New Heights' Summer Program is open for registration

Celebrating its 30th year in operation, New Heights recently opened registration for its Summer Program, which provides youth with opportunities to explore everything from technology to art and science.

This year, the program has moved to a workshop—based model where youth can engaged in experiences that are more profound and meaningful. “They can not only learn more, but have a lot more fun doing it, too,” said Meghan Rice, assistant director at New Heights.

For families who might have sent a child to New Heights’ Summer Program in the past, Rice said prior experiences with their programming will not prepare them for the diversity of what they offer today. As an example, she cited their Curtain Up: Theater in a Week workshop in August, which represents a collaboration with Seacoast Repertory Theater.

“Participants will work with experts in script writing, sound effects, lighting design, costuming, and acting and then put on a performance at the end of the week,” she said. “This is an experience you just can’t get anywhere else.”

Other workshops include Intro to Humanoid Robotics with NAO. Recently acquired as a result of a corporate gift, NAO is unlike any robot in the world, as it is humanoid with two arms, two legs, eyes, and ears. It can walk and talk and its artificial intelligence and developed behaviors evolve during the programming process.

“In this workshop, participants will help NAO learn how to tell stories, dance, hold conversations, and more,” said STEM Coordinator Wayne Moulton. “This is the only robot of its kind being used in education in the state.”

Mad Circus Skillz, Five Friendly Days of Cooking and Kinetic Sculpture are just some of the other workshops available this summer.

For those more interested in the outdoors, New Heights continues to offer numerous adventure experiences, including extended expeditions to various locations throughout New Hampshire and beyond. According to Sally Gregory, longtime adventure coordinator at New Heights, these overnight trips include surfing in Cape Cod to adventures in the Adirondacks and Green Mountains.

“We also have a ton of day trips, too,” she said. “You don’t need prior experience in any of these activities…it’s a lot of fun.”

In summing up what connects all of the activities together within New Heights’ Summer Program, Rice cited “intentionality.”

“We work all year to design experiences for youth that reflects what they tell us they want as well as what parents tell us, too,” she said. “Youth can have fun here in the summer and learn some things along the way that can benefit them in their lives—that is where the ‘intentionality’ comes in. These programs and workshops result from planning and forethought.”

New Heights charges program fees, but offers need-based scholarships and all the equipment necessary to participate. To register or learn more about New Heights’ Summer Program, visit www.newheightsonline.org, or call (603) 422-8235.