Garden School, in the independent tradition, affirms the primacy of learning. We empower every student in our educationally diverse community to meet responsibly the challenges of everyday life by promoting academic achievement, personal development and social involvement. We further believe that by recognizing each student’s individual identity, Garden School fosters the self-worth necessary to succeed.
We are on the brink of concluding a fantastic Summer Camp season, with just two weeks left. The experience throughout Week 9 has been nothing short of extraordinary, packed with high energy, laughter, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories here inside the Garden.
During the past week, we successfully accommodated over 90 campers, all united by one goal: to have fun. Our counselors have excelled in fostering this environment, guiding campers who initially displayed separation anxiety at drop-off to experience enthusiastic departures each day. They arrived with increased anticipation for the day’s events as the weeks progressed.
The thematic focus for this week, “Lights, Camera, Action!” provided an avenue for campers to engage in a spectrum of activities—from baseball swings to diving challenges and artistic displays. One of the week’s highlights was the Monarchs’ lively performance of the classic Pinocchio. From Geppetto’s workshop to Pinocchio’s adventures, our campers brought the story to life with just a short time to rehearse. Bravo, Monarchs! The range of talents showcased this week—from singing, dancing, and acting to instrumental performances and imaginative superhero roleplay—culminating in a celebration of their skills, was truly exhilarating. Looking ahead, Week 10 will kick off under the theme “Infinity and Beyond.” The week will launch with a collaborative event with the New York Islanders Ice Hockey team on Monday, August 11, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Our campers will have an opportunity to bounce and have exciting fun. The day's activity will feature:Bounce House, Carnival-style game, prizes and much more ti enjoy.
**Important Reminder:** All campers must have a waiver on file to participate in Monday’s activities. If you have NOT yet completed the waiver, please do so immediately through the link provided HERE.
We once again extend our gratitude for your continued support of our Garden School Camp community and for entrusting us each day with your precious treasures—your children. As we approach the conclusion of the camp season, our commitment remains steadfast—to ensure safety, cultivate friendships, promote learning, and create enduring memories through enjoyable experiences. We hope you have an enjoyable weekend, and we eagerly anticipate welcoming everyone back for Week 10, on Monday, August 11, 2025. Let’s maintain the momentum!
Your Garden School Summer Camp Team,
GENERAL CAMP REMINDERS
• Please treat each other with RESPECT.
• To ensure everyone’s safety, campers need to wear closed-toed shoes every day to fully participate.
• Please make sure your child dresses appropriately for the weather, including hats and rashguards if needed for extra protection in and out of the water.
• Label your child’s belongings.
• You must sign your child in and out each day.
• For your child’s safety, we will ask for ID from anyone picking up your child whom we do not recognize.
• Electronic devices and toys should stay at home.
• Each camper should bring their lunch, a water bottle, two towels, two bathing suits, and sunscreen daily.
• If you’d prefer not to receive the newsletter or if you don’t want your child’s photo included, email us at campdirector@gardenschool.org.
EARLY ARRIVAL & AFTER CAMP
All campers arriving between 7:30 am and 8:45 am should check in at the 79th Street Main Entrance. A flat rate of $20 per child per day will be billed.
All campers remaining after 4:15 pm will go into the aftercamp program, which runs until 6:00 pm. Departure will be from the 79th Street Main Gate. A flat rate of 40 dollars per day will be billed.
TRANSPORTATION
You will be contacted the weekend before your camp week with your child(ren)’s bus pick-up and dropoff times. We schedule bus routes based on need, so we finalize the exact times that weekend.
Campers using the bus service should be:
Outside and ready at least 3 minutes before the scheduled morning pick-up time.
Picked up promptly at their assigned afternoon drop-off location.
Staying on schedule helps us ensure a safe and efficient ride for all campers.
THE DAZZLING ART GALLERY CORNER
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE BUZZ SQUAD
Our tiniest campers transformed into brave little superheroes! The Honey Bees learned to face challenges with courage as they navigated sunny obstacle courses and followed imaginative missions. Through teamwork and determination, they joined forces to complete heroic tasks and support their fellow heroes in need. It was a week full of action, laughter, and super-powered fun!
MONARCHS ON THE MOVE
CATERPILLAR REFLECTIONS
Our Caterpillars blossomed into incredible super caterpillars! They created their own superhero masks and figures, and even designed awesome superhero puppets. With their amazing speed, strength, and teamwork, they dove into thrilling games filled with laughter and fun. As a spectacular surprise at the end of the week, they met the one and only R2D2! What an unforgettable adventure!
THE BUTTERFLY TRAIL ADVENTURE
Our Butterflies took flight with this week’s theme, creating their own one-of-a-kind superheroes!Each camper envisioned a unique character, crafted a short story to tell their hero’s tale, and some proudly presented their creations to the group. To bring their ideas to life, they designed miniature versions using popsicle sticks—turning imagination into art.
CAMPERS ON STAGE
In Musical Theater this week, the Monarchs students worked on lines and songs from the musical ‘My Son Pinocchio’: Geppetto's Musical Tale is a lighthearted spin on the classic Pinocchio story with book by David Stern and music by Stephen Schwartz. Guilherme Andreas, Performance and Visual Arts Department Chair
CAMP PACKING LIST
CAMP WEEKLY REFLECTION CORNER
CAMP COUNSELOR SPOTLIGHT
Registration, Camp Orientation & Required Forms
To help you stay informed and ensure your camper is fully prepared, please use the following links below, which gives you access to our Summer Camp Registration, General School Information, and other important forms.
�
Summer Camp Registration
• Sign up for upcoming camp weeks
• View weekly themes, activities, and enrichment course descriptions
• Learn about age-specific programs, staff, and facilities
�
General School Information
• Discover more about Garden School’s year-round academic offerings
• Explore after-school programs, admissions, and open house events
�
Important Forms
• Escort Authorization Form – Required to designate who may pick up your child from camp.
• Aquatics Permission Form – Required for participation in swimming and water-play activities.
Note: These forms must be completed before your child’s first day of camp to ensure their full participation and safety in all activities.
� If you have any trouble accessing the forms or completing registration, feel free to reach out to us at: campdirector@gardenschool.org
