--- title: "Middle Schoolers - Are not too \"Cool\" (or Old) for Summer Camp!" description: Empower your child to make a difference in the world at Sidwell Summer Equity and Justice Institute (SEJI). image: https://blog.sidwellsummer.org/hubfs/sidwell-marchimage11.jpeg --- [![](https://blog.sidwellsummer.org/hs-fs/hubfs/sidwell%20logo%20blue%20(1).jpg?width=175&height=97&name=sidwell%20logo%20blue%20(1).jpg)](https://blog.sidwellsummer.org/) [![](https://blog.sidwellsummer.org/hs-fs/hubfs/sidwell%20logo%20blue%20(1).jpg?width=175&height=97&name=sidwell%20logo%20blue%20(1).jpg)](https://blog.sidwellsummer.org/) - [Home](https://www.sidwellsummer.org/) - [Join Our List](https://share.hsforms.com/16OZcYCVMQOiyIiEnzk6s7gcup6s?__hstc=196667763.8c011f58987e67a07d9fd842e33e55c5.1682085935000.1692886129167.1692895834919.52&__hssc=196667763.5.1692895834919&__hsfp=3935614616) # Middle Schoolers - Are not too "Cool" (or Old) for Summer Camp! by [Sidwell Summer](https://blog.sidwellsummer.org/camper-connect/author/sidwell-summer) | Mar 19, 2024 As an adult, do you ever look at all the camp options and think how cool it would be to be a kid again!?  While some middle school students might think they have outgrown summer camp, here is a list of all the amazing reasons why a [Sidwell Summer](https://www.linkedin.com/company/sidwell-summer/) experience for students in rising grades 5-9 is still very cool! ![GenHERation SEJI workshop in the Rusch Room prepping for a simulation activity and CFO/COO interviews](https://blog.sidwellsummer.org/hs-fs/hubfs/sidwell-Marchimage1.png?width=1333&height=1000&name=sidwell-Marchimage1.png)GenHERation SEJI workshop in the Rusch Room prepping for a simulation activity and CFO/COO interviews ### Sidwell [Summer Equity and Justice Institute](https://www.sidwellsummer.org/dc-camps/genheration-xxt78) (SEJI) Is your child ready to change the world?  Do they debate social issues and current events at the dinner table and are ready to take action? Do they want to collaborate with peers and inspiring adults and mentors as they learn important life skills such as teamwork, research, how to react to simulations and quick challenges?  The Sidwell [Summer Equity and Justice Institute](https://www.sidwellsummer.org/dc-camps/genheration-xxt78) (SEJI) is a series of weekly sessions designed to engage students in their examination of what defines leadership in the 21st century. Inspiring ethical leadership is a hallmark of the Sidwell Friends education. The sessions provide opportunities for students in rising grades 6-12 to explore the rewards and challenges of serving the common good, framed with a different topic every week. Participants will learn skills and tools to help them work on social justice causes and look at the interconnectedness of critical issues facing our world today and in the future. Individual and group projects, guest speakers, simulations, and interactive games allow participants to engage and collaborate with each other as they dive deeper into each topic. - **Stories From the Future Manifest a Just & Equitable World** (Grades 8-12) - June 10-14 -Led by [Jason "JGo" Gordon](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-jgo-gordon-a236325/) , Co-founder of [Written Out Loud, a storytelling company](https://www.linkedin.com/company/written-out-loud-a-storytelling-company/), an innovative, collaborative storytelling program.  JGo has a B.A., in Anthropology and African & African American Studies from Yale University and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Columbia University's Teachers College. - **Fox Tank Ethical Business Practices** (Grades 6-12) - June 17-21 Led by: [Karen McCann McClelland](https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-mccann-mcclelland/), MEd, MBA, is Director of Auxiliary Programs at [Sidwell Friends School](https://www.linkedin.com/school/sidwell-friends-school/) and oversees the operation of a number of ‘businesses’ within the school including the Fox Den Cafe and Store, Early Childhood Learning Center and Sidwell Summer.  