Summer Programs

Grades 4th & 5th

Registration is CLOSED


Grades 4th & 5th 
Summer programs for 4th and 5th graders offer an exciting mix of adventure, creativity, and learning designed to engage and challenge students at this pivotal age. With activities ranging from science experiments and outdoor explorations to creative arts and team-building challenges, these programs encourage curiosity, problem-solving, and collaboration. Students develop critical thinking skills, explore new hobbies, and build friendships in a supportive and fun environment. Tailored to inspire confidence and independence, these summer experiences help 4th and 5th graders grow academically, socially, and personally while enjoying a summer full of discovery and excitement.


Phoenix Therapies +
Learn More about Phoenix Therapies + and who will meet with children weekly HERE!

List of 8 items.

  • Week One: June 16-20 (closed June 19)

    Rising 4th and 5th
    Classroom max: 15
    Chef Egg
    Embark on a culinary adventure with Chef Egg!
    ** Global Cuisine ** Hands-On Experience ** All Levels Welcome **
    Discover the exciting world of international flavors and techniques in this interactive cooking camp. Perfect for both new and intermediate cooks, Chef Egg will guide you through a variety of fun and delicious recipes that the whole family can enjoy. Join Chef Egg for a fun and educational cooking experience!


    Rising 4th and 5th
    Classroom max: 15
    D’s Magic 
    YOU Can Do Magic!
    Get ready for a magical adventure that will teach you how to make things float, read a person’s mind, and other tricks using cards and money.  Each magic lesson builds character, confidence, dexterity, and communication skills for life. Students will focus on the importance of reading as a way to learn tricks or anything else. Children also get to share and perform with Mr. Dave Thomen of D’s Magic in a delightful show!  
    All ages students will improve self-esteem by learning how to perform simple magic tricks for the entertainment of others, learn the importance of reading as a way to learn more magic... or anything else, improve digital dexterity and hand-eye coordination through practicing the principles of sleight-of-hand, gain self-confidence in public speaking as a result of performing in front of other students, learn how to behave as members of an audience for magic shows and other live entertainment, improve their critical thinking and problem solving skills through specific projects, and practice conflict resolution, good citizenship and effective social skills in an entertaining format.


    Grades 2 through age 15
    Classroom max: 15
    Performing smARTS
    The Performing smARTS program offers a comprehensive exploration of all aspects of theater, allowing participants to immerse themselves in drama, musical theater, comedy, and improvisation. Campers will also dive into stage design, stage management, and the creative process of writing and directing their own performances. Whether they are honing acting skills or exploring behind-the-scenes roles, this camp provides a complete theater experience that fosters creativity, collaboration, and confidence. Each week, campers will showcase their talents for the rest of the camp groups on Fridays at 2pm. Families are welcome, but not required, to attend.
  • Week Two: June 23-27

    Rising 4th and 5th
    Classroom max: 15
    Vineyard App Camp (VAC)
    Theater and Improv
    Do you love acting and want to learn how to improvise like a pro? Our Theater and Improv (Yes And) class is the perfect place to start! In this course, students will explore the fundamentals of improvisational theater and learn how to think on their feet. You'll develop your acting skills through fun exercises and games, as well as learn the art of "Yes And" – a technique that encourages collaboration and creativity. Whether you're a seasoned actor or a beginner, this class will help you develop your confidence and creativity on stage. We'll also get to do some stage design. No previous experience is necessary – just bring your willingness to play and have fun!


    Rising 4th and 5th
    Classroom max: 15
    Wildlife Adventures
    Wildlife Hero Camp - Wildlife Rehabilitators
    Step into the world of wildlife rescue for hands-on experience with live animals. Campers will learn daily animal care, explore real wildlife rehabilitation techniques, and meet a professional rehabilitator. They'll also discover what to do when they find animals in need, making this camp perfect for young wildlife enthusiasts.


    Rising 4th and 5th
    Classroom max: 15
    Black Rocket
    Cyber Spies
    With the world’s increased reliance on digital data, cyber security is more important than ever! In this class, you are all that stands between a group of international hackers launching cyber attacks and world peace. Through a series of challenges, students will learn to apply tools used by professional digital forensics teams to crack codes and use encryption. Working in teams you will collect clues, recover lost data, and explore the tools of the trade to become the next great cyber spy! Students will work in pairs or teams for most of the program.


