Mercersburg Summer Programs 2021

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SUMMER PROGRAMS

2021 COED | AGES 8-17

About Mercersburg Academy Mercersburg Academy is a premier coed college-preparatory boarding and day school serving students in grades 9-12 and postgraduates from across the country and around the world.

Mercersburg prepares young people from diverse backgrounds for success in college and for life in a global community.

During the academic year, 445 students from 27 states and 39 countries pursue a rigorous academic curriculum and excel in a multitude of extracurricular endeavors, including athletics and the arts. More than 90 percent of the senior class enrolls in colleges and universities rated most competitive or highly competitive.

PROGRAM LISTING PG 9

Session 1: 7/11-7/23 MERCERSBURG ADVENTURE CAMP (MAC) Ages 8-15

Session 2: 7/25-8/6

PG 10

STEAM CAMP

Ages 10-15

6/27-7/1

PG 13

YOUNG WRITERS CAMP

Ages 11-16

7/11-7/23

PG 14

Ages 11-16 2-week session: 8/1-8/6 PERFORMING ARTS INTENSIVE

1-week session: 8/8-8/13

PG 16

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL CAMP

Ages 9-14

6/20-6/23

PG 17

BOYS’ BASKETBALL CAMP

Ages 9-14

6/20-6/23

PG 18

GIRLS’ LACROSSE CAMP

Ages 9-14

7/26-7/29

PG 19

BOYS’ LACROSSE CAMP

Ages 9-14

7/19-7/22

PG 20

SOCCER DAY CAMP

Ages 9-14

6/28-7/1

SOCCER ELITE CAMP (OVERNIGHT)

Ages 11-16

6/27-7/1

PG 21

PG 22-26

Ages 8-17 Session 1: 6/20-6/24 SWIM CLINICS

Session 2: 6/27-7/1 ESL+

Grades 6-12

7/11-8/6

At Mercersburg Academy Summer Programs, we understand that parents’ biggest concern is the safety of their children. We also know parents have goals for their child’s development related to the powerful lessons the summer experience provides in community, character building, skill development, and healthy living. We share those same goals, which is why we have taken the added step of becoming an “Accredited Camp” through the American Camp Association.

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It’s not just CAMP...

Nestled in the Cumberland Valley of Pennsylvania, just a stone’s throw from the Tuscarora Mountain ridge, Mercersburg Academy’s beautiful campus provides the perfect setting for a wide range of opportunities for personal growth and fun around every corner. Each summer, kids and teens take part in an array of programs, from Adventure Camp to various enrichment, arts, and sports offerings.

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NEW YORK

LOCATION In the middle of everywhere...

Mercersburg is only 90 minutes from Baltimore, MD, Washington, D.C., and Harrisburg, PA, and a short driving distance from other major metropolitan areas, including New York City, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh.

New York City

PENNSYLVANIA Philadelphia

Pittsburgh

NEW JERSEY Baltimore

DELAWARE Washington, D.C.

MARYLAND VIRGINIA

Our participants travel from all over the U.S. and the world.

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CAMPUS MAP 1

Prentiss Alumni and Parent Center at North Cottage

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Traylor Hall

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Lenfest Hall

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Hale Studio Theatre

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Burgin Center for the Arts

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Culbertson House

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Irvine Memorial Chapel

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Campus Safety Office

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Main Hall

10 Swank Hall 11 South Cottage 4

12 McFadden Model Railroad Museum

23 Lloyd Aquatic Center

13 Rutledge Hall

24 Nolde Gymnasium

14 Keil Hall

25 Plantz Courts

15 Irvine Hall

26 Rutherford Health and Wellness Center

16 Ford Hall 17 Simon Student Center 18 Tippetts Hall 19 Fowle Hall 20 Curran Track 21 James Buchanan Cabin 22 Hale Field House

27 Regents’ Field 28 Smoyer Tennis Center 29 Steiger Field 30 Upper Field 31 Class of ’38 Observatory 32 Masinter Outdoor Education Center

Campus and Facilities Our campus features 300 acres of expansive athletic fields, wildlife habitat areas, farmland, and state-of-the-art academic facilities. Our buildings contain modern labs, art studios, study areas, and STEAM collaboration spaces. Whether you like chemistry, multimedia design, or anything in between, our buildings and grounds can satisfy your interests.

