2025 Summer Camps

Orchestra Camp

August 4-8, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Grades: 6th – 8th
Location: Susquehanna Waldorf School

This String Orchestra Camp offers an immersive experience in string performance, creativity, and community building. Designed for young musicians entering Grades 6–8, the camp emphasizes skill development, ensemble collaboration, and creative expression through a variety of engaging activities.

Curriculum Highlights:

• Arrival Time (9:45)
• Warm-up and Sound Bath (10:00–10:10 AM)
  Start each day with exercises designed to focus on tone production, relaxation, and mindfulness.
• Improvisation (10:10–10:35 AM)
  Students will explore the art of improvisation to develop musical creativity.
• Sectionals (10:40–11:30 AM)
  Instrument-specific breakout sessions to refine techniques and practice ensemble pieces.
• Lunch Break (11:30–11:55 AM)
  Students bring their own packed lunches to enjoy together in a relaxed, social setting.
• General Music/Social Activity (12:00–12:25 PM)
  Fun, interactive music-related games and activities foster community and connection.
• Ensemble Practice (12:30–1:50 PM)
  Full orchestra rehearsals focus on ensemble performance and prepare for the final concert.
• Dismissal (1:50 PM)
  Students pack up and prepare for pickup.

Final Concert:
The camp will conclude with a performance on Friday, showcasing the students’ progress and the pieces they’ve worked on throughout the week.

The SWS String Orchestra Camp is a unique opportunity for young musicians to enhance their skills, engage in creative exploration, and build friendships in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Chinese Culture Camp

August 11-15, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Grades: 3rd – 8th
Location: Susquehanna Waldorf School

Join us for a vibrant and enriching journey into Chinese culture as we explore the traditions, stories, and games that make Chinese festivals so special. This camp is designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and connection through hands-on activities and fun.

Themes and Activities:

1. Celebrating Chinese Festivals
   • Dragon Boat Festival
     Discover the legend of Qu Yuan and learn about dragon boat races and the tradition of eating zongzi (sticky rice dumplings).
   • Chinese Valentine’s Day (Qixi Festival)
     Learn the romantic tale of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl and how this festival celebrates love and connection.
2. Chinese Shadow Puppet Theater
   • Explore the traditional art of shadow puppetry.
   • Create your own shadow puppets and bring stories to life through a puppet show.
3. Traditional Chinese Games
   Experience the fun of classic games played by generations of children in Taiwan, including:
   • Chinese Jump Rope Games: Test your agility and coordination.
   • Pencil Game: A quick and engaging game using pencils as game pieces.
   • Chinese Rock Paper Scissors: A playful twist on a familiar game.
   • Chinese Red Light Green Light: A culturally inspired take on this timeless game.
   • Chinese Yo-Yo (Diabolo): Learn the basics of this exciting and skillful toy.
   • Tuo Luo (Chinese Gyro/Top): Spin and compete with this traditional toy.
4. Interactive Learning & Play
   • Storytelling sessions to learn the legends behind each festival.
   • A blend of structured activities and free play to foster engagement and 

Students will have the opportunity to dive into Chinese culture through storytelling, crafts, and traditional games, all while building friendships and having fun. This camp promises to be a lively and memorable experience for young participants!