Introducing Camp U: A New Way To Do Summer School
“We want our students to come to school and learn, but have fun. They need an array of rich experiences, especially after such a hard year. Camp U really is an extension of Learning Reimagined, and we are excited to rethink summer school so it better serves our students.”
- Superintendent Sharonica Hardin-Bartley
Camp U sessions run June 7 - July 16, 2021
For rising 1st-5th grade students register at tinyurl.com/CampUPreregister.
Please note, slots for Camp U at the elementary level are full, however we have started a waiting list. Please register at the above link if you would like your child to be placed on a waiting list.
For rising 6th-8th grade students register at www.ucityschools.org/BWCampU.
Please note, slots for Camp U at the middle school level are full, however we have started a waiting list. Please register at the above link if you would like your child to be placed on a waiting list.
For rising 9th-12th grade students register at www.ucityschools.org/UCHSCampURegistration by May 19, 2021.
This summer, The School District of University City is proud to offer its students hands-on fun and engaging summer learning through Camp U: A Summer of Exploration and Discovery.
Camp U is more than just a summer school. The free, in-person camp offers traditional teacher-led support in reading, writing and math, but in a dynamic way that utilizes partnerships and field trips with important St. Louis institutions, including the Magic House’s Made makerspace, COCA, the Saint Louis Science Center, The Green Center and others. Teachers will design their camps around themed topics that integrate hands-on learning and learning competencies.
Camp U is free to University City rising 1st-8th graders and will be offered in two sessions over a span of six weeks. Students may enroll in one or both sessions. Information about high school summer school also follows.
Dates, locations: June 7 - July 16, 2021
- Session 1: June 7- June 25
- Session 2: June 28 - July 16 (no camp on July 5)
- Students will be separated by grade level. Lunch will be provided.
- Students in grades K-5 will attend Camp U Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Jackson Park Elementary.
- Students in grades 6-8 will attend Brittany Woods Middle School Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., with the option of extending the day to 2:30 p.m. for chess club or athletic camps
Registration: Parents can expect more information soon, with open registration for Camp U and the high school program beginning after spring break. Space may be limited so make sure to note all deadlines for the registration process.
University City High School will continue to maintain its free summer credit recovery program. Classes meet in the mornings, Monday through Friday, from June 7 through July 16 at the high school. Virtual credit recovery options will be offered as well.
Camp U is two weeks longer than the Summer Learning Academy, the District’s former summer school program. It is also a departure from its former summer school model. The Camp U program will feature partnerships with COCA, the Science Center, the Missouri Botanical Gardens and the Magic House.
Superintendent Sharonica Hardin-Bartley said the District decided to revamp the Summer Learning Academy in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has kept many students learning at home. The program not only offers children a chance to catch up and accelerate in reading, writing and math, but provides the joy and enrichment of a summer camp experience – giving our children a chance to unwind, refresh and reconnect after such a hard year.
“We want our students to come to school and learn, but have fun,” Hardin-Bartley said. “They need an array of rich experiences, especially after such a hard year. Camp U really is an extension of Learning Reimagined, and we are excited to rethink summer school so it better serves our students.”
Camp U will utilize the same safety and health protocols currently in use for in-person instruction. Students will still physically distance in buildings, and mask-wearing is required. Students will also be able to socialize and learn outside in healthy air and sunshine.
Further information on the camp will be posted when available.
Learning themes as of March 4, 2021
Elementary
Rising 1st graders
June 7-25: Inspired By Nature
How can observing the natural world help us find solutions to human problems?
June 28-July 16: Boom, Boom, Flash
How can we use light and sound to communicate different kinds of feelings without words?
Rising 2nd graders
June 7-25: Community Superheroes
What makes someone a community hero?
June 28 - July 16: Safety Avengers
In case of a fire or other dangers, what are the best ways to be safe?
Rising 3rd graders
June 7-25: Marking History, Making History
How can we as historians uncover and share stories about our community?
June 28-July 16: Shrinking Our Footprints
How can we use data to reduce our families’ impact on the environment?
