2019 SUMMER PROGRAMS COED | AGES 8-17
About Mercersburg Academy Mercersburg Academy is a premier coed college-preparatory school serving high-school students from across the nation and around the world. The school prepares young people from diverse backgrounds for success in college and life in a global community. During the regular school year, 442 students residing in 26 states and citizens of 40 countries pursue a rigorous academic curriculum and excel in a multitude of extracurricular endeavors, including athletics and the arts. 74 percent of last year’s graduating seniors enrolled in colleges or universities rated highly competitive or most competitive.
PG 2
PROGRAM LISTING PG 10
MERCERSBURG ADVENTURE CAMP (MAC) | Ages 8-15 | Session 1: 6/30-7/12 Session 2: 7/14-7/26 STEAM CAMP | Ages 10-13 | 6/23-6/27
PG 12
YOUNG WRITERS CAMP | Ages 11-16 | 6/30-7/12
PG 14
PERFORMING ARTS INTENSIVE | Ages 11-16 | 2 week session: 7/14-7/26 1 week session: 7/14-7/19
PG 16
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL CAMP | Ages 10-14 | 6/16-6/19
PG 16
BOYS’ BASKETBALL CAMP | Ages 10-14 | 6/16-6/19
PG 17
GIRLS’ LACROSSE CAMP | Ages 10-14 | 7/22-7/25
PG 18
SOCCER DAY CAMP | Ages 9-14 | 6/24-6/27
PG 18
SOCCER ELITE CAMP (OVERNIGHT) | Ages 11-16 | 6/23-6/26
PG 19
SWIM CLINICS | Ages 8-17 | Session 1: 6/16-6/20 Session 2: 6/23-6/27
PG 8
PG 20-24
ESL+ | Grades 6-12 | 6/30-7/26
At Mercersburg Academy Summer Programs we understand that parents’ most important concern is for the safety of their children. We also know parents have goals for their child’s development related to the powerful lessons the summer experience provides in community, character-building, skill development, and healthy living. We share those same goals, which is why we have taken the added step of becoming an Accredited Camp through the American Camp Association (ACA).
ust CAMP... It’s not just CAMP...
Nestled in the mountains of south-central Pennsylvania, Mercersburg Academy’s beautiful campus provides the perfect setting for a wide range of opportunities for personal growth and fun. Each summer, participants take part in an array of programs, from Adventure Camp to various Enrichment, Arts, and Sports Programs.
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NEW YORK
LOCATION In the middle of everywhere... Mercersburg is only 90 minutes from Baltimore, Md., Washington, D.C., Harrisburg, Pa., and a short driving distance from other major metropolitan areas, including New York City, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh.
New York City
PENNSYLVANIA Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
NEW JERSEY Baltimore
Washington, D.C.
DELAWARE MARYLAND
VIRGINIA
Our participants travel from all over the U.S. and the world. 3
Campfire
Playing Fields
Faculty Homes
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Baseball Field
Faculty Homes Sycamore
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Playing Fields
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Softball Field Track/Football Field
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ut
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McFarland Road
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Lane
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Masinter Outdoor Education Center
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Constitution Avenue
Route 75
CAMPUS MAP 1
Rutherford Health and Wellness Center
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Rutledge Hall
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Hale Field House
Buchanan Cabin
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Nolde Gymnasium & Athletic Center
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Fowle Hall
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Faculty Homes Smoyer Tennis Center
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Ford Hall (Simon Student Center)
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Class of ’38 Observatory
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Irvine Hall
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Tippetts Hall
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1893 House
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Prentiss Alumni and Parent Center at North Cottage
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Main Hall
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South Cottage
12 McFadden Model Railroad Museum 13 Keil Hall
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20 Lenfest Hall 21
Davenport College Counseling Center at Landis House
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Traylor Hall
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Burgin Center for the Arts
24 Irvine Memorial Chapel 25
Culbertson House
26 Lloyd Aquatic Center (Under Construction)
Campus & Facilities Our campus features more than 300 acres of expansive athletic fields and facilities, wildlife habitat areas, farmland, and state-of-the-art academic facilities. Our academic buildings contain modern lab spaces, art studios, computer facilities, study areas, and STEAM collaboration spaces. The entire campus is connected via a wireless network, bringing a whole world of information directly to students in the classroom, the library, and the dormitories. Whether you like chemistry or multimedia arts and design, our facilities can fulfill your needs.
