Summer at SEM Explorations with the YMCA

Pricing per Week
Full Day $400
Half Day $225

GRADE 1:

Ocean Explorers (Grace Kinney)
Get ready to embark on a splash-tastic journey beneath the waves! Each day campers will explore the mysteries of the deep blue sea through hands-on activities, crafting colorful sea creatures and playing games. There is so much to learn about our ocean. Grab your snorkel, put on your flippers and get ready to have waves of fun! 

Exploration Station (Grace Kinney)
Explore, create and discover the exciting world of science, technology, engineering and math! This camp is all about making learning fun and hands-on through playful activities that spark curiosity and imagination. From building with Legos to making slime, every activity is designed to help us think, explore and discover new things in a playful way.

Cardboard Creations (Nancy Federici)
Get ready for a week of imagination, creativity and hands-on fun at Cardboard Creations! Young builders will design and construct their very own Fairy House or Superhero Hideout using cardboard, paint and plenty of creativity. Campers will explore storytelling, art and basic engineering as they bring their magical fairy cottages or powerful, hero headquarters to life. They’ll add new details—doors, windows, decorations and secret features—until their unique creation is complete.

Basketball (Doug Miller)
Our basketball program is designed to introduce children to the fundamentals of basketball in a fun, supportive and non-competitive environment. This program focuses on developing essential basketball skills such as dribbling, passing, shooting and defense, while also promoting teamwork, sportsmanship and fitness. Through a combination of engaging drills, games, and activities, students will learn the basics of the sport, build their physical fitness and develop confidence – all while having fun with their peers.

Speed, Agility, and Quickness (Megan Welch)
Designed to improve athletic performance by developing the three key components of movement: speed, agility and quickness, this program will help athletes enhance their ability to accelerate, decelerate, change direction rapidly and improve reaction times.

Dance (Richard Bogdanowicz (Allison’s Dance Company))
This dance program is designed to introduce children to the joy of movement and dance in a fun, energetic and supportive environment. Focus will be on building coordination, rhythm, balance and flexibility. Self-expression, creativity and teamwork will be encouraged. Through a variety of dance styles such as hip hop, jazz, contemporary and creative movement, students will learn basic dance techniques and choreography, while boosting their physical fitness and confidence.

Superhero Training (Emily Sims)
Get ready to unleash your superpowers! This action-packed camp presents kiddos with the chance to unlock their inner superhero through fun games, creative challenges and teamwork activities. Campers will train to become heroes—learning skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and bravery—all while having a blast! From obstacle courses that test their agility to arts and crafts that will help them design their own superhero gear, every moment will be packed with excitement. By the end of the week, our little heroes will have the confidence to take on any challenge that comes their way while they save the day. 

Kidlympics (Emily Sims)
Come train like an Olympian at the Kidlympics! During the week, campers will compete in a wide variety of Olympic-inspired events including sprints, relay races and creative sports challenges. Our mini-Olympians will work as a team, cheer each other on and celebrate every victory. Along the way, we’ll learn about famous athletes, practice skills like coordination and teamwork and foster a love and appreciation for sports. At the end of the week, our young champions will earn their very own Olympic medal at our closing ceremony. Join us for an engaging, energizing, and fun-filled week! 

Craft-tastic Creations (Emily Sims)
Calling all young artists! This hands-on camp offers a variety of opportunities to explore creativity through arts and crafts. Campers will dive into fun projects like painting, tie-dye, and even homemade slime! With new and exciting activities each day, every young artist will leave with a masterpiece and a sense of pride in their unique creations. Come join the fun at Craft-tastic Creations, where every day is a masterpiece in the making.

Detective Training (Lauren Parente)
In this activity, students will decode a series of clues in a hunt to catch “The bad guys.” These clues will lead us throughout the school and the outdoors. Is there a bad guy in the library? The nurse’s office? Behind the trees? Stay tuned to find out…!

Engineer the Week (Lauren Parente)
Assemble a robot using a variety of materials such as Legos. Egg drop challenge – construct a way to protect your egg from cracking when dropped. Using a variety of STEM materials, build a sled/car that will slide down a ramp.

Environmentalist for the Week (Lauren Parente)
We will go on a nature walk and collect leaves. We will then identify leaf patterns, different plants and discuss the work of an environmentalist.

Cashier Week (Lauren Parente)
Students will play the role of cashier and customer during this activity. Students will price items, count money, and calculate totals using play money and play coins!

Chef Week (Lauren Parente)
Students plan simple dishes and learn about measuring ingredients! We may even prepare a simple dish together by following recipe instructions.

Athlete Week (Lauren Parente)
What better way to end Summer at SEM than by being an athlete? AKA playing games! Together we will discuss the different sports our favorite athletes play. Then, we will bring them to life and play a few of our favorite sports and enjoy the outdoors!

