Week 5: July 14-18
All courses are dependent on minimum enrollment.
You can use the Course List by Age and Course List by Instructor to help plan your Summer Programs choices.
As quickly as possible when enrollment is within three students from full capacity, we'll indicate the number of remaining spots next to the title of the course or that the class is waitlisted. CampInTouch always has real-time numbers as you move through the enrollment process. We glad to add a student to waitlists with no financial obligation and can have openings right up to the start of a session.
Spaces remaining last updated: Wednesday, February 12 at 9:30 am.
Happy exploring!
- Squish, Squeak, Eco-Beats (4-5) | Waitlist
- Creative Coding (6-8) | Waitlist
- LEGO Explorers (6-9)
- Nature Lab, Jr. (6-9) | Waitlist
- Sculpey Superstars (6-9) | Waitlist
- Sports Shorts (6-9)
- Science of Fun (7-11) | Waitlist
- Jazzy Jewelry (8-10)
- Harry Potter & Co. (8-11) | Waitlist
- Backyard Broadway (8-12) | Waitlist
- Cooking Around the World (8-12) | Waitlist
- Crack the Code: Escape Room (9-13) | Waitlist
- Cozy Camp Crew (9-14) | 3 spaces
- Comic Design (9-16) | Waitlist
- Improv 201 (10-15)
- Sports Action (10-15) | 3 spaces
- Drawing from Nature: Observational Drawing/Creative Sketch Booking (11-14)
- Weave it Wild (11-14)
- Easy as Pie (11-16) | Waitlist
- Queer Representation in Comics (12-18)
Squish, Squeak, Eco-Beats (4-5) | Waitlist
Tuition: 415
Course: Come join the band with a week of musical fun. We will touch and feel real instruments, make some of our own using recycled materials, and play rhythm instruments. We will play musical and relay games with parachutes and bean bags, dance with scarves and ribbons, move to Go Noodle music on rainy days, and read musical stories. Open ended play will include building roads, bridges and tunnels for Hot Wheels using Legos and recycled cardboard. The week will include special sensory experiences using deconstructed bouquets of flowers in water and creating a calming glitter bottle.
Instructor: Charlotte Schmitt (she/her) is a second generation fiber artist living in North Durham close to the Eno. A poly-musician, she loves introducing early learners to real instruments and making simple versions from recycled materials.
Her motto is “Never throw out a paper towel tube because it is REALLY a rain stick”
Charlotte created a series of sensory bins while doing daycare for an autistic grandchild. She dabbles in making kid chaos and creative mess with science and household items, indoors and out.
A retired office nurse, Charlotte homeschooled her two children and grandchildren through certain seasons (such as recently during the pandemic). Her son was a percussion musical prodigy and tested her noise tolerance from an early age.
Charlotte holds a BA from UCF and has additional degrees in Child Development and Practical Nursing. She is experienced in pediatric rural medicine and malnutrition and made two dozen trips to the rural mountains of Haiti, as a nurse. Charlotte brought her medical interpreter and family as refugees to the USA in the summer of 2023.
Creative Coding (6-8) | Waitlist
Tuition: 415
Course: In Codemoji's Creative Coding, students will learn the basics of coding and computer science as they are immersed in STEM activities. Students will collaborate to program robots to complete tasks, work with emojis as they dive into the Codemoji platform, and participate in offline unplugged coding activities and games. Throughout the program, students will design a website and learn to utilize their newly acquired coding skills to advance through interactive lessons. The Codemoji program will challenge your students as they advance through HTML, CSS, and JS coding basics and will promote the desire to continue their coding learning outside of the classroom.
Instructor: Codemoji's computer science curriculum for schools allows first-eighth grade students to learn the basics of web development and coding, including HTML, CSS, and Javascript, in a fun and easy way, allowing them to create their own websites, animations and much more with our unique and adaptable learning platform. Learn more about Codemoji here.
LEGO Explorers (6-9)
This course is offered in multiple weeks:
Week Two / June 23-27, Adelaide
Week Three / June 30-July 4, Shannon
Week Four / July 30-July 4, Jenna
Week Five / July 7-11, Cheryl
Week Six / July 22-26, Cheryl
Week Seven / July 29-Aug 2, Dana
Tuition: 384
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 former 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.
Nature Lab, Jr. (6-9) | Waitlist
This course is offered in multiple weeks:
Week Eight / August 4 -8
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.
Sculpey Superstars (6-9) | Waitlist
Tuition: 384
Course: Do you love making little things with clay? Jewelry, trinkets, miniatures, etc. — become a Sculpey Superstar and play with colorful clay every day! In this camp, we will explore techniques like marbling, stamping, and adding texture to make jewelry and tiny sculptures. You’ll get to use your imagination to make anything you want! By the end of the week, you’ll have lots of sweet little creations to take home.
Instructor: Dana Palmer is an art teacher and visual artist from Durham, NC. She holds a BFA in Art Education (K-12) and an MA in Special Education, both from Appalachian State University. Dana is passionate about nurturing growth mindsets in her classroom and helping students discover their unique strengths through artmaking. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time in nature and being with her friends and family.
