Registration for Harker’s summer programs is now open! For students of all ages, whether they’re interested in academics, sports or just want to enjoy some fun in the sun, much excitement is in store for Harker Summer Camp students in 2014.
For those looking to gain high school credit during the summer, learn a new skill or simply enrich their summer experience, Harker’s Summer Institute offers a wide variety of classes to students in grades 6-12. Courses are offered in many disciplines, including math, computer programming, creative writing, performing arts and many more. The Summer Institute’s custom scheduling gives students the ability to create schedules suitable to their academic growth, and afternoon activity programs are available to both middle and high school students.
Harker’s signature summer sports camps will return better than ever. As always, the sports camps will emphasize positive, skill-based instruction in a wide variety of sports from Harker’s staff of experienced, caring coaches, many of whom are Harker coaches during the academic year. This year, the popular water polo camp will now be two weeks long, expanding on the fundamentals-based instruction that made it a success in previous years. The wrestling camp, now in its second year, will receive a visit by Anthony Robles, winner of the 2010-11 NCAA championship in the 125-pound weight class and author of “Unstoppable: From Underdog to Undefeated: How I Became a Champion.” Robles made waves in the wrestling world for winning the NCAA championship despite a birth defect that left him with only one leg. Watch for articles with details on each sports camp to appear over the next few weeks.
The Camp+ program will once again provide an exciting learning experience to students in kindergarten through grade 6. Camp+ has morning academics in math, language arts and electives, followed by afternoon activities that will be tailored to each student. The theme of this year’s Camp+ will be “Under the Big Top,” and will feature a wide variety of circus-themed activities, guests and special events. Students in grades 1-6 will have the option of enrolling in the Learning Opportunities in Literature (LOL) program, which features academic courses designed around a literary theme, which this year will be the work of the legendary and beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss. Afternoons are devoted to fun, with many options, including computer time, wall climbing, archery and more field sports available.
Harker’s long-running and highly successful English Language Institute has earned a worldwide reputation for providing overseas students with a proven English language education that prepares them for applications to top American and international schools and grants them valuable communication skills that will be useful in their future careers. This year, ELI is adding a new “Very Interesting Places” (VIP) tour, which will take place at the end of the program’s academic session. This tour will take students around Silicon Valley and the Bay Area to visit theme parks, museums, company campuses and more, capped off with a trip to Yosemite at the end of the week. ELI students have plenty of outside time in the afternoons, too!
For adults and children looking to improve their swimming ability, the Harker Summer Swim School offers several learning opportunities for swimmers of nearly any age, with instruction designed for ten different skill levels. The school is held at the beautiful Singh Aquatic Center and private and group lessons are available to swimmers aged 5-18, with private lessons available to adults and children aged 3-4. Students in grades 3-8 may participate in a Junior Swim Team program that emphasizes building skills for competitive swimming, working on skills such as stroke technique and endurance.
The summer office has permanently relocated to Harker’s preschool campus at 4525 Union Ave. in San Jose. The summer programs will take place on Harker’s lower, middle and upper school campuses. Harker summer 2014 is set to be a fun, exciting and enlightening experience for students. Parents are encouraged to register early as programs will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis!