It’s time to explore personal expression through the versatile and oh-so-messy medium of clay using the pottery wheel. Students learn various forming techniques emphasizing wheel throwing and the production of functional pottery forms. Surface design techniques such as stamping, carving, slip decoration, wax resist and glaze application methods are covered. June 24–28 8–11 a.m. Led by LJCDS Visual Arts Educator Sani Vanderspek

This course is designed to prepare new and returning Grades 5–6 Torreys for a great experience in Middle School. Students meet new classmates and foster connections to start the school year feeling at home on their new campus. Working with classroom teachers and the head librarian, students navigate the learning management system and Google Drive, set up lockers, learn effective study skills and take a deep dive into research. Friday features an all-day field trip adventure in San Diego. July 14–18 8–11 a.m. Led by LJCDS Middle School Educators

Do you like watching movies and tv? Ever thought about making cool videos yourself? Come join Intro to Filmmaking. Students will learn about the full filmmaking process as they journey from screenwriting to using cameras, microphones, and lights, to editing their films using professional industry software. No experience required. July 28-Aug 01 8–11 a.m. Led by LJCDS Middle and Upper school Theatre Director Dr. Jim Short.

Science is a constant companion, it does not only happen in the laboratory. This is especially true when it comes to the kitchen. Students explore the science behind cooking and baking and learn about hygiene, good practice and the medicinal benefits of various ingredients. They prepare and taste their creations. 8–11 a.m. Led by LJCDS Upper School Science Department Chair Marianne M. Zupanc, Ph.D.

Shake up a flask of fun in the lab and become a junior chemist! Learn to recognize chemical reactions and mix up a few reactive ingredients for some sensational results. Check out the colors of chemistry with the power of pH paper and create a stopper-popping reaction. Probe the properties of light and discover some unusual applications of glow-in-the-dark technology. July 28–Aug 01 8–11 a.m. Led by Mad Science SD

Let's put on a show! This summer course takes students through the theatre process from start to finish. Participants work to write the script, choose and craft props, costumes, and sound effects, and eventually perform our hard work at the end of the week! Whether you have lots of theatre experience or simply want to try out something new and fun, Page-to-Stage promotes creativity, curiosity, and bravery. July 7-11 8–11 a.m. Led by LJCDS Middle and Upper school Theatre Director Dr. Jim Short.

Spend the week working out those writing muscles. Practice writing stories, reviews and opinion pieces. Learn how to develop and organize ideas, get them on paper and share them with readers. Class is personalized for each student and their needs. What to bring: Laptop or tablet with a Google account (does not need to be a school account, can be personal) and Google Docs. The teacher supplies paper and pencils. 8–11 a.m. Led by LJCDS Music Educator Wendy Clemente

In this immersive program, students engage with nonprofit organizations and participate in service activities by volunteering on-site locally. They learn about the nonprofit sector and the following: Understand the context of our service: politically, historically, emotionally and environmentally Think critically about the types of service with which we are engaged and the root causes of the need for it Focus on collaborative relationships with community partners and center them in the design, facilitation and evaluation of service projects Expand our understanding of ourselves, our community and the world Remember that each person, habitat, and space has inherent dignity, and avoid making assumptions based on our own experiences. Model respect for inclusivity, strive for belonging, and value diversity through our language and actions July 7–11 8–11 a.m. Led by LJCDS Coordinator of Service Learning and Community Engagement Christina Zupanc

Curious about being an athletic trainer or just want to learn about your own injuries? This is the class for you. Students get a crash course in sports medicine and anatomy covering topics like splinting, rehabilitation, taping, first aid and emergency care. Their days are packed with hands-on learning activities to spark their love of the medical field. June 16–20 8–11 a.m. Led by LJCDS Athletic Trainer Christine Mitchell, M.S., ATC

Students will engage in storytelling, informative, persuasive, and instructional speeches, as well as a series of impromptu speaking activities. This course will also cover the effective use of visual aids like PowerPoint and notecards to enhance presentations. Whether you're preparing for school presentations, leadership roles, or just looking to become a more confident speaker, this class will help you develop essential public speaking skills in a fun and supportive environment! June 16–20 8–11 a.m. Led by LJCDS Middle School English Educator Nate Heppner

This course is designed to prepare new Grades 7–8 Torreys for a great experience in Middle School. Students meet new classmates and foster connections to start the school year feeling at home on their new campus. Working with classroom teachers and the head librarian, students navigate the learning management system and Google Drive, set up lockers, learn effective study skills and take a deep dive into research. Friday features an all-day field trip adventure in San Diego. July 14–18 8–11 a.m. Led by LJCDS Middle School Educators