Sports Shorts (6-9)
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: Owen is a rising junior at Boston University, studying Education and English. Before heading to Boston, Owen attended Carolina Friends all the way from Campus Early School through Upper School. While at the Upper School, he developed the Pokemon Trainer Challenge camp as the youngest CFS Camp Instructor, and has now taught at CFS Summer Programs for five years, including working as the General Operations Coordinator last summer. Outside of camp, Owen loves to run, play soccer, read, and watch TV with his friends and family, and cheer for the Boston Red Sox.
Science of Fun (7-11) | Waitlist
Tuition: 384
Course: Sharpen your sense of wow! In this hands-on, inquiry-based workshop. You are an artist and scientist all in one as you bring together familiar ingredients and transform them into the unexpected. The fun comes when you perform cool experiments that pop, bubble, and fizz! Tickle your senses and start to wonder about...What happens next? How does that work? What if I try this? We’ll explore the science behind your creations as we tinker and make lovely messes.
Instructor: Tracy Schledorn just finished her fourth year as a CFS staff member. She is honored to be the school counselor for the Middle School. Before CFS, Tracy worked as a teacher and school counselor in Alamance County for 21 years. She enjoys gardening and exploring with her husband and two children. Tracy adored summer activity camps growing up and is always ready to try something new. As a life-long learner, she enjoys a variety of activities and relishes the opportunity to have fun and play!
Jazzy Jewelry (8-10)
Tuition: 384
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: 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.
Harry Potter & Co. (8-11) | Waitlist
This course is offered in multiple weeks:
Week Three / June 30-July 4
Week Five / July 14-18
Tuition: 384
Course: Have you been waiting for your letter from Hogwarts? Celebrate your love of all things Harry Potter as you create themed crafts, play wizard games, whip up tasty snacks and much more. Discover your inner witch or wizard as you are sorted into your house and your wand chooses you. Find your inner Magizoologist! Become a Potionsmaster! Zoom across the Quidditch field! We'll spend our time immersing ourselves into the Wizarding World by making keepsakes, practicing creativity and, most importantly, creating memories that can be enjoyed for years to come. Activities will be diverse and include art projects, kitchen adventures, Quidditch and other games!
Note: Previous knowledge of the Harry Potter series is helpful when participating in this course, but activities will be enjoyable for all.
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.
Backyard Broadway (8-12) | Waitlist
Please note: this is a two-session course, running Weeks Four and Five (July 7-18). Please register under the Summer Programs Week Four drop-down in your CampInTouch account.
Tuition: 760 (covering both weeks)
Course: The spotlight is on you! Calling all actors, technical designers, and directors to help us put on a play! In this two-week theater camp we will write and stage an original play. In the first week we will develop acting skills, play theater games, do warm ups, and practice vocal and movement exercises. We will also create characters and write our play. In the second week, we will design props, sets, costumes, and make-up, all while perfecting our roles. Then we will invite family, friends, and other campers to attend a special performance on Thursday evening and Friday morning.
Instructor: Susan Kincaid began teaching at CFS Summer Programs in 1992! Besides being a writer, playwright, and actress, Susan headed the theater program in the Upper School at Carolina Friends for twenty years, directing and producing plays two times a year. In the fall of 2023, she had the pleasure of directing the Upper School production of “Radium Girls.” Collaborating with younger students as well over the years has been a real joy for Susan. She is eager to meet a new generation of young artists this summer.
Cooking Around the World (8-12) | Waitlist
Tuition: 398
Course: Do you want to travel the world AND eat your way through it? If you said yes, this camp is the one for you! Each day, we will explore a different part of the world by cooking up delicious meals and learning about different cultures. Along the way, we’ll learn some unique cooking techniques, explore new recipes, learn about different parts of the world, and, best of all, taste our many creations!
Instructor: Tom Latimer has been running camps at CFS for 17 years. He has been teaching for 25 years and has a Masters degree in elementary education. He currently teaches 2nd grade at Immaculata Catholic School in Durham and plays guitar in Chapel Hill band Zoltar’s Fortune.
Tom lives in Chapel Hill with his wife Alison and their two cats Nora and Lionel. He enjoys seeing and playing music, eating at our local restaurants, collecting vinyl records, and working with kids.
Crack the Code: Escape Room (9-13) | Waitlist
Tuition: 384
Course: Unlock your potential as a master puzzle-solver and escape room designer! This week-long camp immerses you in the world of escape rooms as you tackle thrilling challenges, decode tricky puzzles, and develop your own escape room adventure. Through hands-on activities like cipher-making, storytelling, and team problem-solving, you’ll learn what makes an escape room unforgettable. By the end of the week, you’ll have created and showcased a custom escape room for others to enjoy. Get ready to escape into creativity!
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.
Cozy Camp Crew (9-14) | 3 spaces
Tuition: 384
Course: If being outside or running around isn’t quite your vibe, come be cozy for the summer! We will read books, do puzzles, draw pictures, do skincare and more! Imagine warm lighting, and lowkey time spent with friends doing some of your favorite activities.
