CLASS DESCRIPTIONS LISTED ALPHABETICALLY:
Artist Studio: Learn to create colorful and creative art by using a wide variety of materials – colored pencils, markers, charcoal, watercolors, pastels, tempera, paints and clay. Art To Grow On, Children’s Art Center, Inc. (1hour)
Basketball: Learn and practice the fundamentals of basketball, with the emphasis on “fun.” Classes will be organized into small groups for drills, games and friendly competitions. Dimitri Upshaw, Community Instructor, referee for MB Leagues (1 hour)
Book it: Book It is not just a writing class about your travels in the world, in space and time as we know it, it is about churning out your ideas, thoughts, reactions, observations, dreams, and feelings visually and in script about where you have been, where you are, and where you 're going. Move over NaNoWriMo (National November Writing Month), here comes the first annual CamViWriWe (Camp VIP Writing Week) where you become the author of your own "art novella". "Is it a story? Is it an artwork? Is it a diary? - no it is a journal of hundreds of words, some drawings, and photos connected to what interests you. Each student will assemble his/her own book to keep at the end of the week. Vivian York, LAUSD and Camp VIP instructor (3 hours)
Camp Picasso: Creativity and Innovation are the building blocks of this great camp! Paint like Van Gogh, build like Frank Lloyd Wright, design like Matisse. Campers will also participate at our Drawing, Sketching and Manipulative Design Stations. Art To Grow On, Children’s Art Center, Inc. (1hour)
Cartooning, Comics, and Beyond: Awaken and cultivate those artistic instincts from funny animals, superheroes, fantasy, to outer space and under the deep blue sea explorations. You will be exposed to advanced artistic techniques to get you on the way to be a great cartoonist. Diverse drawing lessons with a focus on illustrative storytelling, Step by step Character development, culminating with a creative color comic strip originating from your imagination. Christopher “Mr. C” Hertrich, professional illustrator and enrichment and Camp VIP instructor. (3 hours)
Chess Tutors: We Make Learning Fun: This class, taught by the ever popular Coach Rasheme, utilizes disguised learning techniques to capture the attention of the student, using not only traditional instruction, but also songs, poems and stories. All levels welcome. Please indicate “no experience” or “able to play.” Rasheme Ellington, Chess Tutors (1 hour)
Chess Masters: This class is for intermediate and advanced chess players who want an intensive experience of instruction and competition. Join Coach Ra Ra and fine tune your chess skills while playing against your peers. Rasheme Ellington, Chess Tutors (3 hours)
Dance (with Miss Dulce): Join our wonderful Artist in Residence, Dulce Capadocia, for an hour of dance. Ms.Dulce has been teaching at the elementaries for many years, and brings a wealth of experience in what appeals to our younger and older students. Dulce Cappadocia, MB Artist in Residence, (1 hour)
Edible Science: Campers will enjoy learning through hands on experiences, investigations, discoveries and cooperative interactions. Get ready to make it, break it, test it, and shake it! Kristina Atia, teacher, Pacific teacher, and former Pacific Science Specialist. (1 hour)
Earthworks: Combine ceramics and gardening in this unique class. Create or decorate your own hand built ceramic planter, AND. participate in lessons pertaining to basic gardening, composting, and soil science. Kirk Forster, instructor in outdoor education, El Segundo
Fueling Up for Fourth Grade! Join this session as a way to prepare your child for a successful year in 4th grade. This is a great summer bridge that will expose the students to the reading, writing, and math curriculum by doing activities based on Greek myths, exercises to prepare for math, and play games that encourage the use of critical-thinking skills and strategies. Natalie Herringshaw, Pacific 4th Grade teacher (3 hours)
Getting Ready for Middle School (Everything you always wanted to know about Middle School, but didn't want to ask.) Want to find out the inside track about expectations for students at MBMS? Then this class is for YOU! Make new friends. Meet incoming 6th graders from other elementary schools. Learn time management and organization skills. Get a head start using the MBMS planner. Practice study skills. Learn about different teaching styles. Build Self-confidence and practice talking in front of your peers. Learn behavior techniques and communication skills. Take a special tour of MBMS campus. EVEN earn special prizes, redeemable at MBMS. This is a fun, instructive, and interactive class that gives students a valuable introduction to MBMS. Parents are invited to join the class for the last 45 minutes on Friday for a question and answer session. See how much your kids know! Team taught by Iris Lee Knell, School Counselor MBMS and Ellerbe May, MBMS Student Advisor MBMS (3 hours)
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun: Sign up for a girls’ week - design your own tank tops, flip flops, and jewelry to enhance the “outer girl”. Discover more about the “inner girl” as you share your thoughts with friends about issues that occur in friendships and interactions with your peers. Learn how to act with perspective, class, and kindness. The week concludes with a “sleepover” on the last day of class. Jackie Murphy, Pacific teacher (3 hours)
