2025 Summer Enrichment

Academics at Ridgewod

Registration Information

REGISTRATION

LOCATION

COST

COURSES

SCHEDULE

BEFORE & AFTERCARE

LUNCH & SNACK

DROP OFF & PICK UP

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS

2025 Sessions

WEEK 1: JUNE 9-13

Time	Session	Instructor	Description
9:00-10:00am	What Keeps the Plane Up?	Nexplore	Students will discover the science behind flight by designing, building, and testing their own model airplanes. Curiosity, problem-solving, and creativity will be fostered along with fun. (Class fee of $75.)
10-11:00am	Little Dough-Nuts Part 1	Nexplore	This course introduces students to the wonderful world of dough as a tool to expand their academic knowledge and build fine motor skills. The lessons use dough as a medium for students to explore math, zoology, and art concepts in a unique setting. (Class fee of $75.)
11am-Noon	How Does Your Garden Grow?	Taylor Hunsaker	Discover the joys of gardening in our hands-on class for preschoolers. Little gardeners will dig in the soil, plant seeds, and learn the magic of caring for growing things. Join the crew for some fun in the dirt. (Class fee of $65.)
12:30-1:30pm	Construction Crew	Taylor Hunsaker	Get ready to build, create, and explore! In this exciting class, our little builders will let their imaginations soar as they work with recycled materials to construct extraordinary structures. From towering skyscrapers to cozy forts, the possibilities are endless. Join us for a hands-on adventure where creativity and ingenuity are the foundations of fun! (Class fee of $65.)
1:30-2:30pm	Do You Want to Build a Snowman?	Taylor Hunsaker	Embrace the magic of winter in June! Join us for a fun filled class where we'll melt ice, make snow, and learn about temperature changes as we create our very own winter wonderland. Don't miss out on this frosty adventure—snowy fun awaits! (Class fee of $65.)
2:30-3:30pm	Exploring Eric Carle	Taylor Hunsaker	Dive into the vibrant world of Eric Carle! In this delightful class, we'll bring his beloved stories to life through process art, storytime, and snacks inspired by his creative works. Our young artists will enjoy crafting colorful masterpieces, listening to enchanting tales, and savoring treats that celebrate Eric Carle's imaginative universe. Join us for a hands-on, multi-sensory adventure. (Class fee of $65.)

WEEK 2: JUNE 16-20

Time	Session	Instructor	Description
9:00-10:00am	Turn Up the Story and Celebrate!	Michele Slone	Come join us as we use picture books and songs to sing, dance, create, play, and learn about our celebrations! We will celebrate Christmas, Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Martin Luther King Day, and so much more!!! We will turn up the stories and turn up our volume as we celebrate with reading, music, and so much more! We will end our time together with a glow dance party full of fun! (Class fee of $65.)
10-11:00am	Tennis Time!	Springfield Area Tennis Association	Students will participate in a variety of tennis games, drills, and activities to strengthen their skills and love for the game! Be sure to wear gym shoes/tennis shoes and bring a water bottle. Students will receive a racquet and t-shirt! (Class fee of $65.)
11-Noon	Up, Up and Away!	Nexplore	It’s hands-on exploration of aerodynamics, buoyancy, and thermodynamics using hot-air balloons. It’s a great and fun way to begin understanding these aspects of our natural world. (Class fee of $75.)
12:30-1:30pm	Squishing Our Way into Art!	Nexplore	Art rods are the perfect medium for young folks creating sculptures of animals, plants, objects and whatever else they can imagine. 3-D design, sculpting, and modeling lessons are fun and readily learned when they involve art rods. (Class fee of $75.)
1:30pm-2:30pm	Mystery Science	Taylor Hunsaker	Little scientists will predict, experiment, and embrace the mess as they explore the wonders of science. Each class is an adventure where curiosity leads the way and messy fun is guaranteed. Join us for thrilling experiments and fascinating discoveries! (Class fee of $65.)
2:30-3:30pm	Taste the Rainbow	Taylor Hunsaker	Dive into the colorful world of summer fruits! In this class, preschoolers will explore a variety of fruits through art and their five senses. From tasting and smelling to touching and seeing, each activity will engage their curiosity and creativity. Join us for a vibrant, sensory-filled adventure that's as delightful as a summer picnic! (Class fee of $65.)

WEEK 3: JUNE 23-27

Time	Session	Instructor	Description
9:00-10:00am	Can You Make Him Move?	Nexplore	When our students try their hands at RoboCoding, they'll soon discover that they can build and execute programs that move robots. Can you? (Class fee of $75.)
10-11:00am	Little Dough-Nuts Part 2	Nexplore	Through guided hands-on instruction, students use their imagination to plan, construct, and build their own creations. The week culminates in a final engineering project where they design and create a personalized model to keep. (Class fee of $75.)
11-Noon	Commotion in the Ocean	Taylor Hunsaker	Dive into the amazing ocean with us this summer! Discover wiggly jellyfish, speedy fish, and other cool sea creatures. We'll have fun stories, hands-on activities, and lots of giggles as we learn how these animals move and play in the water. Whether you're curious about the ocean or love learning about sea animals, this class is perfect for little ocean enthusiasts like you! (Class fee of $65.)
12:30-1:30pm	It Starts with a Line!	Kaneisha Phifer	Discover the magic of lines in this creative class! Preschoolers will explore how simple lines can transform into amazing works of art. Through fun, hands-on activities, children will learn to work with lines and see how they can create beautiful, imaginative pieces. Join us for an artistic journey where every masterpiece starts with a single line! (Class fee of $65.)
1:30-2:30pm	Color Explorers	Kaneisha Phifer	Dive into the magical world of colors! In this class, preschoolers will learn about color theory and discover exciting ways to mix and match colors. Through hands-on activities and creative projects, children will explore the endless possibilities of the color spectrum. Join us for a colorful adventure where young artists become masterful color creators! (Class fee of $65.)

