Programs

This camp is for advanced independent riders with stamina (no training wheels, able to start/stop/control speed independently). Participants will build bike endurance, skills and confidence through group rides and exploration of nearby neighborhoods and local roads throughout the city. Mileage and daily rides vary, but we always include visits to community friends like Fire/Police, outdoor yoga, parks and playgrounds, and an ice cream ride adventure! Campers will be expected to carry their own water and lunch in a backpack each day on their ride. *Option to rent a bike for an additional $50/week. If you bring your own bike it must be a geared bike with hand brakes. You must have a helmet. *Students will be riding off campus each day. Please note that this is a strenuous and active camp. Refunds will not be provided if your child is not able to maintain the demands of the program. Because campers leave campus each day and ride to various locations, please DO NOT schedule appointments during this week where your child would arrive late or be picked up early.

This camp is for advanced independent riders with stamina (no training wheels, able to start/stop/control speed independently). Participants will build bike endurance, skills and confidence through group rides and exploration of nearby neighborhoods and local roads throughout the city. Mileage and daily rides vary, but we always include visits to community friends like Fire/Police, outdoor yoga, parks and playgrounds, and an ice cream ride adventure! Campers will be expected to carry their own water and lunch in a backpack each day on their ride. *Option to rent a bike for an additional $50/week. If you bring your own bike it must be a geared bike with hand brakes. You must have a helmet. *Students will be riding off campus each day. Please note that this is a strenuous and active camp. Refunds will not be provided if your child is not able to maintain the demands of the program. Because campers leave campus each day and ride to various locations, please DO NOT schedule appointments during this week where your child would arrive late or be picked up early.

This camp is for advanced independent riders with stamina (no training wheels, able to start/stop/control speed independently). Participants will build bike endurance, skills and confidence through group rides and exploration of nearby neighborhoods and local roads throughout the city. Mileage and daily rides vary, but we always include visits to community friends like Fire/Police, outdoor yoga, parks and playgrounds, and an ice cream ride adventure! Campers will be expected to carry their own water and lunch in a backpack each day on their ride. *Option to rent a bike for an additional $50/week. If you bring your own bike it must be a geared bike with hand brakes. You must have a helmet. *Students will be riding off campus each day. Please note that this is a strenuous and active camp. Refunds will not be provided if your child is not able to maintain the demands of the program. Because campers leave campus each day and ride to various locations, please DO NOT schedule appointments during this week where your child would arrive late or be picked up early.

This two-week review class is intended for high school students moving into Algebra 2 for the upcoming year. We will provide opportunities to practice algebraic concepts such as solving linear and quadratic equations, systems of equations, inequalities, and equations incorporating absolute value, functions, polynomials, exponents, graphing, and more. This program serves as a reinforcement of key concepts and foundational skills that will help students find success in their Algebra II class. Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra I.

An insider’s look at the people, policies, and debates currently dominating American politics. We will hear directly from the thought, policy, and political leaders who are setting the parameters of the debate, delve into the strategies they are using, and learn what they are doing to drive the debate forward. Students will either take field trips to locations in D.C. to meet with special guests or guests will come to GDS. Taught by GDS History Teacher Sue Ikenberry

In this week-long art adventure for middle schoolers, campers will dive into their creativity. Campers will explore a variety of materials and processes, including painting, drawing, sculpting, and printmaking. Each day brings new opportunities to develop artistic skills, experiment with techniques, and bring imaginative ideas to life. Through hands-on projects, young artists will build confidence while discovering their unique creative voice. Get ready to explore, create, and have fun!

**This is a 2 week camp. There is no camp on July 4** Camp Explore DMV is an all-day camp that consists of daily adventures exploring the DMV region. Campers will participate in activities that challenge their inner abilities to do and try new things indoors and outdoors with their peers. From escape rooms to team bowling to camp hikes, beach visits, movie days, and spontaneous metro rides to museums and national parks, there will never be a dull day or moment at Camp Explore. Please notify the listed camp facilitators of any allergies, medical or behavioral diagnoses, or concerns that would impact your camper’s ability to physically or cognitively participate in the camp. **This camp does include off-site trips that will utilize public transportation or be done on foot/walking. If there are any physical constraints or barriers that you would like to discuss prior to camp, please reach out to the listed group leaders for more information before completing registration.

