Royster Middle School
Mini-mester Course Offerings Spring ’26
Friday, May 29, 8:30 – 12:00
Monday, June 1, 8:15 – 3:15
Tuesday, June 2, 8:15 – 3:15
Wednesday, June 3, 8:15 – 3:15
Thursday, June 4, 8:15 – 11:30*
*Gather in Price at 11:30 for 12:00 dismissal.
5 Days in the Coast Guard
Students learn about the missions, careers, and educational opportunities available in the U.S. Coast Guard. Plans include getting underway on USCGC SAILFISH, visiting CG Air Station Elizabeth City, touring other local CG units, learning some navigation, and participating in maritime operations. If you are interested in military service, the service academies, law enforcement, navigation, or aviation, this Mini-mester is for you!
All Things Regency
Step into the drawing room. The candles are lit, the pianoforte is open, and the letters have just arrived. For one week, live as if you were a character in a Jane Austen novel, practicing the accomplishments expected of a Regency-era gentleman or lady. Students will learn to distinguish themselves through genteel arts and social graces such as letter writing, Regency dance, drawing, embroidery, flower arrangement, the language of fans, and the throwing of a proper picnic. Students will also saddle up and practice equestrian skills on a special trail ride. If you’re ready to not only watch iconic Austen films like Pride and Prejudice but live inside them for a week, sign up to become an accomplished man or woman!
And Sew it Begins. . .
Discover the feeling of creating something totally your own in this beginner/intermediate sewing class. You’ll get to pick out fabric that fits your style, learn how to use a sewing machine, and follow a simple pattern to make a cozy, personalized sweater you’ll actually want to wear. No experience is needed just come ready to try something new and be creative. By the end of the course, you’ll know the basics of sewing, how to read patterns, and how clothes are put together. You'll leave with the confidence to start making your own clothes, customizing thrifted pieces, or fixing up your favorites. This class opens the door to building a wardrobe that’s unique as well as sustainable.
“Be Part of the Art” walks students through the process of painting a ‘Wall Mural’ from beginning to end. Students kick off their experience in Virginia Beach in The ViBE Creative District, learning about the history of murals and taking a mural tour. Students then collaborate to develop, design, and sketch the mural. They learn how to prep supplies and mount their design onto the wall with a projector - using various art mediums - before working together to paint their mural on a wall in Royster.
The Workshop ends with the unveiling of a beautiful, meaningful, collective creation!
Cosmic Connections: Exploring the Universe Beyond
Are you fascinated by the stars, planets, and mysteries of space? Join us for a journey through the cosmos! In this hands-on Mini-mester, you'll explore upcoming astronomical events like eclipses and meteor showers, track exciting space launches, and learn to distinguish real astronomy from the myths of astrology. We'll visit a planetarium to experience the night sky like never before, create stellar-themed art projects, and discover what's really happening in the universe around us. Whether you're a budding astronomer or simply curious about space, this Mini-mester will expand your horizons and help you see the night sky in a whole new light. No telescope required just bring your curiosity and prepare to reach for the stars!
Forensic Detectives
Have you ever been pulled into a book, movie, or show that has you on the edge of your seat waiting for evidence results to find out “who done it”? Do you love wanting to understand the why and how behind evidence collection and analysis? If the answer to either or both of these questions is “yes”, then Forensic Detectives is the Mini-mester for you!
In this five-day experience, you will learn the techniques and practices of forensic science. Along with learning the practices of evidence collection and analysis, you will learn the connection between science, law, and our judicial system. Your experience as a Forensic Detective will be enhanced with field trips to The Suffolk Courts and Suffolk CSI Headquarters, where we will visit with judges, prosecutors, and crime scene investigators. We will also test our expertise with an escape room experience. Finally, we will travel to local experts to learn from them about forensic science and crime scenes involving arson. Don’t miss out on the adventure!
Jewelry Making
Discover the art and fun of jewelry making! From earrings and bracelets to necklaces, you’ll learn how to craft beautiful pieces and take home your very own creations.
In this hands-on, beginner-friendly Mini-mester course, students will explore the fascinating history of jewelry while gaining practical skills in basic design and construction. You’ll work with a variety of wires, tools, and beads as you learn proper techniques for creating your own earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. A special highlight of the course features a guest artist who will demonstrate the beadmaking process. You’ll even design your own custom bead and turn it into a unique necklace to keep.
Perfect for aspiring jewelers, this class blends creativity, craftsmanship, and plenty of opportunities to make something you’re proud to wear!
