Explorer Programs

Summer is a time for the curious child to discover new interests, find adventure, and explore the world around them.
   
The sky, the lake, the forest, the stage, and the studio—these places hold exciting challenges and endless opportunities this summer at US. Our Explorer Programs are created to spark inquisitive minds and foster a bold spirit. Imaginations can run wild in art, theatre, and LEGO building and design camps as adventure runs in the wilds of our campuses and beyond.

Explore with US this summer!
   

Art & Theater

List of 4 frequently asked questions.

  • The Great Create - Art Camp

    Session I
    Coed, Grades 1 - 4

    Dates: June 30 - July 3
    Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Location: Shaker Heights Campus
    Tuition: $215.00

    Session II
    Coed, Grades 5 - 8

    Dates: June 30 - July 3
    Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
    Location: Shaker Heights Campus
    Tuition: $215.00
     
    Unleash Your Creativity at Our Summer Art Camp!

    Join University School art teachers, Brooke Littman and David Barresi, for an exciting, creativity-packed 4-day art camp designed to inspire young artists. Each day, campers will focus on completing a unique art project, exploring a variety of techniques and materials to spark their imagination.

    This hands-on experience is perfect for kids who love to create and are eager to expand their artistic skills. Guided by experienced instructors, campers will have the chance to experiment with new methods, develop confidence in their abilities, and take home one completed masterpiece every day.

    From painting and sculpting to mixed-media creations, every activity is tailored to be fun, educational, and engaging. Whether your child is a budding artist or just looking to try something new, this camp promises an enriching experience that combines learning, creativity, and fun!

    Spaces are limited, so sign up today to secure your spot in this unforgettable summer adventure.

  • Theater Audition Prep

    Coed, Grades 3-8
    Dates: June 23 - June 27
    Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Location: Shaker Heights Campus
    Tuition: $225.00

    This camp is directed by the Fairmount Center for the Arts. This camp will focus on how to develop audition material, practice audition etiquette, and how to nail your auditions!  Students are encouraged to bring material they are working on or can focus on instructor-provided content. This is a great opportunity to practice audition techniques for the summer theatre production! 

  • Youth Theater Production: Honk! Jr.

    Coed, Grades 3 - 8
    Dates: June 30 - July 18 (No camp 7/4)
    Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
    Location: Shaker Heights Campus
    Tuition: $1,250.00

    Performances: Friday, July 18 at 3:00 p.m. and Saturday, July 19 at 3:00 p.m.

    This camp is directed by the Fairmount Center for the Arts. Step into the spotlight for this extended summer theatre experience! In this program students will have three weeks of summer fun learning about different aspects of theatre from choreography, and voice for theatre, to basic stage management, set, and prop design. The program will conclude with a fully staged production of the musical, Honk! Jr.

  • Broadway Bound

    Coed, Grades 3-8
    Dates: June 23 - June 27
    Time: 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
    Location: Shaker Heights Campus
    Tuition: $225.00

    This camp is directed by the Fairmount Center for the Arts. Explore an introduction to musical theatre techniques, including scenes, songs, and staging choreography. Campers will present a mini-musical review with scenes from select Broadway musicals. There will be a Friday Share performance for friends and family at 3:30 p.m. on June 27.

LEGO - Building and Design

List of 6 frequently asked questions.

  • Snapology: Amusement Park Engineering

    Coed, Grades 3 - 6

    Dates: July 28 - August 1
    Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
    Location: Shaker Heights Campus
    Tuition: $205.00

    In Snapology's Amusement Park program, campers will design cool stuff with motors! Learn how to use LEGO® bricks and other building materials to make coasters and other awesome rides. Can you design the next Disney World?

  • Snapology Engineers: Foundational

    Coed, Grades K - 2
    Dates: June 2 - June 6
    Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Location: Shaker Heights Campus
    Tuition: $205.00
    Does your learner love to tinker and create new things? If so, they’re going to love Snapology’s Foundational Engineering: Machines and Contraptions camp using LEGO® bricks! Campers will follow instructions to build various machines and contraptions, develop new design ideas, test out concepts, and have fun in teams!


  • Snapology Engineers: Masterminds

    Coed, Grades 3 - 6
    Dates: June 2 - June 6
    Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
    Location: Shaker Heights Campus
    Tuition: $205.00
    Snapology Engineers: Masterminds program gives your camper the tools they need to understand mechanical movement through simple machines, physics, and engineering design using LEGO® bricks. Whether they are the creative-constructive type or prefer the inquisitive-deconstructive way of learning, this fun program is sure to spark their interest!


