Week 7: July 28-August 1
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!
- Storybooks (4-5) | Waitlist
- Dance it Out! (5-8) | Watilist
- Enchanted Fairy Gardens (6-9) | 2 spaces
- LEGO Explorers (6-9) | 3 spaces
- Nature Lab, Jr. (6-9)
- Sports Shorts (6-9) | 1 space
- Summer Slide-In (6-10)
- Pokémon: Trainer Challenge (7-10) | Waitlist
- Let's Get Cooking! (7-12) | Waitlist
- Our Fibershed: Textile Artistry (8-11)
- Let's Put on a Play! (8-12) | Waitlist
- Game On! (9-11) | 2 spaces
- Music Magic: Songwriter's Workshop (9-15) | Waitlist
- Advanced Comic Design (9-16) | 2 spaces
- Cooking Around the World (10-14) | Waitlist
- Innovation Exploration (10-15)
- Sports Action (10-15) | Waitlist
- Cyanotype Design: Printing on Paper and Fabric (12-16)
- Dungeons and Dragons Beyond (13-17)
Storybooks (4-5) | Waitlist
Tuition: 415
Course: In this camp we will read lots of stories, and find ways to engage with them in the real world! We will make art, learn about STEM, and have tactile play all jumping out from the story books we read.
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!
Dance it Out! (5-8) | Watilist
This course is offered in multiple weeks:
Week Seven / July 28-August 1
Week Eight / August 4-8
Tuition: 384
Course: Come jump, leap, and twirl your way throughout the day as we dance it out! Learn to create stories through movement - no words! We all love to move and dance is a great way to express what we are feeling. Each day we will learn dance skills, technique, and terminology through play-acting and creative movement - it’s a chance to become a new character every day. Throughout the week we will choreograph a story and present our moves on the last day of camp!
Instructor: Emlyn Soher (she /her) is double majoring in dance and psychology at Appalachian State University. Her journey at CFS began at age seven as a camper, then a CIT, and then an intern. She is thrilled to return this summer to run camps.
Emlyn has taught and inspired children to love dance at Studio A Dance Arts in Chapel Hill since 2021. She especially loves watching the children improve their skills and choreographing their dance pieces for the end of year recital. Emlyn studied dance at Durham School of the Arts for four years and choreographed many modern / contemporary dance pieces including her senior solo. Through it all, she has learned that her love of dance is how she expresses herself and wants to share this through her teaching. When she is not studying or dancing, Emlyn loves traveling, listening to music, loves musicals, and exploring the town of Boone.
When she has completed her studies at App State she plans to open a dance studio in order to explore how movement can help children understand their world and themselves.
Enchanted Fairy Gardens (6-9) | 2 spaces
Tuition: 384
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: 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.
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: 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.
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.
Sports Shorts (6-9) | 1 space
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: Robinson Earle is primarily a guitar teacher. He writes his own music and 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, their two daughters, Lyra Belle and Maizy Lee. He also enjoys playing sports, watching movies, and reading.
Summer Slide-In (6-10)
Tuition: 384
Course: This course is designed only for students who will enter CFS Lower School this fall. Let’s spend some easy days together reading great books, working on art activities, and also spending plenty of time outdoors enjoying free choice games and activities. Our books will inspire our projects. We may find ourselves working on origami, building castles, and writing stories together. It will be a fun and instructive week to enjoy some great literature along with good summer fun. For those campers who are about to enter CFS as students, this is an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with the environment as we help you "slide in” to the school year with a 1st/2nd year teacher!
Instructor: Maggie Martone moved to North Carolina in 2022 after 13 years in Pittsburgh, PA. Before Pittsburgh Maggie grew up in Los Angeles, and as a result she loves the beach, In N Out, and the Dodgers (though her time in Pittsburgh have also made her a Pirates and Steelers fan!). She earned her Masters degree in Elementary Education from the University of Pittsburgh after serving for 5 years as a Senior Program Director at a Boys and Girls Club. She has been an educator since 2012, teaching in multiple settings and populations, including independent day schools, after-school programs, summer camps, and public schools. In her free time Maggie loves traveling, yoga, hiking, and cuddling with her cat Penny on the porch, while reading a good book.
Pokémon: Trainer Challenge (7-10) | 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.
Let's Get Cooking! (7-12) | Waitlist
This course is offered in multiple weeks:
Week Three / June 30-July 4
Week Seven / July 28-August 1
Tuition: 398
Course: Let’s stir up some favorite foods using simple recipes! Ever wonder how ingredients come together to create tasty foods? We’ll find out while we make things we love—pizza, omelets, pies, mac & cheese, cakes, and more. Along the way, we’ll learn some important cooking techniques, create some new recipes, and taste our many creations. One word for this class? Yummy!
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.
Our Fibershed: Textile Artistry (8-11)
Tuition: 384
Course: Spin and dye sheep wool yarn. Magnify and compare natural and synthetic fibers. Collect usable parts and seeds from fiber and dye plants. Build a loom and weave cloth. By trying your hand at it yourself and learning a little about science and early technology, discover how humans made everyday clothing and shelter items from local plant and animal fibers. Fiber 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!
