SU
RO
GRAMS
RCERSBU E M
Y
ACADEM G R
M MER
P
2022 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 29 states and 36 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. 2
Nestled in the Cumberland Valley of Pennsylvania, just a stone’s throw from the Tuscarora Mountain ridge, Mercersburg Academy provides the perfect setting for a wide range of opportunities for personal growth and fun around every corner. 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.
360° Take a virtual tour of our campus at mercersburg.info!
3
Program Listing PG 8
Session 1: 7/3-7/15 MERCERSBURG ADVENTURE CAMP (MAC) Ages 8-14 Session 2: 7/17-7/29
PG 10
THEATRE CAMP
Ages 11-16
7/10-7/15
PG 11
YOUNG WRITERS CAMP
Ages 11-16
7/3-7/15
PG 12
STEAM CAMP
Ages 10-15
6/19-6/23
PG 13
SOCCER DAY CAMP
Ages 9-14
7/24-7/27
SOCCER ELITE CAMP (OVERNIGHT)
Ages 11-16
7/24-7/27
PG 14
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL CAMP
Ages 9-15
6/19-6/22
PG 15
BOYS’ BASKETBALL CAMP
Ages 9-15
6/20-6/23
PG 16
GIRLS’ LACROSSE CAMP
Ages 9-15
7/24-7/27
PG 17
BOYS’ LACROSSE CAMP
Ages 9-15
7/17-7/20
PG 18
Ages 8-17 Session 1: 6/19-6/23 SWIM CLINICS Session 2: 6/26-6/30
PG 20-21
ESL+
Grades 6-12
7/3-7/23
We understand that a parent’s biggest concern is the safety and well-being of their child. We also know that parents have goals for their child’s development in terms of social skills, character building, and healthy living—goals that the summer camp experience can help meet. Because of this, Mercersburg Summer Programs has taken the step of being an “accredited camp” through the American Camp Association.
4
You Will Need FLASHLIGHT
SNEAKERS
SUNBLOCK
For those nights around the campfire!
Comfy shoes to run around and play in!
Keep your skin safe from painful 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!
5
Lodging and Dining 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 dorm rooms, and our open-door policy ensures comfort and safety for all. An emphasis on respect, courtesy, cooperation, and consideration enables campers to thrive in a dorm setting. Summer Programs attendees enjoy tasty and nutritious food every day; plus our menu is varied and our kitchen staff are 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.
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. 6
Health and Safety 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 receive full state and federal clearances as required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. In addition, our staff are certified in CPR/AED, and many also have first aid training. Our 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. A full-time health services assistant is also available 24/7 when camps are in session. Please visit mercersburgsummer.com to review our COVID-19 policies.
7
Mercersburg Adventure Camp (MAC) Adventure Camp allows campers 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 sporting event. 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).
8
9
Theatre Camp Our Theatre Camp offers a chance for participants to blend theatre, vocal/musical training, and dance. A series of guest artists and instructors will challenge students’ creativity while also concentrating on safe technique and building healthy personal rehearsal practices. We meet each student at their current skill level to ensure that every participant, whether new to the stage or a veteran, is challenged and supported. Students will also participate in interdisciplinary workshops for other aspects of the performing arts as well as enjoy trips off campus, open mic nights, and a variety of summer fun. The week will close with a musical performance for family and friends.
For more information on all programs, please visit: MERCERSBURGSUMMER.COM 10
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. 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 a daytrip to a major city. The camp culminates with a student reading of new works. 11
STEAM Camp 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 process of design, development, testing, and troubleshooting, students will learn resilience and ingenuity.
For more information on all programs, please visit: MERCERSBURGSUMMER.COM 12
Soccer Camps Day Camp 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.
13
Girls’ Basketball Camp 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.
14
Boys’ Basketball Camp 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. 15
Girls’ Lacrosse Camp 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.
16
Boys’ Lacrosse Camp Improve your skills, make new friends, and have fun at our Boys’ Lacrosse Camp! This unique program 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.
17
Swim Clinics 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. The primary aim of 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 Lloyd Aquatic Center, which features a 50-meter Olympic-size pool.
18
19
ESL+ Summer Language Intensive Our ESL+ Intensive 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 a successful transition to living abroad at American boarding schools, colleges, or universities, and those who seek a rewarding few weeks of immersion into the English language and American culture. The ESL+ program highlights life at Mercersburg Academy, introducing students to a variety of activities inside and outside the classroom. ESL+ is open to students who possess a working knowledge of the English language and who can communicate on at least moderate verbal and written levels. The experience is anchored by a comprehensive and stimulating curriculum that improves communication skills in English speaking, listening, writing, and reading.
20
In the classroom, ESL+ students are divided by skill level for some activities and by grade for others. 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 the students’ 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 chevron-right
Competitive admission and limited enrollment in each grade level
chevron-right
Limited enrollment by nationality to ensure diversity of participants
chevron-right
Opportunities to study English speaking, listening, writing, and reading, including courses in American culture and U.S. history
chevron-right
Intentional instruction that emphasizes the progression and development of every student
chevron-right
Safe and supportive school environment
chevron-right
Supervised study hall time
21
Location In the middle of everywhere: Mercersburg is located in south-central Pennsylvania, less than two hours from Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, MD, three hours from Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, PA, and four hours from New York City.
NEW YORK
New York City
PENNSYLVANIA Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
NEW JERSEY Baltimore
Washington, D.C.
MARYLAND VIRGINIA
Participants from all over the world 22
DELAWARE
30 29
31
28
32
26 27
23 22 24
25 19
21 8
16
12 1 10 3
15
13
11 9
18
17
20
7
14
6
5 2 4
Campus Map 1
Prentiss Alumni and Parent Center at North Cottage
2
Traylor Hall
3
Lenfest Hall
4
Hale Studio Theatre
5
Burgin Center for the Arts
6
Culbertson House
7
Irvine Memorial Chapel
8 Campus Safety Office 9
Main Hall
10 Swank Hall 11 South Cottage
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
23
Mercersburg Summer Programs
Follow the Fun!
summerprograms@mercersburg.edu 717-328-6225
Peter Kallin Director of Summer Programs kallinp@mercersburg.edu 717-328-6386
F
Matt Jacobs
facebook.com/mercersburgsummer
Assistant Director of Summer Programs jacobsm@mercersburg.edu 717-328-6350
I
MERCERSBURG
SUMMER
COM
WWW
instagram.com/mburgsummer
Y youtube.com/themercersburgsummer