Girl Power: Welcome, welcome to the world of Girl Power. In this workshop we will delve into the reality of being a girl in middle school. Our goals are to have fun, get to know ourselves better, bond as a group, and provide strategies for empowering girls to feel good in their daily lives. Middle school girls identify many important issues including: How We Feel about Ourselves, Popularity, Drama with Friends, Gossip and Rumors, Self Image, Attitudes and Emotions, and Peer Pressure. Through discussion, journaling, role playing and fun activities, we will look at how we can create positive self image, and make good decisions. The five fabulous factors we will be exploring are: Love Yourself, Be the Best You that You Can Be, Be Kind to Yourself and Others, Be Positive, and Make Good Decisions & Take Responsibility. We will look at excerpts from books such as: Teenage Survival Guide, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff, Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul, No Body’s Perfect, and How to Win Friends & Influence People for Teen Girls. Come share your Girl Power! Heather Gold, MBMS Choral Teacher (3 hours)
Hands on Math: Students will participate in math activities that involve a hands-on, pencils-off approach. Keep your fundamentals fresh over the summer and be ready for next year. Learn how to solve algebraic equations, practice the basics, and learn some helpful tricks for approaching math problems in the real world. Have a fun week while learning valuable skills. Michelle Luke, MBUSD math teacher, (3 hours)
iLearn: Summer, warm weather, and iPads? Does it get any better? In iLearn, we will use the iPads to enhance 4th and 5th grade curriculum. Everyone will be provided an iPad during the session, along with instruction from two iPad-ready teachers who will introduce and incorporate many fun and exciting Apps. Students will learn to use iPads to strengthen math skills, create movies and presentations, and experience new apps that make learning fun! Karina Gerger. MBUSD Teacher on Special Assignment, 20th Century Teaching and Learning and Natalie Herringshaw,fourth grade teacher, Pacific. (3 hours)
Improv Fundamentals Workshop: So, you think you aren't a good improv performer, huh? Maybe you think it's too hard or maybe you feel you aren't funny enough to be an improvisational performer. Well, to that I say hogwash! EVERYONE can improvise. In fact, we do it all the time in every conversation we have but when we're put on the spot, it somehow changes things. This class will teach you the basic rules of short form improv, long form techniques, and will even show you how you can turn an improv into a fantastic script! By the end of the week, you'll never again say you can't improv! David Levy, MBMS Drama Teacher (3 hours)
Junior Readers and Writers/Math Club: A dynamic combination of exciting academic activities taught by two Meadows’ teachers geared up for a week of exciting activities. In Readers and Writers, students will read classic short stories and enjoy open forum discussions as well as write stories based on theme. Math Club is an instructional and fun hands-on way to learn math. The class is a way to enjoy math through independent learning, group projects, and games. The goal is to reinforce, supplement, or look at math in a fresh, enthusiastic approach that may not be taught at school. Students should enjoy math and have FUN! Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to hone your skills, have a fun time and be on top of your game in the fall. Students will participate in an hour and a half of each subject daily. Chris Chao and David Barakat, Meadows teachers (3 hours)
Kinderkamp: Spend a week with MBUSD Kindergarten, Dana Canon, in a week of reading, math, crafts, dance, exercise, and more! Meet new friends and participate in a multitude of activities to prepare you for kindergarten next fall. A fun way to prepare for next year with a teacher that knows all about Kindergarten. Dana Canon, Pennekamp teacher (3 hours)
Kinder Creativity with Eric Carle: In this class for incoming Kindergarteners, we will explore the world of Eric Carle with a multitude of creative activities involving art, reading, writing and much more! Don’t miss out – a different piece of Erik Carle literature every day. A HUGE hit in past summers. Rhonda Becker and Megan Rech, Pacific teachers (3 hours)
Kitchen Kapers: Learn basic kitchen skills and make fresh healthy food that requires no cooking. Read story books about food and create your own recipe book. Bring your appetite and a men’s small white T-shirt to draw on and cover up with. The kitchen is a magical and messy place. A big hit during past summers. Vivian York, LAUSD and favorite at Camp VIP (1 hour)
Knitting and Felting: Have fun learning to knit and felt your own designs. Both beginners and experienced knitters are welcome. Class size is limited, so sign up early. Students are asked to bring number 10 knitting needles on the first day. Taught by the ever popular “Ms Radha” Delamarter, Artist in Residence, MB (3 hours)
LEGO BUILDING (K-2) Simple Machines: Students gain hands on experience building the classic simple machines such as pulleys, levers, belts and gears. Ken Brenan and Aaron Braskin, Elemental Media Group (1 hour)
The following LEGO classes are 3 hour blocks taught by Mr. B’s, Aaron Braskin and Ken Brennan, Elemental Media Group
LEGO: Battletech: Strap yourself into the ultimate suit of armor: the BattleMech - 30 feet tall and weighing up to a hundred tons. The Classic BattleTech game takes you into the world of the 31st Century, you are a MechWarrior and in command of the most powerful machine on the battlefield, and hold the fate of empires in your hand! Students will learn Teamwork, strategy, math, geometry while playing the game using miniatures on a realistic playing field that is put together by the students. The class includes learning art skills as the players build and paint their own BattleMech to use with the game.
