AM (Gr. 6, 7, & 8): Public Speaking for Grade 6-8 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 15–18 & July 6-10 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Led by LJCDS Middle School English Educator Nate Heppner

Join us for two weeks of musical theater as we tell the story of Finding Nemo! The musical is open to all LJCDS students, rising 2nd graders through Upper School. There is no experience required, all students will be cast. Come be part of this sweet story of your favorite characters, Nemo, Dory, Crush and more as they navigate adventures, life lessons and celebrate friendship! Everyone who registers for this camp is guaranteed a part in the musical. No matter your experience level, Miss Yin and Mrs. Clemente will prepare all participants to feel confident in singing, dancing and acting! Morning Session of Week 2: June 15–18 No camp Friday, June 19 (Juneteenth) Four-day week (Monday–Thursday) Morning Session of Week 3: June 22–26 Musical Performance June 26th 11am Director/Choreographer: Christy Yin (LS/MS dance and musical theater educator)Music Director/Production Director: Wendy Clemente (LS music educator)

This 1 week experiential course explores how the ocean works while diving into the marine species, ecosystems, and conservation challenges unique to San Diego. Field-based and regionally focused, students will travel throughout San Diego County to observe the ocean firsthand and learn directly from experts who study and protect it. As part of the experience, students will participate in morning surf lessons, using time in the water to better understand wave dynamics, coastal processes, and the physical forces that shape our shoreline. These sessions provide an active, hands-on foundation for the scientific concepts explored throughout the week. Additional potential student experiences include snorkeling with leopard sharks, studying local oyster aquaculture and tasting oysters on the half shell, observing marine mammals at sea, growing grunion, and visiting unique coastal sites around the county. Together, these experiences help students build a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems while connecting science, conservation, and real-world application. For additional details, please contact Chris Uyeda at cuyeda@ljcds.org. Surf Camp in the Morning 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Return to campus for Lunch. Marine Science exploration in the Afternoon. 12:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m.

Middle School Agents of Change is an immersive PM summer program designed to introduce students to service, social impact, and community engagement. Each day focuses on a different cause or focus area—such as environmental sustainability, food justice, housing insecurity, or education equity—providing students with broad exposure to local and global issues. Participants will engage directly with local nonprofit organizations through guest speakers and hands-on activities while completing 10 hours of meaningful service over the course of the program. In addition to learning about community needs, students will explore the key steps involved in designing effective service projects, including identifying issues, collaborating with partners, planning action, and reflecting on impact. This program empowers students to see themselves as changemakers, while building empathy, leadership skills, and real-world problem-solving abilities. Led by LJCDS Coordinator of Service Learning and Community Engagement Christina Zupanc

Writing Skills is a four-day morning academic enrichment course designed for students in Grades 5–8. Students will strengthen their writing through focused practice and personalized feedback in a supportive classroom environment. Throughout the week, students will work on a variety of writing forms, including stories, reviews, and opinion pieces. Instruction emphasizes developing and organizing ideas, getting thoughts clearly onto the page, and sharing writing effectively with an audience. This course is personalized to support each student’s individual writing goals, helping writers build confidence, clarity, and creativity. Led by LJCDS Music Educator Wendy Clemente

Fashion and Costume Building is a hands-on sewing and design course for students in Grades 5–8 who are interested in creating clothing and costumes that reflect their personal style and imagination. Students will learn how to take measurements, work with paper patterns, cut fabric, sew pieces together, fit garments, and finish their projects. Instruction covers both foundational sewing skills and creative problem-solving, with opportunities for students to design and build unique pieces. The class uses a small number of sewing machines in the lab. Students are also welcome to bring their own sewing machine, provided it is new or has been recently serviced. This course may be taken more than once, as students work on different projects each session. After registering, families must complete the required Google Form so the instructor can plan materials and projects appropriately: Led by LJCDS Music Educator Wendy Clemente

Page to Stage: Theater in a Week takes students through the full theatrical process—from initial idea to final performance. Participants collaborate to write a script, design props and costumes, create sound effects, rehearse scenes, and bring a show to life by the end of the week. This program welcomes students with all levels of theater experience and encourages creativity, collaboration, and confidence both on and off the stage. Led by LJCDS Middle and Upper school Theatre Director Dr. Jim Short.

Meet to Middle School is designed to support Grade 5 students as they prepare for a successful transition to Middle School at LJCDS. This program helps students build confidence, make new friends, and develop familiarity with the Middle School campus and expectations before the school year begins. Working with classroom teachers and the Head Librarian, students will navigate the learning management system and Google Drive, set up lockers, strengthen organization and study skills, and take a deeper look at research strategies. The program emphasizes connection, independence, and readiness, helping students begin the school year feeling comfortable and confident. The week concludes with a full-day field trip adventure in San Diego on Friday. Led by LJCDS Middle School Educators

Meet Middle School is designed to prepare new and returning students in Grades 6–8 for a successful experience at LJCDS Middle School. The program supports students in building connections, gaining confidence, and becoming familiar with campus expectations and academic tools. Working alongside classroom teachers and the Head Librarian, students will navigate the learning management system and Google Drive, organize lockers, strengthen study and research skills, and practice habits that support academic success. The program helps students begin the school year feeling comfortable, prepared, and connected. The week concludes with a full-day field trip adventure in San Diego on Friday. Led by LJCDS Middle School Educators

Introduction to Filmmaking invites students in Grades 5–8 to explore the complete filmmaking process—from idea to screen. Students will learn the basics of screenwriting, camera work, sound, lighting, and editing while working collaboratively to create original short films. Using professional tools and industry-standard software, students gain hands-on experience behind the camera and in post-production. No prior filmmaking experience is required—just creativity, curiosity, and a willingness to try something new. Led by LJCDS Middle and Upper school Theatre Director Dr. Jim Short.