Week 6: July 21-25
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!
- Ice! Snow! Water! (4-5) | Waitlist
- Campy Crafts (5-7) | Waitlist
- LEGO Explorers (6-9) | 3 spaces
- Nature Lab, Jr. (6-9)
- Play Builders: Mythical, Magical Mayhem (6-9) | Waitlist
- Junior Innovation Exploration (6-10) | Waitlist
- Triangle Ultimate Frisbee (7-12)
- Cookie Crumbles (8-12) | Waitlist
- Friends Got Talent! (8-12) | 1 space
- Weave Out LOUD: For Animals (8-12)
- WhizBizKidz (8-12)
- Pokémon Trainer Challenge (9-13) | Waitlist
- Camp Half Blood: A Percy Jackson Adventure (9-13) | Waitlist
- Act it Out! (9-14) | 3 spaces
- Comic Design (9-16) | Waitlist
- Museum Fun! (10-14)
- Kitchen Chemistry: Science of Cooking (10-15) | 2 spaces
- Triangle Ultimate Frisbee - Varsity (11-16)
- Magic the Gathering, Math, and More! (11-18)
- Queer Representation in Anime (12-18)
Ice! Snow! Water! (4-5) | Waitlist
Tuition: 415
Course: Come cool off with a week of chilly fun. We will melt mystery ice blocks with water squirters, rescue polar bears from snow sensory bins, read winter stories around our indoor camping tent, and play indoor and outdoor winter themed games. Play-dough snowmen and ice painting will keep us wanting mittens and hats. How far does a water squirter send a ball? Who can build the tallest mini marshmallow sculpture? We will be measuring!
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.
Campy Crafts (5-7) | Waitlist
Tuition: 384
Course: If you’ve got a crafty camper, then you should join us for Campy Crafts! In this camp, we will learn how to make bracelets, tie dye, draw self portraits, and more! Join us as we find connection through art and nature.
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!
LEGO Explorers (6-9) | 3 spaces
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)
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.
Play Builders: Mythical, Magical Mayhem (6-9) | Waitlist
Tuition: 384
Course: Enter a world of wizards, unicorns, mermaids, and any other mythical, magical characters you can imagine. After you create your OWN original character, we’ll work together using improvisation, games, and guided explorations to combine these new characters into a short original play to share with friends and family.
Instructor: Blair (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.
Junior Innovation Exploration (6-10) | Waitlist
Tuition: 384
Course: Calling all young innovators! Are you ready to join us for a fun-filled week of STEM exploration? STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math!
From building bridges and designing cars to creating water filters and launching rockets, campers will unleash their creativity, solve problems, and discover the wonders of engineering. Packed with teamwork, games, and discovery, this camp is perfect for curious minds ready to learn and have fun!
Instructor: Samantha Wilson was born and raised in Durham, NC. Starting at CFS Durham Early School in 2009 and graduating from the Upper School in 2022, she couldn’t get enough of CFS, so she’s back for the summer! Sam is currently studying Civil Engineering at UNC Charlotte, with a concentration in Energy Infrastructure and a minor in Mathematics. Sam is a BIG fan of the outdoors; she loves hiking, swimming, backpacking, and exploring the world! She has been working with kids since 2017 as a CIT at CFS Summer Programs and as a babysitter. Her goal is to show kids that they are capable of anything through kindness, passion, and fun!
Triangle Ultimate Frisbee (7-12)
This course is offered in multiple weeks:
Week Two / June 23-27, ages 11-15
Week Four / July 7-11, ages 7-12
Week Six / July 21-25, ages 7-12 AND ages 11-15
Week Eight / Aug 4-8, ages 11-15
Tuition: 384
Course: It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a... Frisbee! Ultimate Frisbee is one of the fastest growing youth sports in the US, and we want to teach you how to play! Ultimate combines the continuous play of soccer, the end-zones of football, and the pivoting of basketball all with a frisbee to create a fast-paced, exciting game! This camp will teach the fundamentals of the sport, going over different types of throws and the basic strategies of offense and defense. Participants will learn about Spirit of the Game, a fundamental part of Ultimate that focuses on sportsmanship and respect for all players. Each camper will receive an Ultimate Frisbee disc with registration!
