Young engineers will observe that science is all around us. Even LEGO® can be used for science! Uncover what is in our Earth inside and out. Whether we are having fun at an amusement park, digging in the ground, or trying to fly, we are using science. June 23–27 8–11 a.m. Led by Young Engineers of Greater San Diego

Campers recreate signature dishes from top TV Network Celebrity chefs like Bobby Flay, Rachel Ray, Gordon Ramsey, Giada DeLaurentiis, and Ree Drummond, learning how these culinary stars rose to fame! July 22–26 8–11:30 a.m. Led by Cookin’ Around the World

Tailored for students in Grades 3-4, this new experience blends the joy of board games with language learning, offering an environment where campers can enhance their communication skills in Spanish and engage in strategic board games that promote critical thinking and problem-solving. Throughout the program, students will acquire new vocabulary in Spanish to be able to play and participate in exciting tournaments, reinforcing teamwork and communication. July 21–25 8–11 a.m. Led by LJCDS Educator Jezabel Rabaneda Boo

Campers embark on a magical journey to Hogwarts, savoring butterbeer pancakes and double chocolate cauldron cakes straight from the wizarding world! June 23–27 8–11:30 a.m Led by Cookin’ Around the World

Bring the excitement of a cooking competition to the next level by adding the magic of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math)! In this culinary adventure, kids not only master cooking skills but also explore the art and science behind food. Each session, junior chefs receive a mystery basket filled with ingredients and STEAM-based challenges that inspire them to think critically and creatively while making delicious dishes. From experimenting with the chemistry of baking to creating artistic food presentations, young chefs will combine culinary techniques with STEAM principles in a thrilling, fast-paced showdown. It’s the perfect class for curious minds and budding chefs who want to blend creativity, science, and culinary arts. July 7–11 8–11 a.m. Led by Cookin’ Around the World

Children explore their favorite Pixar films, whipping up dishes featured in Ratatouille, Toy Story, Monsters Inc., and more! Daily demos and kitchen experiments enhance their cooking skills. July 7–11 8–11:30 a.m. Led by Cookin’ Around the World

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

Expository writing is the focus of this class, fine-tuning research and writing skills. After a brief in-class lesson, students work independently on projects and writing. All grammar, syntax, paper writing and structure feedback will be tailored to the student-specific grade level and individual needs. At the end of the week, students have an effective paper and bibliography that they can use as a model for the next school year. The topic is different each week the course is offered, so students are invited to sign up for more than one session. June 16-20 (LJCDS is closed June 19) 8–11 a.m. Led by LJCDS Upper School Humanities Educator Deborah Shaul

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

This program is only available to students enrolled at LJCDS in fall 2025. Reading instruction, literary analysis and class discussions prepare rising LJCDS ninth graders for Upper School English. June 23–27 8–11 a.m. Led by LJCDS Middle School English Educator Nate Heppner

As part of the Global Leadership Youth Program, a collaboration between LJCDS and the San Diego Diplomacy Council, this course introduces students to the topic of environmental sustainability and the multilateral actions necessary to maintain it. Students will interact with experts in the field, participate in a diplomacy simulation, and learn about the important role we all have to play in ensuring a healthy planet. These program sessions are meant to teach the importance of cross-cultural engagement, negotiation skills, global collaborations and problem-solving skills on issues that are both local and global. SDDC and LJCDS aim to utilize this opportunity to promote people-to-people diplomacy and peace. Each week will address a critical global issue such as introduction to international affairs, binationalism, environmental diplomacy, global security, and social justice. Through sessions with international speakers, diplomacy simulations, cultural exercises, and other enrichment activities, upper school students (entering grades 9-12) will have the opportunity to hone their leadership skills, gain a greater understanding of careers in international relations, improve their understanding of global issues and global cultures, and learn how to be civically and globally engaged leaders. The goal is that at the conclusion of each week-long session, participants will come away with new skills, connections with students from across San Diego and across the globe, and a Certificate of Excellence in Global Leadership on the topic of the session. This course is not at LJCDS, and transportation is not provided. Students need to travel to UC San Diego Park and Market, 1100 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101. Introduction to International Relations: July 7–11 In this program, you’ll be introduced to the core concepts and theories of international relations, exploring how states, international organizations, and non-state actors interact on the global stage. You’ll examine topics such as international security, economic relations, and the role of diplomacy in addressing global challenges. Through simulations, case studies, and interactive discussions, you’ll gain insights into the dynamics of international conflict, cooperation, and policy-making. You’ll also learn how issues like trade, human rights, and environmental concerns are central to global politics. This program will equip you with the knowledge and analytical skills to engage in meaningful conversations about the forces shaping the international system. Binational and Environmental Diplomacy: July 14-18 In this program, you’ll explore the complexities of binational relations and environmental diplomacy. You’ll examine how international agreements influence cooperation on shared borders and resources, and the vital role diplomacy plays in addressing global environmental challenges. Through hands-on activities like environmental justice workshops, climate diplomacy case studies, and an in-depth look at the Tijuana River Crisis, you’ll discover how environmental issues are interconnected with trade, security, and human rights. You’ll also gain valuable insights into cross-border environmental management, as well as how advocacy groups and government agencies collaborate to develop sustainable solutions. This experience will equip you with the knowledge and skills to participate in impactful discussions on environmental policy and international cooperation. 8:30 a.m.–12 p.m. Led by San Diego Diplomacy Council & LJCDS

This four-day basketball skills camp emphasizes footwork, detailed ball-handling, defensive principles, shooting fundamentals and elite skill development for all levels and ages. What to bring: Players should bring a snack and a refillable water bottle. July 14–18 (No camp July 19) 8–12 p.m. Led by Coach Adrian Hayes