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!
Comic Design (9-16) | Waitlist
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-August 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.
Improv 201 (10-15)
Tuition: 384
Course: Sharpen your improvisational skills with Improv 201! First, we’ll refresh on basic improv skills, and throughout the week, campers will learn even more games and acting techniques. We’ll introduce “game of the scene,” long-form improvisation, and build on skills for developing character and relationships. Of course, we will end the week with a show on Friday! Some experience recommended (either Improv 101 or another improv class/camp).
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 received her B.A. in Linguistics from the University of Maryland, took a gap year to teach English in Spain, and is now back at UMD for her Master’s in teaching English to speakers of other languages. She has also been involved in theatre, improv, and singing throughout high school and college.
Sports Action (10-15) | 3 spaces
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- August 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.
Drawing from Nature: Observational Drawing/Creative Sketch Booking (11-14)
Tuition: 384
Course: Campers will learn about creative practice through observational drawing (drawing from life) and working creatively in a sketchbook.
In this camp, we will develop our “observational drawing” skills (life drawing) through curious exploration of the natural areas around CFS. We will work with pencil, pen, ink, and watercolor and other materials to create images of plants, insects, and the landscapes around us. We will also have a special off campus field trip to a botanical garden or animal sanctuary!
All campers will create a personal sketchbook and have the opportunity to create a larger fully developed drawing at the culmination of camp. Prepare to develop some amazing art skills and have some fun.
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.
Weave it Wild (11-14)
Tuition: 384
Course: Calling all artists, makers, artivists and outdoor adventurers! We will each build a rigid heddle backstrap loom (in use today around the world and probably as old as weaving itself). Then, we will learn about animal anatomy in art. That will help us weave small 3D animal creatures--to which we'll explore how to add light-up eyeballs. Let your creativity run wild! Animal-centered field trip!
Instructor: Jan French is a fiber artist and weaving educator/advocate, demonstrator, and collaborator weaving on location at schools, arts councils, museums, festivals, and Scrap Exchange events. She is a member of the Triangle Weavers Guild’s Education Committee and has instructed hundreds of folks of all ages how to build and weave delightful and useful items on a simple handmade loom.
Before coming to CFS in 2008, Jan worked in environmental and open space planning and lived for two years in Geneva, Switzerland. She has Masters degrees in Environmental Management from Duke University and in Landscape Architecture from North Carolina State University’s School of Design.
At CFS Jan has served students as Middle School substitute teacher, art project coordinator for three Martin Luther, King, Jr. Day celebrations, Science Day guest speaker, and Extended Day (AfterHours) staff. She’s also a former CFS parent!
Easy as Pie (11-16) | Waitlist
This course is offered in multiple weeks:
Week Five / July 14-18
Week Eight / August 4-8
Tuition: 398
Course: Dreaming of piles of pies and other pastry pockets? You need EASY AS PIE! We’ll make pies of all sorts--sweet, spicy, tart, savory, creamy, baked, and frozen. Any way we slice them, they’ll have our taste buds singing! There’ll be fruit pies with super-flaky pastry…but that’s just the beginning. We’ll also try our hands at making galettes, empanadas, quiche, and more. Get your taste buds ready!
Instructor: Bo Newsome is a musician (an oboist, composer, and educator), teaching students at his home (or on Zoom) and at Duke. He frequently creates and presents programs and residencies for young people, and attended workshops presented by Kennedy Center’s program for teaching artists. He developed a general music program and created original operas with children in a remote public school on an island in Maine.
To satisfy his sweet tooth in a house with few sweets, Bo started baking pies, cakes, and cookies when he was little. Though he’s really never met a pie he didn’t like, he especially likes lemon, lime, and peach. In addition to cooking, Bo’s been a lover of animals, architecture, and art, and a collector of treasures as long as he can remember.
Queer Representation in Comics (12-18)
Tuition: 384
Course: Come spend a week being inspired by comics! We’ll be focusing on comics featuring Queer characters having adventures and living their lives. Over the course of the week, we’ll be reading comics (including some manga), talking about comics, discussing art styles, and creating our own comic pages. This camp will be co-taught with graduating Upper School student—and artist—Ash Williams.
Instructor: Julia (she/her) is the Upper School Librarian at Carolina Friends School. As an American Library Association Emerging Leader, she helped develop AASL’s Defending Intellectual Freedom: LGBTQ+ Materials in School Libraries. She's proud to have been named NC's 2022 School Library Media Coordinator of the Year and the 2023 School Library Journal School Librarian of the Year.
She loves connecting with students over their love for comics, graphic novels, and manga, and is a co-author of Manga Goes to School (ALA, 2025). Julia is excited to partner with Upper School and college student experts to center Queer joy through these CFS camps!
In This Section
Personalized Camps
This year, we are again offering customized weekly experiences for groups of 6-14 students.
Register via CampInTouch
Questions about summer? We're here to help!
ExtendedLearning@cfsnc.org
984.316.0123