Lower School camps are designed to offer a variety of enrichment, skill-building and play opportunities. Each week, a variety of full-day camps for different age groups are available from 8:30am to 5:30pm.
Click the button on the left side of the page to register. Please note that the Summer Camp schedule ends at 3:00pm.
Registration is for each rising grade level. Please choose camps associated with the grade in which your child will be a student for the 2023-2024 school year.
Art in Activism (3-5)
This project-based camp will explore the rich history of art as a means of activism work. Students will learn about various artist-activists and activist movements and then use their knowledge to create projects using fabric, paint, pencils, and more. Various field trips around the city of San Francisco will allow students to enrich their knowledge of local artist activism. We will explore weaving, collaging, photography, watercolor, architectural design, sculpture, and more!
Art Meets Science (1-3)
This camp is all about creativity and exploration, with daily activities divided into two segments: Art Around the World – Students explore different cultures with projects inspired by art from around the world. Each lesson teaches fundamental techniques and concepts, such as color mixing, drawing, shading, and texture. ScienceWiz – This program is built upon inquiry, experimentation, and play! Students will receive their very own ScienceWiz™ kit and use it to dive deep into one important scientific concept, like electricity, sound, physics, and more!
Comics and Zines (2-5)
Draw and create your own comics and zines inspired by the City and the vibrant people from here. We will visit a few local stores selling comics, zines, and books. The full week session also includes a field trip to the Cartoon Art Museum in San Francisco.
Electronics (1-3)
Nexplore Electronics introduces students to electrical engineering and important STEM concepts. In this program, they harness critical-thinking skills to study, design, and build their own circuits. When students understand how electricity works, they can use it to create lights and machines using paper, wires, batteries, and their imagination. Nexplore Electronics uses circuits and electricity to bring STEM concepts to life and engage students in this important field.
Fashion & Jewelry Design (1-3)
Bring your jewelry designs to life! Through hands-on crafting, students learn cutting, stringing, beading, knotting, and assembling techniques. They spark creativity and strengthen fine motor skills by engaging with a variety of materials and tools. Jewelry students develop a sense of pride and accomplishment as they create and share their wearable art.
Hometown Tourists (1-3)
Become a tourist in your own city and uncover the hidden (and not so hidden) gems of San Francisco with our unique summer camp experience! Campers will not only visit but also learn the historical significance of places like Coit tower, fisherman’s wharf, and the golden gate bridge. Through engaging activities, tours, and interactive excursions, campers will forge a deeper connection with their hometown, creating lasting memories and fostering a sense of pride in the diverse wonders of San Francisco. Join us for a summer filled with exploration, curiosity, and the joy of being a tourist in your own backyard!
Magic (1-3)
Welcome to the world of Magic where every child is a star! In this unique summer camp, students build self-confidence, performance skills, and theatrical charm to wow their audience with tricks from their very own magic kits! New to the world of magic? This is the perfect place to start! This course offers an experienced instructor, a stepby-step guidebook, and access to tutorial videos so children can continue their practice at home!
Makers Club (1-3)
This STEAM (Science, Technology, Education, Arts, & Math) program inspires kids to explore, experiment, and create! Students interact with fun Maker Kits that enhance mechanical, artistic, and engineering skills, while encouraging them to act as inventors in their own right. Participants design and build their own hydraulic arms, learn to harness energy to power race cars, and experiment with structural design. Plus, students can keep their inventions and proudly share their projects with family and friends. Makers Club is fully aligned with NGS Standards.
Mexicans, Murals, and the Mission (3-5)
Learn the local culture and what makes the Mission District the heart of the City. We will focus on appreciating Mexican and Chicano culture through the voices and views of artists, writers, and cultural influencers. Local field trips will guide our insights into the history of the Mission as we connect with our neighbors through art, food, and stories. Note: This course is taught by a 3rd/4th generation Mexican American. All are welcome to learn and appreciate.
Neighborhood Explorers (2-5)
Let’s say “Hello” to our neighbors around the City! We will visit various neighborhoods around San Francisco and check out their local community offerings such as parks and playgrounds, libraries, shops, and other unique attractions. This camp will include some cooking inspired by local and meaningful foods to the locations we visit. Local adventures, here we come!
Nextdoor Nibbles (1-5)
We have so many delicious food options just steps away from our school, let’s take advantage of that! Each day campers will take a stroll to a nearby restaurant or bakeries and try something delicious. Campers will then go on a deep dive on the foods learning about its cultural backgrounds and then will try as a group to recreate the deliciousness in our own kitchen! From morning buns to pupusas, this camp is sure to have your mouth watering.
