Summer Program: Celebrating Childhood at Camp

By Sigita Newsom
BBQs, talent shows, creative crafts, exciting science experiments, cartwheels, LEGO, flag football games, dolls going camping… During the first session of the JTD Summer Program, our campus was buzzing! Rising Grade 1 students to recent JTD graduates were busy exploring, playing, and experiencing the pure joy of childhood. The atmosphere was electric with excitement and happiness!
Over the course of two weeks, our dynamic classes, led by dedicated teachers, kept students engaged and excited. They participated in a wide range of activities, including volleyball, field sports, Reader’s Theater, LEGO building, Hogwarts-themed adventures, cooking and baking, STEAM, photography, and much more. A Grade 2 student remarked that he loves the Summer Program because it allows him to try different kinds of classes and interact with students from various grade levels.

From Marvelous Monday to Fireworks Friday, students had numerous opportunities to dress up for different theme days throughout Session 1. Beyond creative attire, students expressed their artistic sides each day during recess. The craft table was constantly surrounded by students eagerly braiding colorful string bracelets or carefully threading beads to spell out each other’s names.

This year, we introduced something new to our Summer Program: camp awards! Each day students had the chance to earn a small token of appreciation for various actions, for example, being kind to a friend, picking up recess equipment, participating in a scavenger hunt, or wearing an epic costume for a theme day. Camp awards were a fun and lighthearted way to encourage students to keep The 5C’s alive during the summer! Each award was designed not just to recognize individual achievements, but also to foster a supportive and enthusiastic community spirit. This simple yet impactful initiative not only made the JTD Summer Program experience more enjoyable, but also served as a great reminder to uphold the School’s values and mission throughout the summer.

From classes to camp awards and daily themes to new friendships, the Summer Program at JTD is a special place where our students feel connected, included, and engaged. Our students love returning to campus right after school breaks for summer for one simple reason, as expressed by a Grade 6 student: “I love Summer Program because it’s not work - it’s fun!”

We cannot wait to welcome everyone back for Session 2 in August!

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The John Thomas Dye School


11414 Chalon Road
Los Angeles, CA 90049
Phone: (310) 476-2811
The John Thomas Dye School admits students of any race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs.

Located In Los Angeles, CA, John Thomas Dye is an independent school for grades K-6. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.