Build A Camp at the Holy Spirit School
We are very excited to continue offering our summer programs at the Holy Spirit School in Annandale, VA. With a beautiful 12 acre campus, just outside the beltway, it serves a perfect location for our wide range of programs. Once again this year, we will be offering our Build a Camp Program, which allows families ultimate flexibility with full and half day options. New this year, we will be offering a limited selection of our most popular one week camps. This gives parents both one and two week options on the same site. We will also be offering our Academic Summer Classes at the Holy Spirit School. These challenging programs offer another avenue for summer discovery. Our staff highly recommends a morning academic class paired with an afternoon Build a Camp selection to experience the best of both worlds.
Morning Academic Summer Class Descriptions
Afternoon Build-A-Camp Program Descriptions
FAQ
How does Build a Camp work?
Our camp day is split into two blocks, plus lunch. Campers select one morning activity and one afternoon activity. You also have the option to enroll in just a half day or a full day, split with our academic offerings.
What are the hours?
9:00AM to 3:00PM
Is there an Extended Hours Program?
Yes, EHP is available in the AM from 7:00-9:00 and in the PM from 3:00-6:00.
Is lunch provided?
Yes, hot lunch is provided everyday for full-day campers.
Can I take academic classes and camp offerings?
Yes, you may split your day with half academic and half camp.
Do campers go swimming?
Campers will swim once a session, weather permitting.
Is transportation available?
Yes, roundtrip transportation is available using the Congressional Camp Cluster Stops and Holy Spirit Shuttle.
How do I sign up?
Registration is 100% online and begins on Thursday, January 20th at 8:00PM.
Morning Academic Summer Classes
(July 9 – July 20)
Rising 1st
In this language arts lab, emergent readers work on a range of skills including letter-sound recognition, usingpictures to predict, and directional movement of text. Of course, they’ll be having so much fun with literature-related cooking, arts and crafts and dramatic play that they probably won’t even realize they’re learning how to read!
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Rising 3rd – 6th
Budding novelist or poet? This camp is for you! Students will spend their morning working on the craft of creative writing. Activities will focus on extending ideas to print, elaboration, poetry, and persuasive commercial writing.
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Rising 1st – 4th
Math lovers and learners will focus on number sense, algebraic reasoning, and computation as they explore areas of positive and negative numbers, fractions, decimals, and money. Logic problems and puzzles will help campers apply their understanding with mathematical reasoning.
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Rising 2nd – 6th
If you love to build, draw, and design, Engineering is Elementary is your camp! This half-day camp will share the world of engineering – giving campers hands on experiences that put their math and science knowledge to work. Engineers will have the chance to build with advanced Erector sets, experiment with building techniques, and work on other exciting projects.
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Presidents, Preambles, and Press
Rising 3rd – 6th
Take an interactive tour of American History as you learn about how our country was founded. We will investigate famous people, reenact major events, and revisit influential wars as we travel through America’s history.
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Rising 1st – 4th
¿Habla Español? If not, try this introductory Spanish camp that will focus on common vocabulary, phrases, songs, and the culture. Hands on activities will reinforce language acquisition through cooking, crafts, and culture!
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Rising 2nd – 6th
A techie at heart? Learn how to use the computer beyond just gaming! Campers will try out Microsoft software like Word, Publisher, PowerPoint, Excel, and PhotoStory that will help your classwork be a breeze next year!
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Rising 3rd – 6th
What is better than building Legos or playing on the computer? Building Legos AND playing on the computer! This is an introductory course to Lego Robotics. Campers will work in pairs with the software and Legos to make their robots move and perform tasks! If only you could program it to make your bed…
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(July 23 – August 3)
Rising 4th – 6th
During this two-week intensive study of Shakespeare, older campers investigate the artistry and process of classic theatre in performance. Students analyze and interpret Shakespeare’s text, learn the tools to create characters utilizing their bodies, voices and imaginations, and explore the art of stage combat. A typical day of camp will include reading, acting, theatre games, film, history, and even prop design!
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Rising 1st – 3rd
Young writers and publishers focus on journalistic writing, fiction, desktop publishing programs, digital photography, and book building. The focus will be on the writing process – from prewriting to publishing and will give authors time to illustrate their favorite pieces of work.
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Rising 1st – 4th
Polygons, Pythagoras, and perpendicular lines – students who love shapes, tessellating objects, and patterns will love this two week camp focused on math through geometry. Students will also discuss number, measurement, and logical reasoning but with an emphasis on shapes and construction.
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Rising 3rd – 6th
This hands-on science program will explore fundamental concepts of Earth Science. Students will learn the principal categories of rock classification: sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic. We will also participate in a simulated fossil dig, model volcanoes, geocaching and other interactive projects.
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Time Travelers – Ancient History
Rising 1st – 3rd
Are you ready for this journey through time? This exciting program will take campers through history as we dive into Ancient Rome, Greece, China, and Mali. Create a mosaic masterpiece, design a Roman diorama, and explore ancient cultures through myths and legends. Write in hieroglyphics, build model pyramids, make papyrus, cast sundried bricks and more as you learn about each of these unique historical places.
