Sustainability in Action: Exploring San Diego’s Ecosystems is a full-day, week-long summer program for students in Grades 9–12 that combines environmental science, community engagement, and hands-on service learning. Students will explore San Diego’s diverse ecosystems through daily off-campus field experiences, including coastal habitats, canyon landscapes, community gardens, and urban environments. Through direct observation and fieldwork, participants gain first-hand insight into local environmental challenges and sustainability efforts. Throughout the week, students will engage with topics such as environmental sustainability, community advocacy, and environmental justice, while collaborating with local organizations, experts, and community leaders. Participants will complete approximately 15 hours of meaningful service as part of the program, building both environmental literacy and leadership skills. Co Led by LJCDS Director of Service Learning Christina Zupanc and Chair of the Upper School Science Department Dr. Marianne Zupanc

This hands-on Blacksmithing Summer Camp introduces students to the art and science of shaping hot steel in a safe, supportive shop environment. Campers learn how metal behaves under heat and force while building real skills in craftsmanship, problem-solving, and design. No prior experience is required—just curiosity and a willingness to try something new. Students begin with a strong focus on safety and tool use, then progress through foundational forging techniques such as drawing out, bending, twisting, and shaping steel at the anvil. Along the way, they explore age-appropriate materials science concepts that explain why steel hardens, softens, and changes as it heats and cools. Daily demonstrations and close instructor coaching ensure students build confidence and control. By the end of camp, each student completes several forged projects—both functional and decorative—and takes home a final piece of their own design. The camp concludes with a casual showcase where families can see students’ work and hear about their process. This experience is ideal for students interested in engineering, art, design, or hands-on learning—and for anyone who wants to make something real with their hands. Led by LJCDS Upper School Science Educator Daniel Mulvihill

Summer Reading for Grade 9 is a PM academic enrichment course designed specifically for rising LJCDS ninth graders. This program supports students as they prepare for Upper School English through guided reading instruction, literary analysis, and collaborative class discussions. Students will strengthen comprehension, analytical thinking, and discussion skills while developing confidence with Upper School–level expectations. Instruction focuses on close reading strategies, interpreting texts, and engaging thoughtfully in academic conversations. This program is only available to students enrolled at LJCDS for Fall 2026.

Creative Writing Intensive: The Big Project is a virtual summer workshop for rising Grades 9–12 students who are working on, or planning, a sustained piece of creative writing. Projects may include a novel, collection of poems, one-act play, memoir, or other long-form work. Students will spend the week developing their individual projects through dedicated writing time, structured discussion, and guided feedback. Participants will read and respond to extended excerpts from one another’s work and engage in generative writing exercises designed to support writers across genres. This course is ideal for students seeking a supportive community of peer writers, meaningful critique, and focused time to move a major writing project forward. NOTE: Students must submit a 5-7 page writing sample to the instructor as part of the registration process. Led by LJCDS Director of Writing, Communication, and Media Literacy Luke Jacob