Northwest's Summer Program is in full swing. This fun program allows campers to craft their own schedule from a wide range of classes and experiences, while interacting with peers from across the world right here on campus.
Spanning a series of two-week sessions, the first session closed out last week with a fun Showcase of camper talents, class projects, and accomplishments including: ceramic pottery, artwork, fashion design, martial arts displays, improv, and so much more.
This was my first time at Summer Camp - and I really enjoyed it made me feel both challenged and happy.
Christiano T. was among a group of international summer campers from Taiwan, and participated in a bunch of classes: brain Science, math for fun, guitar, and basketball. "I liked basketball the most," he shared with a grin.
Also attending summer camp for the first time, Taiwanese camper Ingrid L. is 11 years old and took a mix of DIY robotics, yoga, board games, and drawing as part of her summer camp session. "Yoga was my favorite," she said. "I really liked summer camp. It was a very fun and relaxed experience. I met a lot of international people here!"
Her grandmother, Jeanne C. proudly added, "This program is very good - did you know, Ingrid chose this camp and her classes by herself? I did not suggest it."
She adds that Ingrid recently completed primary school in Taiwan, and this is her first time in the US. "We have family nearby, so that played a role in the decision to send her to the Northwest School," she shared.
The teacher and students were all very kind. I didn’t know anything about ceramics wheel throwing and now I do - and I want to learn more!
This was Giselle M.'s second time at Northwest's summer camp. "I did it last year too," she said. "The experience is very fun, and it is so nice getting to learn new things." She took a mix of classes that included Intro to Theater, acrylic painting, dance, and ceramics wheel throwing, "...which was my favorite," she smiled, showing off some of her original work.
Summer campers can enjoy Northwest's acclaimed Dining Program while on campus, and Giselle was quick to praise the delicious fare. "I loved the food!" she said, "It included a lot of really great options and many international dishes, too."
Her mom, Kisaol, seconded Giselle's response. "She really loves and enjoys being here," she noted. "She’s had the chance to do a few other camps around the city. But we especially appreciate how completely structured every day of camp is, and she learns so much in each class."
The global exposure and interaction on campus is another bonus for Giselle and her family. "She loves meeting all the new people here and has made so many friends," adds Kisaol.
At Northwest's Summer Camp, you will meet so many different people from different places, and there’s such a wealth of classes to choose from.
Hailey Kepple teaches some of the summer classes. "I have occasionally taught during the school year, and this is my third year as a summer camp teacher," they said. "It is hands down my favorite job of the school year!"
They have taught various classes ranging from digital music, DIY chemistry, SMART (Science Math and Art), and dance to self defense and more. "Digital music is one of my favorites," they share. "I select the software and suggest ways for students to navigate the creative process, but they ultimately choose what to make."
One of their students, Faisal, who was already dabbling in digital music, came up with an interesting instrumental song. "I was so impressed by his creative instinct," said Kepple proudly, " and he required minimal guidance."
Our campers don't have to choose to go to art camp, or sport camp, or science camp - they can do it all in one session! And while also making friends from around the world and around Seattle.
Kepple encourages families to choose Northwest's Summer Camp for their children. "You meet so many different and interesting people from many different places. And there are so many classes to choose from - depending on your preference, you could have an incredibly academic experience or focus on sports camp. Snd it’s all right here in the same building!"