Summer Programs

Grades 6th-8th

Registration is CLOSED 


Grades 6th-8th
Summer programs for middle school students provide a dynamic and enriching experience that combines learning with fun. These programs offer a range of activities, from hands-on science experiments and creative arts projects to outdoor adventures and team-building exercises. Designed to stimulate curiosity and foster personal growth, the programs encourage students to explore new interests, develop social skills, and build confidence. With a focus on collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking, middle schoolers are given the opportunity to learn in an engaging environment while making new friends and enjoying their summer to the fullest.

List of 8 items.

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

    Rising 6th-8th 
    Classroom max: 15
    STEAM Quest
    Stop-motion & Slime: Join STEAM Quest to create a STOP-motion movie using LEGOs, Plus-Plus, and Pix-Brixs blocks! We will learn storytelling, set building, and editing using the Stop-motion Pro app. When kids need a brain break we will create slime and fidgets.  Tablets will be provided.


    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 6th-8th 
    Classroom max: 15
    SPARK business academy
    Read All About It
    Join the staff of your very own newspaper, and develop time management and writing skills as you learn “who, what, when, where and why.” Students will learn to interview, write about local news, voice their opinions in op-ed essays and manage production of their digital publication. A must for aspiring school newspaper writers and editors!


    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 6th-8th 
    Classroom max: 15
    Black Rocket
    Video Game Animation 
    Bring your animations to life with design tools used by real game developers! Create sophisticated sprite animations using simple-to-learn techniques that you can use in any 2D editor. Squash, stretch, and shade your creations to make your characters pop! Students do not need any prior experience in game design, animation, or sketching. Student-created games will be available on a password-protected Black Rocket 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 Four: July 14-18

    Rising 6th-8th 
    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!
     

    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 6th-8th and age 14/15
    Group max: 30 (2 groups of 15)
    Adventure smARTS
    Adventure Camp is the ultimate summer experience, packed with exciting off-campus visits to local hotspots! Campers will dive into a week full of thrilling outdoor adventures and fun-filled attractions, all designed to spark their curiosity and keep them entertained. This camp is perfect for tweens and teens ready to explore new places, make unforgettable memories, and embark on a summer brimming with excitement and adventure!
    Monday: MawMaw’s Creative Kitchen
    Tuesday: Bowling at Forest Hill Lanes
    Wednesday: The Fizzy Bubble Bath Lab
    Thursday: Horizon Cinemas
    Friday: Amazing Glaze/Chuck E. Cheese


    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 6th-8th 
    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!


    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-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.


    Rising 6th-8th 
    Classroom max: 15
    D’s Magic
    Magic as an art has fascinated actors, musicians, and comedians such as Steve Martin, Stevie Nicks, and Neil Patrick Harris. Magic combines sound, sight, and movement which appeals to many different artists. From the days of Houdini’s escapes to the modern lights of the Las Vegas strip, magic endures as entertainment charming diverse audiences.  Whether you want to entertain your family with a few card tricks, impress your friends with mind-blowing illusions, or engage an audience using a variety of arts, join Mr. Dave Thomen for some tips that go beyond mere tricks and treats. This class is suitable for anyone new to magic or returning students of D’s Magic.


    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 6th-8th AND 14 and 15 year olds 
    Classroom max: 15
    Wildlife Adventures
    Wild-LENS Adventures 
    Wild-LENS Adventures is the ultimate camp for students who love wildlife and photography! Campers will learn essential photography skills while capturing stunning shots of our live animals up close. With three exciting off-campus trips to natural areas, they'll have the chance to photograph animals in the wild and sharpen their photography techniques in real-world environments, making this an unforgettable adventure for aspiring photographers and animal enthusiasts alike. (Students will need to bring a camera for the camp. Point & Shoot cameras, cell phone cameras, and ipads will be fine for this camp.)


    Rising 6th-8th AND 14 and 15 year olds
    Classroom max: 15
    Wildlife Adventures
    Hike Harford 
    Hike Harford is the perfect camp for youth adventurers eager to explore the outdoors! Campers will learn hiking basics, wildlife tracking, and outdoor ethics while enjoying three exciting field trips to different hiking spots in Harford County. Each day will include live Wildlife Adventures animal encounters, with the hope of spotting some wild creatures along the way.


    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 Daily Schedule 

7:30 - 8:15 am Early Drop Off
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 Teacher Led Activity 
3:00 - 3:15 pm Pack Up
3:15 - 3:30 pm Regular Afternoon Pick Up
3:30 - 4:30 pm Early Extended Day
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.