WEEK 1: JUNE 9-13

Time	Session	Instructor	Description
9:00-10:30am	Lego Masters	Anna Kiehn	Come express your inner innovator in our Lego class. Attempt STEM challenges as a team and build a Lego city! What sort of Lego inventions will you create? (Class fee of $65.)
	Strawbees Engineering	NexPlore	Nexplore Strawbees combines hands-on play with versatile pieces for creative, STEAM-focused learning. This award-winning building set engages students in interactive lessons, helping them explore, test, and share ideas with pride. (Class fee of $75.)
10:30am-Noon	Zen Garden	Anna Kiehn	Help Wanted! Join us in our exciting work in expanding and decorating the Zen Garden! Activities include planting, digging, building, & creating. Plant & cutting donations are welcome. (Class fee of $65.)
	You’re in Control!	NexPlore	Participants will be challenged to build and execute programs with real robots. They will combine robotic cubes to craft machines that light up, move, and interact with the world around us. Our students will be in control! (Class fee of $75.)
12:30-2:00pm	Magic	NexPlore	Students build confidence and performance skills as they learn magic tricks from their own kits. With expert guidance and tutorials, they practice at home and showcase their skills in a final magic show. (Class fee of $75.)
	Spanish Sense	Sylvia Phillips	Experience the Spanish language and culture through sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell. This class will be full of fun activities such as cooking Hispanic dishes, creating colorful crafts, dancing, & playing games, all in Español! (Class fee of $65.)
2:00-3:30pm	Energize	Nexplore	Students engage in outdoor cooperative games, building coordination, throwing, catching, kicking, and racquet skills. Instructors promote fitness, healthy habits, and body awareness in a fun, non-competitive environment. (Class fee of $75)
	Discover Architecture	Anna Kiehn	Join us for a unique experience with the curator of Frank Lloyd Wright's Westcott House! Students explore design through hands-on activities like incorporating nature, a shape scavenger hunt, and building with Froebel blocks. The camp includes a Westcott House visit, with parents/guardians providing transportation on the final day. (Capped at 10. Class fee of $65.)

WEEK 2: JUNE 16-20

Time	Session	Instructor	Description
9:00-10:30am	Artists of Tomorrow	NexPlore	From Georgia O’Keeffe to Pablo Picasso, the style of a different artist will be studied each day when our students focus on a particular piece of the artist’s work. Their study is then the foundation for the creation of their own masterpieces. (Class fee of $75.)
10:30am-Noon	It’s Game Time!	NexPlore	It’s not only game time, but also a time to rely on logic, reasoning, communication, and leadership skills to meet the challenges of our games that come from around the world. Have a great time while you and your classmates work together to sharpen your skills. (Class fee of $75.)
	Gigantic Genres and Sensational Styles!	Michele Slone	Come join us to experience music genres and styles through movement, games, activities, art, stories, and fun! Classical, Ragtime, Jazz, Rock, Pop, Country, Movie themes, and more!! We will end with a great big glow in the dark dance party! (Class fee of $65.)
12:30-2pm	Origami	NexPlore	Discover the art of paper folding! Participants will unleash their creativity as they learn the ancient art of origami. From simple paper folding techniques to intricate designs, they'll discover the beauty and versatility of this timeless craft while developing patience, focus, and fine motor skills. (Class fee of $75.)
2-3:30pm	Little Dough-Nuts	NexPlore	This course introduces students to the wonderful world of dough as a tool to expand their academic knowledge and build fine motor skills. Through guided hands-on instruction, students use their imagination to plan, construct, and build their own creations. The lessons use dough as a medium for students to explore math, zoology, and art concepts in a unique setting. The course culminates in a final chemistry engineering project where they design and create a personalized model to keep. (Class fee of $75.)

WEEK 3: JUNE 23-27

Time	Session	Instructor	Description
9:00-10:30am	Programming Edison	NexPlore	During the week students will work through different programming languages starting with the icon-based drag-and drop coding, then block-based coding, and text-based programming to communicate with Edison the robot. There’s always a great sense of achievement when Edison responds to our students’ programs. (Class fee of $75.)
	Math and Art Fusion	Nadia Syed	Discover the connection between art and math in this unique class! Each day, students explore a new cultural art form, from geometric shapes in Persian art to fractions in Origami and symmetry in Brazilian masks, creating a masterpiece while learning math concepts and artistic techniques. (Class fee of $65.)
10:30am-Noon	3D Printing	NexPlore	3D Printing empowers students to bring their imaginations into reality with 3Doodler pens. Each lesson combines a structured STEAM project with wiggle room to doodle, explore, and create their own ideas. Students might construct landforms to learn about geography or use geometry to make their own shapeshifters. 3D Printing Start+ transforms STEM concepts into 3D projects and sparks joy as students watch science come to life. (Class fee of $90.)
	Board Game Bonanza	Nadia Syed	Dive into the world of classic and modern board games! In this exciting class, students will learn and play a variety of games, honing their strategic thinking, logic, math, and social skills. The adventure culminates in a creative group project where students will design and play their very own board game. Join us for a fun and educational journey, where every move matters and teamwork triumphs! (Class fee of $65.)
12:30-2:00pm	Bend, Twist, Curl, and Squish!	NexPlore	No, it’s not a dance , it’s 3-D art! Art rods are the perfect medium for young folks to use when creating their sculptures of flowers, animals, objects, inventions, or anything they can imagine. While our students bend, twist, curl, and squish their art rods, they’ll be solving creative design problems presented by our teachers. (Class fee of $75.)
	Tennis Time!	USTA/Springfield Area Tennis Association	Students will participate in a variety of tennis games, drills, and activities to strengthen their skills and love for the game! Be sure to wear gym shoes/tennis shoes and bring a water bottle! Students will receive a racquet and t-shirt! (Class fee of $75.)
2:00-3:30pm	Math Games	NexPlore	Using an award-winning selection of mind and strategy games from all over the world, students learn a vast array of skills, such as logic and reasoning, leadership, and effective communication. With multiple subjects like science, mathematics, language arts, economy, and entrepreneurship integrated into the games, students will have a great time while learning important academic skills. (Class fee of $75.)