    Grades 2 through age 15
    Classroom max: 15
    Performing smARTS
    The Performing smARTS program offers a comprehensive exploration of all aspects of theater, allowing participants to immerse themselves in drama, musical theater, comedy, and improvisation. Campers will also dive into stage design, stage management, and the creative process of writing and directing their own performances. Whether they are honing acting skills or exploring behind-the-scenes roles, this camp provides a complete theater experience that fosters creativity, collaboration, and confidence. Each week, campers will showcase their talents for the rest of the camp groups on Fridays at 2pm. Families are welcome, but not required, to attend.
  • Week Three: July 7-11

    Rising 4th and 5th
    Classroom max: 15
    SPARK business academy
    Young Debaters
    Learn the art of persuasion! Students work in rotating groups and practice their debating skills in a supportive environment, including developing arguments, issuing rebuttals, providing examples, rebuilding their case and summarizing points of view. Students learn to think on their feet and enhance their public-speaking skills, gaining self-confidence in the process.


    Rising 4th and 5th
    Classroom max: 15
    Wildlife Adventures
    Wildlife Hero Camp - Animal Professionals
    Explore the world of animal careers at Wildlife Here Camp: Animal Professionals! In this hands-on camp, campers will interact with live animals and learn about their care, while discovering exciting careers in wildlife rehabilitation, veterinary care, conservation, and more. Perfect for young animal lovers who dream of working with wildlife or animals one day!


    Grades 2 through age 15
    Classroom max: 15
    Performing smARTS
    The Performing smARTS program offers a comprehensive exploration of all aspects of theater, allowing participants to immerse themselves in drama, musical theater, comedy, and improvisation. Campers will also dive into stage design, stage management, and the creative process of writing and directing their own performances. Whether they are honing acting skills or exploring behind-the-scenes roles, this camp provides a complete theater experience that fosters creativity, collaboration, and confidence. Each week, campers will showcase their talents for the rest of the camp groups on Fridays at 2pm. Families are welcome, but not required, to attend.
  • Week Four: July 14-18

    Rising 4th and 5th
    Classroom max: 15
    SPARK business academy
    My First Food Truck
    Students select a food truck theme, design menus, estimate expenses, determine prices and develop financial projections. Develop a business plan with a marketing strategy, capital-raising needs and more. This unique program offers a tasty way to develop business savvy!


    Rising 4th-8th
    Classroom max: 15
    Chef Egg
    Embark on a culinary adventure with Chef Egg!
    ** Global Cuisine ** Hands-On Experience ** All Levels Welcome **
    Discover the exciting world of international flavors and techniques in this interactive cooking camp. Perfect for both new and intermediate cooks, Chef Egg will guide you through a variety of fun and delicious recipes that the whole family can enjoy. Join Chef Egg for a fun and educational cooking experience! 


    Grades 2 through age 15
    Classroom max: 15
    Performing smARTS
    The Performing smARTS program offers a comprehensive exploration of all aspects of theater, allowing participants to immerse themselves in drama, musical theater, comedy, and improvisation. Campers will also dive into stage design, stage management, and the creative process of writing and directing their own performances. Whether they are honing acting skills or exploring behind-the-scenes roles, this camp provides a complete theater experience that fosters creativity, collaboration, and confidence. Each week, campers will showcase their talents for the rest of the camp groups on Fridays at 2pm. Families are welcome, but not required, to attend.
  • Week Five: July 21-25

    Rising 4th and 5th
    Classroom max: 15
    STEAM Quest
    Chemical Reaction & Coding: Explore the science of chemical reactions through slime, Elephant Toothpaste, Bath Bombs, Bouncy Balls, Oobleck, and more! When we hang up the lab coats, we will be learning to code using Dash Robots.


