Art Explorers

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.

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!