GRADES 2-4:

Water, Water Everywhere (Lisa Iskra)
Get ready to make a splash with our water-themed science camp. The days will be filled with exploring the science of water through exciting experiments, demonstrations and fun activities such as water balloon battles and water-themed crafts.

Magic School Bus (Lisa Iskra)
All aboard the Magic School Bus! Please join Ms. Frizzle and Mrs. I for some science fun. We will embark on a different adventure each day by exploring science topics through crafts and mini experiments.

Chemistry for Kids! (Lisa Iskra)
Chemistry is everywhere. Let’s mix it up! Chemistry for Kids brings chemistry to life with fun by exploring different chemistry topics through hands-on experiments and demonstrations.

Sport-A-Day Junior (Thomas Iskra)
An introduction to sports for young athletes! Each day, campers will explore a new sport, learning the basics in a fun-filled environment. With an emphasis on teamwork, skill-building and active play – kids will make new friends while moving all week long. No prior experience is needed. Just bring your energy and enthusiasm.

All-A-The-Holidays (Sue Barnes)
Welcome to All-a-the-holidays! Get ready for a festive adventure filled with creativity and cheer. Campers will celebrate a different holiday a day, crafting unique decorations inspired by the season. Kids will have the chance to express their holiday spirit through hands-on projects. Come join the fun and let’s make the next holiday season extra special.

Mystery Science Adventure Camp (Sue Barnes)
Welcome to Mystery Science Adventure Camp! This exciting camp is designed for curious second to fourth graders who love to explore, create, and discover. Each day, campers will dive into hands-on experiments and crafts inspired by the engaging mysteries of science. Perfect for young scientists eager to learn, experiment and make cool creations – this camp is a one-of-a-kind adventure that brings science to life!

Basketball (Doug Miller)
Our basketball program is designed to introduce children to the fundamentals of basketball in a fun, supportive and non-competitive environment. This program focuses on developing essential basketball skills such as dribbling, passing, shooting and defense, while also promoting teamwork, sportsmanship and fitness. Through a combination of engaging drills, games, and activities, students will learn the basics of the sport, build their physical fitness and develop confidence – all while having fun with their peers.

Soccer (Jason Minnick)
This soccer program will immerse children in the fundamentals of the game while retaining a fun-first environment meant to build a love for the world’s game. Kids will be introduced to the most effective skill-building games and drills used at the professional level, grow tactical awareness and learn the most famous dribbling innovations made by the world’s most famous players. 

Speed, Agility, and Quickness (Megan Welch)
Designed to improve athletic performance by developing the three key components of movement: speed, agility and quickness, this program will help athletes enhance their ability to accelerate, decelerate, change direction rapidly and improve reaction times.

Dance (Richard Bogdanowicz (Allison’s Dance Company))
This dance program is designed to introduce children to the joy of movement and dance in a fun, energetic and supportive environment. Focus will be on building coordination, rhythm, balance and flexibility. Self-expression, creativity and teamwork will be encouraged. Through a variety of dance styles such as hip hop, jazz, contemporary and creative movement, students will learn basic dance techniques and choreography, while boosting their physical fitness and confidence.

Lego Stop Motion (Jason Sherry)
This course explores the exciting world of LEGO stop motion animation, teaching students how to bring their brick-built stories to life. Students will learn the fundamentals of stop motion, including frame rate, lighting, camera angles and movement techniques. Through hands-on projects, they will develop storytelling skills, scriptwriting, set design and editing using stop motion. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your animation skills, this course provides a fun and creative way to produce your own LEGO films.

SEM FBI (Emily Sims)
Whodunnit? SEM FBI invites young detectives to step into the world of mystery, clues and thrilling investigations. This exciting camp will turn campers into junior agents as they solve puzzles, crack codes and uncover hidden secrets. Each day, they’ll use their critical thinking skills to work through mystery challenges, complete scavenger hunts and decode messages. With teamwork and problem-solving, campers will develop their detective skills while having a blast. Come join us to become a certified mystery solver! 

Zombie Apocalypse Training (Emily Sims)
Join our battle to fight zombies in Zombie Apocalypse Training! In this thrilling camp, kids will learn how to survive and thrive in a zombie-filled world. They’ll work together in teams to complete exciting challenges like obstacle courses, scavenger hunts and escape room-style puzzles—all while building problem-solving skills and teamwork. From learning how to outsmart zombies to creating their own survival gear, every day will be an action-packed adventure. At the end of their training, campers will be ready to face any zombie challenge with courage and creativity. Gear up! 

