LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS) is pleased to announce the registration period for the 2018 Summer Activities is now open and will remain open until Tuesday, May 15, 2018. For more information regarding these programs and/or to register for an event, please visit the St. Mary’s County Public Schools’ Summer Activities page .

Cyber Camp (This session is for students entering grades 7-9)
This camp provides hands-on activities focused on computer science and cyber security topics. Attendees will learn and apply basic concepts of programming, forensics, and cryptography, from a series of gaming, modeling, and simulation activities, which explore the interconnections of science, math, technology, and computers. Week 1: Air Force Association (AFA) Cyber Camp will run June 18 – 22, 2018. Week 2: Cyber Camp will run July 9-12, 2018, both from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center. Participants may choose to participate in either or both weeks of Cyber Camp. Please register for each separately if electing to participate in both weeks.

World Language Camp (This session is for students entering grades 2-6)
This camp provides students with an opportunity to learn Spanish or Chinese in an immersion environment through fun activities such as songs, role playing, and interactive games. World Language Camp will run  June 25 – 28, 2018, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Leonardtown High School.

Summer Arts Academy (This session is for students entering grades 4-9)
At the Summer Arts Academy, students have the opportunity to explore multiple topics in the arts. Students will select one major area to study and two other areas for minors. Minor topics could include duct tape art, piano, dance, t-shirt design, glee club, etc. Major classes (students choose 1): Dance, Drama/Theatre, ES Band, ES Orchestra, ES Visual Arts, Secondary Band, Secondary Orchestra, Secondary Visual Arts. The Summer Arts Academy will run June 25 – 28, 2018, from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Leonardtown High School.

Summer Aerospace Camp – Elementary (This session is for students entering grades 2-6)
This camp provides opportunities for students to participate in hands-on, minds-on activities in the areas of science, mathematics, technology, and engineering. Students will explore topics such as Aeronautics, Earth Science, Engineering, Rocketry, Space Citizenship, and Space Science through classroom activities. Aerospace Camp will run July 16 – 19, 2018, OR July 23 – 26, 2018, from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center.
Summer Aerospace Camp – Secondary (This session is for students entering grades 7-11)
In this two-week program, students will participate in activities related to advanced aeronautics and quadcopters. Subject matter experts in these fields have been invited to work with students as they explore the implications of these topics for law enforcement, national security, and space exploration. Aerospace Camp will run July 16 – 19, 2018, AND July 23 – 26, 2018, from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center.

Tech Kids Summer Camp (This session is for students ages 7-14)
Tech Kids Summer Camp will run July 16 – 19, 2018, from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center.

Lights, Camera, Action (ages 10-14): Students will work in teams to come up with an original story. Each team will then turn their story into a script. You will experience all three stages of video production as you write, star in, produce and help direct your “mini-movie.” The instructor or an aide will assist each team with shooting and editing. On the final day, you will be introduced to GarageBand and will be able to use the program’s loops to create your own music. Completed mini-movies may be posted on the Bulldog TV YouTube channel. Students are encouraged to bring a thumb drive with them at the end of the week so they can bring home a copy of their completed mini-movie and GarageBand songs.

Calling All Aspiring Chefs! (ages 8-12): Looking for a team of great chefs who are ready to learn how to prepare something exciting and new each day. Enjoy a sampling of your creations, and make your own recipe book. Wow your friends and family with your AWESOME cooking skills as you recreate these dishes at home.

S.M.I.L.E. (Stem, Messy, Imagination, Learning, Experiments) (ages 7-11): Each day of the week we will explore different areas of your child’s creative imagination. Students will do STEM experiments using unusual items for projects. Messy will involve painting/drawing on several projects. Endless imagination is needed to think “outside of the box”. The projects will also teach kids about movement using air, wheels, balloons, straws, tissue paper, as well as a lot of other items. “Minute to win it” types of activities each day- what is summer camp without a few game challenges.

Spark the Imagination of a Young Graphic Artist (ages 7-11): Students will unleash their creativity through art! Explore the world of digital art. Learn how professional artists make great designs and artwork. This course gives students the opportunity to learn the digital media basics and principles of art, using Adobe® Photoshop and digital photography. Every student will explore their creativity by using professional digital art techniques. Project work may include designing a pop art poster, photo montage, magazine or book cover, t-shirt design, or other type of digital media.

Nature Science Camp (ages 10-14): How old is that tree? How do scientists use ROVs to explore underwater? How do forensic wildlife scientists figure out what critter that skull came from? Come explore the wonders of our natural world! In this Nature Science Camp, you will explore activities in Forestry and Soil Science, Water Water Everywhere, and Get Wild! Wildlife Science with actual critters! You will learn to use some real tools that the pros use to gather information about our natural world. We will spend a good portion of each day outside.

Summer Basketball Camp (This session is for students entering grades 3-8): The SMCPS Basketball Camp offers kids ages 7-14 (heading into 8th grade) an opportunity to learn and play the sport of basketball. This full day camp is designed to give our campers the tools that they need to become fundamental basketball players while still enjoying the game. Each day of camp involves a skills and drills section in which campers are taught and have the opportunity to practice the fundamentals of basketball (shooting, dribbling, passing, defense, etc.). The Summer Basketball Camp will run August 6-9, 2018 OR August 13-16, 2018, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Leonardtown Middle School.