*No camp on Friday July 4   Camp FLEX (Fostering Leadership, Empathy and eXpression) is a week-long camp for rising 4th and 5th graders taught by GDS counselor Meryl Heyliger. Campers will dive into activities designed to strengthen key life skills that include hands-on projects, team challenges, and more. They will learn how to understand and connect with others, and express themselves confidently and creatively. Each day is packed with opportunities to practice flexibility—whether it’s adjusting to new situations, navigating emotional moments, or communicating clearly with others. Camp FLEX encourages kids to step outside their comfort zones, try new things, and grow in a supportive environment. Through these dynamic experiences, campers will leave with a deeper understanding of themselves and others, stronger communication skills, and the tools to lead with kindness, creativity, and confidence. Core Focus Areas: Leadership: Encouraging campers to take charge, make decisions, and support one another in group settings. Empathy: Building emotional intelligence by helping campers recognize and respect the feelings of others. Expression: Helping kids communicate their thoughts, feelings, and ideas in healthy ways.

Unleash your creativity and learn to capture the world through your lens. This week-long course introduces budding photographers to the art and technique of digital photography, including mastering camera settings and composing stunning shots. Dive into the world of photography to learn how to take and edit incredible photos right from both your smartphone and DSLR digital camera. Explore editing tools and techniques that bring your images to life, and discover the joy of turning digital memories into tangible prints. By the end of the week, you’ll have a portfolio of amazing photos to share and a new perspective on the world around you!

Love to read comics or graphic novels? Learn how to create your own in this fun class! Students will spend the morning half of the day reading several examples of comics and graphic novels and then they will learn how to draw and write one of their own! For the afternoon portion of each day students will have lunch and free time outdoors and then participate in activities such as arts and crafts, science experiments, simple cooking, games, etc.

This is a fun and impactful experience with hands-on learning! In the morning campers will go from the camera to the computer. Campers will create digital photography in Photoshop Express. Students master camera fundamentals: composition, exposure, light, etc. then transition to software and editing skills. Students leave with prints of their new honed talent. Inspire students to be storytellers and share their ideas through photos. In the afternoon, students will relax and enjoy a fun, easy yoga session. The children will practice various yoga poses while enjoying music and storytelling. Throughout the week, students will be invited to create their own yoga flows to tell their own stories. In addition, students will play interactive games and make creative arts and crafts that incorporate yoga themes and mindfulness. This could include making yoga cards, crafting nature mandalas, and yoga inspired games that encourage teamwork. This is the perfect way to allow your camper to close out the day after a busy morning of activities.

This is a fun and impactful experience with hands-on learning! In the morning campers will go from the camera to the computer. Campers will create digital photography in Photoshop Express. Students master camera fundamentals: composition, exposure, light, etc. then transition to software and editing skills. Students leave with prints of their new honed talent. Inspire students to be storytellers and share their ideas through photos. In the afternoon, students will relax and enjoy a fun, easy yoga session. The children will practice various yoga poses while enjoying music and storytelling. Throughout the week, students will be invited to create their own yoga flows to tell their own stories. In addition, students will play interactive games and make creative arts and crafts that incorporate yoga themes and mindfulness. This could include making yoga cards, crafting nature mandalas, and yoga inspired games that encourage teamwork. This is the perfect way to allow your camper to close out the day after a busy morning of activities.