WEEK 1: JUNE 9-13

Time	Session	Instructor	Description
9:00-10:30am	Robotics w/ Edison	NexPlore	Robotics with Edison combines computational thinking, programming, and 21st-century education. Edison is a safe, programmable STEM robot for coding and robotics. In Nexplore Robotics, students advance from drag-and-drop to text-based programming, building confidence through exploration and collaboration.(Class fee of $75.)
	Golf Essentials	Springfield Country Club (TUESDAY-FRIDAY)	Fore! Experience the full spectrum of golf! Practice your putts, chisel your chips, iron out your iron play, and develop your driving, all on the beautiful Springfield Country Club Course. This camp is designed for all skill levels. (Capped at 14. Class fee of $65.)
10:30-Noon	Spanish Sense	Sylvia Phillips	Experience the Spanish language and culture through sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell. This class will be full of fun activities such as cooking Hispanic dishes, creating colorful crafts, dancing, and playing games— all in Español! (Class fee of $65.)
	3D Printing	NexPlore	Nexplore 3D Printing empowers students to bring their imaginations into reality with 3Doodler pens. Each lesson combines a structured STEAM project with wiggle room to doodle, explore, and create their own ideas. Students might construct landforms to learn about geography or use geometry to make their own shapeshifters. Nexplore 3D Printing Start+ transforms STEM concepts into 3D projects and sparks joy as students watch science come to life. (Class fee of $90.)
12:30-2:00pm	I’m a Poet, Now Ya Know It!	Beth Dixon	Students will dive deep into the figures of speech in a week of imagination and emotion! They’ll be free to express themselves through simile, metaphor, imagery, and onomatopoeia. By the end of the week, they’ll have their very own handmade book of poetry. (Class fee of $65.)
2:00-3:30pm	Andiamo in Italia!	Chris and Courtney Bosca	Join us on an adventure as we explore the language, culture, and foods of Italy. We will choose names, make passports, travel by air, train, and car, visit some of the important regions and landmarks, and order meals from some typical menus In the process everyone will gain an introductory vocabulary to the language and learn something of the culture of Italy. (Class fee of $65.)

WEEK 2: JUNE 16-20

Time	Session	Instructor	Description
9:00-10:30am	Strawbees Engineering	NexPlore	This class combines hands-on exploration and play with versatile straw pieces to make building and creation fun and accessible for all ages and learning needs. Strawbees are an award-winning building set made of plastic, paper, and other polymers. This course’s interactive lessons use Strawbees to guide students through important STEAM concepts, making them fun and engaging. Strawbees offers groundbreaking materials for students to express, test, and share their ideas, giving them a sense of pride in what they’ve made. (Class fee of $75.)
	Act Up!	Beth Dixon and Eric Tyler Barga	Kids will love “acting up” in this introduction to musical theatre class! Each day will include singing, acting and improvisational games that build self-confidence. Everyone’s a star in this class that culminates in a live performance at the end of the week. (Class fee of $65.)
10:30-Noon	Game On! Sports Camp	Rachael Detraz	Get ready for action-packed fun with all your favorite sports! From kickball and soccer to dodgeball, volleyball, and basketball, this camp has it all. Plus, enjoy a variety of exciting gym games that will keep you on your toes. Whether you're a budding athlete or just love to play, join us for an unforgettable week of teamwork, skill-building, and non-stop excitement! Cap of 14. (Class fee of $65)
12:30-2:00pm	Nature- Inspired Art	Cindy Loftis	Dive into the wonders of the natural world right in Ridgewood School’s landlab. Engage with nature and experiment with natural and recycled materials to craft unique and stunning pieces of art.. (Class fee of $65.)
2:00-3:30pm	Let Your Fingers Do the Talking	Marianna Stewart	A variety of games and activities will introduce students to American Sign Language (ASL). Participants will learn basic conversation and culture including greeting, ASL alphabet and numbers, animal signs, and more! Cap of 10 students. (Class fee of $65.)