Instructor: Triangle Ultimate is a local nonprofit whose mission is to collaboratively build a community emphasizing accessibility, relationships, and engagement through learning, playing, and teaching the sport of Ultimate in the Triangle region of North Carolina. Triangle Ultimate is excited to strengthen our relationship with the Carolina Friends School community through great summer camp experiences. The camp will be led by some of the top leaders in the Triangle's Ultimate Frisbee community!
Cookie Crumbles (8-12) | Waitlist
This course is offered in multiple weeks:
Week Four / July 7-11
Week Six / July 21-25
Tuition: 398
Course: Time to make your dinner experience complete! Join us as we learn how to make delicious cookies that will become lifelong favorites! We’ll get into the kitchen and start with some simple recipes, then do some research to find more unusual or enticing ones, then put on our aprons, get out the oven mitts, locate the mixing bowls, and get started. YUMMMMM! Students are asked to wear full foot coverings (so, no sandals or flip-flops).
Instructor: Tom Latimer has been running camps at CFS for 17 years. He has been teaching for 30 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.
Friends Got Talent! (8-12) | 1 space
Week Eight / Aug 4-8
Tuition: 384
Course: Do you have what it takes to be in Friends Got Talent? We think you do! Bring your special talents, whether it’s song, dance, magic, jokes, or a unique talent you would love to share, we want to see it! Students will spend the week crafting a performance. We will explore the different performance categories the students choose, play games that encourage movement and being comfortable with our bodies, participate in fun team activities and challenges, have a Karaoke party, and, of course, bring it all together for Friday’s Friends Got Talent!
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.
Weave Out LOUD: For Animals (8-12)
Tuition: 384
Course: Join us for a week of exploration all about weaving and animals! Let’s build simple tapestry looms, weave LARGE with gathered natural and unrecyclable materials, and assemble a great animal from the handmade parts. This week will include a 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 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, Tiny Rug project lead, and Extended Day (AfterHours) staff. She’s also a former CFS parent!
WhizBizKidz (8-12)
Tuition: 384
Course: In this course, campers will learn all about how money works. First you earn it, then what? Save it? Spend it? How much money do I need to buy lunch and the candy I want at the store? Campers will play games, enjoy engaging, hands-on activities, maybe even take a field trip, and learn all about the thing that "makes the world go 'round." This "Wall Street for kids" is the place to be this summer!
Instructor: Cort sees himself, first, as a dad and husband. He and his wife, Lindsey, have two children - Janie (9) and Henry (6). Much of their free time is spent in their activities. As a family they spend time outdoors and have a fondness for the mountains, family, their dog Aspen, and playing board games.
Cort says, “Growing up in a family of psychotherapists, naturally, my parents emphasized developing our individual “human capital” – our unique skills, knowledge, talents, and values that combine to make us who we are inside and out. I had to learn to be an economic being on my own. As a parent, I understand the importance for our children to have not only the financial wherewithal, but also develop values to manage money with mindfulness and integrity. Thus, a dual approach to financial education.”
During the day, Cort’s professional life has him working with families and individuals helping them navigate their financial lives, plan for their future and their legacy. More often he’s working with multiple generations building a connection and meaning to the resources that pass through the family. Due to a love for community and outdoors, he has taken an interest in sustainable, responsible, and impact investments.
Pokémon Trainer Challenge (9-13) | Waitlist
Tuition: 384
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: Owen Bauer-Lepofsky 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.
