Specialty Camps
Grades 5–8
Jun 22, 2026 - Aug 7, 2026
Varsity Specialty Camps are full-day, immersive programs designed for students ready to explore specific interests in greater depth. Both newcomers and experienced welcome! Run by certified NM teachers!
Specialty Camps are designed for students who want to go deeper — developing real skills, confidence, and pride through focused, immersive experiences.
Full Day (9:00AM - 4:00PM) Monday-Friday
Led by subject-area specialists
Small group experience
Programs Offered
Orchestra
Studio Art
Ceramics
STEM & Robotics
Band
Culinary Arts
Theater
Orchestra
Instructor: Julia Berenshtein
Orchestra Camp focuses on musicianship, teamwork, and performance in a full ensemble setting. Students improve technique, listen closely to one another, and grow as collaborative performers.
Week 1: Grades 5-6
Theme: Building the Ensemble
Campers strengthen foundational orchestra skills through sectionals, group rehearsal, and introductory repertoire.
Week 2: Grades 7-8
Theme: Refining the Sound
Older students focus on musical phrasing, expression, and advanced ensemble techniques while preparing for performance.
Friday Experience
Orchestra Peformance
Families are invited to a short orchestra concert featuring the music students have rehearsed throughout the week.
Gallery Walk and Artist Talk
Friday Experience
Creative Studio Art Camp
Instructor: Lauren Finizia
Grades 5-8
Creative Studio Art Camp is a hands-on art experience for students in grades 5–8 who enjoy making things and exploring ideas through art.
Mixed Materials & Techniques
Campers work with a variety of materials and techniques, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media, while learning how to use tools thoughtfully and creatively.
Building Confidence
Students are guided by an experienced art instructor and encouraged to experiment, problem-solve, and develop their own artistic style. The focus is on process, creativity, and building confidence—not perfection.
Supportive Studio Setting
Each day allows time for both instruction and independent work in a relaxed, supportive studio setting. No prior art experience is necessary. Campers just need an open mind and a willingness to explore and create.
Ceramics Camp
Instructor: Lauren Finizia
Grades 5-8
Ceramics Camp is a hands-on clay studio for students who want to learn how things are made—from shaping wet clay to finishing a final piece.
Creative Problem-Solving
Students learn how to design, build, refine, and glaze their work while gaining an understanding of how clay behaves at each stage. The focus is on craftsmanship, patience, and creative problem- solving, with plenty of room to experiment and develop personal ideas.
Throwing & Hand-Building
Campers are introduced to both hand-building techniques and wheel throwing, using a mix of full-size and tabletop pottery wheels that make the process accessible and comfortable for all skill levels.
Supportive Setting
Pieces created are functional and food-safe, ready to be used at home. No prior experience is needed. Campers leave with finished ceramic work they can be proud of—and a strong sense of accomplishment from seeing a project through from start to finish.
Friday Experience
Studio Showcase
Instructor: Cait Catalano
STEM & Robotics Camp
Grades 5-8
STEM Camp is a hands-on program for students who enjoy building, testing, and problem-solving.
Engineering & Design
Campers take on a variety of engineering and design challenges that encourage curiosity, experimentation, and creative thinking.
Process & Ideation
Students demonstrate their projects, explain how they approached challenges, and showcase what they built. Families see the thinking, teamwork, and creativity behind each solution.
Friday Experience
Projects focus on the process—trying ideas, learning from mistakes, and making improvements—rather than finding a single right answer.
Friday Experience
Innovation Showcase
Day 1 — Kitchen Basics & Safety
Day 2 — Baking Basics
Culinary Arts Specialty Camp
Instructor: Christine Bruno
Grades 5-8
Culinary Arts Camp introduces students to cooking through hands-on experience, teamwork, and creativity in the kitchen.
Day 5 — Friday Experience
The week concludes with a tasting experience where students share selected dishes they prepared and compete in a fun dessert decorating contest.
Friday Experience
Recipe Cook Off
Day 3 — Savory Cooking Day
Day 4 — Flavor & Plating Day
Theatre Specialty Camp
Instructor: Kim Korzelius
Theatre Camp is for students who enjoy performing, creating, and working as part of a team. Throughout the week, campers build confidence through acting, improvisation, movement, and character work. The focus is on growth, collaboration, and finding comfort on stage in a supportive environment.
Studio Showcase
Grades 5-8
Older students take a deeper dive into scripted scenes, character development, and rehearsal techniques. The week emphasizes ensemble work, storytelling, and performance readiness.
Each week concludes with a live performance for families. The showcase is informal, encouraging, and focused on celebrating effort and progress rather than perfection.
Friday Experience
Students are introduced to the basics of acting and performance through games, improvisation, and short scenes. Emphasis is placed on confidence, expression, and working together.
Week 1: Grades 5-6
Theme: Finding Your Voice
Theme: Bringing a Script to Life
Friday Experience
Theatre Showcase
Week 2: Grades 7-8
Band Specialty Camp
Instructor: Hedi Haderthauer
Band Camp gives student musicians the opportunity to grow as performers while playing alongside peers in a full ensemble setting. Campers focus on technique, listening skills, and collaboration while preparing music together.
Students work on foundational ensemble skills, including rhythm, timing, and balance. Sectionals and full-band rehearsals help students gain confidence as group performers.
Week 1: Grades 5-6
Playing
Together
Performance & Expression
Older students focus on refining sound, musical expression, and dynamics while preparing for a polished ensemble performance.
Friday Experience
Band
Concert
The week ends with a live band performance for families. Students perform selected ensemble pieces and demonstrate how individual parts come together to create a cohesive sound.