Living All Mercersburg Summer participants stay in modern, air-conditioned dormitories with carpeted hallways, tiled bathrooms, and private shower areas. Counselors and other staff live in adjacent rooms and place an emphasis on respect, courtesy, and consideration while living with others. Participants at Mercersburg Summer Programs enjoy some of the best food imaginable. While our menu is varied, meals are nutritiously balanced and our chefs are very sensitive to alternative dietary needs and preferences. All meals include a main entree, side dishes, salad/sandwich bar, vegetarian and gluten-free options, and a fruit station.
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Safety Safety is our priority at all times. Our campus is patrolled 24 hours a day by security personnel, access to dormitories is limited to summer participants, and all summer staff are required to receive full state and federal clearances as required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Not only is our staff certified in CPR/AED, many also have first aid training. Our on-campus Health Center is managed by a team of registered nurses and we work closely with a local family practice for campers that may need additional care. There is also a full time Health Services Assistant available 24 hours a day.
Summer Staff Mercersburg Summer staff are inventive, creative, and responsible people who truly love to work with kids. Our instructors, many of whom are current Mercersburg Academy faculty, are not only experts in their fields, but also experts at making learning fun. Staff preparation includes safety management and interpersonal skills focused on dealing with homesickness and other camper issues. Our Camper to Staff ratio ensures that staff can direct all of their focus on the unique needs and development of self-esteem and self-confidence in every camper.
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YOU WILL NEED
FLASHLIGHT
For those nights around the campfire!
SUNGLASSES
Protect your eyes from the summer sun!
SWIM SUIT
For the pool and lots of fun water games planned during your stay!
SNEAKERS
You’ll need some comfy shoes to run around and play in!
UNDIES
Please bring enough clean undies to last for your entire stay!
WATER BOTTLE Stay hydrated! It gets hot at Mercersburg!
SUNBLOCK
Keep your skin safe! We all hate sunburns!
TOOTHBRUSH
Keep those chompers clean and bright!
SOAP
Because when you’re having so much fun, things can get messy!
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UNWIND. DISCONNECT. RECHARGE.
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Mercersburg Adventure Camp (MAC)
Adventure Camp allows campers ages 8-15 to choose their own adventure that they will talk about for years. MAC’s unique structure provides the right balance of enrichment challenges, sports, outdoor adventures, and fun excursions to make every session memorable, including trips to Hersheypark, white water rafting, camping and a professional sports game.
“ MAC was the two weeks of my summer where I could be carefree and just be an adventurous and curious kid.” -Campbell, age 14
Campers are divided into two rival teams, the Hurricanes and Tornadoes, fighting for bragging rights, these two groups face off in competitions such as Camp Wars, Song Battles and Capture the Flag (to name a few). Every session, campers spend at least one night camping under the stars and almost every night singing around the campfire.
Sets of bunk beds occupy each dorm room, which 2-4 participants transform into their cabin. Bring your bag and personal necessities, and you are set for cabin life, Adventure Camp style. Counselors live in adjacent cabins and our open-door policy ensures comfort and safety for every participant. An emphasis on respect, courtesy, cooperation, and consideration enables participants to live and thrive with others to make cabin life enjoyable for all. 9
Summer STEAM Camp
Summer STEAM Camp (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) takes participants to the front lines of the Maker revolution, utilizing challenge based learning. Engineering, programming, 3D printing, textiles, and metal fabrication are all featured in this immersion into the essentials of Making in the 21st century. Participants will jump into the creative process by taking an idea from their minds and turning it into a creation made by their hands. They will tackle challenges designed to provoke creative thinking and problem solving. Through the important process of design, development, testing, and troubleshooting, students will learn resilience and self-confidence.
“ My friends at home were so jealous when they found out I shot off rockets at camp.� -Jason, age 10
For more information on all programs please visit: MERCERSBURGSUMMER.COM 10
A PART OF SOMETHING GREATER.
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PERSONAL GROWTH.
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Young Writers Camp
Build writing skills and unleash creativity in a unique environment of individuals with a passion for writing. Participants explore the beauty of poetic style and the power of their own voice on paper. Language is at the core of life and they learn new and liberating ways to express themselves through the written word. By combining an exciting range of writing activities with traditional camp experiences, writers have incredible fun while also learning to think, and write, creatively. Not only will participants focus on specialty classes – such as fiction, poetry, and writing for the Internet, they will also participate in thematic workshops and recreational activities that include rock climbing, swimming, coffee shop reading, and trips to the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. area. The camp culminates with a student reading of new works.
