Summer Odyssey

"It is good to have an end to journey toward, but in the end, it is the journey that matters." -Ursula K.  LeGuin

Purpose

Summer Odyssey at The Discovery Center School is a day camp that provides an enriching and fun summer experience where campers explore their interests, feed their curiosity, learn new things, and discover themselves! Students in kindergarten through high school are welcome at Summer Odyssey. Students may enroll in individual courses, as needed, to catch up or get ahead. In addition, a student may join a tribe for summer fun.

Goals

Campers at Summer Odyssey will:

• Gain real life experience caring for themselves, all members of the community, and our earth.
• Be introduced to new and exciting people, places, and ideas.
• Delve into an area of interest and discover hidden talents.
• Appreciate themselves as essential, contributing members of the group and world.
• Keep academic skills fresh for the Fall.

Summer Odyssey Teachers

Teaching staff from the regular school year will be available to teach classes in the core curriculum of math, English, and science. This will ensure strong academic continuity throughout the calendar year.

Summer Odyssey Counselors

Counselors at Summer Odyssey are young men and women who bring their diverse backgrounds, previous camp experience, academic work, and enthusiasm for working with students to our camp. Camp Counselors have completed at least one year of college, have prior experience working with students, and expertise in the area they instruct. They also have First Aid and CPR certification. Working with them are Junior Camp Counselors (JCCs), current high school students who are dedicated to gaining new skills in leadership. Together, these counselors are the group leaders for camper groups of 12-15 students. Our counselors also plan and lead activities, care for campers throughout the camp day, and provide the very best role model at all times.

Tribes

Tribes are generally available to students in grades K-8. Campers at Summer Odyssey are separated into age-appropriate groups. Our "Primary Campers" are students entering grades 1-2, "Intermediate Campers" are entering grades 3-4, and "Upper Campers" are entering grades 5-8. These groups are divided into tribes of 12-15 students. Each tribe works as a team and spends much of the two-week session together. Campers are in their groups at opening circle, mixed up during A.M. Activities, and together again for Afternoon Adventures. All of the tribes gather for special activities including Opening Day, Closing Day, and All Camp Day.

Kindergarten Kamp

Incoming Kindergarteners will have their own set of fun summer camp activities. This is a wonderful opportunity for Kindergarteners to make new friends and get accustomed to a social learning environment.

Opening and Closing Circle

Every day at Summer Odyssey begins with opening circle. This is an opportunity for campers to learn new songs, share a group cheer, and spend time with all members of the camp community. It is also a time when daily announcements are made and all-camp games may be played. The day concludes with closing circle, a chance for groups to discuss their daily adventure or share a group skit.

P. M. Activities

Each week, campers choose two activities they want to participate in during P. M. Activity time. Each activity meets for one hour and continues for one week. Assisted by JCCs, Camp Counselors lead activities that are in their area of expertise. Different activities have included:

• Make-A-Play
• Movin' and Groovin'
• Toys, Toys, Toys
• Fun With Food
• Team Sports
• Paper Art
• Make Your Own Comics

Additional Afternoon Adventures

In the afternoon, each tribe, with the guidance of its leaders, chooses an Afternoon Adventure. This activity may be on campus or in the community. Some groups may stay at DCS for special projects like a game of human checkers or making a skit for closing circle. Other groups may decide to head off for a quest in Golden Gate Park, fishing at Lake Merced, or flying kites at Crissy Field. The entire camp may also wish to share an afternoon by playing an all-camp game of "capture-the-flag" at Balboa Park or by preparing for All Camp Day.

All Camp Day

Each session, all campers come together for All Camp Day. Both counselors and campers alike look forward to these themed days when having fun is the main goal. Whether it's Wet n' Wild Day, an Un-Birthday Party, or Gross-Out Day, the entire camp dresses the part and participates in games, projects, and performances that are based on the chosen theme. This is a wonderful time for older campers to get to know younger campers, for new friendships to be made, and for the entire camp to feel the energy of Summer Odyssey.

Triple Springs Ranch

Interested students are invited to the school ranch to meet the animals, work in the school garden, hike, play games and just generally enjoy themselves and the outdoors.

Extended Day Care

For campers who need to arrive at camp early in the morning or stay after camp ends in the evening, Summer Odyssey offers Extended Day Care. Beginning at 7:30 a.m. and ending at 6:00 p.m., Extended Day Care gives campers opportunities for both structured activities and unstructured, supervised play. The cost of Extended Day Care is covered in the camp fee and can be accessed by busy parents on an as-needed, drop in basis.

Camp Fees

Registration Fee (non-refundable): TBA

All Campers TBA

Camp fees include the cost of field trip admission, transportation, and Extended Day Care. The non-refundable, per student registration fee is due at the time of registration. If you register before May 1, the registration fee is waived. In addition, a non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration. This is required to hold your student's space. The remainder of the camp fee is due on the first day of each session. There is no proration of camp fees for campers attending part of a session. There are absolutely no refunds after the first day of each session. Limited space is available and camp is filled on a first come, first served basis.

Contact Us

The Discovery Center School
Phone: (415) 724-7458

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