This is a fun and impactful experience with hands-on learning! In the morning campers will go from the camera to the computer. Campers will create digital photography in Photoshop Express. Students master camera fundamentals: composition, exposure, light, etc. then transition to software and editing skills. Students leave with prints of their new honed talent. Inspire students to be storytellers and share their ideas through photos. In the afternoon, students will relax and enjoy a fun, easy yoga session. The children will practice various yoga poses while enjoying music and storytelling. Throughout the week, students will be invited to create their own yoga flows to tell their own stories. In addition, students will play interactive games and make creative arts and crafts that incorporate yoga themes and mindfulness. This could include making yoga cards, crafting nature mandalas, and yoga inspired games that encourage teamwork. This is the perfect way to allow your camper to close out the day after a busy morning of activities.

This is a fun and impactful experience with hands-on learning! In the morning campers will go from the camera to the computer. Campers will create digital photography in Photoshop Express. Students master camera fundamentals: composition, exposure, light, etc. then transition to software and editing skills. Students leave with prints of their new honed talent. Inspire students to be storytellers and share their ideas through photos. In the afternoon, students will relax and enjoy a fun, easy yoga session. The children will practice various yoga poses while enjoying music and storytelling. Throughout the week, students will be invited to create their own yoga flows to tell their own stories. In addition, students will play interactive games and make creative arts and crafts that incorporate yoga themes and mindfulness. This could include making yoga cards, crafting nature mandalas, and yoga inspired games that encourage teamwork. This is the perfect way to allow your camper to close out the day after a busy morning of activities.

Calling on aspiring young authors! The morning portion of this program is designed to allow students to develop their skills as fiction writers. Through reading sample stories, campers will develop an understanding of the structure and story in fiction and compare the techniques of various authors. They will use their knowledge to plan for and create their own stories that will include a developed character, a problem and solution, dialogue and details. During the afternoon portion of the day students will have lunch and free time outdoors as well as participate in activities such as art, science experiments, simple cooking, games, etc.

Have you ever wanted to play the nationally-known game Dungeons and Dragons? Stretch your imagination telling stories with your friends, and build useful creative skills? What about playing the game they do in Stranger Things? Well this is your chance! In this class, we’ll be exploring collaborative storytelling through Dungeons and Dragons. Along the way, we’ll develop social and emotional skills that will serve us well outside of the RPG. Students will participate in the Dungeons and Dragons part of camp in the morning. The afternoon will consist of lunch, recess, and other camp games and activities.

*If you are a current GDS 9th grader taking Algebra 1, please reach out to us directly about taking this class. The summer Geometry course will take place over 6 weeks. This is an accelerated semester-long course, which is challenging due to its fast pace. Students cannot miss more than 3 days or 9 hours of class time. This class will be graded as a pass or fail course. For GDS rising 9th graders looking to take this class to accelerate, the minimum percentage to pass the course is 80%. There will be a midterm and a final exam. Course topics include logic and methods of reasoning, angle relationships, parallel and perpendicular lines, polygons, congruence, similarity, circles, right triangle trigonometry, volume, and area. The teacher for this course will provide a mid-semester progress report at the end of week three to all parents via email. There will be an end of course transcript with the final grade of pass or fail emailed to all parents. The teacher will also be available by email if there are any concerns or discussions needed by families. *If you are a non-GDS student and require a letter grade on your transcript, please be sure to request this by the first day of class and provide any contact information for your school. *NO CAMP ON JUNE 19 and JULY 4  

This is a two week program. Students will spend the morning portion participating in the writing camp and the afternoon will consist of lunch, recess, and fun camp activities such as games, challenges, experiments, arts and crafts, etc.  

This is a two week long class. Students will participate in the writing program in the morning and then for the afternoon portion they will have lunch, recess, and fun camp activities such as games, challenges, arts and crafts, etc.

Have you ever wanted to be a hacker? Or wanted to learn how to code? On the Internet these days, it’s important to understand how hackers work, so you can stay safe from them. In this specialty class, you will learn how to hack through fun coding (and code-breaking) games. You’ll learn about the three main methods hackers use, hack fake websites we set up, and learn how to stay safe online. Get ready to have fun breaking things! This is a great afternoon option for those who are taking a morning math class!