“ It was so fun to write about our camp experiences and collaborate with other writers!” -Daniel, age 15
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Performing Arts Intensive
Participants will spend one to two weeks mastering skills as they relate to dancing, acting, and technical theater. Participants will choose between a track that combines both Dance and Theatre courses, or they can focus on just Dance or Theatre for the entirety of the program. The intensive will culminate with a participant performance featuring both dance acts and theatre scenes. Dancers will learn different movement styles, and experience a range of multiple classes from ballet and contemporary to improvisation, yoga, and choreography. Expert instruction combined with creative and innovative workshops will ensure that dancers leave Mercersburg’s state of the art Burgin Center with a renewed passion for dance.
“ We are excited that our participants will have the opportunity to focus on both dance and theatre disciplines at the same camp!” -Katie Vickers ’06, Performing Arts Intensive Co-Director
Actors and actresses will gain skills in stage presence, improvisation, body movement, vocal techniques, character developments, ensemble work, and problem solving. Actors will also be exposed to the technical elements of lighting, sound, make-up, and costume design.
For more information on all programs please visit: MERCERSBURGSUMMER.COM 14
THERE’S NOTHING ELSE LIKE IT.
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PURPOSE. Girls’ Basketball Camp
Mercersburg Girls’ Basketball Camp is for the aspiring player who wants to make the varsity or JV team in the future as well as those with dreams of playing at the next level. Players will build habits that lead to success on the court and work to improve ball handling, shooting, and body control. We will focus on skills that help participants become leaders within their program and standouts on and off the court. Our mission is to challenge players of all levels, from beginners to skilled athletes. We will teach players to think the game, learn to lead more effectively, and to practice with purpose. Our goal is to promote individual skill development and help players gain self-confidence through basketball success.
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“ Mercersburg Basketball Camp truly rejuvenated my love for the game while also sharpening my skills.” -Megan, age 14
Boys’ Basketball Camp
Mercersburg Boys’ Basketball Camp is designed to challenge young men to improve their skills on and off the court. By combining on-court station work with classroom film analysis and lectures, players will learn skills and concepts that will help them reach their goals on the court, no matter how small or large they may be. The program is run by college and high school coaches and includes an overview of the college recruiting process for players who are interested in playing basketball after high school.
Mercersburg’s basketball camps train and compete on the Plantz Courts and in the Hale Field House. Combined, these facilities total 72,000 square feet and house seven full-sized courts.
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CONFIDENCE. Girls’ Lacrosse Camp
Mercersburg Academy Girls’ Lacrosse Camp welcomes players of all skill levels for a comprehensive skillbuilding experience that will leave players feeling confident and prepared to compete at the next level. Coach Ahlgren and her staff of college players and coaches will focus on skill development and improvement, from fundamental stickwork skills to advanced attacking and defending methods. Girls will have plenty of opportunities to play full field games but will also build their abilities in small game situations. Skills Choice Sessions allow campers to choose which skills they’d like to spend time working on, while coaches will assist and help develop proper technique. Additional activities and free time fun on the Mercersburg Academy campus provide girls with opportunities to relax and enjoy themselves.
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Swim Clinics
Mercersburg Swim Clinics are dedicated to improving swimmers’ technique and helping them to develop both inside and outside of the pool. Mercersburg Academy’s storied aquatics program has produced more than 30 Olympians and brings a tradition of excellence to the summer program. Our swim clinic coaches come from a variety of elite backgrounds. The primary aim of Mercersburg Swim Clinics is to provide an experience that teaches competitive swimmers the most innovative techniques available, while having fun. The philosophy is simple; swimmers do not just compile distance, but rather work on improvements in starts, turns, and stroke techniques. Mercersburg’s swimmers and divers train and compete in the Flanagan Pool, a ninelane, 25-yard facility.
swimming
“ The coaches at Mercersburg helped me to understand my full potential and realize what I need to do to improve.” -Maddie, age 12
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swimming
DEVELOPMENT. Soccer Day Camp
Mercersburg Soccer Camp provides a fun learning environment to help advance the skills of all player levels. Directed by Mercersburg Academy’s boys’ and girls’ varsity coaches, Mercersburg Soccer Camp focuses on different skills each day, from dribbling and footwork to tactical field position play.
“ My son came home from camp excited to share the new skills he learned every day!” -Katie, mother of participant
Each day is filled with soccer activities. The skills taught are age and skill appropriate. From beginning soccer players to experienced travel players, Mercersburg Soccer Camp has something for everyone.
