General Information
Dear Gillispie Families,
Welcome to Gillispie Summer Explorers, where adventure and learning go hand in hand!
Offering an exciting Early Childhood Camp for students ages 3-5 and a diverse array of Elementary Camp classes for children in Grades K-6, we invite all Gillispie students enrolled in the 2023-24 school year to join us for a summer program filled with exploration and discovery.
At Gillispie Summer Explorers, we offer a wide range of activities and adventures including sports, arts & crafts, cooking, engineering, theater, and more! Our camp is designed to provide children with unique summer experiences that will allow them to explore, create, and learn new things in a safe and nurturing environment, keeping your children engaged and excited all summer long.
Gillispie Summer Explorers is a fun and educational experience that will create memories to last a lifetime. We look forward to exploring with your child this summer! To enroll, please visit our website, gillispie.org/summer!
Sincerely,
Erica Hurley, Summer Explorers Director summer@gillispie.org2023 Summer Explorers Session Dates
Session 1: Tuesday, June 20 - June 30 (6/19 off )
Session 2: Monday, July 3 - July 14 (7/4 off )
Session 3: Monday, July 17 - July 28
Session 4: Monday, July 31 - August 4
Register at gillispie.org/summer or click on Programs on Gillispie’s main website!
Early Childhood and Elementary Camp Hours
Half-Day: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Drop-off: 8:45 - 9:00 a.m.
Pick-up: 12:00 - 12:15 p.m.
Full-Day: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Drop-off 8:45 - 9:00 a.m.
Pick-up: 3:00 - 3:15 p.m.
Snacks and Lunch
All campers need to bring healthy snacks daily. Students enrolled in full-day camp need to pack a lunch daily.
Dress Code
Uniforms are not required. Socks and sneakers should be worn daily. Children can change into sandals or water shoes for water play.
Refund Policy
Camps will run only if there is adequate enrollment. If the minimum class size is not met, a full refund will be given. A refund of 100% of the tuiVon for any class may be obtained for requests made prior to May 15, 2023, and a refund of 75% of the tuiVon for any class may be obtained for requests made 4 weeks prior to the class start date. AWer that Vme, no refunds will be issued. Refunds will be issued at a prorated rate for any cancellaVons deemed necessary by the School. *Instructors may change without noVce.
Fees will be prorated for holidays and one-week camps.
Sibling Discount: Families with three or more children enrolled in the same session will receive a 10% discount.
Grade Level and Conduct
All grade levels listed refer to the grade the student will be entering in August 2023. Conduct expectaVons are outlined on our website at gillispie.org/summer. Gillispie reserves the absolute right to disenroll a student at any Vme for any reason.
Early Childhood Camp
Early Childhood Summer Explorers
Welcome to Gillispie Summer Explorers!
Our Early Childhood camp is designed to provide a fun and engaging learning environment for young children to construct their own understanding of the world around them. We believe that children are natural learners who thrive in an environment that allows them to explore and discover at their own pace.
At Gillispie Summer Explorers, our Early Childhood campers have the opportunity to engage in a wide variety of activities that promote creativity, critical thinking, and social-emotional development.
From exploring nature and engaging in sensory play, to participating in dramatic play and creating art, children will have opportunities to explore and experiment through hands-on enrichment and discovery. Our experienced and caring teachers are committed to fostering a positive and inclusive community where children feel valued and supported.
Parents can expect to receive a detailed welcome letter before the start of each session. The following items will be requested:
• Swimsuit & towel
• Water boRle
• Sheet or blanket
• Change of shoes & clothing
• Sunscreen
• Lunch & snack (daily)
Early Childhood Session 1: June 20 - June 30 (6/19 off )
Half-Day 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. $520
Full-Day 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. $990
Early Childhood Session 2: July 3 - 14 (7/4 off )
Half-Day 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. $520
Full-Day 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. $990
Early Childhood Session 3: July 17 - 28
Half-Day 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. $575
Full-Day 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. $1,100
Early Childhood Session 4: July 31 - August 4
Half-Day 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. $300
Full-Day 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. $575
Kindergarten Readiness Camp
Session 4: July 31 - August 4
Morning Cruise into Kindergarten, Half-Day, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. $300
Make it a full day!
Fun in the Sun, 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. $300 OR
A\ernoon Cruise into Kindergarten, Half-Day, 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. $300
Make it a full day!
Explorer Camp, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. $300
First Grade Readiness Camp
Session 4: July 31 - August 4
Morning Fly into First Grade, Half-Day, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. $300
Make it a full day!
