Explorer Programs

Summer is a time for the curious child to discover new interests, take an adventure, and explore the world around them.
The vast Allegheny National Forest, the open waters of Lake Erie, the wonders of space – all of these destinations await to be discovered this summer at US. Our Explorer Programs are intended for the child with an adventurous spirit and inquisitive mind. Imaginations run wild while students design forts for an epic water-balloon battle or launch rockets nearing the speed of sound.
Get outside and explore with US this summer!

Debate Camps

List of 2 frequently asked questions.

  • High School Debate Camp

    Coed, grades 9 - 12
    Dates: June 20th - 23rd 
    Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
    Location: Hunting Valley Campus
    Tuition: $350
     
    This camp provides the opportunity to learn and practice the skills of high school speech and debate. Open to both beginners and students with middle school debate experience. Debate instruction will be tailored towards teaching students the basics of Lincoln-Douglas and Public-Forum style debates. Experienced debaters will have the chance to practice and sharpen their skills with expert feedback. Speech instruction will be tailored towards teaching the basics of speech competition and helping students get a jump on the season by starting to prepare their pieces. The week will end with a mini-debate tournament and a speech exhibition for students. The camp is led by US Upper School Debate Coach James Lewis and Middle School Debate Coach Jeff Pierce. They will be assisted by current high school debaters. 

    Directed by James Lewis

  • Middle School Debate Camp

    Coed, grades 6 - 8

    Dates: July 10th - 14th
    Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
    Location: Hunting Valley Campus
    Tuition: $350
     
    Enter the fun world of academic debate! Learn to speak in public, think on your feet, construct arguments, find evidence, and refute opposing views. Then you will practice debating against other middle school students and receive feedback on your performance in each round. The camp week includes a number of practice rounds to apply your learning and will conclude with a mini-tournament. The camp is led by US high school Debate Coach James Lewis. He will be assisted by current high school debaters. Complete novices as well as experienced middle school debaters are welcome to attend; debate experience is NOT required. This camp focuses on the core skills of public speaking and argumentation and does not assume everyone will continue on in debate.

    Directed by James Lewis

Outdoor Adventure

List of 8 frequently asked questions.

  • Amazing Race Camp

    Coed, grades 4 - 8

    Dates: June 26th - June 30th
    Time: 9:00am - 3:00pm
    Location: Shaker & Hunting Valley Campuses 
    Tuition: $375


    Ready to explore different countries and cultures as well as challenge your mind and body? Each day of this week will be on a new continent, discovering cultural facts and completing challenges. There will be detours and roadblocks along the way. Each team will get a passport as they journey between countries on the continent of the day. Led by Lower School Spanish teacher and avid athlete Elizabeth Chois, this camp will combine learning with fun and exciting challenges to make each day a new adventure!

    Questions? Contact Elizabeth Chois

  • Backpacking

    Boys, grades 8 - 12

    Backpacking I
    Dates: July 14 - 16 
    Time: Overnight weekend trip, see details below.
    Tuition: $400

    Backpacking 2
    Dates: July 21 - July 24
    Time: Overnight weekend trip, see details below.
    Tuition: $495

    Backpacking 1 Details
    Take the love of the outdoors to a new level with an immersive backpacking experience. Boys will need to rely on their camping skills, grit, and physical ability to hike to camp carrying everything they will need for two days. We’ll explore the world around us, play games, and learn to appreciate what we have in our daily lives. This weekend camping trip to the Alleghany National Forest in Pennsylvania will be an experience not to miss! A gear check on Thursday afternoon at the Hunting Valley campus will ensure that each boy has what he needs and can carry the weight. We will depart from Hunting Valley at 8:00 a.m. Friday and return Sunday evening. Transportation, meals, cookware, and shared tents are provided. Participants will need their own sleeping bag and a sturdy backpacking-style pack.

    Backpacking 2 Details
    This trip is the peak in our summer wilderness adventures! Three nights of camping are necessary to access and climb the highest mountain in New York state, Mount Marcy (5,344 feet). This trip will take the skills learned in Backpacking 1 and apply them to a more remote location, with longer hikes and rougher terrain. The reward after a grueling day hike to the peak will be views and bragging rights for a lifetime. All meals provided. Backpacking and sleeping gear are required. Transportation is provided, and drop-off and pick-up are at the Hunting Valley Campus. All participants will need to be approved, contact Dr. Erick Carlson at ecarlson@us.edu prior to registering.  

