Week 1: June 16-20

Tuition: 415

Course: Come join us for Water Wonders!  We’ll splash the day away as we learn about water dragons, mermaids, fairies, selkies, and other fantastical water creatures.  We will read stories about water creatures both familiar and new, create magical crafts, and use costumes to transform ourselves into the water creatures of our choice!

Instructor: Adelaide Zahren is the 5/6 Campus Early School teacher at CFS and has taught in Early Childhood for over 14 years.  Adelaide received her undergraduate degree, teacher’s license, and Masters in Education from UNC Chapel Hill.  Adelaide is an avid hiker who loves teaching children about the wonders of nature!  When not teaching, Adelaide can be found exploring the Eno River with her two children and one enormous dog.

Tuition: 384

Course: We root for them and we love them with all of our hearts. Live your Disney Hero fantasy through this fun and interactive class! Learn the songs of heroes like Mulan, Hercules, Rapunzel, Ariel, Aladdin, Elsa, and many more! Students will also create their very own Disney Hero! Travel to Fantasyland with your friends and live your Disney dreams with this fun class!

Instructor: Jesse Farmer is a theatre and music educator based in Durham, NC. He currently is a vocal coach and piano teacher through Skylark Music School and Stage Door Dance. After graduating from William Peace University with a BFA in Musical Theatre, he spent three years as a Theatre Arts teacher in Durham Public Schools. He has performed in many theatrical productions around the Raleigh area and he has a great passion for singing, dancing, acting, and music! Jesse is very excited to share his passion with young artists at the Carolina Friends School for the second time! He loves to collaborate, have fun, and make discoveries through theatre and storytelling.

This course is offered in multiple weeks:
Week One / June 16 - 20, Miranda Parker
Week Three / June 30 - July 4, Owen Bauer-Lepofsky
Week Five / July 21 - 25, Owen Bauer-Lepofsky
Week Seven / July 28 - Aug 3, Robinson Earle
Week Eight / Aug 5 - 8, Emmanuel Oquaye

Tuition: 384

Course: An active, fun-filled week of sports adventure just for you! We learn how to play a variety of sports, focusing on skills and learning the rules. We work on team building and create some crafts that go along with our new indoor and outdoor games! We concentrate on learning how to play, building confidence, keeping in shape, and receiving guidance and encouragement from our coach. An excellent class for the active or wannabe active camper!

Instructor:  Miranda is a CFS alum and Triangle native who is thrilled to return this summer to bring both new and old camps to life. While real estate is her full-time job, Miranda is always looking for ways to build connections and experiences. 

Miranda has many passions and likes to try new things. She recently discovered her love of role playing games, and has long been an avid board gamer. She is a die hard Harry Potter  fan (among many other fandoms), a former athlete who still dabbles in team sports and a general seeker of fun and adventure.

Tuition: 384

Course: 
Are you ready to learn the ways of the force? Let your training begin. Every day we’ll make a craft that will aid you in your training. Complete with lightsabers, droids, and lots of fun with Grogu!

This course is offered in multiple weeks:

Tuition: 384

Course: Help ignite a lasting interest in the most beautiful things our planet has to offer. During this exciting week-long program of activities we’ll see, hear and feel nature first hand. Fresh discovery awaits our young explorers through games, art, observation and adventuring. This introductory course is based on the Scandinavian Forest School model where direct outdoor experiences help to foster social skills, confidence, creativity, problem solving and much more.

Program Sessions Days

Nature’s Playground 

Students participate in ecologically themed games that help build interpersonal relationships, collaborative skills and curiosity of the natural world. 

Wildlife Detectives 

On this fun day out, participants will learn some of the basics field skills needed for experiencing nature. We’ll learn how to use camouflage, stealth and listening skills to get up close and personal with those woodland creatures.We’ll look at tracks and signs and undertake the bird olympics challenge.

Creative Creatures

Through a variety of artistic methods, this arts-based day will use nature to inspire and encourage students to explore and celebrate their unique sense of creativity.