Fun in the Sun, 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. $300 OR
A\ernoon Fly into First Grade, Half-Day, 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. $300
Make it a full day!
Explorer Camp, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. $300
Second Grade Readiness Camp
Session 4: July 31 - August 4
Soar into Second Grade, Half-Day, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. $300
Make it a full day!
Fun in the Sun, 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. $300 OR
Design and Do Makers’ Camp, $300
Session 1: June 20 - 30
Half-Day (9 a.m. - 12 p.m.)
Acaon All-Star Camp with Mr. Whelan, Grades 1-6, Field, $520
Cooking & Cra\s with Ms. Tamayo, Grades 2-6, Room 7, $520
Gillispie Explorers Fun Camp with Ms. Leard & Ms. Collins, Grades K-6, Rooms 18-20, $520
Pokémon Camp with Mr. Lewis, Grades K-6, Music Room, $520
Thinking Eye Art Workshop with Ms. Walters, Grades K-2, Art Bungalow, $520
What About Juliet? Musical Performance Camp with Ms. Fillers, Grades 1-6, Theater, $520
A\ernoon Add-on (12 p.m. - 3 p.m.)
Dance Evoluaon Camp by Seaside Arts Center, Grades K-6, Theater, $470
Fun in the Sun Camp with Ms. Leard & Ms. Collins, Grades K-6, Rooms 18-20, $470
Walk & Wonder with Ms. Tamayo, Grades 2-6, Room 7, $470
Session 2: July 3 - 14 (No class 7/4)
Half-Day (9 a.m. - 12 p.m.)
Clay Workshop with Ms. Walters, Grades K-2, Art Bungalow, $520
Field Games Galore with Mr. Inigo, Grades 1-6, Field, $520
Gillispie Explorers Fun Camp with Ms. Leard & Ms. Collins, Grades K-6, Rooms 18-20, $520
Maalda Musical Performance Camp with Ms. Fillers, Grades 1-6, Theater, $520
Walk & Wonder with Ms. Tamayo, Grades 2-6, Room 7, $520
A\ernoon Add-on (12 p.m. - 3 p.m.)
Cooking & Cra\s with Ms. Tamayo, Grades 2-6, Room 7, $470
Fun in the Sun Camp with Ms. Leard & Ms. Collins, Grades K-6, Rooms 18-20, $470
Minecra\ Camp with Mr. Inigo, Grades 3-6, Room 15, $470
Thinking Eye Art Studio with Ms. Walters, Grades 2-6, Art Bungalow, $470
Session 3: July 17 - 28
Half-Day (9 a.m. - 12 p.m.)
Clay Studio with Ms. Walters, Grades 2-6, Art Bungalow, $575
Field Fun with Ms. Luyaes, Grades 1-6, Field, $575
Gillispie Explorers Fun Camp with Mr. Belsha & Ms. Traut, Grades K-6, Rooms 18-20, $575
Design and Do Makers’ Camp With Mr. Edwards, Grades 2-6, Science-Design Lab, $575
Annie Musical Theater Camp with Ms. Fillers, Grades 1-6, Theater, Grades K-6, MPR, $575
Minecra\ Camp with Mr. Inigo, Grades 3-6, Room 15, $575
A\ernoon Add-on (12 p.m. - 3 p.m.)
Fun in the Sun Camp with Mr. Belsha & Ms. Traut, Grades K-6, Rooms 18-20, $525
Art in the Garden with Ms. Walters, Grades 1-6, Art Bungalow, $525
Hands-on, Brains-on Makers’ Camp With Mr. Edwards, Grades 2-6, Science-Design Lab, $525
Session 4: July 31 - August 4
Half-Day (9 a.m. - 12 p.m.)
Hands-on, Brains-on Makers’ Camp with Mr. Edwards, Grades 2-6, Science-Design Lab, $300
Chess with Mountain Lake Chess, 2-6, Room 8, $300
Cruise into Kindergarten Morning Class with Ms. Leard, Room 20, $300
Fly into First Grade Morning Class with Ms. George, Room 11 $300
Gillispie Explorers Fun Camp with Ms. Fillers, Grades K-6, Room 18, $300
Soar into Second Grade with Ms. Stolzenbach, Room 8, $300
A\ernoon Add-on (12 p.m. - 3 p.m.)