    Directed by Dr. Erick Carlson

  • Bike & Hike Camp

    Coed, grades 4 - 8

    Dates: June 20th - June 23rd
    Time: 9:00am - 3:00pm
    Location: Shaker & Hunting Valley Campuses 
    Tuition: $275


    If you love to explore the outdoors while biking and hiking, this is the perfect camp for you. Each day we will bike to a new location within two miles of our campus and hike to explore that area. All these spaces will have an option for extra hiking and/or extra biking, as well as some fun games and activities with the group. Camp will meet at our Hunting Valley Campus on one of the days, so we can explore those trails. The other three days we will begin at our Shaker Campus.

    Questions? Contact Elizabeth Chois 

  • Master Fort Builders

    Coed, grades 3-5

    Dates: June 5th - 9th
    Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm 
    Location: Shaker Campus
    Tuition: $395

    Have you ever built a fort from pillows and blankets at home in the living room? We are going to take this challenge to the next level! Master Fort Builders is for boys and girls looking for a design challenge. Using various tools and materials, we will divide into teams for the ultimate fort-building adventure. We will put these forts to the test with an epic water balloon battle!

    Directed by Cortney Dargaj

  • Mountain Biking Camp

    Boys, grades 8 - 12

    Dates: June 20th - June 23rd
    Time: 8:30am - 12:00pm
    Location: Hunting Valley Campus
    Tuition: $200

    Campers will be introduced to the mechanics of mountain bikes, mountain bike care and repair as well as skills for riding a variety of terrain safely while having fun. Camp will meet at our Hunting Valley Campus, and transportation is provided to our mountain-biking destinations, including local Metroparks with beginner and intermediate trails and a local property with home-built trails. Campers will learn about trail construction and maintenance, and local Metroparks with beginner and intermediate trails. Your own mountain bike and helmet are required. Please contact the instructor with any questions about equipment.

    Questions? Contact Erick Carlson

  • Outdoor Adventures Camp - Beginner

    Boys, grades 6 - 9

    Session I
    Dates: June 12th - 16th
    Time: 9:30 am - 3:30 pm (Thursday will be an overnight for all interested)

    Session II
    Dates: July 31st - August 4th
    Time: 9:30 am - 3:30 pm (Thursday will be an overnight for all interested)

    Location: Hunting Valley
    Tuition: $480

    Learn how to observe and enjoy the small and large parts of our landscape, from seedlings to screech owls. This camp will have the boys and girls explore the forests, fields, streams, and ponds of the Hunting Valley Campus. Instruction on camping basics including tents, fires, cooking, and "Leave No Trace" ethics. There will be fishing, canoeing, swimming in the high school indoor pool, and s'mores and games galore! This camp will culminate with an overnight on Thursday at the Hunting Valley Campus. Tent and cookware are provided, but participants will need their own sleeping bag. Dinner and breakfast are provided for the overnight.

    Directed by Dr. Erick Carlson

  • Sailing Camp

    Coed, grades 3 - 9
    Dates: July 31st - August 4th
    Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
    Location: Off-Campus (transportation provided)
    Tuition: $475

    If you like being outside and on the water and want to learn about sailing, this camp is for you! You will learn important boating fundamentals and water safety at the beautiful Mentor Harbor Yachting Club. Experience kayaks, small dinghy sailboats, large sailboats, and powerboats on Lake Erie and the protected Mentor harbor. The week-long camp is run by experienced, certified, professional sailing instructors who will guarantee fun. No boating experience or ownership is required. Simply bring your life jacket, sunscreen, and lunch. This camp provides transportation to and from the yacht club. Pick-up and drop-off are at the Shaker Campus.