SEM Ninja Warrior (Emily Sims)
Unlock your inner warrior at this action-packed camp! Featuring obstacle courses, balance teams and agility tests, kids will build strength, coordination and confidence to become the ultimate ninja warrior. Through training, competitions and celebrations, our young warriors will unleash their hidden ninja skills to sharpen their skills and conquer the day. 

GRADES 5-8:

It’s a Small World (Lisa Iskra)
Hey there, future scientists! Are you ready to explore the tiny wonders of the world around you? Join us for an exciting week at It’s a Small World camp. We’ll be unlocking the mysteries of the microscopic universe using cool microscopes!

C.S.I. (Lisa Iskra)
Get ready for an adventure into the fascinating world of forensic science! Students entering grades 5-8 will explore topics like fingerprinting, hair analysis, blood typing, DNA fingerprinting and chromatography. Each day will be packed with hands-on activities and demonstrations that bring these scientific techniques to life.

Chemistry
Attention young chemists! Let’s explore the amazing world of chemistry around you. Learn about topics such as pH, the Periodic Table of Elements, and density. Lessons will be learned in a fun and exciting way through games, hands-on lab activities and demonstrations.

Theatre: All The World is a Stage (Dr. Dan & Bonnie Hall)
“All the world is a stage” and our students are the players upon it. A three-week theater intensive for students in grades 5-8 who want to explore what the theater world has to offer. During the camp, students will focus on improv, vocal production, character study and scenic/costume design and creation. Mornings will consist of applying the theater skills while rehearsing for a 30 minute fully staged production in the afternoons. The camp will culminate with a performance of this production on the final day of camp. Students will not only hone in on theater skills, but also develop skills and communication, public speaking, social interaction and group collaboration. Lead by Bonnie Hall, Theater professor, Lycoming College and Daniel Hall, director of Choral Activities, Wyoming Seminary.

Sport-A-Day – Next Step (Thomas Iskra)
Designed for athletes looking to take their skills to the next step! Each day, campers will dive into a new sport, focusing on technique, strategy and gameplay. With a mix of skill development, friendly competition and teamwork, this camp is perfect for those eager to enhance their play while having a great time with new friends.

Soccer (Paul Burg)
This soccer program is designed to introduce children to the fundamentals of soccer in a fun, supportive and engaging environment. With an emphasis on teamwork, sportsmanship and skill development, this camp will keep the focus on enjoyment and building a positive attitude towards physical activity. Through age-appropriate drills and games, students will learn basic soccer skills such as dribbling, passing, shooting and defending, all while developing important social skills like communication and cooperation.

Lacrosse (Paul Burg)
This course provides an overview of the fundamentals of lacrosse, including basic rules, equipment, techniques and gameplay strategies. Students will develop essential skills such as passing, catching, cradling, shooting and defensive positioning. The course will also cover teamwork, sportsmanship and physical fitness. Whether you’re new to the sport or looking to refine your skills, this course offers a fun and engaging way to learn and enjoy the game of lacrosse.

Soccer (Jason Minnick)
This soccer program will immerse children in the fundamentals of the game while retaining a fun-first environment meant to build a love for the world’s game. Kids will be introduced to the most effective skill-building games and drills used at the professional level, grow tactical awareness and learn the most famous dribbling innovations made by the world’s most famous players. 

World Tour (Jason Minnick)
Discover the world through culture, history, geography, sport and adventure. Each day focuses on a different country with activities, food, sports and games inspired by that region.

Speed, Agility, and Quickness (Megan Welch)
Designed to improve athletic performance by developing the three key components of movement: speed, agility and quickness, this program will help athletes enhance their ability to accelerate, decelerate, change direction rapidly and improve reaction times.

Boxing (Skylar Santacroce)
Boxing instruction with no contact or sparring! Kids will learn technique and the fundamentals with a USA Boxing certified coach. Designed to introduce children to basic principles of boxing in a safe, fun and non-competitive environment. This program emphasizes balance, coordination, reflexes, speed and power through boxing-inspired exercises and drills. 

Lego Stop Motion (Jason Sherry)
This course explores the exciting world of LEGO stop motion animation, teaching students how to bring their brick-built stories to life. Students will learn the fundamentals of stop motion, including frame rate, lighting, camera angles and movement techniques. Through hands-on projects, they will develop storytelling skills, scriptwriting, set design and editing using stop motion. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your animation skills, this course provides a fun and creative way to produce your own LEGO films.

Photography (Jamie Smith)
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the art and technique of photography. Students will learn the fundamentals of camera operation, composition, lighting and exposure while exploring different styles and genres of photography. Through hands-on practice and creative projects, participants will develop their visual storytelling skills and gain confidence in capturing compelling images. This course is designed for beginners looking to enhance their photography knowledge and creativity.