Summer @ SA is Back!

We have exciting news...Summer at SA is returning this year!

Our fun and educational week-long camps for current 5th-8th graders, taught by Sonoma Academy staffulty and alumni, explore a huge range of topics to suit all sorts of interests. Each camp includes a full day of fun and learning, plus a healthy and freshly cooked hot lunch!

Week 1: June 9 through June 13

Art in 5 Days (Session 1) In this relaxing and fun class, students will draw, paint, collage, create small sculptures, and embellish clothing. One project will use symbolism to create self-portraits in collage and paint. Students will get lots of support and direction, along with skill-building instruction for each project. We will close the session with a party that showcases and celebrates everyone’s artwork. Every day, we will play games to create an environment where learning is fun!

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Cooking Around the World Over five exciting days, campers will explore the world of food through hands-on cooking experience while learning essential kitchen skills, food safety, and exploring different cultural cuisines! Each camper will also create an artistic cookbook featuring all the recipes they've made throughout the week. By the end of the camp, campers will have confidence in the kitchen and the skills to recreate their favorite recipes at home. Join us for a week of tasty fun!

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Photography Explore the possibilities of your creative eye! This week-long Introduction to Photography course introduces students to the basics of photography, focusing on creative expression and visual storytelling. Through hands-on activities using both smartphones and digital cameras, you will learn essential skills such as composition, lighting, and basic photo-editing. Not only will you develop confidence in your photographic skills, you will create a portfolio, and participate in a mini-showcase of your photographs to share your creative journey!

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Week 2: June 16 through June 20

Art in 5 Days (Session 2) In this relaxing and fun session, students will sketch, draw, watercolor, make wire masks and small sculptures, and take fashion portraits of each other. Students will work together on a watercolor painting based on a master painter (Van Gogh or Frida Kahlo). Students will get lots of support and direction, along with skill-building instruction for each project. We will close the session with a party that showcases and celebrates everyone’s artwork. Every day, we will play games to create an environment where learning is fun!

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Athletic Adventures Calling all athletes and those who love to play! This weeklong camp offers a smorgasbord of sports, from basketball to soccer to ultimate frisbee and more! Each day, we will learn skills and fundamentals related to a wide variety of sports, guided by Sonoma Academy coaches and athletes. We’ll also learn about injury prevention, mobility, and taking care of ourselves to perform at our best.

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Creative Hands: Crafting Crafting introduces students to the diversity of creating art with our hands! Crafting offers a creative and therapeutic experience while developing fine motor skills and patience. Over the course of five days, students will explore paper-making, flower pressing, beading, collaging, and other fun art forms. This week-long course encourages self-expression, teamwork, and problem-solving through collaborative and individual projects. Each student will leave with unique projects they've created, along with a deeper appreciation for the crafts and a tangible set of skills to continue their creative journey. Perfect for beginners and those looking to expand their artistic horizons.

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Lights, Camera, Action! Into to Filmmaking Have you ever dreamed of becoming the next Spielberg or Gerwig? Develop your filmmaking skills over the course of a week with award-winning filmmakers (and Sonoma Academy alumni) Chris Kam and Miles Levin. Campers will learn the basics of visual storytelling and will have fun telling stories, making new friends, and learning from the pros!

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Manga Manga! Italian Cooking and Baking Do you love Italian and Italian American food? Who doesn't?! This week you will learn to make some of the favorite dishes that you will want to make over and over again for your friends and family. Homemade pastas, simple salads, pizza with our outdoor brick oven, and desserts like tiramisu and gelato will be fun to make and delicious to eat! No prior cooking experience necessary. Come ready to get your hands dirty in all parts of the process, from prepping and assisting, to cooking and clean-up. (This camp will be whipping up the same tasty recipes during the Week 2 session.)

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Sticks & Tales: Taiko Drumming & Storytelling We will listen to and tell folktales and stories from our lives during half of the class, and then spend the other pounding out traditional rhythms on Taiko drums (from Japan). We will, of course, learn the lore, mythology, and traditions around Taiko drumming.

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Week 3: June 23 through June 27

Art in 5 Days (Session 3) In this relaxing and fun class, students will hike and then draw in nature, create shadow boxes, landscape collages, and paint their own interpretation of Robert Indiana’s LOVE as well as other art projects. We will close the session with a party that showcases and celebrates everyone’s artwork. Every day, we will play games to create an environment where learning is fun! _____________________________________________________________________________________________

Athletic Adventures Calling all athletes and those who love to play! This weeklong camp offers a smorgasbord of sports, from basketball to soccer to ultimate frisbee and more! Each day, we will learn skills and fundamentals related to a wide variety of sports, guided by Sonoma Academy coaches and athletes. We’ll also learn about injury prevention, mobility, and taking care of ourselves to perform at our best.

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Cooking Around the World (Session 2) Over five exciting days, campers will explore the world of food through hands-on cooking experience while learning essential kitchen skills, food safety, and exploring different cultural cuisines! Each camper will also create an artistic cookbook featuring all the recipes they've made throughout the week. By the end of the camp, campers will have confidence in the kitchen and the skills to recreate their favorite recipes at home. Join us for a week of tasty fun!

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Flower Power! Floral Design Adventures Come join us for a super fun, hands-on Floral Arranging Camp where you’ll learn how to create amazing floral designs that will wow your friends and family. Over five days, you’ll work with cut flowers, wildflowers, and greens while learning the basics of design, balance, and creativity. You’ll also explore different floral styles like traditional floral arranging, Ikebana (Japanese flower art), and other cool techniques. Plus, you’ll discover the meanings of flowers in different cultures and celebrations around the world. By the end of the week, you’ll have made everything from everyday flower arrangements and special event designs to wreaths and wearable flowers like crowns and corsages. It’s a week full of hands-on fun, learning new skills, and getting creative with flowers.

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Just Dance Get ready to move, groove, and express yourself at our Summer Dance Camp! This exciting program offers three popular dance styles—Hip Hop, Jazz, and Contemporary. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced dancer, you'll have the opportunity to explore new techniques, build your skills, and unleash your creativity in a fun, high-energy environment!

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Sticks & Tales: Taiko Drumming & Storytelling We will listen to and tell folktales and stories from our lives during half of the class, and then spend the other pounding out traditional rhythms on Taiko drums (from Japan). We will, of course, learn the lore, mythology, and traditions around Taiko drumming.