WEEK 3: JUNE 23-27

Time	Session	Instructor	Description
9:00-10:30am	Build-a-Bot	NexPlore	Build a Bot is a fun inquiry-based hands-on STEAM experience that engages students in design and robotics. In this program, students practice their engineering skills to create a series of robot models, each operating with a different mechanism and fulfilling a unique purpose. Students challenge their hands and minds to build fascinating bots, like the Fiber Optic Lamp, Powered Boat, Bubble Blower, and more! This program is fully aligned with NGSS standards and students even get to keep their creations. (Class fee of $90.)
	The Art of Book Building	Beth Dixon	Each day we’ll explore literature through art and play. We’ll also understand the elements of a good story – character, conflict and setting –by writing and illustrating our own storybooks! (Class fee of $65)
10:30-Noon	Squishy Circuits	NexPlore	Students combine their imaginations with an electrical engineering curriculum to bring dough sculptures to life. They use dough and circuits together to create models that light up, spin, and make noise while learning about insulators, conductors, short circuits and more! The course culminates in an exciting final project where they engineer their own dough circuit challenge. (Class fee of $75.)
12:30-2:00pm	Magic Tricks	NexPlore	Prepare to be amazed as you delve into the mesmerizing world of magic! Campers will learn the secrets of illusion and sleight of hand as they discover the science and artistry behind classic magic tricks. (Class fee of $75.)
	The Great Outdoors	Dave Swingle	Students will spend the week learning important outdoor skills that build on one another. From identifying essential items for everyday outdoor activities, to basic first aid, fire safety, and campsite essentials, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of responsible, sustainable, and safe fun in the great outdoors. (Class fee of $65.)
2:00-3:30pm	Tennis Time!	USTA/Springfield Area Tennis Association	Students will participate in a variety of tennis games, drills, and activities to strengthen their skills and love for the game! Be sure to wear gym shoes/tennis shoes and bring a water bottle! Students will receive a racquet and t-shirt! (Class fee of $75.)

WEEK 1: JUNE 9-13

Time	Session	Instructor	Description
9:00am-3:30pm	Thinking Outside the School	Becky Konecki and Brian McWhorter	Back by popular demand, this class is a special six-and-a-half-hour off-campus session where students can expand their horizons while experiencing some of the exciting activities our local community and outdoors has to offer. Past activities include a low ropes course, tower climbing, Springfield history tour, yoga, ice skating, bowling, kayaking, hiking, and campfire cooking! (Capped at 15. Due to the daily 6.5 hour class time & other expenses, the fee for this course is $295.)

WEEK 2: JUNE 16-20

Time	Session	Instructor	Description
9:00-10:30am	Beginning Fencing	Greg and Cheryl Paquette	Fencing is the Olympic sport of swordplay that can be enjoyed by people of any age or shape. It offers a multitude of benefits. Fencing is both a physical and a mental workout. As a combat sport, two athletes use swords to attack and defend against one another with the aim of striking their opponent in order to score points. Be curious and see what it is like to fence with a foil! (Class fee of $75.)
10:30am-Noon	Pop Art	Molly Loftis	Explore the artistic minds of the Pop Art era, including: Andy Warhol, Roy Lichenstein, and Claes Oldenburg and experiment with printmaking, sculpture, and comic strips! (Class fee of $65.)
12:30-2:00pm	Tennis Time!	USTA/Springfield Area Tennis Association	Students will participate in a variety of tennis games, drills, and activities to strengthen their skills and love for the game! Be sure to wear gym shoes/tennis shoes and bring a water bottle! Students will receive a racquet and t-shirt! (Class fee of $75.)
2:00-3:30pm	Retro Collage Animations	Brian Traylor	Cut out and assemble fun collages using a wide range of retro catalogs and magazines from the 1910s-70s. We will then learn how to make a stop motion animation with a DSLR camera and video editing software to bring our collages to life. Taught by local filmmaker and artist Brian Traylor from Hatch New Media. (Class fee of $65.)

WEEK 3: JUNE 23-27

Time	Session	Instructor	Description
9:00-10:30am	Golf Essentials	Springfield Country Club (TUESDAY-FRIDAY)	Fore! Experience the full spectrum of golf! Practice your putts, chisel your chips, iron out your iron play, and develop your driving, all on the beautiful Springfield Country Club Course. Designed for all skill levels. (Capped at 14. Class fee of $65.)
	Nature Warriors: Summer Restoration	Paul Sauter	Come spend the day in our land lab! In this class, we will identify plants and remove non-native species, tear down and rebuild a border fence adjacent to the creek, clear out invasive ivy, plant various native plants , and touch up the trail system. Getting filthy: guaranteed. Bring muscle! (Class fee of $65.)
10:30am-Noon	Young Entrepreneurs	Jess Swingle	In our "Young Entrepreneurs" workshop, students will embark on an exciting journey into the world of entrepreneurship. This hands-on program is designed to inspire creativity, foster critical thinking, and ignite the entrepreneurial spirit within young minds. Throughout the week, each student will build their own business (real or fictitious) and learn the art and science behind building a brand, crafting offers, mastering pricing, and turning customers into raving fans. (Class fee of $65.)
12:30-2:00pm	Rockets Away	Bob Cripe	Prepare to blast off! This class is an action-packed adventure in math, engineering, aerospace and physics through the study of rocket science. Learn more about Newton's Laws of Motion to the principles of lift, thrust, drag, and gravity. All of this leads up to the ultimate thrill for each student...building and launching a 2-liter bottle rocket. Make sure to bring your own 2L! (Cap of 15, Class fee of $65.)
2:00-3:30pm	The Great Outdoors	Dave Swingle	Students will spend the week learning important outdoor skills. From identifying essential items for everyday outdoor activities, to basic first aid, fire safety, and campsite essentials, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of responsible, sustainable, and safe fun in the great outdoors. (Class fee of $65.)

Week of June 9-13

Time: 9-10:00am Session: What Keeps the Plane Up? Instructor: Nexplore Students will discover the science behind flight by designing, building, and testing their own model airplanes. Curiosity, problem-solving, and creativity will be fostered along with fun. (Class fee of $75.)

Time: 10-11:00am Session: Nexplore Instructor: Instructor: Kaniesha Phifer This course introduces students to the wonderful world of dough as a tool to expand their academic knowledge and build fine motor skills. The lessons use dough as a medium for students to explore math, zoology, and art concepts in a unique setting. (Class fee of $75.)