    Questions? Contact Bill Champ

  • SCUBA Camp

    Coed, ages 10 and up

    Session I
    Dates: June 20th - 23rd
    Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
    Location: Hunting Valley Campus
    Tuition: $545

    Session II
    Dates: July 24th - 28th
    Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
    Location: Hunting Valley Campus
    Tuition: $545

    Session III
    Dates: August 7th - 11th
    Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
    Location: Hunting Valley Campus
    Tuition: $545

    Looking for a unique and immersive summer camp experience? Then look no further! Just Add Water’s Scuba Camp at University School is for you! Campers will complete the classroom and pool training required to earn their Scuba Certification. You will learn about dive safety, scuba equipment, and being a good dive buddy. In addition, you'll learn about the underwater world, aquatic life, and protecting the environment. Have tons of fun, be active, make friends, and learn to scuba dive with Just Add Water! Families, including adults, are welcome!

    Questions? Contact Bill Champ

Science, Engineering & Design

List of 5 frequently asked questions.

  • Advanced Rocketry

    Coed, grades 7 - 9

    Dates: June 26th- June 30th
    Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
    Location: Hunting Valley Campus
    Tuition: $325

    Join US Rocketry Team Coach Jim Seibyl in a hands-on engineering challenge as you design and launch powerful rockets. The Team America Rocketry Challenge is the world’s largest student rocket contest. Students routinely build rockets that launch thousands of feet in the air and approach the speed of sound. This camp introduces you to the contest with hands-on discovery of rocketry highlighted by a mini competition with the rockets you design and build.

    Directed by Jim Seibyl

  • Aviation Challenge

    Coed, grades 7 - 9

    Dates: July 10th- 14th 
    Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
    Location: Hunting Valley Campus
    Tuition: $325

    Explore the fun and exciting world of aviation! Design and build several different types of aircraft from paper, controlling them through an app on your smart phone or tablet. Learn about stability, flight control systems, center of gravity, lift, and aerodynamics. The week concludes with an exciting competition where you take your best design and compete in a challenging flight obstacle course. Campers keep the powered flight system at the end of the week.

    Directed by Jim Seibyl

  • Do it Yourself! Camp

    Coed, grades 5 - 12

    Session I
    Dates: June 12th- 15th 
    Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
    Location: Shaker Campus
    Tuition: $265

    Session II
    Dates: June 20th- 23th
    Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
    Location: Shaker Campus
    Tuition: $265

    This camp offers an opportunity for students to learn the ins and outs of important skills such as engine maintenance, home repair, first aid, and survival skills. Over the course of four days, “Do It Yourself-ers” will learn the essentials of small engine maintenance; basic home repair skills related to plumbing, electrical, and woodworking; first aid/CPR certification; how to tie knots; and lastly how to catch, clean, and cook fish on an open fire. Sign your student up for the DIY Camp to give them a chance to learn essential skills guaranteed to help them in life!

    Directed by Matt McCarter

  • Intro to Tabletop War-gaming and Miniatures in the STEAMworks Makerspace

    Coed, grades 5 - 8

    Dates: July 10 - 14
    Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
    Location: Shaker Campus
    Tuition: $325

    Campers will learn the basics of an old hobby with renewed and rapidly growing popularity, tabletop miniature war-gaming.  An introduction to creating and painting miniature game pieces, 3D printing and laser cutting terrain for game boards, and learning the rules and tactics of sci-fi battles in the far future are just part of the fun!  By the end of the week campers will have their own squad of miniatures and terrain to take home and play their own battles, all without a screen!

  • Learning in the STEAMworks Makerspace

    Coed, grades 3 - 5

    Session I
    Dates: June 20 - 23 
    Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
    Location: Shaker Campus
    Tuition: $260

    Session II
    Dates: June 26 - 30
    Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
    Location: Shaker Campus
    Tuition: $325

    Campers will have full access to all the resources of the makerspace and learn how to use its vast array of tools including 3D printers and a laser cutter.  Students will work through the design process to conceive and build various projects.  Problem-solving, iterative design thinking, and fun are all part of the daily schedule for this introduction to the world of engineering and technology.

STEM & LEGO®

List of 6 frequently asked questions.

  • Adventures in STEM using LEGO®

    Coed, kindergarten - grade 2

    Dates: June 5th – 9th
    Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
    Location: Shaker Campus
    Tuition: $185

    Adventures in STEM using LEGO®: Ratchet up your imagination with tens of thousands of LEGO® parts! Build engineer-designed projects such as space stations, fire trucks, and the Eiffel Tower. Design and build as never before and explore your most imaginative ideas!