  • Snapology: Minecraft Building with LEGO

    Coed, Grades K - 2

    Dates: July 21 - July 25
    Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Location: Shaker Heights Campus
    Tuition: $205.00

    Travel to the Nether with Snapology, but watch out for those creepers! Come join us as we bring Minecraft® to life using LEGO® bricks. Create your own world, including animals, creepers, your very own Minecraft® character, and more!


  • Snapology: EPIC Minecraft Building with LEGO

    Coed, Grades 3 - 6

    Dates: July 21 - July 25
    Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
    Location: Shaker Heights Campus
    Tuition: $205.00

    Do you think you know everything there is to know about Minecraft® and more? In Snapology’s EPIC Minecraft®, you are going to be put to the test. Your knowledge is going to be challenged in games of crafting and building with LEGO® bricks. What ideas can you create in EPIC Minecraft® - perhaps something that you "nether" thought of before?


  • Snapology: Movie Favorites with LEGO

    Coed, Grades K - 2

    Dates: July 28 - August
    Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Location: Shaker Heights Campus
    Tuition: $205.00

    Bring your favorite animated movies to life using LEGO® bricks in this super-fun camp. Movies like Super Mario, Lion King, Pokemon, and Sonic will be recreated using creativity, imagination, and LEGO® bricks. 


Outdoor Adventure

List of 5 frequently asked questions.

  • Junior Explorers

    Boys, Grades 5 - 6

    Dates: June 23 - June 26
    Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Location: Hunting Valley Campus
    Tuition: $225.00

    Explore the Hunting Valley Campus while learning the basics of reading a map, following navigation directions, knots, building a shelter, and a fire. We’ll also learn about the forest communities of plants and animals in our mature beech/maple and oak/hickory forests. This is a great way to expose boys to the joy of the outdoors, camping, and self-reliance. This is an all-weather camp so expect some happy, tired, and dirt-covered boys at the end!
     
    Dr. Erick Carlson, US science teacher, Eagle Scout, and former backcountry ski patrol leads this camp.


  • Master Fort Builders

    Coed, Grades 3 - 5

    Dates: June 2 - June 6
    Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
    Location: Shaker Heights Campus
    Tuition: $395.00

    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!  

  • Outdoor Adventures Camp

    Boys, Grades 6 - 9

    Dates: June 10 - June 14 (Optional Overnight on Friday 6/13)
    Time: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
    Location: Hunting Valley Campus
    Tuition: $395.00

    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 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 Friday 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. Camp starts on Tuesday, 6/10. Optional overnight 6/13 to 6/14. 


  • Boating Camp

    Coed, Grades 3 - 9

    Dates: July 28 - August 1
    Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
    Location: Shaker Heights Campus
    Tuition: $490.00

    If you like being outside and on the water and want to learn about boating, 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 Heights Campus.  


  • SCUBA Camp

    Coed, Ages 10 to Adult
    Session I
    Dates: June 9 - June 13
    Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
    Location: Hunting Valley Campus
    Tuition: $575.00

    Session II
    Dates: July 14 - July 18
    Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
    Location: Hunting Valley Campus
    Tuition: $550.00

    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!


Science, Engineering & Design

List of 6 frequently asked questions.

  • Architecture Immersion - Frank Lloyd Wright's Work

    Boys, Grades 9- 12, 2025 graduates welcome

    Dates: July 14 - July 18 
    Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (end times vary)
    Location: Hunting Valley Campus
    Tuition: $500.00

    Back by popular demand!

    The American Institute of Architects hailed Frank Lloyd Wright as the “greatest American architect of all time. Over his 70-year career, Wright became one of the most prolific, unorthodox, and controversial masters of 20th-century architecture.” He left an indelible mark, with twelve of his creations listed among the Architectural Record’s hundred most important buildings of the century. Wright himself described his work with these words: “The mission of an architect is to help people understand how to make life more beautiful, the world a better one for living in, and to give reason, rhyme, and meaning to life.”

    Embark on a unique journey into Mr. Wright’s work with Mr. Jon Bridge and Mr. Patrick Gallagher. Throughout the week, students will delve into both history and architecture by exploring Wright’s creations. The journey begins with an in-depth study of University School’s own “Staley House,” situated in Madison, Ohio, on the shores of Lake Erie. Students will have the opportunity to visit and study the home itself, followed by an examination of the original architectural plans housed in the Western Reserve Historical Society. The week concludes with visits to the renowned Kentuck Knob and Fallingwater, ranked number seven and number one among Wright’s greatest homes.

