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Get ready for a summer of exploration and fun!

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: mindsalive@gregoryschool.org

Classes meet Monday through Friday

In observance of Juneteenth, there will be no camp on Wednesday, June 19.

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.

Session 1

June 3 - June 14

  • Writer’s Workshop: Short Fiction
    9:30 am to 12 pm
  • Sports and Fitness
    9:30 am to 12 pm
  • Spanish Fun
    9:30 am to 12 pm
  • Let’s Put on a Show!
    9:30 am to 12 pm
  • Welcome to the FabLabThis class is full.
    9:30 am to 12 pm
  • Musical Madness
    12:30pm to 3:00pm
  • Time Traveling Detectives
    12:30pm to 3:00pm
  • Cooking with Chef Noelle
    12:30pm to 3:00pm
  • Waste to Wonder
    12:30pm to 3:00pm
  • eSports
    12:30pm to 3:00pm

Session 2

In observance of Juneteenth, there will be no camp on June 19.
June 17 - June 28
  • Sports and Fitness
    9:30 am to 12 pm
  • Beginning Handbuilding: Play with Clay!
    9:30 am to 12 pm
  • Let’s Put on a Show!
    9:30 am to 12 pm
  • Fairy Tales and Mythology
    9:30 am to 12 pm
  • Welcome to the FabLab
    9:30 am to 12 pm
  • Musical Madness
    12:30 pm to 3:00 pm
  • Making Miniatures
    12:30 pm to 3:00 pm
  • Hobbit Explorers
    12:30 pm to 3:00 pm
  • Cooking with Chef Noelle
    12:30 pm to 3:00 pm
  • eSports
    12:30 pm to 3:00 pm

Class Descriptions

Session 1

June 3 - June 14
Morning Classes, 9:30 am to 12 pm
Class NameClass Description
Sports and Fitness
Josh Dickinson
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 Fun
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. In 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?
Welcome to the FabLab
Anthony Russo
Join us for an exciting two-week journey into the world of digital fabrication at the TGS FabLab! Highlights include 3D printing projects, creative sublimation, laser cutting and engraving, vinyl cutting and sticker creation. We will have daily design and fabrication challenges where you can earn badges and an inspiring end of camp showcase. Get ready for innovation, creativity and fun!
Afternoon Classes, 12:30pm to 3:00pm
Class NameClass Description
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.
Cooking with Chef Noelle
Noelle Zablosky
Do you love to cook? Would you like to learn and practice important skills in the kitchen? This class will include all aspects of basic cooking including knife skills, following recipes and measures, cooking methods and the science behind them, touching slightly upon nutrition and the use of food as healthy fuel for our bodies. Any level of kitchen experience is welcome. Students may attend both sessions as each session will have its own set of recipes.
Time Traveling Detectives
Beth Cain
Gregory the Hawk is lost in time!! Unfortunately, it seems that Gregory has misplaced the combination to start his time machine, and he needs the help of some determined detectives. If you accept this mission, you can help Gregory return to Tucson by deciphering a series of secret codes hidden around the world and through time. During this Minds Alive session, you will investigate past cultures, create your own artifacts and practice your observation and sleuthing skills as you try to help Gregoy get back home. Are you up for the challenge?
Waste to Wonder
Manuela Straub Martinez - TGS Senior
Do you have an interest in making art? How about saving the environment? Waste to Wonder will tackle both of these interests and add beautiful creations into the world. In this class, campers will learn the importance of recycling and explore the vast possibilities of creating art from household recyclables. After learning different techniques by making smaller pieces, campers will have the creative freedom to create whatever their heart desires at the end of the session. Get ready to use a variety of different materials, talk to new people, and most importantly, use your vast imagination! Anyone who has interest in transforming trash into a piece of art is welcome!
eSports
Anthony Russo
Welcome to our action packed eSports class! Designed for young gamers of all skill levels, we offer a challenging, immersive, and hands-on experience into the world of competitive middle school gaming. Our eSports modules are designed around some of the most popular and exciting eSports games such as League of Legends, Valorant, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros, Apex Legends, Brawlhall and Mario Kart Deluxe.

Session 2

June 17 - June 28
In observance of Juneteenth, Camp will be closed on Wednesday, June 19
Morning Classes, 9:30 am to 12 pm
Class NameClass Description
Sports and Fitness
Josh Dickinson
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.
Beginning Handbuilding: Play with Clay!
Mckenzie Tell & Ellie Krueger
Unleash your inner artist! In this class we’ll be making small-scale, colorful and creative pieces such as clay animals, jewelry, trinkets and decorations. Students will harness their imagination in a supportive, low-pressure environment to develop and execute their own individual styles and ideas in a series of projects. Throughout the two weeks, we’ll be mastering ceramic handbuilding techniques such as pinch, slab and coil building, basic kiln firing processes, glazing, use of color and various studio tools. Let’s get muddy!
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.
Fairy Tales and Mythology
Anna Cain
This class will explore stories from all around the world through reading, writing, music, and art. We will explore everything from indigenous creation stories to Norse sagas, from Greek mythology to Japanese yokai tales. Gods and demigods, heroes and magical creatures await!
Welcome to the FabLab
Anthony Russo
Join us for an exciting two-week journey into the world of digital fabrication at the TGS FabLab! Highlights include 3D printing projects, creative sublimation, laser cutting and engraving, vinyl cutting and sticker creation. We will have daily design and fabrication challenges where you can earn badges and an inspiring end of camp showcase. Get ready for innovation, creativity and fun!
Afternoon Classes, 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm
Class NameClass Description
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.