    Questions? Contact Bill Champ

  • MARVELous Engineering using LEGO®

    Coed, grades 3 - 6

    Dates: July 31st – August 4th
    Time: 1:00 pm  – 4:00 pm
    Location: Shaker Campus
    Tuition: $185

    MARVELous Engineering using LEGO® Materials Ages 7-12 LEGO® Builders Assemble! We need you to come join our experienced Play-Well TEKnologies instructors to save the world. We will use LEGO® to build our strongest Avengers to defeat Thanos, help Thor retrieve Mjolnir, swing through the city with Spider-man, and tell Hulk to....Smash! Our journey will take us to battles on this world and beyond. Are you up to the challenge?

    Questions? Contact Bill Champ

  • Mickey's Adventures using LEGO®

    Coed, kindergarten - grade 2

    Dates: July 31st – August 4th
    Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
    Location: Shaker Campus
    Tuition: $185

    Come join our fun and knowledgeable Play-Well TEKnologies instructors as we use LEGO® materials to recreate our favorite animated friends and their worlds! After building our most beloved princesses, villains and sidekicks, get ready to rescue princes and princesses from towers, explore enchanted castles, and maybe even fly on a magic carpet or two. All we need is your creativity and a little magic to bring it all to life!

    Questions? Contact Bill Champ

  • Minecraft Engineering using LEGO®

    Coed, kindergarten - grade 2

    Dates: July 24th – 28th
    Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
    Location: Shaker Campus
    Tuition: $185

    Minecraft Engineering using LEGO® materials. Venture into the world of Minecraft in our unique LEGO® experience. Get ready to build your base, craft your tools, use your Minecart to harvest raw resources, and battle to stop the Ender Dragon from ending the world. Come explore the endless possibilities of LEGO® with a trained Play-Well TEKnologies instructor.

    Questions? Contact Bill Champ

  • Minecraft Master Engineering using LEGO®

    Coed, grades 3 - 6

    Dates: July 24th – 28th
    Time: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
    Location: Shaker Campus
    Tuition: $185

    Minecraft Master Engineering using LEGO®: Bring your favorite Minecraft adventures to life with our enthusiastic Play-Well TEKnologies instructors. In a Minecraft world powered by LEGO® resources, we will build shelters to keep out Creepers, craft mystical items that only true masters can wield, and perfect our crossbow skills to stop the Wither from taking over! If you can imagine it, we can build it.

    Questions? Contact Bill Champ

  • STEM Explorations using LEGO®

    Coed, grades 3 - 6

    Dates: June 5th – 9th
    Time: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
    Location: Shaker Campus
    Tuition: $185

    Power up your engineering skills with Play-Well TEKnologies and tens of thousands of LEGO® parts! Apply real-world concepts in physics, engineering, and architecture through engineer-designed projects such as tow trucks, bowlers, and battle tanks. Design and build as never before and explore your most imaginative ideas!

    Questions? Contact Bill Champ

Game Design & Coding

List of 6 frequently asked questions.

  • Minecraft Missions

    Minecraft Missions 4 Kids
    Coed, Grades 2 - 4

    Dates:  July 10 - 14
    Times: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
    Location: Shaker Campus
    Tuition: $275
    Are you ready to join a team of pro builders? Join our multiplayer servers to develop your construction, leadership, and team skills to accomplish unique group missions. You will use your imagination to collaborate with team members to design and build a large-scale Minecraft Mission. Creativity, critical thinking, and communication will be your keys to success! This camp takes place in person at the Shaker Campus, though campers will join teams virtually.

    Minecraft Missions
    Coed, Grades 5 - 8

    Dates:  July 17 - 21
    Times: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
    Location: Shaker Campus
    Tuition: $275

    Join fellow Minecrafters as part of a team of builders in our unique Minecraft Missions. Work together to build large-scale construction challenges in a collaborative environment. Minecraft will be the platform to help develop your leadership, social, and problem-solving skills to accomplish unique, creator-driven Minecraft Missions projects. Creativity, critical thinking, and communication will be your keys to success! Previous experience with Minecraft is recommended, but not required. This camp takes place in-person at the Shaker Campus, though campers will be joining teams virtually.
     