Time: 11-Noon Session: How Does Your Garden Grow? Instructor: Taylor Hunsaker Discover the joys of gardening in our hands-on class for preschoolers. Little gardeners will dig in the soil, plant seeds, and learn the magic of caring for growing things. Join the crew for some fun in the dirt. (Class fee of $65.)

Time: 12:30-1:30pm Session: Construction Crew Instructor: Taylor Hunsaker Get ready to build, create, and explore! In this exciting class, our little builders will let their imaginations soar as they work with recycled materials to construct extraordinary structures. From towering skyscrapers to cozy forts, the possibilities are endless. Join us for a hands-on adventure where creativity and ingenuity are the foundations of fun! (Class fee of $65.)

Time: 1:30-2:30pm Session: Do You Want to Build a Snowman? Instructor: Taylor Hunsaker Embrace the magic of winter in June! Join us for a fun filled class where we'll melt ice, make snow, and learn about temperature changes as we create our very own winter wonderland. Don't miss out on this frosty adventure—snowy fun awaits! (Class fee of $65.)

Time: 2:30-3:30pm Session: Exploring Eric Carle Instructor: Taylor Hunsaker Dive into the vibrant world of Eric Carle! In this delightful class, we'll bring his beloved stories to life through process art, storytime, and snacks inspired by his creative works. Our young artists will enjoy crafting colorful masterpieces, listening to enchanting tales, and savoring treats that celebrate Eric Carle's imaginative universe. Join us for a hands-on, multi-sensory adventure that's as delightful as a caterpillar turning into a butterfly! (Class fee of $65.)

Week of June 16-20

Time: 9-10:00am Session: Turn Up the Story and Celebrate! Instructor: Michele Slone Come join us as we use picture books and songs to sing, dance, create, play, and learn about our celebrations! We will celebrate Christmas, Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Martin Luther King Day, and so much more!!! We will turn up the stories and turn up our volume as we celebrate with reading, music, and so much more! We will end our time together with a glow dance party full of fun! (Class fee of $65.)

Time: 10-11:00am Session: Tennis Time! Instructor: Springfield Area Tennis Association Students will participate in a variety of tennis games, drills, and activities to strengthen their skills and love for the game! Be sure to wear gym shoes/tennis shoes and bring a water bottle. Students will receive a racquet and t-shirt! (Class fee of $65.)

Time: 11-Noon Session: Up, Up and Away! Instructor: Nexplore It’s hands-on exploration of aerodynamics, buoyancy, and thermodynamics using hot-air balloons. It’s a great and fun way to begin understanding these aspects of our natural world. (Class fee of $75.)

Time: 12:30-1:30pm Session: Squishing Our Way into Art! Instructor: Nexplore Art rods are the perfect medium for young folks creating sculptures of animals, plants, objects and whatever else they can imagine. 3-D design, sculpting, and modeling lessons are fun and readily learned when they involve art rods. (Class fee of $75.)

Time: 1:30-2:30pm Session: Mystery Science Instructor: Taylor Hunsaker Little scientists will predict, experiment, and embrace the mess as they explore the wonders of science. Each class is an adventure where curiosity leads the way and messy fun is guaranteed. Join us for thrilling experiments and fascinating discoveries! (Class fee of $65.)

Time: 2:30-3:30pm Session: Taste the Rainbow Instructor: Taylor Hunsaker Dive into the colorful world of summer fruits! In this class, preschoolers will explore a variety of fruits through art and their five senses. From tasting and smelling to touching and seeing, each activity will engage their curiosity and creativity. Join us for a vibrant, sensory-filled adventure that's as delightful as a summer picnic! (Class fee of $65.)

Week of June 23-27

Time: 9-10:00am Session: Can You Make Him Move? Instructor: Nexplore When our students try their hands at RoboCoding, they'll soon discover that they can build and execute programs that move robots. Can you? (Class fee of $75.)

Time: 10-11:00am Session: Don’t Let the Pigeon Take Over Ridgewood Instructor: Nexplore Through guided hands-on instruction, students use their imagination to plan, construct, and build their own creations. The week culminates in a final engineering project where they design and create a personalized model to keep. (Class fee of $75.)

Time: 11-Noon Session: Commotion in the Ocean Instructor: Taylor Hunsaker Dive into the amazing ocean with us this summer! Discover wiggly jellyfish, speedy fish, and other cool sea creatures. We'll have fun stories, hands-on activities, and lots of giggles as we learn how these animals move and play in the water. Whether you're curious about the ocean or love learning about sea animals, this class is perfect for little ocean enthusiasts like you! (Class fee of $65.)

Time: 12:30-1:30pm Session: It Starts with a Line! Instructor: Kaneisha Phifer Discover the magic of lines in this creative class! Preschoolers will explore how simple lines can transform into amazing works of art. Through fun, hands-on activities, children will learn to work with lines and see how they can create beautiful, imaginative pieces. Join us for an artistic journey where every masterpiece starts with a single line! (Class fee of $65.)

Time: 1:30-2:30pm Session: It Starts with a Line! Instructor: Kaneisha Phifer Dive into the magical world of colors! In this class, preschoolers will learn about color theory and discover exciting ways to mix and match colors. Through hands-on activities and creative projects, children will explore the endless possibilities of the color spectrum. Join us for a colorful adventure where young artists become masterful color creators! (Class fee of $65.)

Week of June 16-20

Week of June 9-13

Time: 9-10:30am Session: Lego Masters Instructor: Anna Kiehn Come express your inner innovator in our Lego class. Attempt STEM challenges as a team and build a Lego city! What sort of Lego inventions will you create? (Class fee of $65.)