Making Miniatures
Avery O’Brien
Do you want to learn how to turn a bottle cap into a chair? How about an Altoids container into a coffee shop? In this class we will transform everyday objects and recyclables into miniatures. Campers will spend the first week working on a variety of projects to help immerse themselves into the world of miniature. The second week will be focused on designing and creating your own miniature displays. Get ready to use your imagination and get creative; the possibilities are endless! No art experience necessary, everyone is welcome.
Cooking with Chef Noelle
Noelle Zablosky
Do you love to cook? Would you like to learn and practice important skills in the kitchen? This class will include all aspects of basic cooking including knife skills, following recipes and measures, cooking methods and the science behind them, touching slightly upon nutrition and the use of food as healthy fuel for our bodies. Any level of kitchen experience is welcome. Students may attend both sessions as they will have their own set of recipes.
Hobbit Explorers
Mitch Milam
Let’s take a trip to Middle-Earth and live in the fantastical world of The Hobbit for two weeks. As you walk into the class, you will be greeted with all sorts of enchanting Hobbit-themed decorations, food, games,and entertainment. Every day, we’ll listen to and discuss part of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit together. We’ll play Hobbit Trivia, watch Hobbit videos, and play Hobbit related board games. Come take this class and be transported to Tolkin’s vibrant, magical, and exciting universe!
eSports
Anthony Russo
Welcome to our action packed eSports class! Designed for young gamers of all skill levels, we offer a challenging, immersive, and hands-on experience into the world of competitive middle school gaming. Our eSports modules are designed around some of the most popular and exciting eSports games such as League of Legends, Valorant, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros, Apex Legends, Brawlhall and Mario Kart Deluxe.

Our Teachers

Lisa Bodden

Ms. Bodden has been teaching at The Gregory School since 2000, proudly directing over 50 musical and full-length plays and 100s of one-act plays. She is thrilled to begin another year of Minds Alive!, a program she has been working with from the very first year. When not teaching drama, she is raising her child, going to dance classes, or planning her next adventure!

Betty Boudreau

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.

Anna Cain

Ms. Cain received her B.A. in English Literature from Colorado College and 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.

Beth Cain

Mrs. Cain received a Bachelor’s of Music Education from the University of Texas and earned a Master’s of Science in the Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of North Texas. She has taught students ranging in age from kindergarten through university level in both public and private schools, colleges and universities throughout her 25 year career. Beth currently teaches 8th grade English at The Gregory School.

Josh Dickinson

Coach Dickinson has been teaching P.E. For 23 years, 9 at The Gregory school. His experience has included teaching Kindergarten through high school students. He also has experience in coaching basketball, tennis and soccer. This will be his 5th time teaching the sports and fitness class for Minds Alive. He looks forward to helping kids have a fun while learning about, practicing, and playing multiple sports and working to increase their fitness level this summer.

Ellie Krueger

Ms. Krueger, is from St. Louis, Missouri, and currently attends Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois. She is pursuing a degree in Psychology and Studio Art. In Ellie’s free time, she loves to play games, bake, take photos, and spend time with friends!

Mitch Milam

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. He has also read The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings several times, and certainly has the passion to transform his class into an immersive and worthwhile experience! When not at school, he is often immersed in a book or watching movies with friends.

Avery O’Brien

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.

Anthony Russo

Mr. Russo is a dedicated career teacher and director of the TGS FabLab. His journey in education is driven by a commitment to lifelong learning and innovation. With a keen interest in design thinking, Mr. Russo integrates creative problem-solving techniques into his teaching methodology. Beyond the classroom, he enjoys video games, animation, digital design and exploring how these mediums can enhance learning experiences. His mission is to empower students by bridging traditional education with modern technology.

Manuela Straub Martinez

Ms. Manuela is a rising Senior attending The Gregory School and is a former volunteer at Minds Alive! She has experience in both studio and textiles art and enjoys seeing kids become passionate about creating something new. She enjoys hiking, making art, crocheting, reading, and spending time with her family (including her dog) in her free time.

McKenzie Tell

Teacher McKenzie is a multi-medium creative from Portland, Oregon. They are currently pursuing a Studio Art degree at Knox College, with specific emphasis in Ceramic Sculpture and Photography. Outside of camp they like to read, create, explore new places and spend time with loved ones.

Noelle Zablosky

Chef Noelle Zablosky holds a B.S. from Arizona State University in Food & Nutrition Management with a focus on Child Nutrition. Graduated from Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School. Worked in fine dining restaurants before redirecting her career to focus on child nutrition and school lunch program management. She has worked with Sage Dining for 6+ years, previously as Food Service Director at Aspen Country Day School and now as our current Food Service Director here at The Gregory School.
If you have any questions, please contact us by email at mindsalive@gregoryschool.org or phone, (520) 327-6395.