Karen is a social entrepreneur helping to design and create programs and ‘businesses’ within independent schools that have a positive impact on the community. - **Food Justice in the DMV** (Grades 6-12) - June 24-28 Led by [Alex McCoy](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-mccoy-59825422/) ‘04, Center for Ethical Leadership Coordinator, Community Engagement Coordinator - **CEO of my Youth** (Grades 8-12) - July 8-12 Led by Prenerurology instructors. [https://www.preneurology.org/our-team](https://www.preneurology.org/our-team) - **Breaking Barriers: The Dynamic History of Disability Rights** (Grades 7-12) - July 15-19 [Jane Singleton](https://www.linkedin.com/in/janesingleton/) is founder and executive coach of Launchpad for Life, LLC. and former Learning Specialist at Sidwell Friends School. - **Teen Consultants** (Grade 8-12) - July 29-August 2 Led by: [Chuchi Arevalo, CFA, CFE](https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuchi-arevalo/) | Founder and CEO of [SPARK business academy](https://www.linkedin.com/company/spark-business-academy/), an organization that is“Empowering the next generation through financial literacy”. - [GenHERation®](https://www.linkedin.com/company/genheration/)**Summer Intensive** (Grade 7-12) - August 5-7 Led by: Katlyn Grasso, the Founder and CEO of GenHERation®, which is a network where young women and companies connect. Katlyn is a graduate of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania where she received a B.S. in Economics with concentrations in finance and strategic globalization. She received the inaugural Penn President’s Engagement Prize, which provides graduating seniors with $150,000 to develop ventures that have the potential to change the world. Katlyn was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 List as one of the most influential entrepreneurs in the world. ![GenHerationSummer Intensive at Sidwell Summer in Washington, DC - join us for a great experience](https://blog.sidwellsummer.org/hs-fs/hubfs/sidwell-Marchimage2.png?width=1058&height=848&name=sidwell-Marchimage2.png)GenHerationSummer Intensive at Sidwell Summer in Washington, DC - join us for a great experience! ![STEP Artwork](https://blog.sidwellsummer.org/hs-fs/hubfs/sidwell-Marchimage3.png?width=370&height=344&name=sidwell-Marchimage3.png)STEP Artwork ![STEP Workshop Offerings](https://blog.sidwellsummer.org/hs-fs/hubfs/sidwell-Marchimage4.png?width=751&height=915&name=sidwell-Marchimage4.png) STEP Workshop Offerings Is your middle school student looking for an enrichment program that provides opportunities to explore a number of different topics and workshops?  The Sidwell [Summer STudies Enrichment Program (STEP)](https://www.sidwellsummer.org/dc-camps/step) offers students entering Grades 6-9 the chance to keep their academic skills fresh and further develop foundational skills (writing, math, critical thinking, etc.), while exploring new and fun interests and topics in one-week sessions! Campers are taught by dynamic teachers, including school-year Sidwell Friends School instructors, and supported by counselors who share campers’ passion for learning. During each week, participants will attend four workshops, which they will select at the time of registration. Two workshops will meet daily in the mornings for 75 minutes each, and two workshops will meet daily in the afternoons for 55 minutes each. Sessions are offered July 8 - August 2 - check out the workshops in the graphic above and see the [website for descriptions](https://www.sidwellsummer.org/dc-camps/step). In addition to STEP, the following [Summer Studies courses are offered](https://www.sidwellsummer.org/dc-camps/studies) - **Boost Your Brainpower** (Grades 5-6) - June 17-21 - **Level Up Your Learning** (Grades 7-8) - June 24-28 - **Close Reading + Argument- Based Writing** - July 29-August 2 ![Baseball Camp](https://blog.sidwellsummer.org/hs-fs/hubfs/sidwell-Marchimage5.png?width=351&height=392&name=sidwell-Marchimage5.png)Baseball Camp [Sidwell Summer Specialty Sports](https://www.sidwellsummer.org/dc-camps/category/Sport+Camps?utm_medium=email&_hsmi=255886155&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_Q67kTnkTQUfFANtgYOt_sPHuHlgxZ5KQmRPd6-vahgpmPmyUP0HGEQlp34KwaNME4sQiGMIyDAmhSKHEeaiFyYg8yWA&utm_content=255886155&utm_source=hs_email) offerings