Lodging and Dining All Mercersburg Summer Programs participants stay in air-conditioned dormitories with carpeted hallways, tiled bathrooms, and private shower areas. Counselors and other staff live in adjacent rooms and place an emphasis on respect, courtesy, and consideration while living with others. Participants enjoy tasty and nutritious food every day; plus our menu is varied and our kitchen staff is sensitive to special dietary needs and preferences. All meals include a main entree, side dishes, salad/sandwich bar, vegetarian and gluten-free options, and a fruit station.

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Safety Safety is our priority at all times. Our campus is patrolled 24 hours a day by members of the school’s Campus Safety Office. Access to dormitories is limited to summer participants, and all summer staff are required to receive full state and federal clearances as required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. In addition, not only is our staff certified in CPR/AED, many also have first aid training.

Our on-campus Rutherford Health and Wellness Center is managed by a team of registered nurses, and we work closely with a local family medical practice for campers who may need additional care. There is also a full-time health services assistant available 24 hours a day.

Summer Staff Mercersburg Summer Programs staff are creative, encouraging, and responsible people who truly love to work with kids and teens.

Our instructors—many of whom are Mercersburg Academy faculty or alumni—are not only experts in their fields, but also experts at making learning fun. They are trained in safety management, interpersonal skills, dealing with homesickness, and other camp-related issues.

Our camper-to-staff ratio ensures that staff can direct all of their focus on the unique needs and development of self-esteem and self-confidence for every camper.

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YOU WILL NEED

FLASHLIGHT

SNEAKERS

SUNBLOCK

For those nights around the campfire!

Comfy shoes to run around and play in!

Keep your skin safe!

We all hate sunburns!

SUNGLASSES

UNDIES

TOOTHBRUSH

Protect your eyes from the summer sun!

Please bring enough clean pairs to last for your entire stay!

Keep those chompers clean and bright!

SWIMSUIT

WATER BOTTLE

For the pool and lots of fun water games planned during your stay!

Stay hydrated! It gets hot at Mercersburg!

SOAP Because when you’re having so much fun, things can get messy!

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Choose Your

Adventure 8

Mercersburg Adventure Camp (MAC)

Adventure Camp allows campers ages 8-15 to choose their own adventure that they will talk about for years. MAC’s unique structure provides the right balance of enrichment challenges, sports, outdoor adventures, and fun excursions to make every session memorable, including trips to Hersheypark, whitewater rafting, camping, and a professional sports game.

“ MAC was the two weeks of my summer where I could be carefree and just be an adventurous and curious kid.” -Campbell, age 14

Campers are divided into two rival teams, the Hurricanes and Tornadoes, fighting for bragging rights. These two groups face off in competitions such as Camp Wars, Song Battles, and Capture the Flag (to name a few).

Every session, campers spend at least one night camping under the stars and almost every night singing around the campfire.

Sets of bunk beds occupy each dorm room, which two participants transform into their “cabin.” Bring your bag and personal necessities, and you are set for cabin life, Adventure Camp style. Counselors live in adjacent dorm rooms, and our open-door policy ensures comfort and safety for every participant. An emphasis on respect, courtesy, cooperation, and consideration enables participants to live and thrive with others to make cabin life enjoyable for all.

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STEAM Camp

Summer STEAM Camp (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) takes participants to the front lines of the Maker revolution, utilizing challenge-based learning. Engineering, programming, 3D printing, textiles, and metal fabrication are all featured in this immersion into the essentials of Making in the 21st century.

Participants will jump into the creative process by taking an idea from their minds and turning it into a creation made by their hands. They will tackle challenges designed to provoke creative thinking and problem solving. Through the important process of design, development, testing, and troubleshooting, students will learn resilience and ingenuity.

“ My friends at home were so jealous when they found out I shot off rockets at camp.”

-Jason, age 10

For more information on all programs, please visit: MERCERSBURGSUMMER.COM 10

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Experience

Personal Growth 12

Young Writers Camp

Build writing skills and unleash creativity in a unique environment of individuals with a passion for writing. Participants explore the beauty of poetic style and the power of their own voice on paper. Language is at the core of life, and campers learn new and liberating ways to express themselves through the written word.