Let's Put on a Play! (8-12) | Waitlist
This course is offered in multiple weeks:
Week Two / June 23-27
Week Seven / July 28-August 1
Tuition: 384
Course: Are you ready to take the stage?! Over the course of just one week, we will prepare a full performance of a short scripted play. As we rehearse, you’ll explore script analysis, character-building, and how to use your body, voice, and imagination to bring our play to life. You will also venture into the basics of scenic and costume design as we work together to create the world of the play, which will be shared with friends, family, and fellow campers.
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 her beloved dog Moe, hiking, baking cupcakes, or making very lumpy pottery.
Game On! (9-11) | 2 spaces
Tuition: 415
Course: Does your student want to learn more about how video games work? In Game On, students will take their skills to the next level while learning about coding basics. During the week, students will be introduced to coding languages and how game animations are made while utilizing their new knowledge to create mini-games including “Shark Eats Fish,” “Treasure Hunt,” and more!
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.
Music Magic: Songwriter's Workshop (9-15) | Waitlist
This course is offered in multiple weeks:
Week Four / July 7-11
Week Seven / July 28-August 1
Tuition: 384
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.
Advanced Comic Design (9-16) | 2 spaces
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.
Cooking Around the World (10-14) | Waitlist
Tuition: 398
Course: Okay, maybe we can’t travel around the world in five days this summer, but we can cook (and eat!) around the globe in this camp! Each day will focus on a region of the world (e.g. Central America), and we will cook dishes in the morning and afternoon to explore a breadth of savory foods, specialty snacks and yummy beverages! In our down time, we will also learn about the day’s countries and cultures in film, audio or music. In addition to my planned recipes, there will be space for students to identify dishes from places they are interested in!
You can expect to cook a wide variety of new foods, work together with your campmates, enjoy tasty snacks and drinks, learn about a host of other cultures and make connections between different culinary traditions (a dumpling is a pierogi is a tamale is a ravioli…?!). I look forward to enjoying our culinary creations with you this summer!
Instructor: Carter Hodge (they/them) is an alum of Carolina Friends School and can be found around campus doing a wide assortment of jobs, from teaching Spanish to working with Peaceful Schools NC. Carter is a curious home cook who loves to make food for friends and loved ones. They also believe cooking is a skill that serves people their whole lives and a fun and engaging exploration for young people.
Outside of CFS, Carter is a musician, playing guitar and singing in their band. Carter has been teaching and substituting at Friends School in various capacities since August 2020 and is really looking forward to offering this summer camp!
Innovation Exploration (10-15)
Tuition: 384
Course: Calling all NextGen innovators! Are you ready to join us for a fun-filled week of STEM exploration? We will explore the world of 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 science. 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!
Sports Action (10-15) | Waitlist
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.
Cyanotype Design: Printing on Paper and Fabric (12-16)
Tuition: 384
Course: In this camp, we will learn about an early photographic technique called “cyanotype” which is used to create vibrant cyan-blue prints.
We will create vibrant prints on paper and fabric using natural and found materials. We will also learn how to print original drawings and reproduce photographs using this amazing technique!
Using our prints on paper, we will create small handmade sketchbooks, and sets of one-of-a-kind stationery. We will use our printed fabric to create amazing patches for clothing, and to create a fabric project of each camper’s choice (ranging from a small quilt square to a fashionable accessory!)
This camp will offer an introduction to basic hand sewing and bookbinding techniques alongside an exploration of cyanotype printing.
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.
Dungeons and Dragons Beyond (13-17)
This course is offered in multiple weeks:
Week Two / June 23-27
Week Seven / July 28-August 1
Tuition: 384
Course: Are you a brave adventurer ready to take on monsters, villains and perilous encounters? Have you always wanted to try your hand at role playing? Do you love storytelling and collaboration? You’ve come to the right place! Throughout the week, you will build and embody a fantastical fictional character, travel distant lands with your comrades, and allow your creative juices to flow. We will learn the basics of gameplay, try out different concepts and types of quests, create themed crafts, and experiment with potions and nibbles. Campers will even get to participate in a real-life dungeon crawl!
In addition to the focal point of Dungeons & Dragons (5e), we will also learn and play other RPG and cooperative tabletop games to keep things interesting. Whether you are a seasoned explorer or a complete newbie, you will bring something special and unique to the experience and all are welcome. Full role-playing and/or dressing in costume is certainly not required, but it is very much encouraged. Wear a wig and cape; put on a silly accent; bring (safe) props from home. Let’s go exploring, save some townspeople and, above all else, have an absolute blast!
Note: D&D cannot be played without engaging in fictional combat. These battles will be entirely imaginary, but will involve the use of fictitious weapons and attack-based magical abilities during gameplay. It will be significantly less visually realistic and violent than most combat-based video games, but campers (and parents) should be prepared for themes of death and warfare within the campaigns.
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.
In This Section
Personalized Camps
This year, we are again offering customized weekly experiences for groups of 6-14 students.
Questions about summer? We're here to help!
ExtendedLearning@cfsnc.org
983.316.0123