Time: 9-10:30am Session: Strawbees Engineering Instructor: NexPlore Strawbees combines hands-on exploration and play with versatile straw pieces to make building and creation fun and accessible for all ages. Strawbees are an award-winning building set made of plastic, paper, and other polymers. This course’s interactive lessons use Strawbees to guide students through important STEAM concepts, making them fun and engaging. Strawbees offers groundbreaking materials for students to express, test, and share their ideas, giving them a sense of pride in what they’ve made. (Class fee of $75.)

Time: 10:30-Noon Session: Zen Garden Instructor: Anna Kiehn Help Wanted! Join us in our exciting work in expanding and decorating the Zen Garden! Activities include planting, digging, building, & creating. Plant & cutting donations are welcome. (Class fee of $65.)

Time: 9-10:30am Session: Artists of Tomorrow Instructor: NexPlore From Georgia O’Keeffe to Pablo Picasso, the style of a different artist will be studied each day when our students focus on a particular piece of the artist’s work. Their study is then the foundation for the creation of their own masterpieces. (Class fee of $75.)

Week of June 23-27

Time: 9-10:30am Session: Programming Edison Instructor: NexPlore During the week students will work through different programming languages starting with the icon-based drag-and drop coding, then block-based coding, and text-based programming to communicate with Edison the robot. There’s always a great sense of achievement when Edison responds to our students’ programs. (Class fee of $75.)

Time: 10:30-Noon Session: You’re in Control! Instructor: NexPlore Participants will be challenged to build and execute programs with real robots. They will combine robotic cubes to craft machines that light up, move, and interact with the world around us. Our students will be in control! (Class fee of $75.)

Time: 12:30-2pm Session: Magic Instructor: NexPlore In this unique course, students build self-confidence, performance skills, and theatrical charm to wow their audience with tricks from their very own magic kits! With an experienced instructor, step-by-step guidebook, and access to tutorial videos, students can learn the tricks of the trade and then practice them at home. Young magicians showcase their new skills for family and friends in a culminating magic show! (Class fee of $75.)

Time: 12:30-2pm Session: Spanish Sense Instructor: Sylvia Phillips Experience the Spanish language and culture through sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell. This class will be full of fun activities such as cooking Hispanic dishes, creating colorful crafts, dancing, & playing games, all in Español! (Class fee of $65.)

Time: 2-3:30pm Session: Energize Instructor: Nexplore Cooperative games and activities will be used to get students outside and moving! Instructors lead students through engaging and fun challenges in a non-competitive environment to build physical skills like hand-eye-foot coordination, throwing and catching, kicking and receiving, and fundamental racquet techniques. Beyond these skills, young athletes learn the importance of healthy habits, fitness, and how to understand their bodies. (Class fee of $75)

Time: 2-3:30pm Session: Discover Architecture Instructor: Anna Kiehn Join us for a unique experience created in partnership with the curator of Frank Lloyd Wright's Westcott House! Students will get the opportunity to express themselves through many fun, engaging, and hands-on activities including incorporating nature in design, a shape scavenger hunt and building with Froebel blocks. A visit to the Westcott House is included. Parents/guardians will be responsible for transportation to and from the Westcott House (85 South Greenmount Avenue) on the last day of the camp. (Capped at 10. Class fee of $65.)

Time: 10:30-Noon Session:Music Moves! Instructor: Michele Slone Come join us to experience music genres and styles through movement, games, activities, art, stories, and fun! Classical, Ragtime, Jazz, Rock, Pop, Country, Movie themes, and more!! We will end with a great big glow in the dark dance party! (Class fee of $65.)

Time: 12:30-2pm Session: Origami Instructor: NexPlore Discover the art of paper folding! Participants will unleash their creativity as they learn the ancient art of origami. From simple paper folding techniques to intricate designs, they'll discover the beauty and versatility of this timeless craft while developing patience, focus, and fine motor skills. (Class fee of $75.)

Time: 2-3:30pm Session: 3D Printing Instructor: NexPlore 3D Printing empowers students to bring their imaginations into reality with 3Doodler pens. Each lesson combines a structured STEAM project with wiggle room to doodle, explore, and create their own ideas. Students might construct landforms to learn about geography or use geometry to make their own shapeshifters. 3D Printing Start+ transforms STEM concepts into 3D projects and sparks joy as students watch science come to life. (Class fee of $90.)

Time: 9-10:30am Session: Math and Art Fusion Instructor: Nadia Syed Discover the harmony between art and math in this unique class! Each day, students will explore a new cultural art form that incorporates fascinating math concepts. From geometric shapes in Persian art to understanding fractions through Origami, and practicing symmetry with Brazilian mask making, students will create a unique masterpiece each day. They'll gain new math skills, artistic techniques, and a deeper appreciation for diverse art forms from around the world. Join us for a creative journey where art marries math in the most delightful ways! (Class fee of $65.)

Time: 10:30-Noon Session: Little Dough-Nuts Instructor: Nexplore This course introduces students to the wonderful world of dough as a tool to expand their academic knowledge and build fine motor skills. Through guided hands-on instruction, students use their imagination to plan, construct, and build their own creations. The lessons use dough as a medium for students to explore math, zoology, and art concepts in a unique setting. The course culminates in a final chemistry engineering project where they design and create a personalized model to keep. (Class fee of $75.)

Time: 10:30-Noon Session: Board Game Bonanza Instructor: Nadia Syed Dive into the world of classic and modern board games! In this exciting class, students will learn and play a variety of games, honing their strategic thinking, logic, math, and social skills. The adventure culminates in a creative group project where students will design and play their very own board game. Join us for a fun and educational journey, where every move matters and teamwork triumphs! (Class fee of $65.)