LEGO: Castle Construction: Learn about ancient castle designs and work together to build an enormous castle with a footprint as large as nine square feet, as well as ancient siege engines capable of tearing down castles like the one they’ve designed.
LEGO Fun Build: Come and build one of Mr. B's LEGO Sets. Mr. B has thousands of LEGO Sets in many different genres to choose from: Harry Potter, City, Technic, Star Wars, Castle, Space Police, Sponge Bob, Toy Story, Designer, Creator, Batman, Spiderman, Space, Bionicle, Agents and many many more. Some are large some are small Mr. B want to build them all... with your help.
LEGO Technic: In this class students will create more advanced models with more complex movable parts, such as machines with wheels. These models are characterized by pieces, such as gears, axles, pins, beams, pneumatic pieces, and electric motors
LEGO: Star Wars: Explore the world of Star Wars and build dioramas for scenes from movies, and build the largest model produced by LEGO – the Imperial Star Destroyer.
Lights, Camera, Adventure! (Video Production): Kids will experience the ultimate excitement of movie-making, video production, photography and animation in this multi-faceted media arts program. Each child will get a chance to write, shoot, direct, edit and STAR in a wide variety of FUN hands-on projects. Some of the video projects include music videos, movie-trailers, TV shows and commercials while learning green screen techniques and awesome special effects. We strive to inspire kids through learning, creating and acting in a positive environment. Everyone will receive a professionally edited DVD. Futures Network (Formerly Acamp) (3 hours)
Making Music: Join in the fun as we sing, play musical instruments, enjoy musical games, and experiment with music and movement. Even some composing and music appreciation. Everyone gets a chance to participate. Emily Sanders, Pacific teacher (1 hour)
Math Club: (See description under Junior Readers and Writers/Math Club) is an instructional and fun hands-on way to learn math. The class is a way to enjoy math through independent learning, group projects, and games. The goal is to reinforce, supplement, or look at math in a fresh, enthusiastic approach that may not be taught at school. Students should enjoy math and have FUN! Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to hone your skills, have a fun time and be on top of your game in the fall Chris Chao, Meadows Teacher
Mathlete Club is an instructional and fun hands-on way to learn math. The class is a way to enjoy math through independent learning, group projects, and games. The goal is to reinforce, supplement, or look at math in a fresh, enthusiastic approach that may not be taught at school. Students should enjoy math and have FUN! Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to hone your skills, have a fun time and be on top of your game in the fall. Chris Chao, Meadows Teacher (3 hours)
MATHEMAGIC! MatheMagic combines the cool skills of Magic with the brain-teasing aspects of Math to create an intellectual and entertaining activity that not only enhances students’ problem solving, logic, and lateral thinking skills, but also teaches them that Math can be fun! Brian Batastini, professional magician and instructor for Parker-Anderson Enrichment (1 hour)
MBPD Youth Leadership Academy: This unique opportunity returns again this summer. The Manhattan Beach Police Department’s Youth Leadership Academy is open to incoming 6th - 8th grade students. (boys and girls) The Academy is designed to be a character building and leadership program that will motivate young people to be outstanding citizens through law enforcement education. Each day, students will be exposed to training sessions on the juvenile justice system, decisions & consequences as well as, CSI, SWAT, K-9, Patrol Functions and more! You’ll get an inside look into the life and career of a police officer! Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity. Class will meet at the MBPD daily. Claudia McShane, School Resource Officer, MBPD (3 hours)
Military History in Miniature: Using hundreds of highly detailed miniature soldiers from a variety of historical periods, including the Seven Years War, American Revolution, Napoleonic Wars and the American Civil War, participants will learn about the tactics and strategies used by the different armies. Using both historical and fictional scenarios, the students will get a very realistic experience of what it was like to command troops in earlier eras. Duke Winser, MBMS teacher (3 hours)
Multi-Sports & News/Sports Casting: Sports Fans and News/Sports Anchors wanted in this 2 for 1 innovative program! Students will play a variety of sports/outdoor activities for the 1st half and produce their own TV show the 2nd half of the day. Each child will have the opportunity to play and learn the fundamentals of baseball/softball, basketball, soccer, volleyball, football (non contact) and kickball along with other cool games and surprises. Kids will also write, shoot, direct and STAR in hands-on video projects. This includes highlight footage from the outdoor sports and personal video intros and interviews of each student. Everyone will receive a professionally edited DVD. Futures Network & ACAMP Sports (3 hours)
Outdoor Games & Sports: This FUN class combines a variety of sports and creative team-building games along with other cool surprises! Students will build self confidence, hand-eye coordination and skill development along with gaining teamwork and leadership skills in this well-rounded program. Our goal is to inspire each unique and talented child in a positive and non-competitive environment. Whether your child is preparing for an upcoming season (young athlete), exposing him/her to sports (beginner), or just infusing physical activity; we encourage all youths to fully enjoy what active participation in sports and outdoor activities can add to their lives. Futures Networks and ACAMP Sports (1 hour)
On Our Way to First Grade: Join this class and be prepared to enter first grade with proficiency and confidence. This class will strengthen reading and math readiness while integrating art, music, and movement. And, make new friends at the same time. Karina Gerger, MBUSD Teacher on Special Assignment (3 hours)
Out and About in Manhattan Beach: Come aboard and visit businesses in the Manhattan Beach community. Take a different and exciting walking field trip each day. Possible trips include Domino’s Pizza, Target, Wells Fargo Bank among other interesting places. Students will create and complete a traveling suitcase which will contain a photo and journal entry of each expedition. Rhonda Becker and Megan Rech, Pacific teachers (3 hours)
Public Speaking with Miss Radha: This workshop is about exploring the different elements of public speaking. Each class will begin with vocal and physical warm-ups created by Kristen Linklater, which are designed to free the natural voice and help each student be loud in a way that will not hurt them vocally. We will also practice Edith Skinner diction techniques, which will help the students know how to be clearer. We will then apply these techniques to tongue-twister poetry to help develop clear enunciation. We will focus on expression by learning how to convey specific emotions, as well as learning how to create specific voices for specific characters. Each student will also be writing and performing poetry, short monologues, and learning how to cold read from a book or script. All of these techniques will help each student gain confidence in the classroom in a way that is FUN! “Miss Radha” Delamarter, Artist in Residence, MB (3 hours)
Read, Sing, Play, Relax: Now That’s Fun!: This “literacy circle” is similar to a book club, with fun in-class projects including scene acting, writing letters to characters, keeping a character journal, writing and presentation of speeches and much more! Enjoy and learn with a combination comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary activities, as well as conflict resolution and team-building, karaoke, and relaxation methods. Rebecca Stoltz has an advanced degree in Education and has been a favorite substitute this year at all five elementary schools. (3 hours)
Scrap Booking: Do you love taking pictures? Do you have pictures that you would love to organize into a beautiful, memorable scrapbook? Join us in creating a scrapbook that you will keep forever! You will learn techniques such as mounting, journaling, and creating themes, and will even have access to a circuit machine! Come get creative with us! Natalie Herringshaw, Pacific 4th Grade teacher (3 hours)
Sixth Grade Summer Book Club: This class will provide the opportunity for students to complete at least one required summer reading selection in a supportive environment. Emphasis will be on enjoying and understanding literature while practicing reading comprehension and note-taking skills. Students are asked to bring one book from the summer reading list that has not been read. The teachers are experienced 6th grade Humanities teachers at MBMS. Linda Daly (week #3) and Nichole Shepley (week #4) (3 hours)
Skills, Review and Academic Support: This unique two week class offers your child the opportunity for academic support in reading comprehension, fluency, writing composition, and math taught by a highly qualified and experienced MBUSD certificated teacher. Instruction will be structured according to the needs of the student with small group and individual attention as needed. A variety of teaching modalities and materials will be utilized to provide the student a meaningful session of academic support. Please note that this class is not an MBUSD summer school program, but will offer a similar experience to students who require additional summer academic study. This is open to students entering grades 2-5 in the fall. Deborah Hofreiter, MCHS Teacher on Special Assignment, Writing and Literacy (3 hours)