    Rising 4th and 5th
    Classroom max: 15
    The Science Guys
    CSI
    Calling all young detectives! Step into the shoes of a real-life investigator at our Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) themed Summer Camp. This camp is perfect for kids with a passion for solving mysteries and cracking codes. Campers will learn the art of forensic science, from collecting evidence and analyzing fingerprints to deciphering clues and piecing together puzzles. Our experienced instructors will guide campers through exciting investigative scenarios, teaching them the skills needed to become top-notch detectives. Join us for a summer of intrigue, teamwork, and adventure as we unlock the secrets of the CSI world! Any crimes discussed in this camp will be age appropriate and will not be violent.


    Grades 2 through age 15
    Classroom max: 15
    Performing smARTS
    The Performing smARTS program offers a comprehensive exploration of all aspects of theater, allowing participants to immerse themselves in drama, musical theater, comedy, and improvisation. Campers will also dive into stage design, stage management, and the creative process of writing and directing their own performances. Whether they are honing acting skills or exploring behind-the-scenes roles, this camp provides a complete theater experience that fosters creativity, collaboration, and confidence. Each week, campers will showcase their talents for the rest of the camp groups on Fridays at 2pm. Families are welcome, but not required, to attend.
  • Week Six: July 28-August 1

    Rising 4th and 5th
    Classroom max: 15
    The Science Guys
    Budding Biology
    Discover the wonders of life this summer at our Biology-themed Summer Camp! Young naturalists and budding scientists are invited to explore biology from the smallest cell to the largest ecosystems on Earth. We will conduct hands-on experiments to uncover the secrets of life. From examining microorganisms to understanding animal behavior, our inspiring instructors will ignite a passion for the natural world. Join us for a summer of biodiversity, exploration, and ecological adventures as we journey through the web of life and learn about the incredible diversity of species that inhabit our planet!


    Rising 4th and 5th
    Classroom max: 15
    Chess Wizards
    Join us this summer for tons of challenging chess lessons, exciting games, and cool prizes. You'll improve your chess skills, meet new friends, and work out your most powerful muscle - your brain! Our camps include fun team chess games (like Corner Chess), recess time (of course), snacks, tournaments, and puzzles. Each camper receives a T-shirt, trophy, and puzzle folder. We include all the materials necessary for your child to participate. Unleash your brain power and spend part of your vacation with Chess Wizards!


    Grades 2 through age 15
    Classroom max: 15
    Performing smARTS
    The Performing smARTS program offers a comprehensive exploration of all aspects of theater, allowing participants to immerse themselves in drama, musical theater, comedy, and improvisation. Campers will also dive into stage design, stage management, and the creative process of writing and directing their own performances. Whether they are honing acting skills or exploring behind-the-scenes roles, this camp provides a complete theater experience that fosters creativity, collaboration, and confidence. Each week, campers will showcase their talents for the rest of the camp groups on Fridays at 2pm. Families are welcome, but not required, to attend.
  • Week Seven: August 4-8

    Rising 4th and 5th
    Classroom max: 15
    The Science Guys
    Funky Physics
    Join us for an educational adventure at our Physics-themed Summer Camp! Get ready to explore the wonders of the universe, unravel the mysteries of motion, and discover the magic of magnets. Our camp is designed for curious young minds who love to ask 'why' and 'how.' Through fun hands-on experiments, games, and activities, kids will learn about the fascinating world of physics, from gravity and forces to electricity and light. Our experienced instructors will inspire a love for science as campers embark on a journey of discovery, all while making new friends and having a blast. Don't miss out on a summer of scientific exploration and fun!


    Rising 4th and 5th
    Classroom max: 15
    ARDE Kids
    Ninja Parkour
    Developed in the outskirts of Paris in the late 1980s, parkour is an awesome athletic discipline that today is popular all over the world. It has been included in the 2022 World Games. Parkour helps participants refine natural human movements to the ninja level. Young ninjas will run, jump, climb, vault, swing, balance, and do other exciting stunts. Kids will use these movements to creatively navigate the space around them, giving them a sense of control over their environment. Parkour encourages three things: developing a strong body, fortifying the mind to tackle challenges, and most importantly, having fun. The kids who are generally not into sports also love this activity and keep coming back for more.