Time: 12:30-2pm Session: Bend, Twist, Curl, and Squish! Instructor: Nexplore No, it’s not a dance , it’s 3-D art! Art rods are the perfect medium for young folks to use when creating their sculptures of flowers, animals, objects, inventions, or anything they can imagine. While our students bend, twist, curl, and squish their art rods, they’ll be solving creative design problems presented by our teachers. (Class fee of $75.)

Time: 12:30-2pm Session: Tennis Time! Instructor: USTA/Springfield Area Tennis Association Students will participate in a variety of tennis games, drills, and activities to strengthen their skills and love for the game! Be sure to wear gym shoes/tennis shoes and bring a water bottle! Students will receive a racquet and t-shirt! (Class fee of $75.)

Time: 2-3:30pm Session: Math Games Instructor: Nexplore Using an award-winning selection of mind and strategy games from all over the world, students learn a vast array of skills, such as logic and reasoning, leadership, and effective communication. With multiple subjects like science, mathematics, language arts, economy, and entrepreneurship integrated into the games, students will have a great time while learning important academic skills. (Class fee of $75.)

Week of June 9-13

Time: 9-10:30am Session: Robotics w/ Edison Instructor: NexPlore Robotics with Edison combines computational thinking, computer programming, and 21st-century education in an engaging way. Edison is a safe programmable robot and interactive STEM teaching resource for coding and robotics. In Nexplore Robotics, students progress through different programming languages as their skills grow, starting with icon-based drag-and-drop coding, through block-based coding, and on to text-based programming. Students build both this important 21st century skill and their confidence through exploration, iteration, and collaboration. (Class fee of $75.)

Time: 9-10:30am Session: Golf Essentials Instructor: Springfield Country Club (TUESDAY-FRIDAY) Fore! Experience the full spectrum of golf! Practice your putts, chisel your chips, iron out your iron play, and develop your driving, all on the beautiful Springfield Country Club Course. This camp is designed for all skill levels. (Capped at 14. Class fee of $65.)

Time: 10:30-Noon Session: Spanish Sense Instructor: Sylvia Phillips Experience the Spanish language and culture through sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell. This class will be full of fun activities such as cooking Hispanic dishes, creating colorful crafts, dancing, and playing games— all in Español! (Class fee of $65.)

Time: 10:30-Noon Session: 3D Printing Instructor: NexPlore Nexplore 3D Printing empowers students to bring their imaginations into reality with 3Doodler pens. Each lesson combines a structured STEAM project with wiggle room to doodle, explore, and create their own ideas. Students might construct landforms to learn about geography or use geometry to make their own shapeshifters. Nexplore 3D Printing Start+ transforms STEM concepts into 3D projects and sparks joy as students watch science come to life. (Class fee of $90.)

Time: 12:30-2pm Session: I’m a Poet, Now Ya Know It! Instructor: Beth Dixon Students will dive deep into the figures of speech in a week of imagination and emotion! They’ll be free to express themselves through simile, metaphor, imagery, and onomatopoeia. By the end of the week, they’ll have their very own handmade book of poetry. (Class fee of $65.)

Time: 2-3:30pm Session: Andiamo in Italia! Instructor: Chris and Courtney Bosca Join us on an adventure as we explore the language, culture, and foods of Italy. We will choose names, make passports, travel by air, train, and car, visit some of the important regions and landmarks, and order meals from some typical menus In the process everyone will gain an introductory vocabulary to the language and learn something of the culture of Italy. (Class fee of $65.)

Week of June 16-20

Time: 9-10:30am Session: Strawbees Engineering Instructor: NexPlore This class combines hands-on exploration and play with versatile straw pieces to make building and creation fun and accessible for all ages and learning needs. Strawbees are an award-winning building set made of plastic, paper, and other polymers. This course’s interactive lessons use Strawbees to guide students through important STEAM concepts, making them fun and engaging. Strawbees offers groundbreaking materials for students to express, test, and share their ideas, giving them a sense of pride in what they’ve made. (Class fee of $75.)

Time: 9-10:30am Session: Act Up! Instructor: Beth Dixon and Eric Tyler Barga Kids will love “acting up” in this introduction to musical theatre class! Each day will include singing, acting and improvisational games that build self-confidence. Everyone’s a star in this class that culminates in a live performance at the end of the week. (Class fee of $65.)

Time: 10:30-Noon Session: Game On! Sports Camp Instructor: Rachael Detraz Get ready for action-packed fun with all your favorite sports! From kickball and soccer to dodgeball, volleyball, and basketball, this camp has it all. Plus, enjoy a variety of exciting gym games that will keep you on your toes. Whether you're a budding athlete or just love to play, join us for an unforgettable week of teamwork, skill-building, and non-stop excitement! Cap of 14. (Class fee of $65)

Time: 12:30-2pm Session: Nature- Inspired Art Instructor: Cindy Loftis Dive into the wonders of the natural world right in Ridgewood School’s landlab. Engage with nature and experiment with natural and recycled materials to craft unique and stunning pieces of art.. (Class fee of $65.)

Time: 2-3:30pm Session: Let Your Fingers Do the Talking Instructor: Marianna Stewart A variety of games and activities will introduce students to American Sign Language (ASL). Participants will learn basic conversation and culture including greeting, ASL alphabet and numbers, animal signs, and more! Cap of 10 students. (Class fee of $65.)

Week of June 23-27

Time: 9-10:30am Session: Build-a-Bot Instructor: NexPlore Build a Bot is a fun inquiry-based hands-on STEAM experience that engages students in design and robotics. In this program, students practice their engineering skills to create a series of robot models, each operating with a different mechanism and fulfilling a unique purpose. Students challenge their hands and minds to build fascinating bots, like the Fiber Optic Lamp, Powered Boat, Bubble Blower, and more! This program is fully aligned with NGSS standards and students even get to keep their creations. (Class fee of $90.)