Origami (1-3)
Nexplore Origami takes a modern STEAM spin on traditional paper folding techniques. Students practice and hone their fine motor skills while learning standard folds and turning ordinary objects into special creations. They may even connect circuits and lights into their creations to animate them in new ways and learn about electrical engineering. Pottery (1-3) Nexplore Pottery channels children’s natural creativity and curiosity into hands-on, artistic expression! Pottery offers a unique outlet for children to sculpt their ideas into one-of-a-kind creations, fostering self-expression and building confidence. This multisensory craft offers joy in experiencing the touch, smells, sounds, and sights of clay. Manipulating clay helps children understand that they have the ability to change something with their own hands and influence the outside world. During the pottery process, children must plan and execute their vision, strengthening executive functioning skills. Over time, working with clay gives children more precise motor control and hand-eye coordination, and strengthens their ability to understand that their actions have lasting consequences in the world.
Pottery (1-3)
Nexplore Pottery channels children’s natural creativity and curiosity into hands-on, artistic expression! Pottery offers a unique outlet for children to sculpt their ideas into one-of-a-kind creations, fostering self-expression and building confidence. This multisensory craft offers joy in experiencing the touch, smells, sounds, and sights of clay. Manipulating clay helps children understand that they have the ability to change something with their own hands and influence the outside world. During the pottery process, children must plan and execute their vision, strengthening executive functioning skills. Over time, working with clay gives children more precise motor control and hand-eye coordination, and strengthens their ability to understand that their actions have lasting consequences in the world.
SF Naturalists (2-5)
Explore and appreciate the awe-inspiring outdoors of San Francisco. We will wander the gardens, beaches, and woods around the City while learning about native plants and wildlife and how to care for these ecosystems. Bring your hiking shoes as we connect with the nature around us.
SF Playground Explorers (1-3)
Let’s find the coolest playground in San Francisco! This thrilling summer adventure will offer a unique camp experience that promises a daily exploration of new parks and playgrounds around the city. Each day, campers will discover a different outdoor haven, fostering a sense of excitement and discovery. From lush green spaces to vibrant play areas, our itinerary ensures a diverse range of environments for children to engage in fun-filled activities and forge lasting friendships. With a focus on outdoor play and exploration, our summer camp guarantees a memorable and dynamic experience for all!
The Adventure Crew (1-3)
This will be an unforgettable summer adventure with our camp dedicated to exploring San Francisco! Campers will immerse themselves in all SF had to offer, from the Exploratorium to the zoo and even a sporting event (go Giants)! With hands-on exploration, this camp promises an exhilarating journey filled with memories that will last a lifetime. Join us for a summer of discovery, fun, and the distinctive charm of San Francisco! Please note this camp registration will close early to ensure proper time for ticket purchasing.
Thrifting and Upcycling (3-5)
Unleash creativity and sustainability at our one-of-a-kind summer camp dedicated to thrifting and upcycling! Campers will embark on a journey of eco-friendly exploration as they dive into the world of second-hand treasures. From vintage clothing and maybe even old housewares, participants will learn the art of thrifting and discover imaginative ways to repurpose items through upcycling workshops. Guided by skilled artisans, this camp not only nurtures artistic expression but also instills a sense of environmental responsibility, making it a uniquely enriching experience for the ecoconscious camper.
3D Printing (1-3)
Empowered by 3Doodler, learning is limitless as students make concepts come alive from 2D to 3D! Using 3Doodler’s 3D printing pens, students break down complex topics into hands-on, approachable concepts, bringing science, technology, engineering, math, and design concepts to life. 3Doodler bridges differences in learning styles and engages students in a way that promotes teamwork, creative thinking, self-expression, and focus. After only using 3Doodler’s 3D printing pens for a short time, students will become engineers, designers, and scientists in their own classrooms, camps, or learning groups.
Daily Schedule for Elementary Campers:
- 8:30am – 9:00am Drop off/Free Play
- 9:00am – 9:15am All Group Activity
- 9:15am – 9:45am Classroom Announcements & Activities
- 9:45am – 10:45am Camp Activity Time
- 10:45am – 11:00am Snack Time
- 11:00am – 12:00pm Camp Activity Time
- 12:00pm – 12:45pm Lunch
- 12:45pm – 2:30pm Camp Activity Time
- 2:30pm – 2:40pm Snack Time
- 2:40pm – 3:00pm All Group Activity
- 3:00pm – 5:30pm Extended Day for Late Campers
If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to contact us!