LIVESTRONG
Are you interested in learning more about cancer and how to help those affected by it? The LIVESTRONG Mini-mester aims to open up the conversation about cancer and how it affects so many of our loved ones. Participants engage in discussions about cancer and nutrition, volunteer at the Sentara Brock Cancer Center, spend a day at the YMCA to work out and meet counselors at the LIVESTRONG at the Y program, learn how to support non-profit organizations like LIVESTRONG through fundraising efforts, team-build with a day at the Adventure Park, and make delicious cancerfighting foods. Come and LIVESTRONG with us!
Renaissance Person
Local Legends & Hidden History
Take an immersive journey through some of Virginia Beach’s most fascinating stories. From uncovering the truth behind the Witch of Pungo to exploring the Cape Henry Lighthouse, Ferry Plantation House, and other iconic local sites, students dive into myths, mysteries, ghost stories, and lesser-known events that shaped our community. Throughout the week, they document what they discover through creative storytelling, with the chance to record a fun mini-podcast episode that captures the unique people, places, and legends that make Virginia Beach one of a kind.
The definition of a ‘Renaissance Person’ is not just someone from Europe between the 1300s-1500s…it also means a person with many talents and skills that have knowledge in a variety of areas. This course’s aim is to create the 2026 version of a Renaissance person by participating in a variety of activities and exploring many interests. Some of these activities include playing musical instruments, competing in athletic events, creating art, gaming, cooking, and more!
Sabor Latino invites students to explore the vibrant flavors, stories, and traditions of Latin American cuisine. Through guided discussions, recipe spotlights, and hands on cooking, participants discover how food reflects identity, community, and culture across the region. Students will learn about iconic dishes, the meaning behind important ingredients, and the ways families pass down culinary traditions. This Mini-mester course encourages curiosity and appreciation while giving students the chance to learn about and taste the flavors that continue to shape Latin American gastronomy.
Sea Scouting
Over the course of four days, students will be introduced to the world of weather and surf-forecasting. Students will build their tools for assessing coastal conditions to plan a variety of on-water activities!
THEN WE
PUT
OUR TOOLS TO THE TEST FOR REAL. Students will be asked to aid in planning a day of paddle boarding, surfing, and other coastal activities throughout the week and their input on pre-outing checklist items will be measured against real-time conditions.
Semi-Autodidactic Crochet
Semi-autodidactic: adj. – partially self-taught
Crochet: noun – a craft in which yarn looped with a hook is used to create fabric or textile art
How does it feel to be an autodidact – a person who learns a new skill without formal instruction? To explore this question, we throw ourselves into the world of crochet without much formal instruction. No one – not even the teachers – will be an expert before we begin. We will have some help along the way, but our real mission is to figure out as much as we can on our own as selfdirected learners. As we learn the basics of the craft, we will also look at various ways that crochet skills can be applied. If you’re curious, look up amigurumi, hyperbolic crochet, and the Crochet Coral Reef Project.
Take it to the Mat
Discover the dynamic world of mat-based activities in "Take It to the Mat"! This engaging course introduces students to a variety of disciplines, including wrestling, self-defense, judo, Taekwondo, Karate, yoga, gymnastics/tumbling, and Pilates. Through hands-on practice and exploration, students will develop strength, flexibility, and confidence while learning foundational techniques across these diverse activities.
Beyond physical movement, the course emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to well-being, with discussions on proper nutrition and healthy living woven throughout. Whether you're looking to build physical skills, enhance your fitness, or embrace a healthier lifestyle, "Take It to the Mat" provides the tools and knowledge to thrive.
Tour de Virginia
We would like to invite you on an exploration of the bicycle through the lens of the history of this invention, the physics of this human powered machine, the rules of road cycling, hands-on bike maintenance, how-to change a tire, and finally, challenge our minds and bodies by cycling a variety of trails and courses in Southeastern Virginia. We plan to ride nearly 70 miles during the Mini-mester. The rides will consist of a 16-mile spin on the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail and an epic 51.7-mile adventure on one of the nation’s best biking routes, The Virginia Capital Trail. Because of the activities in this course, participants are required to have appropriate equipment such as a geared road bike or mountain bike with road/slick tires, so leave the beach cruisers at home. If you are interested in learning lifelong skills, willing to push beyond your limits on two wheels, and develop a passion for cycling, please join us and our love of ALL THINGS CYCLING!
Woodworking
A basic woodworking course for the novice and the more advanced woodworker, students will study project planning and design, wood and wood products, safe operation of hand and power tools, and joinery techniques. Upon completion of this course, we will donate our projects to Habitat for Humanity.