Time: 9-10:30am Session: The Art of Book Building Instructor: Beth Dixon Each day we’ll explore literature through art and play. We’ll also understand the elements of a good story – character, conflict and setting –by writing and illustrating our own storybooks! (Class fee of $65)

Time: 10:30-Noon Session: Squishy Circuits Instructor: Beth Dixon Students combine their imaginations with an electrical engineering curriculum to bring dough sculptures to life. They use dough and circuits together to create models that light up, spin, and make noise while learning about insulators, conductors, short circuits and more! The course culminates in an exciting final project where they engineer their own dough circuit challenge. (Class fee of $75.)

Time: 12:30-2pm Session: Magic Tricks Instructor: NexPlore Prepare to be amazed as you delve into the mesmerizing world of magic! Campers will learn the secrets of illusion and sleight of hand as they discover the science and artistry behind classic magic tricks. (Class fee of $75.)

Time: 12:30-2pm Session: The Great Outdoors Instructor: Dave Swingle Students will spend the week learning important outdoor skills that build on one another. From identifying essential items for everyday outdoor activities, to basic first aid, fire safety, and campsite essentials, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of responsible, sustainable, and safe fun in the great outdoors. (Class fee of $65.)

Time: 2-3:30pm Session: Tennis Time! Instructor: USTA/Springfield Area Tennis Association Students will participate in a variety of tennis games, drills, and activities to strengthen their skills and love for the game! Be sure to wear gym shoes/tennis shoes and bring a water bottle! Students will receive a racquet and t-shirt! (Class fee of $75.)

Week of June 9-13

Time: 9-3:30pm Session: Thinking Outside the School Instructor: Becky Konecki and Brian McWhorter Back by popular demand, this class is a special six-and-a-half-hour off-campus session where students can expand their horizons while experiencing some of the exciting activities our local community and outdoors has to offer. Tentative activities include a low ropes course, tower climbing, Springfield history tour, yoga, ice skating, bowling, kayaking, hiking, and campfire cooking! (Capped at 15. Due to the daily 6.5 hour class time & other expenses, the fee for this course is $295.)

Week of June 16-20

Time: 9-10:30am Session: Beginning Fencing Instructor: Greg and Cheryl Paquette Fencing is the Olympic sport of swordplay that can be enjoyed by people of any age or shape. It offers a multitude of benefits. Fencing is both a physical and a mental workout. As a combat sport, two athletes use swords to attack and defend against one another with the aim of striking their opponent in order to score points. Be curious and see what it is like to fence with a foil! (Class fee of $75.)

Time: 10:30-Noon Session: Pop Art Instructor: Molly Loftis Explore the artistic minds of the Pop Art era, including: Andy Warhol, Roy Lichenstein, and Claes Oldenburg and experiment with printmaking, sculpture, and comic strips! (Class fee of $65.)

Time: 12:30-2pm Session: Tennis Time! Instructor: USTA/Springfield Students will participate in a variety of tennis games, drills, and activities to strengthen their skills and love for the game! Be sure to wear gym shoes/tennis shoes and bring a water bottle! Students will receive a racquet and t-shirt! (Class fee of $75.)

Time: 2-3:30pm Session: Retro Collage Animations Instructor: Brian Traylor Cut out and assemble fun collages using a wide range of retro catalogs and magazines from the 1910s-70s. We will then learn how to make a stop motion animation with a DSLR camera and video editing software to bring our collages to life. Taught by local filmmaker and artist Brian Traylor from Hatch New Media. (Class fee of $65.)

Week of June 23-27

Time: 9-10:30am Session: Golf Essentials Instructor: Springfield Country Club (TUESDAY-FRIDAY) Fore! Experience the full spectrum of golf! Practice your putts, chisel your chips, iron out your iron play, and develop your driving, all on the beautiful Springfield Country Club Course. Designed for all skill levels. (Capped at 14. Class fee of $65.)

Time: 9-10:30am Session: Nature Warriors: Summer Restoration Instructor: Paul Sauter Come spend the day in our land lab! In this class, we will identify plants and remove non-native species, tear down and rebuild a border fence adjacent to the creek, clear out invasive ivy, plant various native plants , and touch up the trail system. Getting filthy: guaranteed. Bring muscle! (Class fee of $65.)

Time: 10:30-Noon Session: Young Entrepreneurs Instructor: Jess Swingle In our "Young Entrepreneurs" workshop, students will embark on an exciting journey into the world of entrepreneurship. This hands-on program is designed to inspire creativity, foster critical thinking, and ignite the entrepreneurial spirit within young minds. Throughout the week, each student will build their own business (real or fictitious) and learn the art and science behind building a brand, crafting offers, mastering pricing, and turning customers into raving fans. (Class fee of $65.)

Time: 12:30-2pm Session: Rockets Away Instructor: Bob Cripe Prepare to blast off! This class is an action-packed adventure in math, engineering, aerospace and physics through the study of rocket science. Learn more about Newton's Laws of Motion to the principles of lift, thrust, drag, and gravity. All of this leads up to the ultimate thrill for each student...building and launching a 2-liter bottle rocket. Make sure to bring your own 2L! (Cap of 15, Class fee of $65.)

Time: 2-3:30pm Session: The Great Outdoors Instructor: Dave Swingle Students will spend the week learning important outdoor skills. From identifying essential items for everyday outdoor activities, to basic first aid, fire safety, and campsite essentials, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of responsible, sustainable, and safe fun in the great outdoors. (Class fee of $65.)