Through hands-on activities, interactive games, and collaborative problem-solving challenges, students take a deep dive into the many applications of mathematical functions. They tackle real-world problems using functions, gaining proficiency in identifying and representing proportional, linear, and exponential functions. This enriching experience not only enhances students’ mathematical skillset but also fosters a deeper appreciation for how mathematics connects to the world around us. July 21–25 8–11 a.m. Led by LJCDS Middle School Math Educator Riley Pratt

In this immersive program, students engage with nonprofit organizations and participate in service activities by volunteering on-site locally. They learn about the nonprofit sector and the following: Understand the context of our service: politically, historically, emotionally and environmentally Think critically about the types of service with which we are engaged and the root causes of the need for it Focus on collaborative relationships with community partners and center them in the design, facilitation and evaluation of service projects Expand our understanding of ourselves, our community and the world Remember that each person, habitat, and space has inherent dignity, and avoid making assumptions based on our own experiences. Model respect for inclusivity, strive for belonging, and value diversity through our language and actions July 14–18 8–11 a.m. Led by LJCDS Coordinator of Service Learning and Community Engagement Christina Zupanc

Checkmate! Experienced coaches from Excelsior Chess, San Diego’s premier scholastic chess program, share their passion and insights into the game. Group participation, playing skills, and sportsmanship are taught daily, along with other fun activities, culminating with a mini-chess tournament at the end of the week. July 7-11 July 21-25 12–3 p.m. Led by Excelsior Chess

It’s time to explore personal expression through the versatile and oh-so-messy medium of clay using the pottery wheel. Students learn various forming techniques emphasizing wheel throwing and the production of functional pottery forms. Surface design techniques such as stamping, carving, slip decoration, wax resist and glaze application methods are covered. July 7–11 12–3 p.m. Led by LJCDS Visual Arts Educator Alexis Grinbold

Campers will dive into the joys of music and storytelling, all inspired by animals, plants, and ecosystems. The camp concludes with a special theater performance, featuring stage props crafted by our Repurposed Crafts Camp. Sign up for both camps to make art in the morning and practice singing and acting in the afternoon! June 16–20 12–3 p.m. Led by EcoArts Kids Educators

Model the eco-cities of the future. Using recycled materials, campers will build models of sustainable homes and cities, learning about green building techniques and urban planning. July 7-11 12–3 p.m. Led by EcoArts Kids Educators

Dive into the world of comics where art meets storytelling. Middle schoolers will create their own eco-themed comic books, crafting heroes who fight to protect the planet. Learn character design, panel layout, and illustration while exploring the power of visual narratives to promote environmental awareness. July 21-25 12–3 p.m. Led by EcoArts Kids Educators

Explore the creative possibilities of upcycling by turning discarded items into functional artwork and expressive sculptures. This camp emphasizes eco-consciousness and innovation, teaching valuable skills in resourcefulness and environmental stewardship through hands-on projects. June 23-27 12–3 p.m. Led by EcoArts Kids Educators

Learn to draw mystical creatures and enchanting landscapes with a focus on proportion and realistic detailing. Through studying natural elements and mastering art techniques like painting and drawing, students will craft worlds that are as believable as they are magical, infusing their creations with both environmental awareness and artistic precision. July 14-18 12–3 p.m. Led by EcoArts Kids Educators

Middle schoolers learn about marine conservation through the lens of art. Students will create artwork inspired by the ocean's diverse ecosystems. Projects include crafting coral reefs from recycled materials, painting seascapes, and assembling art pieces that reflect the beauty and plight of marine life. July 28-Aug 01 12–3 p.m. Led by EcoArts Kids Educators

Have you ever watched a movie, musical, or video game and thought "I want to dress like that!"? Have you ever tried on clothes at a store, and felt like nothing really suited you? Do you dream about outfits that no one else seems to sell? Well -- this class is for! Fashion and Costume Building is a hands-on sewing class. We have a few sewing machines in our lab that we can use together, (You are also welcome to bring in your own machine, as long as it is either new or has been serviced at a sewing machine repair shop right before the class starts) and we will learn how to cut measure your size, cut a paper pattern on fabric, sew the pieces together, fit, and finish your work. Once you register for this course, please make sure to fill out this Google form, so that Mrs. Clemente knows what to plan for the class projects. This class can be taken more than once, as we will all work on different projects. June 16–20 12–3 p.m. Led by LJCDS Music Educator Wendy Clemente

Campers will become young inventors and problem-solvers as they take on engineering challenges, hands-on design projects, and real-world problem-solving missions. Working in teams, they will prototype, test, and refine their inventions using recycled materials, maker tools, and creative engineering strategies. Campers will tackle bridge-building competitions, marble roller coaster challenges, and chain-reaction machines, learning the basics of structural design, forces, and motion. They will also engage in outdoor engineering games, designing and testing solutions to complete real-world-inspired missions. The week will conclude with a Shark Tank-style innovation June 16-20 (LJCDS is closed June 19) 12–3 p.m. Led by Kodely