are a great time to try a new sport, meet Sidwell coaches and classmates, work on skills and have fun! The following sports are available this summer: - [Baseball (Grades 4-9)](https://www.sidwellsummer.org/dc-camps/baseball) - [Basketball (Grades 2-8)](https://www.sidwellsummer.org/dc-camps/basketball) - [Lacrosse - Boys and Girls (Grades 2-8)](https://www.sidwellsummer.org/dc-camps/laxsfs) - [Soccer and Boys Elite Soccer (Grades K-9)](https://www.sidwellsummer.org/dc-camps/kicksoc) - [Tennis (Grades 1-8)](https://www.sidwellsummer.org/dc-camps/tennis) - [Wrestling (Grades 2-8)](https://www.sidwellsummer.org/dc-camps/wrestling) ![Sidwell Varsity Soccer Coach Ibra Toure](https://blog.sidwellsummer.org/hs-fs/hubfs/sidwell-Marchimage6.png?width=425&height=276&name=sidwell-Marchimage6.png) Sidwell Varsity Soccer Coach Ibra Toure For our entrepreneurial friends looking to develop new skills, the [SPARK Business Academy](https://www.sidwellsummer.org/dc-camps/spark) workshops provide hands-on activities and gamification techniques for participants to develop essential 21st century skills. In all programs, participants will develop financial skills along with soft skills in communication, collaboration and public speaking, all while becoming business savvy! Most programs culminate with a showcase event each Friday that allows campers to present and learn from their peers. [SPARK](https://www.sparkbusinessacademy.com/) has been offering empowering youth programs on financial literacy and entrepreneurship since 2013. The skills-based programs help campers develop essential life skills and have received [glowing parent testimonials](https://www.sparkbusinessacademy.com/feedback). SPARK's unique programs have been featured in Business Week, Bloomberg TV, Georgetown Business and international newspapers.\*Participants must be enrolled in an AM Only program in order to participate in the PM Only program. - Budding Entrepreneurs - Jr. CEO - My First Food Truck - Read All About It! - Bulls & Bears - Sports Management - Aspiring Fashionista - Model UN - Teen Consultants (full Day) ![SPARK Business Academy participants](https://blog.sidwellsummer.org/hs-fs/hubfs/sidwell-marchimage7.png?width=423&height=293&name=sidwell-marchimage7.png)SPARK Business Academy participants For those looking to explore their creative side the [The Handwork Studios](https://www.sidwellsummer.org/dc-campus) provides an amazing array of studios from Culinary Arts, Fashion & Machine Sewing, Woodworking, and Soap Box Derby!  Check out the offerings by each topic: ![Fashion & Machine Sewing studio](https://blog.sidwellsummer.org/hs-fs/hubfs/sidwell-marchimage8.png?width=627&height=848&name=sidwell-marchimage8.png)Fashion & Machine Sewing studio [Accessorize & Style](https://www.sidwellsummer.org/dc-camps/glam) - **SFX Makeup Magic** (Grades 4-8) - **Jewelry Making Senior** (Grades 3-6) - **Fashion Design & Styling** (Grades 3-6)   [Art & Lit:](https://www.sidwellsummer.org/dc-camps/artlit) Dungeons & Dragons: Write, Build & Create (Grades 4-8) [Culinary Arts](https://www.sidwellsummer.org/dc-camps/sweets-treats-and-eats-75dyp) (Grades 4-8) - **The World of Sweet Imagination** - **Serve It Up: Restaurant Style** - **Passport to Yum**   [Design & Build](https://www.sidwellsummer.org/dc-camps/designandbuild) (Grades 4-6) - Star Wars Galactic - Robotic Filmmakers Senior - Dream House Builders   [Machine Sewing](https://www.sidwellsummer.org/dc-camps/machine)   - Fashion & Machine Sewing (Grades 5-10) - Sew Tech (Grades 5-8) - Fashion Boot Camp (Grades 6-11)   [Mixed Media](https://www.sidwellsummer.org/dc-camps/mixedmedia) (Grades 4-8) Artpreneurs: Fiber Arts [Woodworking](https://www.sidwellsummer.org/dc-camps/woodworking) (Grades 5-8) - Woodworking Senior - Soapbox Derby ![Woodworking studio](https://blog.sidwellsummer.org/hs-fs/hubfs/sidwell-marchimage9.png?width=625&height=842&name=sidwell-marchimage9.png)Woodworking studio Sidwell Summer also offers a [CIT program (rising 9th graders)](https://www.sidwellsummer.org/dc-camps/cit) The Counselor In Training (CIT) Program