Rising 4th graders
June 7-25: Community Photojournalist
How can we, as photojournalists, tell the untold stories of our community?
June 28-July 16: Making Space for Change
How can we redesign a public space to make it more environmentally sustainable?
Rising 5th graders
June 7-25: Starting a Business
How do businesses start and grow to become financially successful?
June 28-July 16: Quadrats to Biodiversity
Can one square meter predict the health of our ecosystem?
Middle School (PDF Brochure)
June 7-25 or June 28-July 16
Giving Garden - taught by Rubina McCadney
Are you a person who likes to explore the outdoors? Do you wonder what you can do to create a more balanced life for yourself and maybe even our planet? If so, this camp is for you! We’ll talk about what YOU need or want in YOUR life! Each day we will also spend time maintaining our plants and chickens in our campus Giving Garden. That’s not all! We’ll also examine social justice work involved in making sure EVERYONE has what they need to not only survive but to thrive. Plan on having a ton of fun and relaxation.
June 7-25 or June 28-July 16
BWMS Drumline - taught by Justin Spencer
Do you enjoy playing to the beat of your own drum? Well, together we can make some banging music! During the Drumline Camp you will learn the mental and physical aspects of percussion performance through technique and musicianship. The program is uniquely designed to enhance your positive attitude, leadership skills, and establish a uniformed playing style.
June 7-25 or June 28-July 16
Makers Unite! - Taught by Kelly Werthmulller
Do you like to invent, tinker and create with tech tools? In this camp you will have the opportunity to explore and create digitally with three different tech rotations: 3D Design, Podcasting, and Graphic Design. Campers are encouraged to be inventive and use their critical thinking skills while collaborating on projects with other campers who have similar interests.
June 7-25 or June 28-July 16
Dance Fusion - taught by Jehmela Wilson
Do you love to dance and move? In this camp you will learn competitive dance and step. We will use high energy, rhythmic movements to create beats using various parts of our bodies with step and dance moves. Come prepared for a fun, creative session building relationships and yourself! This camp is built on leadership, self-esteem, discipline, creative and sportsmanship.
June 7-25 only
Food Fantasy taught by Astra Alsobrook
Can you imagine a world where you can pick your favorite fruit without going to the grocery store? Historically there have been food deserts in impoverished communities. In this camp we will explore what food deserts are, visit urban gardens, and develop a tool to help all people learn to make healthy dishes and lifestyle choices.
June 7-25 or June 28-July 16
Bon Appetit - taught by D'Angello Collier
Are you a foodie who loves to cook? Cooking creatively is an art form that brings people from all over the world together. You will learn the basics of cooking and baking with simple ingredients and minimal kitchen tools. As a budding chef this camp will boost your self-confidence and build your knowledge of the culinary arts.
June 7-25 or June 28-July 16
Clay Creations - taught by Andrea Linskey
This is a camp where CLAY meets COMMUNITY. Have you ever noticed the beautiful sculptures right here in our own backyard? We will take a deep dive into the world of clay and how it can be used as a form of self expression and to beautify any space. Let your creativity flow as you form works of art that represents who you are and what you are passionate about. To inspire our creativity, we will visit galleries in Ucity with ceramic artwork, seek and gather natural resources in our community, and create our own unique sculptures.
June 7-25 or June 28-July 16
Lionsgate - taught Jamie Young
What makes University City so unique in St. Louis? From the famous restaurants and landmarks to the issues of equity, University City is rich with history. Grab your walking shoes and be prepared to explore many of the different neighborhoods that make up our diverse community. In this camp, we will explore Ucity’s most iconic neighborhoods and sights while also unpacking inequities within the community.
High School
Rising 9-12th grade students
- Credit Recovery: June 7 - July 1, 2021
- 9th Grade Transition Program: July 6-16, 2021
All UCHS summer courses will be taught with the Distance Learning Platform Format using Google Classroom at home or in the Learning Hub at UCHS.
Course options are specified on the registration form.
Registration is open until May 19, 2021, at www.ucityschools.org/UCHSCampURegistration