Using real-world applications and hands-on projects, this introduction to 6th grade math will help prepare students for the upcoming school year. We will provide opportunities to practice mathematical note-taking, and study skills and explore topics such as mathematical expressions, fractions, decimals, percents, estimation and more. This program serves as a reinforcement of key concepts and foundational skills that will help students find success in their 6th grade math class. *Note this class is not an acceleration class. Only students entering 6th grade in the fall will be permitted to take this course.

This introduction to 7th grade math and pre-algebraic concepts will help prepare students for some of the critical thinking required in 7th grade math. Through hands-on projects and real-world applications, we will provide opportunities to practice mathematical study and note-taking skills and explore arithmetic operations and topics that include equations, expressions, problem-solving methods, estimation, probability and more. This program serves as a reinforcement of key concepts and foundational skills that will help students find success in their 7th grade math class. *Note this class is not an acceleration class. Only students entering 7th grade in the fall will be permitted to take this course.

Learn the basics of programming with this week-long course. From variables to loops, conditionals to classes, this class will give you a foundation in coding so you can start making the computer work for you. This course will be taught in Python, but will focus on the fundamentals of programming, so the skills you learn here can be easily transferred to any language. 

*Please only sign up for this camp if your child can successfully ride a bike without training wheels! All campers must be at least 4 years old to participate. This new camp offering is designed for previous Learn to Ride camp attendees and other young riders who are riding independently but could use additional instruction and practice to improve confidence, skills, and safety awareness. Campers will spend the beginning of the week learning and practicing important skills including speed control, stopping, shifting gears, cornering and turning, ascending and descending hills, and riding in groups. As the week progresses, we’ll begin to venture off campus to practice riding as a group on nearby bike lanes, paths, and low-traffic neighborhoods. Students will participate in bike riding for half of the camp day; with the other portion of the day including lunch, free play outside, and other activities such as arts and crafts, games, and more. *IMPORTANT: Bike rentals are not included in the camp as we encourage riders to bring and use their own bikes.

*Please only sign up for this camp if your child can successfully ride a bike without training wheels! All campers must be at least 4 years old to participate. This new camp offering is designed for previous Learn to Ride camp attendees and other young riders who are riding independently but could use additional instruction and practice to improve confidence, skills, and safety awareness. Campers will spend the beginning of the week learning and practicing important skills including speed control, stopping, shifting gears, cornering and turning, ascending and descending hills, and riding in groups. As the week progresses, we’ll begin to venture off campus to practice riding as a group on nearby bike lanes, paths, and low-traffic neighborhoods. Students will participate in bike riding for half of the camp day; with the other portion of the day including lunch, free play outside, and other activities such as arts and crafts, games, and more. *IMPORTANT: Bike rentals are not included in the camp as we encourage riders to bring and use their own bikes.

*Please only sign up for this camp if your child can successfully ride a bike without training wheels! All campers must be at least 4 years old to participate. This new camp offering is designed for previous Learn to Ride camp attendees and other young riders who are riding independently but could use additional instruction and practice to improve confidence, skills, and safety awareness. Campers will spend the beginning of the week learning and practicing important skills including speed control, stopping, shifting gears, cornering and turning, ascending and descending hills, and riding in groups. As the week progresses, we’ll begin to venture off campus to practice riding as a group on nearby bike lanes, paths, and low-traffic neighborhoods. Students will participate in bike riding for half of the camp day; with the other portion of the day including lunch, free play outside, and other activities such as arts and crafts, games, and more. *IMPORTANT: Bike rentals are not included in the camp as we encourage riders to bring and use their own bikes.

*Please only sign up for this camp if your child can successfully ride a bike without training wheels! All campers must be at least 4 years old to participate. This new camp offering is designed for previous Learn to Ride camp attendees and other young riders who are riding independently but could use additional instruction and practice to improve confidence, skills, and safety awareness. Campers will spend the beginning of the week learning and practicing important skills including speed control, stopping, shifting gears, cornering and turning, ascending and descending hills, and riding in groups. As the week progresses, we’ll begin to venture off campus to practice riding as a group on nearby bike lanes, paths, and low-traffic neighborhoods. Students will participate in bike riding for half of the camp day; with the other portion of the day including lunch, free play outside, and other activities such as arts and crafts, games, and more. *IMPORTANT: Bike rentals are not included in the camp as we encourage riders to bring and use their own bikes.