Micro-Adventures 

Students set out on a small adventure designed to cultivate basic outdoor skills (shelter building etc) and to encourage local nature exploration and a continued curiosity in the natural world.

Life Aquatic 

We will explore the creeks around school and use nets and tanks to catch amphibians, crustaceans, insects and other aquatic life.

Instructor: 

Mike Werndly (or Ranger to his friends) introduced our popular Nature Lab environmental education classes in Summer 2017. He is a lifelong birder and practiced field biologist and outdoor educator with a passion for sharing environmental experiences that promote awareness and respect of the natural world. Working and travelling in remote areas around the globe has given Mike a wide knowledge of the Earth’s habitats and ecosystems.

He’s been hooked on wildlife since a chance encounter with an owl when he was eight and hasn't looked back. He studied Ecology and Outdoor Environmental Education at university and has worked for numerous conservation organisations, including the Aigas Field Centre, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, and Scottish Natural Heritage. Mike’s wildlife encounters have been numerous, but some memorable ones include being followed home one night by two otters and being covered head to foot in smelly seabird guano!

He moved from Scotland in 2016 and now lives in Hillsborough with his wife and two young children and their friendly food-crazy labrador.

Tuition: 384

Course: "Welcome to Yoga & Mindful Beginnings Summer Camp” - Calling all little yogis for an exciting journey into the world of mindfulness, where 6-9-year-old 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 fun 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 mindfulness, daily kid-friendly yoga poses, breathing exercises, gratitude circles and creative expression, 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: 384

Course: Robinson has extensive knowledge of the nearby trail systems in the forests surrounding Carolina Friends School. He also packs a mean picnic lunch. Campers will start the day by planning their routes, packing supplies, and prepping their picnics. Then, they will venture in a bus to a nearby trailhead and start their hike. In addition to natural beauty, the campers will encounter old mills, gravestones, and other historic sites. There will be plenty of time for games, songs, sketching/photography, and whatever else the campers may enjoy in this peaceful woodland context. We will return to campus with plenty of time before pickup.

Instructor: Robinson Earle is a music and language arts teacher. He leads a Post-Folk trio called The River Otters. In his free time, he likes to frolic through the woods with his wife, Sara Belle, and their two daughters, Lyra Belle and Maizy Lee. He also enjoys playing sports, watching movies, and reading.

Tuition: 384

Course: Come on a world tour of mythical creatures! We will journey to many lands and learn about the legends and mythical creatures that call each place home. We will meet different types of dragons, check the creek for relatives of the Loch Ness Monster, take a potions class, and see if we fit in a sasquatch’s shoes. Along the way we will document our adventures in our travel journals and cook up some mythical treats like cryptid cookies. Excitement! Adventure! Snacks!

Instructor: Betsy Ferney (she/her) is a longtime educator and parent of two CFS summer programs super fans. She has a Master’s degree in Innovative Early Childhood Education and over twenty years of experience working with children as a preschool teacher, tutor, and volunteer. Betsy is originally from a small town in Washington State, but has been calling North Carolina home for two decades. She is excited to be a camp instructor this year!

When she’s not in the classroom, Betsy enjoys baking with her children, knitting, reading, and hiking.

Tuition: 398

Course: Channel your inner chef in this fast-paced culinary camp inspired by the hit show Chopped! Start the week mastering essential cooking skills, from knife techniques to flavor pairing. Then, explore mystery ingredients and practice creating unique dishes with your teammates. By the end of the week, you’ll compete in a thrilling Chopped competition, showcasing your creativity, teamwork, and culinary expertise. Get ready to chop, cook, and win!

Instructor: Elizabeth, or Liz (she/her), is completing her B.S. in Elementary Education at NC State with a STEM concentration and a minor in Psychology. Graduating this May, she is thrilled to bring her expertise to CFS! Currently student-teaching in a third-grade class in Wake County, Liz has extensive experience working with children through YMCA camps, nannying, and teaching. Her philosophy focuses on embracing students’ individuality and fostering authentic growth.

