The Children's House

Summer in Elementary and Junior High

Summer in Elementary and Junior High is a time for fun and exploration. Lower Elementary campers will explore various themes through activities on campus. They will culminate most of their weeks by enjoying an excursion that fits into their theme for the week (transportation will be mostly by TCAPS bus except for week 7). Our older campers in Upper Elementary and Junior High will spend several days each week exploring nature and destinations around the area. From kayaking to mingling with animals at the zoo, there are sure to be adventures for everyone!

A Typical Week:

	Base Camp  (6 to 12-year-olds): TCH Base Camp provides a home base and consistent schedule for campers during the times they are not involved in excursions. Base Camp activities include athletic and social skill-building games, creative problem-solving activities, and crafts. A daily quiet period after lunch includes time for chess, board games, and quiet reading.
	Morning Workshops and weekly outings (5 to 9-year-olds):  Each morning, campers will participate in one or more activities revolving around the weekly theme. For these details, see below. The weeks that have outings will be listed below as well. These outings will be accommodated by TCAPS bussing except for week 7, when we will use our school vans. There will be a $10 transportation fee charged for all weeks that include off campus outings.
	Off-Campus Excursions M, T, W, TH  (9 to 12-year-olds): Our older campers are ready to get out and have adventures. This year, the adventure will be next level with trips to the zoo, kayaking, and of course, biking. A $10 weekly excursion fee is charged to cover transportation and admittance fees, when applicable. Steve Maas, Alison Hoffman, Robby Hovie, and guest adult leaders will ensure this group has an engaging and exciting summer! This year we are welcoming students entering 4th through 8th grade. Exact details to come...

Pizza Wednesdays - pizza will be available for Primary and Lower Elementary campers.  To order, please use Boonli and be sure to change your student’s profile to their summer classroom. (Nido & YCC will be billed separately.) Email Marty if you have questions (martin@traversechildrenshouse.org).

Weekly Themes:

Week 1 (June 17-21): Lab Explorers
Summer is finally here! Join us for a week full of activities from all areas of science. Campers will try out a variety of hands-on experiments. Is it messy? Does it explode? Be prepared for a messy and fun week! At the end of the week, we will head to Silver Lake Recreation Area to set off homemade rockets!

Week 2 (June 24-28): Bugs, Worms, Plants, and Pollinators! 
Calling all naturalists! This week, campers will have a fun, enriching opportunity to learn about the natural world. Activities will take us through the TCH gardens, investigating how plants grow, and learning the secret power of worms and the importance of pollinators. We'll wrap the week up with an excursion to the Botanical Garden at Historic Barns Park by the Commons. 

OR: Bike Week
We will be offering two bike weeks this summer. Both sessions will be exactly the same and limited to 16 students per week. Steve, Robby and Alison will take the students on many local paved trails. One day they will spend off-roading at Palmer woods! Children must be entering 2nd grade to participate in bike weeks, able to ride at least a 20'' bike and cover up to 65 miles for the week.

Week 3 (July 1-3): Stars and Stripes! 
A theme favorite is back! Red, white, and blue activities, crafts, and snacks. Campers will decorate bikes in preparation for our bike parade and end the week with a picnic lunch in the courtyard. 

Week 4 (July 8-12): Sports and Games
Here we go campers, here we go! Show off your favorite sports gear and participate in a variety of sports and interactive games. We will take an excursion mid-week to cheer on the Traverse City Pit Spitters!

Week 5 (July 15-19): The Wonderful World of Water
Time to soak up the sun and explore the wonders of water and our Great Lakes! This week will be filled with water games, a water obstacle course, and lots of amazing facts about the incredible lakes we share a shoreline with. The week will culminate with a trip to the Blair Township Park and Splash Pad. 

Week 6 (July 22-26): National Parks
Put on your ranger hat and get ready to be wowed by the wonders of the many national parks. Did you know the United States has 63 national parks? From geysers to steep sand dunes, our country is full of amazing natural wonders. This week, campers will explore the beauty of some of these parks including our very own Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park. We will end the week with an excursion to the Dune Climb. 

OR: Bike Week 2
We will be offering two bike weeks this summer. Both sessions will be exactly the same and limited to 16 students per week. Steve, Robby and Alison will take the students on many local paved trails. One day they will spend off-roading at Palmer woods! Children must be entering 2nd grade to participate in bike weeks, able to ride at least a 20'' bike and cover up to 65 miles for the week.

Week 7 (July 29 - August 2): Fairy Tale Fantasy
Fall into the fantasy world and meet your favorite creatures! Campers will take an excursion to the public library to pick out a favorite fairy tale book and explore stories not yet known. Special games, themed snacks, music, magic, and a visit from a special guest will fill our days!

Week 8 (August 5-9): Art Exploration
It is time to get creative and tap into various forms of art! Art can take on many different forms, from drawing to creating videos, art can be any way you choose to express. This week campers will have the opportunity to learn and create mixed media, block printing, tie-dye, and more! Campers will spend Friday of this week at Michigan Legacy Art Park admiring works by some amazing artists who created something to share.  

Week 9 (August 12-16): Music Makers
Tapping, shaking, music making! Come learn about different instruments with examples provided by many local musicians. Dance your way through favorite songs and do music-themed projects to create our end of week finally: A music show and instrument parade! Parents are invited on Friday afternoon to see your creations and share in a warm summer sing-a-long with a very special guest. 

Fantastic Fridays:

Friday at TCH summer camp is a blast! Every Friday enjoy Moomer’s Ice cream along with outdoor activities including sprinkler and water fun (weather permitting).

Weekly Session Rates: 

Elementary Summer Program Pricing (All 3 and 4-day options must be consistent days). This does not include the $10/week transportation fee for LE excursion weeks and UE weeks.

This program requires a minimum 2-week enrollment.  A minimum of three days per week will be charged for each registered week. Early Care is available from 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM and must be selected at registration.
*Note: there is no after-care available this Summer, the school is open from 8:00 AM to 4 PM. Morning Carline will run from 8:20-8:40 and afternoon carline will run from 3:40-3:55 PM.
The school closes at 4. 

Junior Counselor Application

Open to Junior High alumni who will be entering 9th through 11th grade.  Do you have an interest in working with kids from infancy to elementary? Are you looking for real-world experience that you can count toward community volunteer hours? This year, we will interview and select three alumni interested in this opportunity to spend the summer learning and supporting children of various ages. Students must be flexible, resourceful, and willing to learn and help as needed. If you are interested, please fill out the form below and Kim Gallagher will reach out with the next steps.