“Camp Curious” at Francis Parker

Welcome to Summer Camp 2024! Come and experience 64 acres of summer fun in Goshen during Francis Parker’s “Camp Curious” summer camps! We welcome all students in the Louisville area to explore, learn, and develop through small camp sizes and expert teachers in a nurturing and exciting environment!

Thinking about making the switch to Francis Parker? “Camp Curious” is a wonderful way to experience our School and see if Francis Parker is right for your family!

Our Preschool half-day camps are open to children ages two through rising kindergarten. Campers must be two by June 1, 2024 in order to participate. Our camp curriculum builds on developmentally appropriate activities that promote early literacy and critical thinking. We provide learning experiences that build confidence, independence, social skills, and conflict resolution skills. We spend the majority of our time outdoors, weather permitting. Drop-off begins no earlier than 8:50 a.m.

For more information or questions, please contact Renee Hennessy, Preschool Director, at 502-694-9369.

Session 1 – Rainbow Explorations ($250)

June 3 – June 7
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Join us for Rainbow Explorations, an enchanting week where young minds will embark on a journey filled with creativity, color, and a touch of magic. Throughout the week, children will dive into the world of colors, learning the art of mixing hues, experimenting with paint made from ice, exploring the wonders of bubbles, and even painting on a living canvas – none other than our special guest, TuTu, the white horse! TuTu, with his gentle presence, will join us as a canvas for our blossoming artists, creating a unique and memorable experience that bridges the realms of creativity and nature. Rest assured, all paints used in our activities are non-toxic and animal-friendly, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.

Session 2 – Whirlwind of Colors ($250)

June 10 – June 14
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Each day of camp promises to bring a burst of color, offering a unique experience that combines creativity, learning, and a touch of whimsy. Our week is brimming with delightful activities, from assigning distinct colors to each day and savoring colorful foods to creating vibrant paints from chalk and crafting crushed chalk-colored playdough. As the week unfolds, we’ll culminate our colorful adventure with an energetic color “run,” bringing together the hues of the week into a captivating rainbow.

Session 3 – Treasure Hunters – Next Gen ($200)

June 17 – June 21 (No camp on Wednesday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth.)
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Get ready for adventure! Dino digs, pirates on the Ohio River, and scavenger hunts are on the horizon for this week of camp. We will excavate for dinosaur fossils, rescue animals missing from the Preschool, and look for a hidden treasure. Note: This camp fills up quickly, so secure a spot sooner rather than later for this one-of-a-kind experience!

Session 4 – Celebrate the Olympics in Paris ($250)

June 24 – June 28
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Get your athletic spirit ready as we gear up for an exhilarating Summer Olympics in Paris extravaganza! Campers will explore our take on Olympic events such as pool noodle hockey, noodle basketball, and noodle golf! But we’re not just stopping at sports; we’re infusing a bit of cultural flair by creating French and US flags, crafting torches, making medals for everyone, and learning about the Olympic rings. And let’s not forget the grand finale – a vibrant parade showcasing our Olympic spirit, Preschool style!

Splash Days

What would summer be without splashing in a little bit of water? On Wednesday of each week, campers will enjoy sprinklers, splash pads, and water tables, and we will experiment with different types of water play throughout the day. Please send your child to camp in water play clothes/swimsuits. Campers should also bring a towel and a change of clothes.

2-YEAR-OLD REGISTRATION
3-5-YEAR-OLD REGISTRATION

Our Goshen Campus is the perfect spot for our “Camp Curious” K – 6th grade full-day camps! Rising junior kindergarten through 6th grade students are welcome to participate. With space to grow, campers will experience 64 acres of summer fun through outdoor activities and field games, stimulating science and creative art activities, engineering and team-building challenges, music, and more! 

For more information or questions, please contact Dorian Holmes, Director of Summer Camps, at 502-795-3464.

Session 1 – Hello, Summer! ($350)

June 3 – June 7
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
School is out! Let’s play! This week is all about embracing the best part of summer – the great outdoors! Campers will explore our 64 acres where there will be limitless opportunities for adventure and activities. We will enjoy a little bit of this, a little bit of that, and a whole lot of fun designed to kick-start summer! Hello, summer!

Session 2 – Full STEAM Ahead ($350)

June 10 – June 14
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
During a week of STEAM camp, we don’t just learn science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. We make it. We create it. We build it. Campers will get hands-on experience as they engage in a range of activities, from conducting science experiments to tackling engineering challenges and creating math-inspired artwork. Through problem-solving and creativity, we’ll stimulate our minds, hone critical thinking skills, and, above all, have a blast!