For more information on all programs please visit: MERCERSBURGSUMMER.COM
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Soccer Elite Camp
Mercersburg’s elite camp is for experienced players who want to take their game to the next level. Athletes will participate in 2-3 training sessions per day, with an emphasis on the technical and tactical aspects of the game, and will also have a chance to apply these concepts each evening during our competitive 11 v 11 matches. Our coaching staff will cover functional training by position, such as individual defending, midfield play and possession, and final third work for strikers and goalkeepers.
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ESL+ Summer Language Intensive Mercersburg’s ESL+, an intensive Summer English language program, reflects Mercersburg Ac ademy ’s commitment to the glob al community. Extensive English development and rewarding cultural immersion draw students from all over the globe who are committed to rigorous academic effort. ESL+ benefits students who seek necessary life skills for successful transition to living abroad at American boarding schools, and those who seek a rewarding summer of immersion into the English language and American culture. This intensive and creative program is open to students who possess a working knowledge of the English language and can communicate on at least basic verbal and written levels. It features comprehensive and stimulating curriculum that improve communication skills in English speaking, listening, writing, and reading.
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“ ESL at Mercersburg Academy was great perpetration for the American boarding school lifestyle!” -Diego, 8th grade
Approach In the classroom, ESL+ students are divided by skill level, regardless of age. All students are evaluated when they arrive and placed into classes based on core English competencies. This proven method for learning places students in environments where they are properly challenged, paced, and supported. While courses are taught according to ability to digest information and to apply acquired knowledge, the use of progressive teaching principles allows students who qualify to advance levels of study as they master essential skills.
Program Features • Competitive admission and limited enrollment in each grade level • Limited enrollment by nationality to ensure diversity of participants • Participants will study in English speaking, listening, writing, and reading including courses in American culture and U.S. history • Intentional instruction that emphasizes the progression and development of every student • Safe and supportive school environment • Supervised evening study hall
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ESL+
Beyond The Classroom Excursions Day trips to major U.S. cities can include Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City. Additional trips to points of historical and cultural interest are used to extend the learning experience and to assist students in their introduction to U.S. culture and schooling. College Visits Participants will have the option to travel to at least one American university. ESL+ students have the opportunity to take tours, gather information, and explore the campuses with our staff.
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“ I can’t believe I got to visit Washington, DC, New York City, and Philadelphia all in one summer!” -Maddie, 9th grade
Extracurricular and Recreational Activities Our ESL participants have the chance to shop at local malls and outlet centers and experience amusement parks, performances, cinemas, and professional sporting events. Students use afternoon activity time to take advantage of Mercersburg’s extensive athletic facilities to play American and international sports such as basketball, flag football, soccer, tennis, and squash. In addition, afternoon electives can include dance, music and visual arts, yoga, and crafts. Cultural Enrichment Students also develop an appreciation for different cultures in a truly international learning environment that draws participants from South America, Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.
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ESL+
Application + Enrollment Admission and Tuition Inclusive tuition of $5,250 covers classes, books and materials, meals, boarding, health insurance, and activity and event fees. Students only need to bring personal spending money.
“T he course offerings at Merersburg allowed me to not only student English, but also learn about American history and culture.” -Victor, 11th grade
• Additionally, to apply, applicants will pay a $50.00 application fee. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. • Deposit of $500.00 (or full amount), due upon acceptance. • Balance due by June 1st (or upon acceptance thereafter). • Students have two weeks after receiving their acceptance letter to make a final decision and pay the $500.00 deposit to reserve their space. Visa Process & Details B-1 / B-2 Visa International students who are accepted to Mercersburg’s ESL+ Program are expected to obtain a B-1 or B-2 visa. The student should obtain a visa as quickly as possible upon acceptance. 26 | ESL+
To apply to our ESL+ Program please visit: MERCERSBURGSUMMER.COM/ESL
www.facebook.com/mercersburgsummer
Mercersburg Summer Programs Web | www.mercersburgsummer.com Email | summerprograms@mercersburg.edu Phone | 717.328.6225
www.instagram.com/mburgsummer (@mburgsummer)
Coleman Weibley Director of Summer Programs Email | WeibleyC@mercersburg.edu
www.twitter.com/mburgsummer (@mburgsummer)
For information on the regular school year at Mercersburg, please contact:
Office of Admission and Financial Aid www.youtube.com/themercersburgsummer
Phone | 717.328.6173 Email | admission@mercersburg.edu Web | mercersburg.edu
MERCERSBURG ACADEMY Summer Programs Phone | 717-328-6225 Email | summerprograms@mercersburg.edu Web | www.mercersburgsummer.com