is a hands-on leadership program designed for high school students looking to gain professional experiences through working with young children and adults. There are 3 CIT Programs to choose from - Sports, Discovery Day Camp and The Handwork studios. ![CITs setting up for an event](https://blog.sidwellsummer.org/hs-fs/hubfs/sidwell-marchimage10.png?width=541&height=259&name=sidwell-marchimage10.png) CITs setting up for an event We also offer a Summer Sponsorship Fund for those that may need financial assistance in attending. Please see sponsorship details and the application [here](https://www.sidwellsummer.org/sponsorship) (***please apply for Sponsorship by 3/15 for best availability***). We hope you will include [Sidwell Summer](https://www.linkedin.com/company/sidwell-summer/) in your 2024 Summer plans! Please reach out to our team at 202-537-8133 or [summer@sidwell.edu](mailto:summer@sidwell.edu) with any questions.         - - - - #### About the author Sidwell Summer Topics:   [Camper Content](https://blog.sidwellsummer.org/camper-connect/tag/camper-content) ### Related posts [5 Creative Ways to Ask About Your Child's Camp Experience](https://blog.sidwellsummer.org/camper-connect/5-creative-ways-to-ask-about-your-childs-camp-experience) [Meet the Sidwell Summer Leadership Team Who are Ready to Make This Your Child’s Best Summer Yet](https://blog.sidwellsummer.org/camper-connect/meet-the-sidwell-summer-leadership-team-who-are-ready-to-make-this-your-childs-best-summer-yet) [Sidwell Summer Q&A with Cate Woodward, Discovery Day Camp Director](https://blog.sidwellsummer.org/camper-connect/sidwell-summer-qa-with-cate-woodward-discovery-day-camp-director) [Sidwell Summer: Where Sports and Values Meet on the Field](https://blog.sidwellsummer.org/camper-connect/sidwell-summer-where-sports-and-values-meet-on-the-field) [Middle Schoolers - Are not too "Cool" (or Old) for Summer Camp!](https://blog.sidwellsummer.org/camper-connect/middle-schoolers-are-not-too-cool-or-old-for-summer-camp) [![](https://blog.sidwellsummer.org/hs-fs/hubfs/sidwell%20logo%20blue%20(1).jpg?width=175&height=97&name=sidwell%20logo%20blue%20(1).jpg)](https://blog.sidwellsummer.org/)   3825 Wisconsin Ave, Washington, DC 20016 [(202) 537-8133](https://www.google.com/search?q=sidwell+summer&sca_esv=8caa149022821f4f&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS693US693&ei=uXwDZqaRLYHi5NoP_rWngA8&ved=0ahUKEwjm0aSvq5OFAxUBMVkFHf7aCfAQ4dUDCBA&uact=5&oq=sidwell+summer&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiDnNpZHdlbGwgc3VtbWVyMhEQLhivARjHARiRAhiABBiKBTIFEAAYgAQyBRAAGIAEMgUQABiABDIFEAAYgAQyBRAAGIAEMgUQABiABDIFEAAYgAQyBRAAGIAEMgUQABiABDIgEC4YrwEYxwEYkQIYgAQYigUYlwUY3AQY3gQY4ATYAQFI0glQqANY1AhwAXgBkAEAmAFyoAGKBKoBAzUuMbgBA8gBAPgBAZgCB6ACugTCAgoQABhHGNYEGLADwgILEAAYgAQYigUYkQLCAgsQLhiABBjHARivAcICBRAuGIAEmAMAiAYBkAYIugYGCAEQARgUkgcDNC4zoAeDOw&sclient=gws-wiz-serp#) FOLLOW US [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Sidwell.Summer/) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/sidwell-summer/) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/sidwellsummer/?hl=en) - [About Us](https://www.sidwellsummer.org/about-us) - [DC Campus](https://www.sidwellsummer.org/dc-campus) - [Bethesda Campus](https://www.sidwellsummer.org/bethesda-campus) - [Blog](https://blog.sidwellsummer.org/camper-connect) - [Contact](https://www.sidwellsummer.org/contact) - [Register Now!](https://sidwellsummer.campbrainregistration.com/) © 2024 Sidwell Summer  |  Privacy Policy ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Sidwell Summer", "url" : "https://blog.sidwellsummer.org/camper-connect/author/sidwell-summer" }, "dateModified" : "2024-03-19T21:08:41.852Z", "datePublished" : "2024-03-19T20:29:31.000Z", "headline" : "Middle Schoolers - Are not too \"Cool\" (or Old) for Summer Camp!", "image" : [ "https://blog.sidwellsummer.org/hubfs/sidwell-marchimage11.jpeg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.sidwellsummer.org/camper-connect/middle-schoolers-are-not-too-cool-or-old-for-summer-camp", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.sidwellsummer.org/hubfs/sidwell%20logo%20blue%20(1).jpg" } } } ```