Cruise into Kindergarten A\ernoon Class with Ms. Leard, Room 20, $300
Design and Do Makers’ Camp with Mr. Edwards, Grades 2-6, Science-Design Lab, $300
Fly into First Grade A\ernoon Class with Ms. Belsha, Room 10, $300
Fun in the Sun Camp with Ms. Fillers, Grades K-6, Room 18, $300
E L E M E N T A R Y K to 6
Session 1: June 20 - June 30
Half-Day
Acaon All-Star Camp with Mr. Whelan, Grades 1-6, Field Are you ready to PLAY?! Grab your athleVc shoes and get in on the acVon in this exciVng, acVon-packed camp! This camp will include popular sports like soccer, football, street hockey, basketball, and lacrosse! Fundamentals, posiVons, skills, drills, and strategies will be discussed and pracVced. Bring your bathing suit and towel on Fridays for wet and wild water fun! Emphasis will be placed on sportsmanship, teamwork, and FUN! The best way to learn how to play a game is to PLAY it!
Cooking & Cra\s with Ms. Tamayo, Grades 2-6, Room 7 What do you get when you mix the art of cooking with a dash of craWing? You get Gillispie’s Cooking & CraWs Camp! In this fun, hands-on camp, students will spend quality Vme together making and eaVng delicious recipes and creaVng art projects. Enhancing creaVvity and building fine motor, language, and recipe reading skills, campers will feel moVvated to be a part of a journey that is even more rewarding than the product!
Dance Evoluaon Camp by Seaside Arts Center, Grades K-6, Theater
From ballet to contemporary, salsa to hip hop, as dance has evolved the basics have stayed the same! Learn the dance moves that are in every style through this fun, dynamic, and expressive camp. With exciVng rouVnes to favorite songs, students will leave this class energized, enthusiasVc, and ready to hit the dance floor! The session concludes with a brief performance on the last day.
Gillispie Explorers Fun Camp with Ms. Leard & Ms. Collins, Grades K-6, Rooms 18-20
Calling all arVsts, engineers, and athletes! If you like to have FUN, this all-encompassing camp is for you! This camp will cover all the bases with a combinaVon of age-appropriate arts and craWs, photography, gardening, science, field games, and more! Each day will bring new adventures in projects and play. This camp is sure to be a good Vme and create new friendships and memories!
Pokémon Camp with Mr. Lewis, Grades K-6, Music Room
Join us in exploring the wonderful world of Pokémon! We will discover the different regions and learn about every Pokémon. We will also play various Pokémon games and learn how to play the card game! Each parVcipant will get their own cards and folder. Campers will join fluid groups determined by age, ability, and interest. This is a journey not to miss.
Thinking Eye Art Workshop with Ms. Walters, Grades K- 2, Art Bungalow
We’ll explore drawing, painVng, collage, sculpture, and mixed media using our Thinking Eye. CreaVng with pencils, paint, ink, brushes, clay, scissors, and more, young arVsts will develop their arVsVc skills and powers of expression. InspiraVon will spring from the world around us, well-known arVsts, imaginaVon, and the beauty of our Art Bungalow and garden. If you can’t get enough art, this camp is for you!
What About Juliet? Musical Performance Camp with Ms. Fillers, Grades
1-6, Theater
As the classic story goes, Juliet follows Romeo without quesVon. But what if a more confident, asserVve, and empowered Juliet has another chance to choose life, make new friends, sing and dance, and not have to speak in iambic pentameter? This new twist is a fresh and exciVng take on the classic story, with new insights into the characters and themes. Play theater games and develop acVng skills, empathy, and confidence to step into these larger-than-life characters, sing their songs, and work together as a team. Showcasing the hard work and dedicaVon of our talented young performers, the final show will take place on Friday, June 30, 11:00-11:45 a.m.
Add on to make it a full day!
Fun in the Sun Camp with Ms. Leard & Ms. Collins, Grades K-6
Pack lunch and stay for the day! The fun conVnues with craWs, field games, water play, and more! All Fun in the Sun campers should bring bathing suits, towels, sandals or water shoes, and sunscreen.
Walk & Wonder with Ms. Tamayo, Grades 2-6, Room 7 Lace up your walking shoes and explore La Jolla with us! AcVviVes might include walking to the library to check out books, heading to the RecreaVon Center to play on the playground, taking an art walk to see the nearby murals, shopping at Vons for a cooking lesson, collecVng materials from nature for a craW, or having a picnic at the Cove. There’s plenty to see and do by foot right in Gillispie’s own backyard!