    Rising 4th-8th
    Classroom max: 15
    Black Rocket
    Beats and Jams: Digital Music Creators
    Begin your rise to the top of the charts with digital music production! Just like today's top artists, you can design your own beats or remix a mashup of your favorite songs to become a digital composer and sound engineer.  In this course, students will learn to produce digital music, record sound, make sound effects, and mix their own tracks. No prior music experience is necessary. Student-created soundtracks will be available on a password-protected website to share with friends and family. Students will work in pairs or teams for most of the program.


    Grades 2 through age 15
    Classroom max: 15
    Performing smARTS
    The Performing smARTS program offers a comprehensive exploration of all aspects of theater, allowing participants to immerse themselves in drama, musical theater, comedy, and improvisation. Campers will also dive into stage design, stage management, and the creative process of writing and directing their own performances. Whether they are honing acting skills or exploring behind-the-scenes roles, this camp provides a complete theater experience that fosters creativity, collaboration, and confidence. Each week, campers will showcase their talents for the rest of the camp groups on Fridays at 2pm. Families are welcome, but not required, to attend.
  • Week Eight: August 11-15

    Rising 4th and 5th
    Classroom max: 15
    The Science Guys
    Crazy Chemistry
    Get ready for a sizzling summer of science at our Chemistry-themed Summer Camp! Young scientists-in-training are invited to join us for a week filled with exciting chemical reactions, bubbling potions, and explosions. Campers will dive into the fascinating world of chemistry: mixing, measuring, and creating their own scientific wonders. From erupting volcanoes to making slime and discovering the secrets of the pH scale, our experienced instructors will ignite a passion for chemistry in every child. Don't miss out on a summer of hands-on learning, laughter, and exploration as we unlock the mysteries of the periodic table and have a blast in the lab!


    Rising 4th and 5th
    ARDE Kids
    Classroom max: 15
    Model United Nations (Model UN)
    When it comes to getting admitted to top US colleges, some activities stand out more than others. Model United Nations might be the single best activity to show on a college application. It prepares today’s students to be leaders. Through public speaking, critical thinking, and in-depth research, the Model UN experience teaches students critical 21st-century leadership skills that are valuable for college, careers, and lifelong learning. Students develop their speech, negotiation, research, and teamwork skills while debating about global issues in Model United Nations.


    Grades 2 through age 15
    Classroom max: 15
    Performing smARTS
    The Performing smARTS program offers a comprehensive exploration of all aspects of theater, allowing participants to immerse themselves in drama, musical theater, comedy, and improvisation. Campers will also dive into stage design, stage management, and the creative process of writing and directing their own performances. Whether they are honing acting skills or exploring behind-the-scenes roles, this camp provides a complete theater experience that fosters creativity, collaboration, and confidence. Each week, campers will showcase their talents for the rest of the camp groups on Fridays at 2pm. Families are welcome, but not required, to attend.
Sample Summer Schedule 

7:30 - 8:15 am Early Drop Off (indoor play/playground)
8:15 - 8:30 am Regular Morning Carpool
8:30 - 9:00 am Transition to classrooms
9:00 - 12:00 pm Program Partner Activity
12 - 12:30 pm Lunch
12:30 - 3:00 pm Playground-Indoor Free Play/Teacher Led Indoor Activities/Movie
3:00 - 3:15 pm Pack Up
3:15 - 3:30 pm Regular Afternoon Pick Up
3:30 - 4:30 pm Early Extended Day: Snack/Playground/Indoor Play
4:30 - 5:30 pm Late Extended Day
5:30 pm Final Pick Up
 

Harford Day is the only PK3 to Grade 8 independent school in Harford County accredited by AIMS (Association of Independent Maryland/DC Schools) and a member of NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools).
Non-discrimination Statement
Application to Harford Day School is open to all students without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin,
 sexual orientation, or disability. Harford Day School does not discriminate in the administration of its educational policies, financial policies, financial aid programs, and other administered extra-curricular or administrative programs.

The Harford Day Mission
At Harford Day School, learning is a joyful process rooted in respectful relationships, strong traditions, and an innovative program that fosters confidence, imagination, curiosity, and engagement with the world.