Field Trip This Week: This week of camp includes a field trip to the Kentucky Science Center. The Kentucky Science Center fee is included in the overall camp fee; however, campers will need to pack their lunches for the field trip. Keep in mind, the Kentucky Science Center does not have accommodations to refrigerate or heat lunches, so please plan accordingly.

Session 3 – Fort Building ($280)

June 17 – June 21 (No camp on Wednesday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth.)
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Welcome to Fort Building Camp, where imaginations run wild and special spaces are brought to life! We understand the itch to create your own space starts at a young age, with cozy, indoor pillow forts and secret hideaways made from blocks. As children grow, so does their curiosity, leading them to explore outdoor possibilities nestled amidst nature (and further from their parents’ view). From blankets to branches, the possibilities are endless this week as campers join forces with their peers and counselors, fostering teamwork, problem-solving skills, and confidence to turn their fort building visions into a reality.

Session 4 – Let’s Get Creative ($350)

June 24 – June 28 
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Budding artists are in for a treat this week as we delve into various creative outlets and hone our skills. Campers will immerse themselves in the world of watercolors, capturing the essence of water while basking in the morning breeze. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Andy Warhol and Vincent van Gogh, we’ll experiment with oil pastels and chalk to craft expressive self-portraits. Additionally, we’ll get hands-on by crafting handmade instruments from found materials to create beautiful music. To wrap up our artistic journey, we’ll collaborate as a group to compose acrostic poems and put together a short play. Get ready for a week brimming with creativity and artistic exploration!

Session 5 – I Win, You Win, We Win ($210)

July 1 – July 3 (No camp on Thursday, July 4 and Friday, July 5 in observance of the Fourth of July.)
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
3-2-1-GO! In this camp, the more, the merrier, as we play as many games as we can! In teams or flying solo, campers will enjoy playing board games, card games, and outdoor games including classics like capture the flag, various forms of tag, water balloon challenges, and hide and seek. With an emphasis on strategy and teamwork, this week promises endless excitement, with everyone leaving feeling like a champion!

Field Trip This Week: This week of camp includes a field trip to a bowling alley. The bowling fee is included in the overall camp fee; however, campers should bring extra cash for arcade games if they wish to participate.

Session 6 – I Spy With My Little Eyes ($350)

July 8 – July 12 
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Get ready for a fun and meaningful experience where campers show the world through their lens. We will try our hand at self-portrait photography, landscape and architectural photography, creating backdrops for portrait photography, and videography. We will focus on building teamwork and comradery by choosing and working on specific projects together. This is a wonderful project-based learning opportunity! 

Field Trip This Week: This week of camp includes a field trip to Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve for some beautiful sights! The Creasey Mahan fee is included in the overall camp fee.

Session 7 – H2-Oh My! ($350)

July 15 – July 19 
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Water, water, everywhere! Dive into an exciting week of water play! From thrilling water activities and games to cool experiments, our campers will make a splash while staying cool in the summer heat. Every moment this week is an opportunity to bond with new friends while having a splashing good time! Campers will head out to Beckley SplashPad for a field trip this week. Field trip fee has been worked into your registration fees.

Field Trip This Week: This week of camp includes a field trip to the Beckley Creek Park Splash Pad! The Beckley Creek Park Splash Pad fee is included in the overall camp fee.

Session 8 – Summer Jamboree ($350)

July 22 – July 26 
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Get ready for the highlight of the summer – our spectacular Summer Camp Jamboree! It’s a celebration of laughter, friendship, and unforgettable experiences that your campers won’t want to miss. Packed with exciting activities, engaging challenges, and a whole lot of fun, the Jamboree is the perfect way to wrap up an incredible summer camp season.

REGISTER HERE

Our Speciality Camps are a great opportunity for campers to explore their interests and broaden their horizons. This summer, we’re bringing back favorites like Dungeons & Dragons and Musical Theater Camp (featuring Mean Girls JR.), along with niche camps tailored to develop specific skills. Get ready to unlock your talents, cultivate lasting friendships, and make unforgettable memories with us at “Camp Curious” this year!

For more information or questions, please contact Dorian Holmes, Director of Summer Camps, at 502-795-3464.