Session 2: July 3 - July 14 Half-Day
Clay Workshop with Ms. Walters, Grades K-2, Art Bungalow
Let’s dig into clay! Discover how to make a pot with pinching, coiling, and rolling slabs. Create your favorite imaginary pet, your dream house, or your own mug. We will use colorful, shining glazes and fire our one-of-a-kind creaVons. Come and enjoy the excitement of creaVve thinking and problem-solving in the 3D medium of clay. We will be using the lovely Art Bungalow and garden for this workshop. “Art” you ready to join the fun?
Field Games Galore with Mr. Inigo, Grades 1-6, Field Come PLAY with us in a mixture of popular sports and fun field games! From soccer to crazy tag games, students will enjoy parVcipaVng in many different Gillispie field acVviVes. Bring your bathing suit and towel on Fridays for wet and wild water fun! Emphasis will be placed on sportsmanship and teamwork. Grab your athleVc shoes and come have fun on the field with us!
Gillispie Explorers Fun Camp with Ms. Leard & Ms. Collins, Grades K-6, Rooms 18-20
Calling all arVsts, engineers, and athletes! If you like to have FUN, this all-encompassing camp is for you! This camp will cover all the bases with a combinaVon of age-appropriate arts and craWs, photography, gardening, science, field games, and more! Each day will bring new adventures in projects and play. This camp is sure to be a good Vme and create new friendships and memories!
Maalda Musical Performance Camp with Ms. Fillers, Grades 1-6, Theater
Get ready to channel your inner MaVlda in this musical theater camp! Students are invited to dive into the whimsical world of the beloved children's classic while learning how to sing, dance, and act like a true Broadway star. At the heart of our camp is the story of MaVlda, a bright and spunky child who discovers her magical powers and uses them to stand up against her cruel headmistress. Campers will explore the themes of empowerment, courage, and friendship that make the story of MaVlda such a Vmeless tale. Whether a seasoned performer or just starVng out, this camp is the perfect place to unleash creaVvity and have fun. Showcasing the hard work and dedicaVon of our talented young performers, the final show will take place on Friday, July 14, 11:00-11:45 a.m. Let's make some magic together!
Walk & Wonder with Ms. Tamayo, Grades 2-6, Room 7
Lace up your walking shoes and explore La Jolla with us!
AcVviVes might include walking to the library to check out books, heading to the RecreaVon Center to play on the playground, taking an art walk to see the nearby murals, shopping at Vons for a cooking lesson, collecVng materials from nature for a craW, or having a picnic at the Cove. There’s plenty to see and do by foot right in Gillispie’s own backyard!
Add on to make it a full day!
Cooking & Cra\s with Ms. Tamayo, Grades 2-6, Room 7 Calling all cooks and craWers! What do you get when you mix the art of cooking with a dash of craWing? You get Gillispie’s Cooking & CraWs Camp! In this fun, hands-on camp, students will spend quality Vme together making and eaVng delicious recipes and creaVng art projects. Enhancing creaVvity and building fine motor, language, and recipe reading skills, campers will feel moVvated to be a part of a journey that is even more rewarding than the product!
Fun in the Sun Camp with Ms. Leard & Ms. Collins, Grades K-6
Pack lunch and stay for the day! The fun conVnues with craWs, field games, water play, and more! All Fun in the Sun campers should bring bathing suits, towels, sandals or water shoes, and sunscreen.
Thinking Eye Art Studio with Ms. Walters, Grades 2-6, Art Bungalow
We’ll explore drawing, painVng, collage, sculpture, and mixed media using our Thinking Eye. CreaVng with pencils, paint, ink, brushes, clay, scissors, and more, young arVsts will develop their arVsVc skills and powers of expression. InspiraVon will spring from the world around us, well-known arVsts, imaginaVon, and the beauty of our Art Bungalow and garden. If you can’t get enough art, this camp is for you!
Minecra\ Camp with Mr. Inigo, Grades 3-6, Room 15
This camp allows an exciVng opportunity for kids to work collaboraVvely, explore creaVvity, and enhance problemsolving skills. In the vast, virtual world of MinecraW, students will try to overcome environmental challenges, look for resources, build effecVve tools, discover sources of food, and build structures that provide shelter. Through innovaVve soluVon-finding, students will complete tasks, analyze results, and make improvements. Daily challenges and themes will provide inspiraVon to create castles, dream homes, famous landmarks, ciVes, amusement parks, and pirate ships! Each camper will have access to a Chromebook and mouse during each session.