“ It was so fun to write about our camp experiences and collaborate with other writers!” -Daniel, age 15

By combining an exciting range of writing activities with traditional camp experiences, writers have incredible fun while also learning to think, and write, creatively. Not only will participants focus on specialty classes such as fiction, poetry, and writing for the internet, they will also participate in thematic workshops and recreational activities that include rock climbing, swimming, coffee shop reading, and trips to the Baltimore and Washington, D.C., area. The camp culminates with a student reading of new works.

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Performing Arts Intensive

Participants will spend one to two weeks mastering skills related to dancing, acting, and technical theater. Participants can choose a track that combines both dance and theatre courses, or they can focus on just dance or theatre for the entire program. The intensive will culminate with a participant performance featuring dance acts and theatre scenes.

Dancers will learn different movement styles and experience a range of multiple classes, from ballet and contemporary to improvisation, yoga, and choreography. Expert instruction combined with creative and innovative workshops will ensure that dancers leave Mercersburg’s stateof-the-art Burgin Center with a new or renewed passion for dance.

Actors will gain skills in stage presence, improvisation, body movement, vocal technique, character development, ensemble work, and problem solving. Actors will also be exposed to the technical elements of lighting, sound, makeup, and costume design.

For more information on all programs, please visit: MERCERSBURGSUMMER.COM 14

Have Fun. Make Friends.

Create Memories.

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Girls’ Basketball Camp

Mercersburg Girls’ Basketball Camp is for the aspiring player who wants to make the varsity or JV team in the future as well as those with dreams of playing at the next level. Players will build habits that lead to success on the court and work to improve ball handling, shooting, and body control. We will focus on skills that help participants become leaders within their program and standouts on and off the court.

Our mission is to challenge players of all levels, from beginners to skilled athletes. We teach players to think the game, learn to lead more effectively, and practice with purpose. Our goal is to promote individual skill development and help players gain confidence through basketball success.

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“ Mercersburg Basketball Camp truly rejuvenated my love for the game while also sharpening my skills.” -Megan, age 14

Boys’ Basketball Camp

Mercersburg Boys’ Basketball Camp is designed to challenge young men to improve their skills on and off the court. By combining on-court station work with classroom film analysis and lectures, players will learn skills and concepts that will help them reach their goals on the court, no matter how small or large those goals may be. The program is run by college and high school coaches and includes an overview of the college recruiting process for players who are interested in playing basketball after high school.

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Girls’ Lacrosse Camp

Mercersburg Girls’ Lacrosse Camp welcomes players of all skill levels for a comprehensive skill-building experience that will leave players feeling confident and prepared to compete at the next level. The coaching staff will focus on skill development and improvement, from fundamental stickwork skills to advanced attacking and defending methods. Girls will have plenty of opportunities to play full field games but will also build their abilities in small-game situations. Skills Choice Sessions allow campers to choose which skills they’d like to spend time working on, while coaches will help develop proper technique. Additional activities and free time fun on the Mercersburg Academy campus provide girls with opportunities to relax and enjoy themselves.

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Boys’ Lacrosse Camp

Improve your skills, make new friends, and have fun at the Mercersburg Boys’ Lacrosse Camp!

Welcoming both overnight and day participants, this unique camp is designed for players of all abilities and is centered on individual skill development. All positions will benefit from a high level of coaching from an enthusiastic and passionate staff. Each camper will receive individual and personalized instruction aimed at improving their skill set and understanding of the game. Additional activities and free time on campus will provide campers with opportunities to relax and enjoy themselves.

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Soccer Camps

Day Camp Mercersburg Soccer Day Camp provides a fun learning environment to help advance the skills of players at any level. Each day focuses on different skills, from dribbling and footwork to tactical field position play. The skills taught are age and skill appropriate for beginning soccer players to experienced travel players.

Elite Camp Elite Soccer Camp is for experienced players who want to take their game to the next level. Athletes will participate in two to three training sessions per day, with an emphasis on the technical and tactical aspects of the game, and will also have a chance to apply these concepts each evening during our competitive 11 v 11 matches.