*Campers must be 4 years old by the start of the program in order to participate! Say goodbye to training wheels! Participants will learn to ride safely and confidently over the course of the camp week; first by mastering balancing and gliding, then will easily transition to riding independently. We’ll master starting/stopping, speed control, turning, steering, riding in groups and around obstacles and hazards, and learn basic traffic safety and bicycle maintenance. Even the most reluctant riders will be beaming by week’s end, encouraged by our expert instructors and caring staff, specialized equipment, and lots of practice through games and fun. Students will participate in bike riding lessons during one half of the day. The other half of the day students will have time for lunch, free play outside, and other activities such as arts and crafts, games, science experiments, and more. *Bike rentals are included in the cost of the camp! Instructors use specialized bikes to help campers learn to ride. If a camper would like to bring their own bike towards the end of the week, they are welcome to do so. *Please only sign up for ONE session. The purpose of this program is to learn to ride a bike in one week and signing up for more than one session will NOT be beneficial for your child. INSTEAD we encourage you to sign up for LEARN TO RIDE 2. This camp may be combined in back to back weeks or over the course of the summer. Riders will continue to build their skills and endurance on their own bikes in Learn to Ride 2 camp, and will take short daily adventures in the surrounding neighborhoods and park.

As the workload in middle school/high school builds, so does the stress level to keep up and “make it work.” Self-management skills are increasingly important in a complex world with many distractions and competing priorities. LetsMakeitWork will teach students how to organize, plan, prioritize, manage time, maintain focus, self-assess, and study/work efficiently.   *This is a great afternoon addition if your child is participating in a morning math class.

This camp is designed for our youngest campers who are ready to spend the day learning and having fun! We recognize that this might be the first camp experience for our Little Hoppers. Through different play-based activities ranging from arts and crafts, drama, read alouds, active games, music, STEM, and more, children will develop friendships and skills designed to prepare them for school. School readiness skill-building will include various explorations, fine motor skills practice, and activities related to following directions, working with and listening to others, and more! *Students must be at least 4 years old to participate and must be potty. There is no designated nap time. This program may not be the best fit for every child. Please reach out if you have concerns or questions.

This camp is designed for our youngest campers who are ready to spend the day learning and having fun! We recognize that this might be the first camp experience for our Little Hoppers. Through different play-based activities ranging from arts and crafts, drama, read alouds, active games, music, STEM, and more, children will develop friendships and skills designed to prepare them for school. School readiness skill-building will include various explorations, fine motor skills practice, and activities related to following directions, working with and listening to others, and more! *Students must be at least 4 years old to participate and must be potty. There is no designated nap time. This program may not be the best fit for every child. Please reach out if you have concerns or questions.

This camp is designed for our youngest campers who are ready to spend the day learning and having fun! We recognize that this might be the first camp experience for our Little Hoppers. Through different play-based activities ranging from arts and crafts, drama, read alouds, active games, music, STEM, and more, children will develop friendships and skills designed to prepare them for school. School readiness skill-building will include various explorations, fine motor skills practice, and activities related to following directions, working with and listening to others, and more! *Students must be at least 4 years old to participate and must be potty. There is no designated nap time. This program may not be the best fit for every child. Please reach out if you have concerns or questions.

This camp is designed for our youngest campers who are ready to spend the day learning and having fun! We recognize that this might be the first camp experience for our Little Hoppers. Through different play-based activities ranging from arts and crafts, drama, read alouds, active games, music, STEM, and more, children will develop friendships and skills designed to prepare them for school. School readiness skill-building will include various explorations, fine motor skills practice, and activities related to following directions, working with and listening to others, and more! *Students must be at least 4 years old to participate and must be potty. There is no designated nap time. This program may not be the best fit for every child. Please reach out if you have concerns or questions.