Musical Theater Camp ($700)

5th – 9th Grade
June 3  – June 14
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Ideal for campers with a passion for theater, this two-week program encompasses everything necessary to produce a musical. Campers have the option to perform or work on the crew. This year’s production is Mean Girls JR. and culminates in a production for family and friends.

The Plastics have deemed Broadway Junior worthy of their presence in Mean Girls JR. This “fetch” musical from book writer Tina Fey (30 Rock), lyricist Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde), and composer Jeff Richmond (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) is packed with keen wit, an undeniably catchy score, and a sincere message for everyone.

Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. How will this naïve newbie rise to the top of the popularity pecking order? By taking on The Plastics, a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. Cady and her friends devise a “Revenge Party” to end Regina’s reign with Cady going undercover as an aspiring Plastic. When the lines between the real Cady and her Plastic self get blurred, she must find her way back to herself and her true friends.

Featuring dynamic songs tailored for middle-school-age performers, Mean Girls JR. is a powerful anthem to friendship, loyalty, girl power, and being true to yourself! Your camper is in for an unforgettable stage experience this summer!

Clay Working ($300)

1st – 8th Grade
June 3 – June 7
1st – 4th Grade | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
5th – 8th Grade | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Join Ms. R to master the art of “throwing” a pot on the wheel, crafting cylinders, bowls, or mugs. Students will delve into the essentials of wedging, centering, and shaping while focusing on honing these techniques. In between throwing sessions, students will utilize the slab roller to craft functional or artistic pieces, such as mugs with handles, sculpted face planters, bird feeders, or other forms with guidance from Ms. R. Additionally, students will gain insight into kiln operation and glazing techniques. Pair this camp with a half-day of Hello, Summer! for a full day on the Goshen Campus. Please contact Dorian Holmes for more information and to register.

Lower School Chess with The Knight School ($300)

1st – 4th Grade
June 24 – June 28
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Are you ready to immerse yourself in the world of chess? A growing body of research shows that chess improves kids’ thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as their math and reading test scores. We’re excited to host The Knight School on campus to teach campers the game of chess. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, everyone is invited to join in on the fun and enhance their understanding of the game!
Pair this camp with a half-day of Let’s Get Creative for a full day on the Goshen Campus. Please contact Dorian Holmes for more information and to register.

Middle School Chess with The Knight School ($300)

5th – 8th Grade
July 8 – July 12
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Are you ready to immerse yourself in the world of chess? A growing body of research shows that chess improves kids’ thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as their math and reading test scores. We’re excited to host The Knight School on campus to teach campers the game of chess. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, everyone is invited to join in on the fun and enhance their understanding of the game!
Pair this camp with a half-day of I Spy With My Little Eyes for a full day on the Goshen Campus. Please contact Dorian Holmes for more information and to register.

Middle School SewFab ($200)

5th – 8th Grade
July 8 – July 12
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
During this week-long camp, campers will dive into the world of sustainable fashion. They’ll get hands-on experience working with repurposed materials to create original wearable art. We will focus on the concepts of design process, garment construction, and final presentation. Campers can choose to either craft a garment from scratch or give a stylish makeover to something from their own wardrobe! Pair this camp with a half-day of I Spy With My Little Eyes for a full day on the Goshen Campus. Please contact Dorian Holmes for more information and to register.

Middle School Dungeons & Dragons ($200)

5th – 8th Grade
July 15 – July 19
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Dungeons & Dragons is a tabletop game of teamwork, creativity, imagination, and overcoming adversity. It can be adapted and tailored to a variety of players, interests, and skill levels with simple concepts that can span increasing complex rules as players grow more familiar with the system and game play. We will build our own characters and set off on an adventure for fame and glory! From novice to master, all are welcome! Pair this camp with a half-day of H2-Oh My! for a full day on the Goshen Campus. Please contact Dorian Holmes for more information and to register.

Lower School Robotics ($200)

1st – 4th Grade
July 15 – July 19
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Ignite your child’s curiosity, fuel their passion, and unlock their full potential with our STEAM programs brought to you by Bricks 4 Kidz, an environment where learning is celebrated, friendships are made, and tomorrow’s innovators are shaped! Pair this camp with a half-day of H2-Oh My! for a full day on the Goshen Campus. Please contact Dorian Holmes for more information and to register.

REGISTER HERE

Join us for our Academic Camps at Francis Parker! Designed for students needing a boost in their academics before the school year starts, our camps offer small group settings where learning and enjoyment go hand in hand!

For more information or questions, please contact Holly Hillard, Director of The Learning Center, at 502-795-3604.

