At Minds Alive! Middle School Summer Camp your child will have an extraordinary experience in engaging classes designed specifically for curious and adventurous children entering grades 5 through 8. Get ready for a summer of exploration and fun!
Phone: 520-327-6395
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
You may choose either the half-day or full-day option. For example, if you choose the half-day option, please choose one class in either the morning or afternoon per session. If you choose the full-day option, choose two classes, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, for each session. Please note that lunch is provided for full-day students.
COVID requirements
for MindsAlive!
Due to the everchanging COVID landscape, COVID protocols
for Minds Alive! will be announced prior to the start of camp.
June 6 - June 17
Class Name | Class Description |
---|---|
Sports and Fitness Xavier Zaragoza | This class is a fun way for kids to exercise and develop skills in the air conditioned Gregory School Gym. The class will offer students the opportunity to play and learn about sports such as basketball, volleyball, badminton, soccer, and tennis. Students will be guided to improve their strength, flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, and coordination through play and exercise. |
Spanish Language & Culture Betty Boudreau | Come and have fun playing games and doing projects while learning Spanish! We will focus on learning the culture and vocabulary of Spanish Speaking countries as well as grammar and pronunciation of the language. Be ready to have virtual travel experiences to Mexico, Peru, Costa Rica, Spain and more. Classes are open to all levels of Spanish language proficiency. |
Let’s Put on a Show Lisa Bodden | Come play! Spend two weeks putting on a comedy play with costumes, sets, props, sound, and lights. You’ll improve your acting skills, have fun, and make friends. On the last week of class, we’ll perform on the stage in front of your family and friends. |
Drawing, Painting and Canyon Pong Virginia Encila | There will never be a dull moment in this unique session! Students will receive customized art instruction in drawing and painting, as well as the opportunity to play the innovative game of Canyon Pong, Ping Pong’s unique cousin. Along with project explorations in an array of media, students will design, paint and use their new paddles in a variety of Canyon Pong games. Build your athletic and creative skills with fun and fine art! All skill levels welcome! |
Class Name | Class Description |
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Welcome to the FabLab Mitch Milam | Prepare to get your make on! In this class you will be able to let your design concepts come to life! We will use a variety of materials to make your ideas a reality! From paint, cardboard, wood, and vinyl. There are endless possibilities, so who knows what you’ll come up with! |
Musical Madness Lisa Bodden | Can you really do a musical in just two weeks? Sure! You’ll act, sing, and dance in a musical with costumes, sets, props, sound, and lights. Have fun, make friends, and during the last week, perform on the stage in front of your family and friends. |
The Art of Sketchbooking Avery O’Brien | Learn the art of sketchbooking! We will experiment with various mediums and techniques, including drawing, watercolor, and collage. We will also explore different methods of keeping a sketchbook, so everyone can find what suits them best. Each camper will receive their own sketchbook to work in throughout the course and take home at the end. This class is for anyone who enjoys creating; all skill levels welcome! |
June 20 - July 1
Class Name | Class Description |
---|---|
Sports and Fitness Xavier Zaragoza | This class is a fun way for kids to exercise and develop skills in the air conditioned Gregory School Gym. The class will offer students the opportunity to play and learn about sports such as basketball, volleyball, badminton, soccer, and tennis. Students will be guided to improve their strength, flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, and coordination through play and exercise. |
Spanish Language & Culture Betty Boudreau | Come and have fun playing games and doing projects while learning Spanish! We will focus on learning the culture and vocabulary of Spanish Speaking countries as well as grammar and pronunciation of the language. Be ready to have virtual travel experiences to Mexico, Peru, Costa Rica, Spain and more. Classes are open to all levels of Spanish language proficiency. |
Let’s Put on a Show Lisa Bodden | Come play! Spend two weeks putting on a comedy play with costumes, sets, props, sound, and lights. You’ll improve your acting skills, have fun, and make friends. On the last week of class, we’ll perform on the stage in front of your family and friends. |
Writer's Workshop: Short Fiction Anna Cain | In this class we will write short stories, across genres like fantasy, sci fi, mystery, travel, and nature writing. This class welcomes all writers, of any skill level, to a supportive and creative environment! Everyone has a story to tell- what will be yours? |
Class Name | Class Description |
---|---|
Welcome to the FabLab Mitch Milam | Prepare to get your make on! In this class you will be able to let your design concepts come to life! We will use a variety of materials to make your ideas a reality! From paint, cardboard, wood, and vinyl. There are endless possibilities, so who knows what you’ll come up with! |
Musical Madness Lisa Bodden | Can you really do a musical in just two weeks? Sure! You’ll act, sing, and dance in a musical with costumes, sets, props, sound, and lights. Have fun, make friends, and during the last week, perform on the stage in front of your family and friends. |
Lego Robotics Jennifer DeBenedetti | Do you love building with LEGOS? How about solving problems? In this class you will be solving a variety of programming challenges using LEGO robots. No programming or building experience is necessary to enjoy this class. We will apply a design process to build with purpose, and discuss fundamental programming concepts using LEGO Mindstorms software. |
Writer’s Workshop: Poetry Anna Cain | Escape from the summer heat and into the world of poetry. From haikus to sonnets, rhyme to free verse, Shakespeare to Rupi Kaur, there is poetry for everyone. This class welcomes all writers, of any skill level, to a supportive and creative environment! |
Mrs. Lisa Bodden holds a BS in Theater Education and an MA in Theater Arts. She just completed her fifteenth year teaching drama and stagecraft classes and directing shows at The Gregory School. When not in the classroom, she is often found onstage or in front of the camera performing with community theater companies in Tucson and making films for the U of A.
Mrs. Boudreau has been a Spanish teacher for 20 years. Teaching is her passion and being around kids is a pleasure for her. She is currently a Spanish teacher at The Gregory School. Mrs. Boudreau enjoys reading and watching movies in addition to working with children.
Ms. Cain received her B.A. in English Literature from Colorado College and is currently pursuing a masters of Liberal Arts at St. John’s College. She teaches English and Creative Writing at The Gregory School. Outside of school, Ms. Cain loves to read, write, and watch foreign films with her two senior dogs.
Mrs. DeBenedetti has taught kindergarten through 8th grade across her 16 years of teaching. She started building and programming with LEGO robots about 10 years ago and instantly found a hobby - turned job! Mrs. DeBenedetti loves solving problems and bringing ideas to life, and the LEGO robots are a perfect way to accomplish both missions.
Mrs. Encila is a high honors graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a BFA and a major in Art Education. She has over forty years teaching experience, including seven years with the Summer Fine Arts program, and twelve years at Esperero Canyon Middle School. Besides art, she has many other passions including basketball, horseback riding, cooking, and all things nature.
Mr. Milam has an MA in English LIterature and Language and specialized in early modern drama. He taught college rhetoric at Texas Tech University for three years. When not at school he is often immersed in a book or watching movies with friends.
Ms. O’Brien is an alumna of both Minds Alive! and The Gregory School. She currently attends Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, where she is pursuing degrees in Studio Art and Creative Writing. In her free time, she likes to read, paint, hike, and spend time with her friends and family.
Mr. Zaragoza received a B.S. in Physical Education from Northern Arizona University. Currently he is teaching P.E. at The Gregory School as well as coaching softball and volleyball for the School. He has worked in many summer camps and has taught and assisted in a variety of sports camps and classes.