This camp is designed for our youngest campers who are ready to spend the day learning and having fun! We recognize that this might be the first camp experience for our Little Hoppers. Through different play-based activities ranging from arts and crafts, drama, read alouds, active games, music, STEM, and more, children will develop friendships and skills designed to prepare them for school. School readiness skill-building will include various explorations, fine motor skills practice, and activities related to following directions, working with and listening to others, and more! *Students must be at least 4 years old to participate and must be potty. There is no designated nap time. This program may not be the best fit for every child. Please reach out if you have concerns or questions.

This camp is designed for our youngest campers who are ready to spend the day learning and having fun! We recognize that this might be the first camp experience for our Little Hoppers. Through different play-based activities ranging from arts and crafts, drama, read alouds, active games, music, STEM, and more, children will develop friendships and skills designed to prepare them for school. School readiness skill-building will include various explorations, fine motor skills practice, and activities related to following directions, working with and listening to others, and more! *Students must be at least 4 years old to participate and must be potty. There is no designated nap time. This program may not be the best fit for every child. Please reach out if you have concerns or questions.

The morning portion of this program includes innovative, hands-on and research-based math games and activities to reinforce and preview topics in upper-elementary math classes. Students in grades 3rd-5th will spend the week doing problem-solving activities that will develop mathematical skills and create a growth mindset in math, reinforcing concepts and topics that will enable students to find mathematical success in the new school year. Concepts covered may include base-ten numbers, fractions, data analysis, elementary geometry concepts, simple mathematical algorithms, mathematical reasoning, problem-solving and more! In the afternoon students will have lunch and free time outdoors, as well as participate in fun and engaging activities such as art, simple cooking, games, science experiments, and more.

Join us for a week-long course for 7th and 8th graders looking to sharpen their drawing and painting skills. Campers will start with drawing and painting from life, learning to observe and capture the world with accuracy. They’ll explore experimental 2D projects, pushing creative boundaries with new materials and techniques. This course blends skill-building with creative exploration, helping young artists develop their unique artistic voices. Perfect for those ready to take their art seriously—and have fun doing it!

No camp on Thursday, June 19th. This camp is specifically designed for kids looking for a challenge! For the morning portion of this program, students will learn problem-solving strategies, model and practice sample problems, then have the opportunity to work independently for some time, then come together to collaborate in teams to solve the problems, and finally come together as a whole group to compare and share solutions and convince each other that our answers are correct. For the afternoon portion of this program, students will have lunch and free time outside, as well as participate in fun activities such as art, science experiments, simple cooking, games, etc.

This day camp is designed for our older hoppers in grades 3 and 4. Each week will have a different theme and activities will include games, art, cooking, challenges, and much more. Each week will also include a field trip to a location that matches the theme of the week. All activities will be hands on and engaging for kids to make new friends with their peers, gain new skills, and become confident and independent learners.

This day camp is designed for our older hoppers in grades 3 and 4. Each week will have a different theme and activities will include games, art, cooking, challenges, and much more. Each week will also include a field trip to a location that matches the theme of the week. All activities will be hands on and engaging for kids to make new friends with their peers, gain new skills, and become confident and independent learners.

This day camp is designed for our older hoppers in grades 3 and 4. Each week will have a different theme and activities will include games, art, cooking, challenges, and much more. Each week will also include a field trip to a location that matches the theme of the week. All activities will be hands on and engaging for kids to make new friends with their peers, gain new skills, and become confident and independent learners.

This day camp is designed for our older hoppers in grades 3 and 4. Each week will have a different theme and activities will include games, art, cooking, challenges, and much more. Each week will also include a field trip to a location that matches the theme of the week. All activities will be hands on and engaging for kids to make new friends with their peers, gain new skills, and become confident and independent learners.

This day camp is designed for our older hoppers in grades 3 and 4. Each week will have a different theme and activities will include games, art, cooking, challenges, and much more. Each week will also include a field trip to a location that matches the theme of the week. All activities will be hands on and engaging for kids to make new friends with their peers, gain new skills, and become confident and independent learners.