Camp Half Blood: A Percy Jackson Adventure (9-13) | Waitlist
Tuition: 384
Course: Step into the world of Percy Jackson at Camp Half-Blood! Campers will be claimed by a godly parent, join their “cabin”, and embark on quests inspired by Greek mythology. Throughout the week, you'll craft celestial bronze weapons, decode ancient prophecies, train like a hero, and face thrilling challenges and monsters. With activities like team games, creative arts, and a camp-wide competition, this adventure celebrates teamwork, problem-solving, and the hero within. Don’t miss your chance to live the life of a true demigod!
Note: Familiarity with the Percy Jackson series is helpful for full immersion, but not an expectation.
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.
Act it Out! (9-14) | 3 spaces
Tuition: 384
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.
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.
Museum Fun! (10-14)
Tuition: 398 (cost includes field trip expenses)
Course: This camp is all about museums! During the week, we’ll get to go on field trips to several different museums nearby to experience their exhibits. We’ll also explore museums from around the world virtually. Art, science, history… there is lots of fun and hands-on learning in store!
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.
Kitchen Chemistry: Science of Cooking (10-15) | 2 spaces
Tuition: 398
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 teaching Physical Education as well as assuming the role of Assistant Athletic Director this year. They have been a part of the CFS community for the past two years teaching across units-- from Middle School Spanish, coaching volleyball, and various summer camps. They have their Associates degree in Visual art from Durham Tech. They have spent the last several years honing their communication, teaching, and administrative skills at Claymakers studio, touted dining establishments, and as a private child care provider for ages < 1-5. In their free time Emmanuel loves to bake, play basketball, and take care of their plant babies.
Triangle Ultimate Frisbee - Varsity (11-16)
This course is offered in multiple weeks:
Week Two / June 23-27, ages 11-15
Week Four / July 7-11, ages 7-12
Week Six / July 21-25, ages 7-12 AND ages 11-15
Week Eight / Aug 4-8, ages 11-15
Tuition: 384
Course: It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a... Frisbee! Ultimate Frisbee is one of the fastest growing youth sports in the US, and we want to teach you how to play! Ultimate combines the continuous play of soccer, the end-zones of football, and the pivoting of basketball all with a frisbee to create a fast-paced, exciting game! This camp will teach the fundamentals of the sport, going over different types of throws and the basic strategies of offense and defense. Participants will learn about Spirit of the Game, a fundamental part of Ultimate that focuses on sportsmanship and respect for all players. Each camper will receive an Ultimate Frisbee disc with registration!
Instructor: Triangle Ultimate is a local nonprofit whose mission is to collaboratively build a community emphasizing accessibility, relationships, and engagement through learning, playing, and teaching the sport of Ultimate in the Triangle region of North Carolina. Triangle Ultimate is excited to strengthen our relationship with the Carolina Friends School community through great summer camp experiences. The camp will be led by some of the top leaders in the Triangle's Ultimate Frisbee community!
Magic the Gathering, Math, and More! (11-18)
Tuition: 384
Course: Did you know that math can improve your card game skills? In this camp we will work on key skills with an emphasis on statistical analysis to improve our abilities at the popular card game "Magic the Gathering." We will learn why and how math is important in card games, formulas that will help us succeed, how to use online calculators and tools to assist us, and, of course, we’ll play lots and lots of Magic.
Students are free to bring their own cards but do so at their own risk! We will provide physical cards and use electronic tools to simulate card games as well. We won't limit ourselves just to Magic either; in this course we will also learn to apply our math skills to a broad range of standard 52-card deck games such as Texas Hold 'em. Get ready for a week of learning, collaboration, and intense competition!
Instructor: Achiri Acha has been at Carolina Friends School 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 eight 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.
Queer Representation in Anime (12-18)
Tuition: 384
Course: Whether you are already an otaku or are completely new to anime—or Japanese animation—come spend a week diving into this engaging medium! We’ll be focusing on anime centering Queer characters and stories as we watch and discuss anime across a range of genres. (Camper interests will drive our content.) This camp will be co-taught with college graduate—and anime expert—K Stivers.
Instructor: Julia Stivers (she/her) is the Upper School Librarian at CFS. 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