. She is actively engaged in work on diversity and inclusion, including as co-clerk of the staff Diversity and Inclusivity Committee and as Diversity Coordinator in the Middle School.

Tuition: 750 

Course: For anyone who loves to camp and hike, living close to nature and the wonder of the open trail, a trek through the North Carolina hills and forests promises a great adventure.This week-long expedition is for students who enjoy a supportive community where they can learn the lifelong skills needed to live comfortably in the wilderness. As our group travels together, we'll practice skills such as how to cook dinner over an open fire, how to set up a tarp that will keep you dry in the rain, and how to navigate your way through the woods. In addition there will be time for playing trail games, singing around the campfire, and quiet reflection. The participants will be encouraged by caring leaders throughout the experience to develop a deeper sense of self, strong friendships, confidence, competence, and an appreciation for the natural world around them.

Please note that participants need to be prepared to spend three nights away from home during this week--we will be camping out on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights. Group gear and food (we are limited in our ability to address food allergies) will be provided for this experience and participants will need to provide their individual gear, including a backpack, sleeping bag & pad, and appropriate clothing. A more detailed list will be provided.

General Outline of Our Days:
​Day 1: Meet at CFS with required gear, spend the day learning how to pack, plan a menu, set up a tarp, and get to know each other through team building activities. Return home at the end of the day.
Day 2: Meet at CFS and spend the day exploring the woods and setting up camp for our first night out. Learn how to build a campfire and cook a meal, how to travel as a group, and view the stars before heading to bed.
Day 3: Hike back to the main campus and then travel in the bus/van to begin a 3-day, 2-night camping trip.
Day 4: Hike and camp.
Day 5: Hike and take the bus/van and return to CFS in time to be picked up at the end of the day.

Instructor: Ari Nicholson (they/them/theirs) is a CFS graduate and lover of nature, science, culture, and activism. They earned their undergraduate degree from Clark University in Social & Environmental Justice and their graduate degree in Geographical Information Science. They have led backpacking trips in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and the Adirondack Mountains. They are a certified Wilderness First Responder with a passion for teaching survival and nature skills. Most recently they were working for the Augsburg University Center for Global Education and Experience with study abroad students in Cuernavaca, Mexico. In their free time, they love to hike, climb, cook, learn, and play ultimate frisbee.