This day camp is designed for our older hoppers in grades 3 and 4. Each week will have a different theme and activities will include games, art, cooking, challenges, and much more. Each week will also include a field trip to a location that matches the theme of the week. All activities will be hands on and engaging for kids to make new friends with their peers, gain new skills, and become confident and independent learners.

This day camp is designed for our older hoppers in grades 3 and 4. Each week will have a different theme and activities will include games, art, cooking, challenges, and much more. Each week will also include a field trip to a location that matches the theme of the week. All activities will be hands on and engaging for kids to make new friends with their peers, gain new skills, and become confident and independent learners.

The morning part of this program will allow students to explore a range of nonfiction texts and learn to analyze and explain the material they read and translate what they have read into their own words. Students will also have an opportunity to work collaboratively as researchers in order to develop their skills as nonfiction writers. In the afternoon students will have lunch and free time outdoors as well as participate in fun activities such as art, science experiments, simple cooking, games, etc.

*NO Class on Thursday, June 19. Outdoor art creations class is designed to have children outside learning about nature while making art projects. Students will learn about birds, flowers, trees, the sun, insects, and much more!

No camp on July 4th. Outdoor art creations class is designed to have children outside learning about nature while making art projects. Students will learn about birds, flowers, trees, the sun, insects, and much more!

Outdoor art creations class is designed to have children outside learning about nature while making art projects. Students will learn about birds, flowers, trees, the sun, insects, and much more! There will be activities done inside the classroom and outside.

Outdoor art creations class is designed to have children outside learning about nature while making art projects. Students will learn about birds, flowers, trees, the sun, insects, and much more! There will be activities done inside the classroom and outside.

This two-week review class is intended for rising 8th and 9th grade students moving into Algebra 1 for the upcoming year. We will provide opportunities to practice pre-algebraic concepts such as variables, formulas, and algebraic expressions as well as key concepts for algebraic success such as equations, fractions, decimals, percents, exponents, ratios and more. This program serves as a reinforcement of key concepts and foundational skills that will help students find success in their Algebra I class. Prerequisite: Completion of Pre-Algebra or Intro to Algebra.

Our outdoor Hiking Camp is designed for students to explore the opportunities for outdoor enrichment within and beyond the borders of our city. Through collaboration and personal challenge, students develop an understanding of the natural world around them. Our goal is to promote personal growth through exposure to new and exciting environments and situations, ultimately leading to an appreciation for what the outdoors have to offer. Emphasis will be on how to have fun safely in the woods. For this five-day camp, students will participate in a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, bouldering, playing in the water and Geocaching. All day-trips will be within a short drive of GDS and utilize the public spaces in the District, Maryland, and Virginia. No outdoor experience is necessary, but an open mind is a must! Participants will bring a bag lunch and water bottle each day. Locations and Activities: Sugarloaf Mountain—Geocaching and forest games Catoctin Mountain Park—”Bouldering” and creek-stomping Sandy Point State Park—service project and beach/swim time Part of Great Falls Billy Goat trail and cookout at Carderock Bull Run State Park *All locations and activities are subject to change based on weather, park condition, etc. Trips are rain or shine. However, if there is extreme weather expected for the whole day, students will do outdoor education activities on campus.

Our outdoor Hiking Camp is designed for students to explore the opportunities for outdoor enrichment within and beyond the borders of our city. Through collaboration and personal challenge, students develop an understanding of the natural world around them. Our goal is to promote personal growth through exposure to new and exciting environments and situations, ultimately leading to an appreciation for what the outdoors have to offer. Emphasis will be on how to have fun safely in the woods. For this five-day camp, students will participate in a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, bouldering, playing in the water and Geocaching. All day-trips will be within a short drive of GDS and utilize the public spaces in the District, Maryland, and Virginia. No outdoor experience is necessary, but an open mind is a must! Participants will bring a bag lunch and water bottle each day. Locations and Activities: Sugarloaf Mountain—Geocaching and forest games Catoctin Mountain Park—”Bouldering” and creek-stomping Sandy Point State Park—service project and beach/swim time Part of Great Falls Billy Goat trail and cookout at Carderock Bull Run State Park *All locations and activities are subject to change based on weather, park condition, etc. Trips are rain or shine. However, if there is extreme weather expected for the whole day, students will do outdoor education activities on campus.