Mastering Middle School: Strategies for a Successful Year ($75)

Rising 5th and New Students to Francis Parker
August 5 and August 6 
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Students new to middle school at Francis Parker can attend this two day program designed to give an overview of our middle school, teach students executive function skills needed for success, and allow students to set up their lockers/cubbies for an organized start to the school year. This program will be led by the Middle School Academic Support Specialists in The Learning Center who specialize in supporting students’ executive function needs.

6th – 8th Grade
August 5 and August 6 
1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Returning 6th – 8th grade students at Francis Parker can attend this two day program in order to sharpen executive function skills needed for success, and set up their lockers/cubbies for an organized start to the school year. This program will be led by the Middle School Academic Support Specialists in The Learning Center who specialize in supporting students’ executive function needs.

9th Grade Prep for Success ($350)

Rising 9th Graders
July 29 – August 2
Time TBD
We encourage all students entering 9th grade who wish to sharpen their academic, organizational, and study skills to attend this course. It is designed for students who would benefit from extra development of basic academic skills – and/or a refresher before high school starts – to prepare for the demands of their high school courses. Prep for Success features intensive, structured, and individualized small group instruction in skills essential for success at St. Francis School. Students will prepare for the demands of their academic year and meet their fellow students prior to the start of the year. There may be a small amount of homework (limited to one hour per night maximum). Prep for Success offers instruction in:

  • Organizational skills
  • Effective study habits
  • Reading comprehension
  • Basic math concepts/strategies
  • Note-taking
  • Essay writing
  • Summer Reading
  • Research skills
REGISTER HERE

The Francis Parker Athletic Department is excited to offer summer athletic camps as a fun way to develop fundamental skills in various sports. This summer we will be offering basketball, field hockey, and volleyball camps for rising 1st – 8th grade students. All camps will be held on the Goshen Campus and will be coached by former/current college players or varsity coaches.

For more information or questions, please contact Mike Kelley, Athletic Director, at 502-795-3920.

Middle School Volleyball ($150)

5th – 8th Grade
June 3 – June 7 

9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
It’s time to dig deep, set high, and spike with confidence because our volleyball camp is back and better than ever! Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced player striving to refine your skills, our camp provides a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of volleyball while having a blast. Pair this camp with a half-day of Hello, Summer! for a full day on the Goshen Campus. Please contact Dorian Holmes for more information and to register.

Lower School Basketball ($150)

1st – 4th Grade
June 10 – June 14 

9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Get ready to lace up your sneakers and hit the courts because our annual basketball camp is back, promising an unforgettable summer filled with hoops, skills, and camaraderie! Whether you’re a budding basketball enthusiast or a seasoned player, our camp offers an engaging and inclusive experience for athletes of all levels. Pair this camp with a half-day of Full STEAM Ahead for a full day on the Goshen Campus. Please contact Dorian Holmes for more information and to register.

Middle School Basketball ($150)

5th – 8th Grade
June 10 – June 14 

1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Get ready to lace up your sneakers and hit the courts because our annual basketball camp is back, promising an unforgettable summer filled with hoops, skills, and camaraderie! Whether you’re a budding basketball enthusiast or a seasoned player, our camp offers an engaging and inclusive experience for athletes of all levels. Pair this camp with a half-day of Full STEAM Ahead for a full day on the Goshen Campus. Please contact Dorian Holmes for more information and to register.

Lower School Field Hockey ($120)

1st – 4th Grade
June 17 – June 21
(No camp on Wednesday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth.)
9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Get ready to lace up your cleats and grab your stick because our annual field hockey camp is back, and it’s going to be a summer to remember! Whether you’re a budding player looking to enhance your skills or a seasoned athlete aiming to take your game to new heights, our camp offers a dynamic and inclusive environment for everyone. Pair this camp with a half-day of Fort Building for a full day on the Goshen Campus. Please contact Dorian Holmes for more information and to register.

Middle School Field Hockey ($120)

5th – 8th Grade
June 17 – June 21
(No camp on Wednesday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth.)
1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Get ready to lace up your cleats and grab your stick because our annual field hockey camp is back, and it’s going to be a summer to remember! Whether you’re a budding player looking to enhance your skills or a seasoned athlete aiming to take your game to new heights, our camp offers a dynamic and inclusive environment for everyone. Pair this camp with a half-day of Fort Building for a full day on the Goshen Campus. Please contact Dorian Holmes for more information and to register.

REGISTER HERE