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“ My son came home from camp excited to share the new skills he learned every day!” -Katie, mother of participant

Swim Clinics

Mercersburg Swim Clinics are dedicated to improving swimmers’ technique and helping them to develop both in and out of the pool. Mercersburg Academy’s storied aquatics program has produced more than 30 Olympians and brings a tradition of excellence to the summer program. Our swim clinic coaches come from a variety of elite backgrounds.

swimming

“ The coaches at Mercersburg helped me to understand my full potential and realize what I need to do to

The primary aim of Mercersburg Swim Clinics is to provide an experience that teaches competitive swimmers the most innovative techniques available while allowing them to have fun. The philosophy is simple: swimmers don’t just compile distance but rather work on improvements in starts, turns, and stroke techniques. Mercersburg’s swimmers and divers train and compete in the new Lloyd Aquatic Center, which features a 50-meter Olympic-size pool.

improve.” -Maddie, age 12

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ESL+ Summer Language Intensive Mercersburg’s ESL+, an intensive summer English language program, reflects Mercersburg Academy’s commitment to the global community. Extensive English development and rewarding cultural immersion draw students from all over the world who are committed to rigorous academic effort. ESL+ benefits students who seek necessary life skills for successful transition to living abroad at American boarding schools, and those who seek a rewarding summer of immersion into the English language and American culture.

This intense and creative program is open to students who possess a working knowledge of the English language and can communicate on at least basic verbal and written levels. It features a comprehensive and stimulating curriculum that improves communication skills in English speaking, listening, writing, and reading.

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“ ESL+ at Mercersburg Academy was great preperation for the American boarding school lifestyle!” -Diego, 8th grade

Approach In the classroom, ESL+ students are divided by skill level, regardless of age. All students are evaluated when they arrive and placed into classes based on core English competencies. This proven method for learning introduces students to environments where they are properly challenged, paced, and supported.

While courses are taught according to ability to digest information and to apply acquired knowledge, the use of progressive teaching principles allows qualified students to advance study levels as they master essential skills.

Program Features • Competitive admission and limited enrollment in each grade level • Limited enrollment by nationality to ensure diversity of participants • Opportunities to study English speaking, listening, writing, and reading, including courses in American culture and U.S. history • Intentional instruction that emphasizes the progression and development of every student • Safe and supportive school environment • Supervised evening study hall 23

Beyond the Classroom Excursions Day trips to major U.S. cities can include Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City. Additional trips to points of historical and cultural interest are used to extend the learning experience and to assist students in their introduction to U.S. culture and schooling.

College Visits Participants will have the option to travel to at least one American university. ESL+ students have the opportunity to take tours, gather information, and explore the campuses with our staff.

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Extracurricular and Recreational Activities Our ESL+ participants have the chance to shop at local malls and outlet centers and experience amusement parks, performances, cinemas, and professional sporting events.

Students use afternoon activity time to take advantage of Mercersburg’s extensive athletic facilities to play American and international sports such as basketball, flag football, soccer, tennis, and squash. In addition, afternoon electives can include dance, music, visual arts, yoga, and crafts.

Cultural Enrichment Students also develop an appreciation for different cultures in a truly international learning environment that draws participants from South America, Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.

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ESL+ Application and Enrollment Admission and Tuition Inclusive tuition of $5,750 covers four weeks of classes, books and materials, meals, boarding, health insurance, and activity and event fees.

Students only need to bring personal spending money.

“The course offerings at Mercersburg allowed me to not only study English, but also learn about American history and culture.”

-Victor, 11th grade

• Additionally, a $50 application fee is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

• Deposit of $500 (or full amount) due upon acceptance. Balance due by June 1 or upon acceptance thereafter.

• Students have two weeks after receiving their acceptance letter to make a final decision and pay the $500 deposit to reserve their space.

Visa Process and Details International students who are accepted to Mercersburg’s ESL+ Program are expected to obtain a B-1 or B-2 visa. The student should obtain a visa as quickly as possible upon acceptance.

To apply to our ESL+ Program, please visit: ESL.MERCERSBURGSUMMER.COM 26

Mercersburg Summer Programs summerprograms@mercersburg.edu mercersburgsummer.com

Peter Kallin Director of Summer Programs kallinp@mercersburg.edu 717-328-6386

Matt Jacobs Assistant Director of Summer Programs jacobsm@mercersburg.edu 717-328-6225

Follow the fun!

F facebook.com/mercersburgsummer

I instagram.com/mburgsummer

T twitter.com/mburgsummer

Y youtube.com/themercersburgsummer

Choose Your MERCERSBURG

SUMMER COED SUMMER PROGRAMS | AGES 8-17

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