This day camp is about creativity, problem-solving, innovation, critical thinking, and collaboration. Each day, students will be given a challenge to address. Through a variety of activities and exercises, students will stretch their brains as they develop their 21st century skills. Students will learn how to learn from failure, explore the ideas of peers, brainstorm, and more! This camp is designed for students in 1st and 2nd grade. There will be a field trip each week!

This day camp is about creativity, problem-solving, innovation, critical thinking, and collaboration. Each day, students will be given a challenge to address. Through a variety of activities and exercises, students will stretch their brains as they develop their 21st century skills. Students will learn how to learn from failure, explore the ideas of peers, brainstorm, and more! This camp is designed for students in 1st and 2nd grade. There will be a field trip each week!

This day camp is about creativity, problem-solving, innovation, critical thinking, and collaboration. Each day, students will be given a challenge to address. Through a variety of activities and exercises, students will stretch their brains as they develop their 21st century skills. Students will learn how to learn from failure, explore the ideas of peers, brainstorm, and more! This camp is designed for students in 1st and 2nd grade. There will be a field trip each week!

This day camp is about creativity, problem-solving, innovation, critical thinking, and collaboration. Each day, students will be given a challenge to address. Through a variety of activities and exercises, students will stretch their brains as they develop their 21st century skills. Students will learn how to learn from failure, explore the ideas of peers, brainstorm, and more! This camp is designed for students in 1st and 2nd grade. There will be a field trip each week!

This day camp is about creativity, problem-solving, innovation, critical thinking, and collaboration. Each day, students will be given a challenge to address. Through a variety of activities and exercises, students will stretch their brains as they develop their 21st century skills. Students will learn how to learn from failure, explore the ideas of peers, brainstorm, and more! This camp is designed for students in 1st and 2nd grade. There will be a field trip each week!

This day camp is about creativity, problem-solving, innovation, critical thinking, and collaboration. Each day, students will be given a challenge to address. Through a variety of activities and exercises, students will stretch their brains as they develop their 21st century skills. Students will learn how to learn from failure, explore the ideas of peers, brainstorm, and more! This camp is designed for students in 1st and 2nd grade. There will be a field trip each week!

Get your volleyball on with the GDS varsity volleyball team and coaches! Learn the basics of the game or improve upon your existing skills with the #20 ranked team in the country and 3x reigning state champs! Our camp is open to rising 5th-9th graders, from beginners to advanced/experienced players. Coach Brandon Wiest and his coaching staff (our varsity players!) strive to bring a positive experience to all campers, while training in a FUN, hard-working environment. We strive to provide a quality volleyball experience for rising 5th-9th graders, grouping campers by experience level on separate courts to ensure they’re working on the skills most appropriate to their skill and experience level. At camp, we will use a combination of individual skill development drills, multi-contact team drills, fun games, and competitive playing sessions to apply each of the learned skills. Our goal is for our campers to leave GDS Volleyball camp having formed lasting friendships, feeling confident in their own abilities, and with an ignited passion for the sport that we all love so much.

Join us in the studio to learn about the exciting world of wheel-thrown pottery! Guided every step of the way, campers will learn to make functional works of art like plates, bowls, mugs, vases, and more. Along with plenty of hands-on time in the studio, we’ll take a field trip to explore inspiring ceramic art around DC and learn how clay comes to life outside of the studio. At the end of the week, campers will paint, decorate, and glaze their masterpieces, which will be ready for pick-up the following week. This camp is perfect for creative kids who love to make with their hands, explore new skills, and collaborate with others. No prior pottery experience needed—just bring your imagination and get ready to play with clay!