Sportball: Sportball helps children to develop socially as well as physically, and is designed to reinforce self-confidence free from the pressures of competition, with a skills driven, high energy and fun filled curriculum. Using creative instruction and positive encouragement, Sportball focuses on the development of gross motor skills, along with balance, strength, stamina, coordination and timing. Sportball was a big hit with boys and girls of all grades at Camp VIP last summer. Coach Zachary Gray and Sportball (1 hour)
Super Science/Blast Off! Students will have a "blast" exploring various science topics through hands-on activities and collaborative groups. Make it, launch it, shake it, break it, and test it. The class will be split in half by grade levels and then rotate between the two science teachers. Girls and boys are guaranteed to love this science class! Susan Holton and Tanya Sanchez, MBUSD Science Specialists (3 hours)
Surfin’ Into Second Grade: A great transition from first to second grade. With daily “hands on” and “multiple intelligence” activities, students will be engaged in math, writing, reading, science, art, and PE activities. Be excited and ready for next year. Kari Placonis, Grand View teacher (3 hours)
Study Skills for Success: This class is an invaluable opportunity for Middle Schoolers to sharpen their study skills. Students will spend a week learning note taking skills, goal setting, practicing test taking, memory exercises, time management, and even some speed reading. Taught by an experienced educator/school psychologist who has conducted similar workshops for many years. Jennifer Tsuruta, MA Educational Psychology.
Tricky, Exciting and Dramatic Dance: In this weeklong workshop Ms. Dulce will share her expertise in dance dramas and storytelling. Students will learn how to make dances using space, level, music, creative movement, artistic expression and other elements of basic choreography. At the end of this fun action-packed class, children will have the skills to be able to choreograph their own dances, presenting and performing them in front of a live audience! AND, Ms. Ms. Dulce shares her expertise in the exotic dances of the Philippines, her country of origin. If you have ever had the curiosity to learn to dance in between bamboo poles as they are smashing together at break neck speed under your feet, or you would like to learn how to dance while balancing objects on your head and hands, this fun, daring & entertaining class is for the daredevil in you! Let Ms. Dulce take you to another world to experience a unique, exciting, colorful culture through Dance! Dulce Capadocia, MB Artist in Residence, (3 hours)
Variety VIP: BIG HIT EVERY YEAR. Spend the afternoons participating in a variety of activities- something different each day! Our Variety VIP Counselor, Gina Marcarelli, will guide you as you explore exciting scientific, musical, literary, and artistic theme-based adventures with a lot of fun indoors and out. A great way to spend the afternoons or extend your time to a full day at Camp VIP (Gr. K-5) Gina Marcarelli, MBUSD (3 hours)
Viva Ciencias: This class merges the Spanish language and culture with hands on science activities. Come have fun, practicing your Spanish while doing interactive science projects. Rebecca Allen and Kiersten Hillkirk, MBMS teachers (3 hours)
Web Site Design: Design your own web page! Students will learn the fundamentals of HTML coding while making their own personal web page. At the end of the week students will take home on a CD all of the files needed to display their personalized web page on their computer at home or upload it to the Internet. Mr B’s, Ken Brenan and Aaron Braskin, Elemental Media Group (3 hours)
Writers Workshop: Make writing fun as you increase your stamina, use of description, and improve your self-editing skills as we utilize the techniques of Lucy Calkins’ Writers’ Workshop. Plus some fun reading and language arts activities in this unique workshop offered by Deborah Hofreiter, MBUSD Teacher on Special Assignment for Writing and Literacy. (3 hours)
YogaBuddies: This kid-friendly yoga curriculum is specifically designed to create a fun yoga class and instill kids with healthy habits that last a lifetime. Join us while we stretch, strengthen, increase flexibility and relax!! Students will learn character building words, breathing techniques that help them focus, calm themselves and fall asleep as well as more than 50 yoga poses A bit hit this year in the GV after school program. Yogabuddies (1 hour)
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