Summer Camps & Programs

Program Description

Mercersburg Academy Summer Programs

Think Summer. Think Mercersburg.
Mercersburg, Pennsylvania

		Program Description Program Overview Visit Web Site Get Free Info See Photos

For More Information, Contact
Office of Summer and Extended Programs
Mercersburg Academy
300 East Seminary Drive
Mercersburg, Pennsylvania 17236
717-328-6225
Fax: 717-328-9072
http://mercersburg.edu/summer_programs/

Type of Program: A series of summer programs that incorporate outdoor camping with academics and a full learning experience
Participants: Coeducational, ages 10 to 16
Enrollment: Varies for each program.
Program Dates: Varies by program between June 21 and August 1.
Head of Program: Rick Hendrickson

Location

An independent college-preparatory school in south-central Pennsylvania, Mercersburg Academy offers a wide range of summer programs.

Background and Philosophy

Mercersburg’s programs are unique, not just because they offer stimulating projects or exciting trips or even great outdoor adventures like climbing. They’re unique because the camp has one simple goal that opens doors of opportunities for all participants—all campers feel comfortable being themselves. This comfort breeds trust, and trust acts as the stimulus to accepting challenges. Mercersburg accomplishes its goal through a concrete approach that creates an atmosphere of respect. Teasing and self-deprecating humor, for example, are prohibited on the part of campers and counselors. It is called the Adventure Camp way, and campers not only appreciate it, they relish it.

Program Offerings

Adventure Camps: Campers enrich their minds, challenge their bodies, and enhance their spirits with a summer of unique experiences. The programs challenge campers to grow and to explore, starting with their choice of activities within diverse schedules that feature intellectual enrichment activities, outdoor challenges, and stimulating trips. Beginning campers (ages 7–8) enjoy Junior Adventure Camp and Mercersburg Adventure Camp (ages 8–14). Teens have a camp just for themselves—Teen Adventures—for ages 14–16.
Young Writers Camp: Students build writing skills for the real world and unleash their creativity in a setting that caters to young writers who expect more than a classroom experience, as Mercersburg presents a unique opportunity, a writing camp founded on the principle that “language is at the core of everything we do and thus does much to define who we are.”
    Young writers join other young scribes as they explore the beauty of poetic style, the strength of words used well, the power of their own voices on paper. They spend time on skill development then move to their preference of the specialty workshops that feature genres ranging from historical fiction to science fiction.
    Students choose from diverse afternoon activity offerings (climbing walls, Pilates/yoga, tennis, hiking, etc.) and enjoy a series of storytellers, poets, and other presenters at coffeehouses and roundtables in the evenings. These young writers also travel to Civil War battlefields; enjoy performances at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.; and ride mystery trains to gain experience and inspiration for their endeavors.
Summer Theater Workshop: Students develop their talent, showcase their acting range, and expand their knowledge of voice and body elements relative to the stage. This theater experience is designed to provide an encouraging atmosphere for acting newcomers as well as a venue for emerging actors to develop their skills for further advancement in the field.
    The goal of the Mercersburg Summer Theater Workshop is to expose high school students to all aspects of theater production, through full participation in an actual production. Participants are immersed in a week full of rich theatrical experiences, splitting time between classes and rehearsals. The week culminates in a unique performance created anew each summer.
    Experienced actors benefit from this experiential approach to theater, but prior lead acting experience is not necessary. Workshop areas include acting, voice, movement, and technical theater. Additional sessions may include auditioning techniques, acting for the camera, and stage combat.
Robotropolis Robotics Camp: Robotropolis—even the name sounds futuristic. Participants come to the unique robotics camps, where small teams use math, science, and technology to construct their own robots and tackle basic computer programming while engaging in various projects, each with a unique set of challenges. A hands-on approach guides Mercersburg’s scientific simulation for future physicists, researchers, and engineers. The highlight of the week comes on the final day as teams compete in the Robotropolis Cup competition. Activities are based on simulated situations. Each day also features recreational activities and fun evening social events.
On Stage! Young Actor’s Workshop: Participants explore and expand their awareness of the many elements of theater in a dynamic week that brings together the stage and young people who have an interest in the craft of acting. The young performers use various exercises and games to build skills in improvisation, stage presence, body movement, vocal techniques, character development, ensemble work, and problem solving.
    This unique experience also exposes actors to the technical elements of lighting, sound, makeup, and costume design. In addition, the workshop features a trip to a professional theater performance, with an opportunity to meet and talk with working actors. The week culminates with an exciting ensemble performance featuring all of the workshop’s actors.

Enrollment

Total enrollment varies for each program.

Daily Schedule

Each program has its own daily schedule. There are morning and afternoon activities and evening rehearsals or other activities, depending on the program, and breaks, rest periods, and specific light out times. Detailed program schedules are available on the Web site.

Facilities

Residential participants are housed in one of the Academy's modern dormitories, with 24-hour supervision by program staff members. Dorm accommodations include air-conditioned rooms, carpeted hallways, and tiled bathrooms with privacy shower areas. Many programs also offer commuter options. Campers gather at Ford Dining Hall for nutritious and appealing buffet meals that are consistently rated excellent each summer by participants. The dining service is adept at handling alternative diet needs.
    Participants train, run, swim, and play in the Nolde Gymnasium complex, the McDowell Fitness Center, the Flanagan Pool, the Kuhn Wrestling Center, the Smoyer Tennis Center, and the Davenport Squash Center as well as on eight premier athletic fields.
    The Masinter Outdoor Education Center serves as the base for outdoor activities and adventures. The center houses an expansive indoor climbing wall, the mountain bike program, the trek and camping program, and the watersports paddling program.
    Mercersburg’s proximity to the surrounding area, which includes unique wildlife habitats, tributaries of the Potomac River watershed, and thousands of acres of state and national forests, give many options for outdoor activities and sports.

Staff

The summer programs feature high-quality staffs with excellent reputations and credentials. Caring, professional directors and energetic, well-trained counselors share common bonds of enthusiasm, experience, and a commitment to working with people. Limited enrollments ensure the high quality that makes the Mercersburg experience unique.

Medical Care

The safety and care of the participants is a priority at all times. An on-campus health center provides medical services, while local hospitals are close by should emergencies arise.

Costs

Tuition varies by program; detailed costs are available on the Web site. Tuition for each program includes costs for instruction, events and trips, activities, meals, and boarding (if applicable). Programs list either grade- or age-level requirements. Grade level refers the grade as of fall 2007. Age level indicates the age of the participant at the time of the program.

Transportation

Several airports are convenient to Mercersburg—Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR) in Maryland is a 25-minute drive from campus; Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) is a 90-mintue drive from campus; and Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Washington, D.C., is 90 minutes from Mercersburg. For transportation questions, students should contact Mercersburg’s transportation office.

Application Timetable

The program accepts registrations until the start of the summer session. Applications are available on the School’s Web site.