Session 3: July 17 - July 28
Half-Day
Clay Studio with Ms. Walters, Grades 2-6, Art Bungalow
Let’s dig into clay! Discover how to make a pot with pinching, coiling, and rolling slabs. Create your favorite imaginary pet, your dream house, or your own mug. We will use colorful, shining glazes and fire our one-of-a-kind creaVons. Come and enjoy the excitement of creaVve thinking and problem-solving in the 3D medium of clay. We will be using the lovely Art Bungalow and garden for this workshop. “Art” you ready to join the fun?
Design and Do Makers’ Camp with Mr. Edwards, Grades 2-6, Science-Design Lab
How could you change back-and-forth moVon into up-anddown moVon? You’ll need your hands and your brains to build answers to quesVons like that in this makers’ class! Learn safe and effecVve techniques for creaVng your own designs from paper, foil, cardboard, string, wire, tape, glue, and other things. Some projects will come home, and others are meant as design challenges and will only last long enough to be tested in class. Specific acVviVes will depend on student interest and experience level. Let’s DO this!
Field Fun with Ms. Luyaes, Grades 1-6, Field
Are you ready to get in on the acVon? Come PLAY with us in a mixture of popular sports and fun field games! From soccer to crazy tag games, students will enjoy parVcipaVng in many different Gillispie field acVviVes. Bring your bathing suit and towel on Fridays for wet and wild water fun! Emphasis will be placed on sportsmanship and teamwork. Grab your athleVc shoes and come have fun on the field with us!
Gillispie Explorers Fun Camp with Mr. Belsha & Ms.
Traut, Grades K-6, Rooms 18-20
Calling all arVsts, engineers, and athletes! If you like to have FUN, this all-encompassing camp is for you! This camp will cover all the bases with a combinaVon of age-appropriate arts and craWs, photography, gardening, science, field games, and more! Each day will bring new adventures in projects and play. This camp is sure to be a good Vme and create new friendships and memories!
Minecra\ Camp with Mr. Inigo, Grades 3-6, Room 15
This camp allows an exciVng opportunity for kids to work collaboraVvely, explore creaVvity, and enhance problemsolving skills. In the vast, virtual world of MinecraW, students will try to overcome environmental challenges, look for resources, build effecVve tools, discover sources of food, and
build structures that provide shelter. Through innovaVve soluVon-finding, students will complete tasks, analyze results, and make improvements. Daily challenges and themes will provide inspiraVon to create castles, dream homes, famous landmarks, ciVes, amusement parks, and pirate ships! Each camper will have access to a Chromebook and mouse during each session.
Annie Musical Theater Camp with Ms. Fillers, Grades 1-6, Theater
Annie is a beloved Broadway musical that tells a heartwarming story of a kid with a hard-knock life who dreams of learning about the past and escaping the clutches of cruel Miss Hannigan in search of a beqer tomorrow. Campers will explore the world of musical theater while learning the songs, dances, and scenes from this classic show. Whether a seasoned performer or first-Vme performer, Annie Musical Theater Camp is the perfect place to learn, grow, and shine like the top of the Chrysler Building! Save the date for the final performance on Friday, July 28, 11:00-11:45 a.m., showcasing the hard work and dedicaVon of our talented young performers.
Add on to make it a full day!
Fun in the Sun Camp with Mr. Belsha & Ms. Traut, Grades K-6, Rooms 18-20
Pack lunch and stay for the day! The fun conVnues with craWs, field games, water-play, and more! All Fun in the Sun campers should bring bathing suits, towels, sandals or water shoes, and sunscreen.
Hands-on, Brains-on Makers’ Camp With Mr. Edwards, Grades 2-6, Science-Design Lab
How can you liW an object from the floor to the table using only the energy of your breath? You’ll need your hands and your brains to build answers to quesVons like that in this makers’ class! Learn safe and effecVve techniques for creaVng your own designs from paper, foil, cardboard, string, wire, tape, glue, and other things. Some projects will come home, and others are meant as design challenges and will only last long enough to be tested in class.
Art in the Garden with Ms. Walters, Grades 1-6
We will take creaVve advantage of our lovely garden spaces around Gillispie’s Art Bungalow. Plein air easel painVng, nature sculpture, ceramic gnomes and birdhouses, rock painVng, and botanical drawings are just a few of the outdoor projects students will work on. Soak in the fresh air and enjoy making art in our studio under the summer sky.