    Transportation to all field locations is provided from the Hunting Valley Campus. The camp is limited to six students, and registrants are expected to attend all sessions. 


  • Aviation Challenge

    Coed, Grades 7 - 9
    Dates: July 7 - July 11
    Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Location: Hunting Valley Campus
    Tuition: $375.00

    Join US Rocketry Team Coach Jim Seibyl and explore the fun and exciting world of aviation! Design and build several different types of aircraft with paper and control them through an app on your smartphone 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. Cost includes materials.

  • Escape Rooms

    Coed, Grades 3 - 6

    Dates: August 4 - August 6
    Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Location: Shaker Heights Campus
    Tuition: $300.00 

    Have you ever experienced an escape room, where you have to solve puzzles and challenges to get out of a locked room? Students will use math & problem-solving skills to complete escape room challenges. The course will culminate with the class building our own escape room!

  • Game Jam - Coding and Game Design

    Coed, Grades 5 - 8

    Dates: June 3 - 6
    Time: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
    Location: Shaker Heights Campus
    Tuition: $240.00

    Students will learn basic principles of game design, basic coding, and user experience while they create a game in this four-day course. However, this will not be all screens! Many games can be played outdoors and we will take full advantage of the great Cleveland summer weather.

  • Advanced Rocketry

    Coed, Grades 7 - 9

    Dates: June 23 - June 27
    Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Location: Hunting Valley Campus
    Tuition: $375.00

    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, approaching 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. Cost includes materials.


  • Introduction to Tabletop Gaming and Miniatures in the STEAMworks Makerspace

    Coed, Grades 5 - 8

    Session I
    Dates: July 14 - July 18
    Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
    Location: Shaker Heights Campus
    Tuition: $325.00

    Session II
    Dates: July 21 - July 25
    Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
    Location: Shaker Heights Campus
    Tuition: $325.00

     
    Campers will learn the basics of an old hobby with renewed and rapidly growing popularity––tabletop miniature wargaming! Campers will create and paint miniature game pieces and terrain game boards using a 3D printer and laser cutter. They will learn the rules and tactics of sci-fi battles of the future to put their imaginative creations to work! 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!

    If your camper attends Session I and wants to attend Session II, activities will vary enough to make it just as fresh and fun as the first week.

Speech & Debate and Civic Engagement

List of 4 frequently asked questions.

  • The Art of Public Speaking for Success

    Coed, Grades 7 - 12

    Dates: July 21 - July 25
    Time: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
    Location: Shaker Heights Campus
    Tuition: $300.00

    Do you want to learn how to best prepare for a required speech or a class presentation? Maybe you want to turn your good public speaking skills into great ones? All are welcome to join Mr. Pierce, Middle School Speech & Debate Coach, and Shaker Heights Campus Enrichment Specialist, as we work collaboratively to develop our public speaking skills.

  • Speech & Debate Camp - Middle School

    Coed, Grades 6 - 8

    Dates: July 14 - July 18
    Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
    Location: Hunting Valley Campus
    Tuition: $375.00

    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 faculty and debate coaches James Lewis and Jeff Pierce, 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.


     

  • Speech & Debate Camp - High School

    Coed, Grades 9 - 12

    Dates: July 7 - July 11
    Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
    Location: Hunting Valley Campus
    Tuition: $375.00

    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. James Lewis, US Speech and Debate Team head coach instructs on debate elements. His students have won several State Championships in the Lincoln-Douglas debate. 


  • Dialogue Across Differences: Political & Civic Engagement

    Coed, Grades 7 - 12

    Dates: July 28 - August 1
    Time: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (Time may vary depending on community service requirements)
    Location: Shaker Heights Campus
    Tuition: $300.00

    This course will explore many ways to become more involved in our community. With guest speakers and field trips we will explore how to communicate and learn from others with different political beliefs, stressing our common humanity and mutual civic goals. Jeff Pierce, Harvard alumnus and Shaker Campus Enrichment Specialist, has over two decades of experience helping students connect with their community. 

    For US Middle School students, outside community engagement hours will be awarded for the community service activities included in the camp. The number of hours will be sufficient to satisfy the requirement for the following school year. Note: Hours may not be used to satisfy the requirement for the previous school year.
Questions? Contact summer@us.edu or 216.371.6809.

Shaker Heights Campus

20701 Brantley Road
Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122
JUNIOR K – GRADE 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 over 850 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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