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Rising 2nd – 6th
For two weeks, enter France through language, culture, food, and music. Our experienced French teacher designs high-engagement immersion activities for all levels of language learners from novices to those who have already studied for several years. With both direct instruction and hands-on application, beginners can establish a firm foundation and more experienced students can achieve a level of fluency that might otherwise take months in a conventional classroom.
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Rising 3rd – 6th
Have a curious child? Always have questions they are interested in studying? Give them an opportunity to study areas they are intrigued by! Following the I-Search model, students will be led through inquiry projects of their own choosing. The two-week camp will end with students sharing their knowledge through a project of choice.
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Rising 3rd – 6th
This session will advance students through the Lego Mindstorm Kits who have some experience working with Legos, technology, and programming. In pairs, students will build robots and program them to complete tasks using light, sound, and distance sensors. Students will also experiment with wheel sizes, gear ratios and more.
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(August 6 – 17)
Rising 2nd – 4th
Explore wonderful age appropriate literature under the guidance of seasoned primary teachers. Digital storytelling, dramatizations, readers’ theater and much more can help strong readers forge ahead of grade level and allow less confident students the safety and support needed to bolster skills and achievement.
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Advanced Writing and Publishing
Rising 3rd – 6th
Students explore literary genres including poetry, nonfiction, narrative, persuasive, fables, myths, and fairy tales. Through development of character, genres will be introduced with discussion, partner work, literary examples, and a variety of writing prompts during which students develop and elaborate on each genre. Favorite pieces will be published and shared in a café setting on the final day.
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Rising 1st – 6th
For students who enjoy math or simply seek greater confidence, this course offers age appropriate instruction under the guidance of an experienced teacher with the support of assistants to provide individualized attention. Math Lab extends math knowledge in all strands –number sense, computation, measurement, probability, geometry, and graphing.
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Rising 1st – 4th
Get ready for a journey that’s out of this world! Students will embark on a mission outside our atmosphere to the outer reaches of the solar system. Topics covered will include stars constellations, moons, planets, comets and more.
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Rising 3rd – 6th
This interactive class invites students to take on numerous roles during teacher-led mock trials. Students will have the opportunity to participate as attorneys, witnesses and jurors as they learn about our court system. This new session will also include visits from local legal professionals who will share their expertise with our class.
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Rising 3rd – 6th
For children who have some experience in Spanish, these two weeks allow them to enter another world through the language, culture, food and music. Experienced teachers of foreign language design high engagement immersion activities with both direct instruction and hands-on application, campers establish a firm foundation and achieve a level of fluency that might otherwise take months in a conventional classroom.
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Rising 1st – 4th
Working in pairs, students will be able to build Lego models featuring working motors and sensors; program their models; and explore a series of cross-curricular, theme based activities. Meanwhile, they will develop their skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, as well as language and literacy.
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Rising 3rd – 6th
Data detective? Puzzle professor? Logical learner? Test your skills through a series of puzzles and game meant to stretch and increase your brain power! Each day will be a balance of individual problems, group puzzles, strategy games, and logic challenges to test even the most advanced thinker!
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Afternoon Build-A-Camp Programs
Holy Spirit Session 5 Afternoon
(July 9 – July 20)
Rising 1st – 6th
Come jump in the “mud” at Congressional Camp for two weeks of clay, hand-building, pottery, and crafts! Turn slabs to sculptures, coils to cups, and lumps into lovelies. Explore surface decoration with carving, glazing, and more.
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Rising 3rd – 6th
With an emphasis on proper technique and movement on the field, campers will be taught how to optimize tactics such as crossing and finishing; defending 1 vs. 1; and ways to pass, trap, and dribble. The Soccer Shoot-out instructors will provide your child with fun and creative ways to play both individually and within a team environment.
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Rising 3rd – 6th
For students who enjoy math or simply seek greater confidence, this course offers age appropriate instruction under the guidance of an experienced teacher with the support of assistants to provide individualized attention. Math Lab extends math knowledge in all strands– number sense, computation, measurement, probability, geometry, and graphing.
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Rising 3rd – 6th
Now, more than ever, Mother Nature needs pioneering kids to lead the way to a cleaner, greener world. Learn about recycling, ecology, the environment, and biomes through hands on activities and experiments. Campers will also develop their own project to show the whole camp that it’s easy being green!
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Rising 1st – 4th
In this program, our taste buds will take a trip south of the border as we learn basic cooking skills and experience authentic Mexican dishes. Quesadillas, guacamole, and homemade salsa are just a few items on the menu for this fun addition to your cooking repertoire. Buen provecho!
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Rising 1st – 3rd
Campers will be moving and playing to nonstop excitement and a fun filled two weeks of games and sports. Loads of equipment and different activities each day to include goofy games, relay races, capture the flag, basketball, soccer, T-ball, Frisbees, and board games for learning and enjoyment.Come join the fun!