  • Roblox Adventures

    Roblox 4 Kids
    Coed, Grades 2 - 4

    Dates:  July 17 - 21
    Times: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
    Location: Shaker Campus
    Tuition: $275

    Learn how to create your own game levels and virtual worlds! Campers will produce their own immersive experiences in Roblox, known as Obbys. Students will learn how to build 3D adventures, races, and obstacle courses. With Roblox as your engine, your game can go as far as your imagination will take it. This camp takes place in person at the Shaker Campus, though campers will have some virtual instruction.

    Roblox: Designing Obbys & Adventures
    Coed, Grades 5 - 8

    Dates:  July 24 - 28
    Times: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
    Location: Shaker Campus
    Tuition: $275

    This program is for campers who want to learn how to create their own game levels using Roblox. Produce your own immersive experiences, known as Obbys, and platformer-style games. With Roblox as your engine, your game can go as far as your imagination will take it.During the program, you will learn how to build 3D adventures, races, and obstacle courses. This camp takes place in-person at the Shaker Campus, though campers will have some virtual instruction.
     

  • Coding with GameMaker

    Coding with GameMaker
    Coed, Grades 5 - 8

    Dates:  July 10 - 14
    Times: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
    Location: Shaker Campus
    Tuition: $275

    Campers will use GameMaker to build their own 2D game! Beginners will use block-based programming to customize their creations. More experienced participants can try out the integrated scripting language. Highlights include the use of a hands-on game design lab where participants design, customize, construct, and test their creations. No coding experience is necessary, though beginners should be familiar with computer use. This camp takes place in-person at the Shaker Campus, though campers will have some virtual instruction.

  • Game Design for Kids

    Game Design for Kids
    Coed, Grades 2 - 4

    Dates:  July 24 - 28
    Times: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
    Location: Shaker Campus
    Tuition: $275
    Calling all future game developers! Bring your video game ideas to life as you learn the ins and outs of how a video game is designed and produced. In our Game Design 4 Kids program, participants learn the basics of video game development and design their own games using kid-friendly developer tools. This camp takes place in person at the Shaker Campus, though campers will have some virtual instruction.

  • The Science of Minecraft: Amusement Parks

    The Science of Minecraft: Amusement Parks
    Coed, Grades 2 - 4

    Dates:  July 31 - August 4
    Times: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
    Location: Shaker Campus
    Tuition: $275

    With heart-pounding fun, thrilling rides, and attractions, the sights and sounds of amusement parks are one of a kind. In the Science of Amusement Parks, participants will work with instructors as part of a team to learn the basic science and engineering behind roller coasters and other amusement park attractions. We will use Minecraft to create virtual rides and attractions to experience the thrill of the turns, tunnels, and drops! This camp takes place in person at the Shaker Campus, though campers will have some virtual instruction.

  • The Science of Minecraft:  Chemistry & Physics

    The Science of Minecraft: Chemistry & Physics
    Coed, Grades 5 - 8

    Dates:  July 31 - August 4
    Times: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
    Location: Shaker Campus
    Tuition: $275

    Do you have a curiosity about science, chemistry, and physics? This program was created to teach participants about these exciting STEM topics using Minecraft as the laboratory to design, craft, and test experiments through virtual simulations. In our physics lessons, participants will learn about the science of kinetic and potential energy, speed, acceleration, and gravity. Our chemistry lessons will teach participants about atoms, molecules, and elements. The chemistry labs will explore the periodic table and create tests to see how the chemicals react - participants will create compounds using molecules and focus on "reactions" by creating things like sparklers, glowsticks, and floating balloons. No prior experience is necessary! This camp takes place in-person at the Shaker Campus, though campers will have some virtual instruction.

Shaker Heights Campus

20701 Brantley Road
Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122
GRADES Junior K-8
Phone: 216-321-8260

Hunting Valley Campus

2785 SOM Center Road
Hunting Valley, Ohio 44022
GRADES 9-12
Phone: 216-831-2200
University School serves 870 boys in Junior Kindergarten to grade 12 on two campuses in suburban Cleveland, Ohio. The School’s mission is to inspire boys of promise to become young men of character who lead and serve. Dedicated faculty, rigorous curriculum, and experiential programs foster intellectual, physical, creative, and moral excellence. University School is a diverse and inclusive community where each boy is known and loved. 
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