In her free time, Liz enjoys card games with her family (including her aunt Julia Stivers, the Upper School librarian at CFS!), cooking with her partner, watching cooking shows, cuddling with her cat Squirrel, doing pilates, cheering on her favorite football teams, and spending time with loved ones. She is also a published author, having authorship on conference papers and research papers on science education.

Tuition: 415

Course: Get ready to write, storyboard, and create an original stop motion animation using handmade characters, setting, and props! Together we will learn about the history of stop motion animation, and draw on examples from independent short films to beloved favorites such as Wallace & Gromit and The Nightmare Before Christmas as we create our own animations. Our small but mighty film crew will discover the magic of stop motion animation and create an original short film as the culmination of our camp.

Instructor: Billy Dee (they/them) is a visual artist and educator. They currenlty work as an art teacher at Insight Colearning Center and as an adjunct professor of art at Elon University and UNCG. Billy loves to collaborate and has worked in theatre as a set and prop designer and puppet builder. They have collaborated with numerous community organizations to create posters, illustrations, and educational materials. Billy is currently working on illustrations for a book, and is very excited to collaborate with campers at CFS this Summer! 

Billy enjoys spending time with their animal friends Cookie and Lyra (sheep), Gilbert and Venus (pigs), and Cowlick, the most wonderful chicken.

This course is offered in multiple weeks:
Week One / June 16-20
Week Two / June 23-27
Week Three / June 30-July 4 (Advanced)
Week Four / July 7-11
Week Five / July 14-18
Week Six / July 21-25
Week Seven / July 28-Aug 1 (Advanced)

Tuition: 384

Course: Addicted to comics? Doodle in class? Come create your own comic book characters and stories. Bring creativity, imagination, and motivation along with your pencil. Exchange ideas, receive input, and work on technique with a professional comic artist. There’s also time for Four Square, games, and Capture the Flag. Oftentimes, campers take multiple sessions. Please bring pencils, erasers, and favorite drawing pens. (Two Advanced Comic Design sessions are available for those who want to expand their skills.)

Instructor: Jamie Charles is a visual artist and the middle school art instructor at Carolina Friends School, where he has been teaching for over two decades. He graduated from UNCG as an art major with a concentration in painting. Passionate about fostering creativity and self-expression, Jamie has dedicated his career to guiding young artists as they explore various artistic mediums and techniques. A parent of an alum of Carolina Friends, he has a deep connection to the school community and values the commitment in shaping well-rounded, thoughtful individuals.

This course is offered in multiple weeks:
Week One / June 16-20
Week Three / June 30-July 4

Tuition: 398

Course: Ever wanted to learn how to write your name in frosting, dust cakes with chocolate powder patterns, create meringues, use fondant, create fancy cupcakes, chocolate-dipped strawberries that look like tuxedos, or mold your own chocolate? It is an art form! We'll do all of that and more, starting with easy designs on cardboard before making our own frosting, cakes, cupcakes, and chocolates to decorate. Design your own theme or go wild with abandon and have fun creating edible works of art. Please bring a small notebook for recipes, ideas, and ingredients lists, as well as a container to bring home your creations each day. Please note that, unfortunately, we may not be able to accommodate dietary restrictions in this class.

Instructor:  Karen Clark is a science teacher at Immaculata Catholic School in Durham. She teaches middle school, so enjoys working with other age groups during the summer. She has three wonderful kids and a crazy dog named Ralphie that keeps her active. In her spare time (yeah, right) she enjoys playing the flute, reading mysteries, exercising, and doing puzzles.

Tuition: 415

Course: Unleash your creativity in this five-day workshop that combines writing, movement, and video-making! This hands-on experience guides participants through crafting unique stories, bringing them to life with expressive movement, and capturing the magic on camera. From character creation and storyboarding to filming and editing, students will develop skills in storytelling, teamwork, and creativity while having a blast. The week culminates in a mini film festival to celebrate their creations. Join us for an unforgettable journey of imagination and self-expression!