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Rising 2nd – 5th
Known as “theater of the imagination”, Readers’ Theater involves children understanding story worlds, reading plays and scripts, performing classic and unique stories, and bringing enjoyment to themselves and their audiences. It is a simple, effective, and risk-free way to get children to enjoy reading. A performance with student-made props will be scheduled the last week of this session.
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Rising 1st – 3rd
This exciting new combination session will make any Lego fan’s dream come true. This unique opportunity will allow campers to design and build as far as their imagination will take them. One week will be devoted to the City collection of Legos while the other on Lego Pirates.
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Holy Spirit Session 6 Afternoon
(July 23 – August 3)
Rising 1st – 6th
Make a real impression with your artwork. In this program, campers will create original pieces, using a variety of papermaking and printing techniques. Artists will develop unique designs and showcase them in innovative fashions.
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Rising 2nd – 6th
Campers will spend two weeks playing and learning different sports usually played in teams. Games will include basketball, kickball, baseball, soccer, football, ultimate Frisbee and more! Indoor and outdoor play will be encouraged as they work up an appetite with new and old friends! Teamwork and good sportsmanship are stressed.
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Rising 3rd – 6th
For students who enjoy math or simply seek greater confidence, this course offers age appropriate instruction under the guidance of an experienced teacher with the support of assistants to provide individualized attention. Math Lab extends math knowledge in all strands– number sense, computation, measurement, probability, geometry, and graphing.
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A Day in the Life of a Scientist
Rising 3rd – 6th
Interested in science – but not sure which kind? Try out a day in the life of each! This camp will have a different focus each few days. Budding scientists will try out astronomy, chemistry, botany, biology, ecology, engineering, physics and more! Each day will offer new, hands-on trials with ever-changing variables, so begin hypothesizing.
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Rising 1st – 4th
Oo la la! Put those French words to work when your child learns to make crepes and pain au chocolate! French techniques, vocabulary, and cooking styles will be shared through a variety of authentic recipes. You can only hope each day has leftovers. Bon appétit!
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Rising 3rd – 6th
Working in pairs, students will be able to build Lego models featuring working motors and sensors; program their models; and explore a series of cross-curricular, theme based activities. Meanwhile, they will develop their skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, as well as language and literacy.
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Rising 2nd – 6th
Checkmate! This program for beginners to more advanced players will cover a variety of tactics and strategies. Exercise your brain as you compete against fellow campers in a friendly atmosphere daily.
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Lego Star Wars and Lego Castle
Rising 1st – 4th
Crusaders, Royal Knights, and Forestmen unite as we embark on an adventure into the world of Legos – Castle Edition and Lego Star Wars. With one week focusing on each type of Legos, no fanatic can resist. This program will allow campers to design and build our own villages, spaceships, and kingdoms in a hands-on and teamwork based program.
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Holy Spirit Session 7 Afternoon
(August 6 – 17)
Rising 3rd – 6th
Campers will use their imagination, a digital camera, and photo-editing software to explore art electronically. We will start with basic editing, color manipulations, and working with layers. We will combine several techniques, add in filter effects, and composition to create digital montages.
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Rising 3rd – 6th
Love sports but traditional soccer isn’t your cup of tea? Try out our Ultimate Sports and see what Ultimate Frisbee, kickball, handball, hill ball, capture the flag, German bat ball, king pin, and more are all about. Games will be played indoors and out, so plan to be active!
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Rising 1st – 4th
Math lovers and learners will focus on number sense, algebraic reasoning, and computation as they explore areas of positive and negative numbers, fractions, decimals, and money. Logic problems and puzzles will help campers apply their understanding of numbers.
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Rising 1st – 5th
Don’t miss the chance to become a data detective! We will discuss states of matter, density, water, crystals, gas expansion, weather, and botany. You are encouraged to bring your own ideas and curiosity to the Lab.
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Around the World Gourmet Cooking
Rising 1st – 6th
Explore the full range of cooking and food preparation from basic snacks to outrageous desserts, from familiar fare to international cuisine. Spend two weeks expanding your culinary horizons in this fun, hands-on cooking camp. Learn basic techniques such as measuring and mixing along with basic kitchen safety while attempting a variety of recipes. When it’s all done, you will have a complete cookbook of recipes to take home and enjoy all year long.
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Rising 2nd – 6th
Checkmate! This program for beginners to more advanced players will cover a variety of tactics and strategies. Exercise your brain as you compete against fellow campers in a friendly atmosphere daily.
Morning Class Index Afternoon Camp Index
Rising 2nd – 6th
“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” Join us this summer as we learn exactly what it takes to make it in the world of the performing arts. Campers will study the history of theater dating back to the Ancient Greeks, build sets and props, learn lighting and sound design, and write and perform their own skits and plays.
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Rising 1st – 3rd
Young musicians will have the chance to put melodies into action! This camp will incorporate favorite songs, basic instruments, finger plays, musical games, dance, and props as campers sing and dance through the afternoon! Campers are encouraged to bring any personal instruments and the instructor will allow for time to include them into the group activity and some individual practice time during the two weeks.
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