Instructor: After serving as a guest teacher in the CFS Lower School for four months, Alexa (she/hers) is delighted to join Summer Programs as well. She earned a B.S. in Psychology from Yale University and was a member of the Education Studies Scholar program, an application-based cohort focused on the intersection of education practice, research, and policy. Alexa is passionate about teaching youth and cultivating student well-being throughout her lessons, emphasizing the importance of character education and learning within the community. In her free time, she enjoys dance, yoga, reading, and participating in improv workshops.

This course is offered in multiple weeks:
Week One / June 16 - 20
Week Three / June 30 - July 4
Week Five / July 14 - 18
Week Seven / July 28- Aug 1

Tuition: 384

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.

Tuition: 384

Course Description: Do you think you’d have what it takes to survive in the wild? Well, we won’t leave you to the elements this week, but you’ll learn some intense wilderness survival tips, tricks, and techniques. This week you can expect to learn how to purify water, build shelters, identify edible plants, and track wildlife

Instructor: Before coming to North Carolina and, for a time, CFS as a member of the Shop crew, Matt Walters spent 18+ years working in outdoor educational programming at numerous schools, camps, nature centers, and non-profit children's museums. He served as a park ranger for the National Park Service and as an educator for the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. While living in Washington, D.C., he founded and directed Outdoors With Friends, an organization committed to facilitating outdoor recreational programming for children with Autism. He is certified as a Wilderness First Responder.​

In his spare time Matt enjoys all things out-of-doors, in particular backpacking, kayaking, climbing, and skiing with his two children. Off campus you can find him playing guitar, wandering aimlessly through the woods, or keeping a keen eye out for the ultimate snowball fight.

This course is offered in multiple weeks:
Week One / June 16-20, Jules Collins
Week Two / June 23-27, Kate Pendergrass
Week Four / July 7-11, Tracy Schledorn

Tuition: 384

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: Jules Collins has been working with children since 2012 when she began working at the summer camp in her hometown. Since then, she has graduated from the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. After completing her undergraduate program, she moved to Athens, Ohio to pursue a Master’s degree in Critical Studies in Educational Foundations from Ohio University. Julia traveled around southeastern Ohio interviewing expert teachers about establishing and maintaining democratic practices in their classrooms. She learned (and absolutely loved) the teaching philosophies of John Dewey, Paulo Freire, and Ira Shor! Upon graduating, Julia moved to Santa Barbara, California to teach at a school focused on experiential learning. Julia has always wanted to live in North Carolina after spending time hiking parts of the Appalachian Trail during her graduate program and was thrilled to accept a job at Carolina Friends School. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, running, doing yoga, and reading.

Tuition: 384

Course: Ready to weave some magic with thread and paper? In this class, you’ll learn to bind your very own books, stitching together stories—both literal and imaginative! Students will learn a variety of bookbinding techniques, including coptic-stitch, Japanese stab binding, and long-stitch, as well as various folded and origami book structures. Students will also explore several decorative techniques, such as beading, collage, and paper marbling. At the end of the week, students will have had the opportunity to bind their very own, personalized sketchbooks, notebooks, day planners, comics, short story collections, grimoires, and more!

Instructor: Nora Boyle (she/her) is a bookbinder, poet, and educator who currently works as the CFS Extended Day Coordinator and as a bookbinding instructor at the Durham Arts Council. She adores teaching all ages and believes that everyone can be an artist! Nora received her BA in Creative Writing from Hamilton College, where she was introduced to the world of “Book Arts.” After graduating, Nora founded a small publishing company, Lady Book Witch Press, where she publishes poetry books and a biannual literary magazine, The Cackling Kettle. In addition to reading, writing, and binding books, Nora enjoys making pottery and spending time with her partner and their dog, Nube, and their cat, Delilah.