Campers Jump into Week One of Summer Activities at Ranney

A release from Ranney School:

Research indicates that a long summer break from literacy routines and engaging thinking can lead to the loss of up to one month of instruction time completed during the school year. Local students are on their way to minimizing summer gaps in learning through Summer Programs at Ranney School. Offering six, three or two-week summer academic courses, Summer Programs at Ranney School provide the strengthened reading, critical reasoning, problem-solving and creative thinking tools needed to succeed in the classroom and beyond. With many new programs being offered to children grades K through 12 this summer, study programs at Ranney allow younger students additional time to fortify concepts in a more personalized learning environment, while helping older students prepare for classes they will take in the fall.

For those gifted and talented students really looking to master their advanced cognitive abilities, Ranney’s summer enrichment curriculum has expanded to reflect current brain research, multiple intelligences and project-based learning. Through Ranney’s gifted Discoveries Series, middle-level math and science students can incorporate global learning into the study of Aristotle, The Story of Western Thought; Newton, The Story of Motion and Gravity; and Einstein, the Story of Relativity and Beyond.

In addition, Advanced Reading and Writing and Advanced Mathematics courses for fourth through sixth graders, along with additional offerings, have been designed to pique the interest of bright young minds. From Discoveries in Mathematical and Scientific Investigations to CSI: Detective on the Scene to Investigating Greatness: Civic Responsibility and Achievement, gifted elementary students have many opportunities to stay engaged and learn more about themselves and others in the process.

New in 2011, a Philosophy for Children course for first through third graders will use literature for exploration and expression, while investigating and reflecting upon knowledge as a way of cultivating excellent thinking. Fourth through sixth graders can also experience a Philosophy for Young Thinkers course, using critical thinking and creative and ethical reasoning to personalize their feelings, ideas and unique interpretations of the world. Meanwhile, designed to nurture the performing and musical gifts of students passionate about art, this summer also features a Ranney School Summer Performing Arts Academy and Music Conservatory with enhanced programming. As budget cuts put performing and visual arts programs at risk in local school districts, the arts continue to flourish at Ranney.

Some campers also choose to split their day with day camp or sports camps and a half-day of six, three or two-week summer academic courses. Following several days of activities promoting athleticism, fun and learning, the first week of day camp concluded with Olympic Games and a show from the Chicago Boyz Acrobatic Team.

A day of fun-in-the-sun began last Friday morning as all age groups headed to the Karagianakis Field eager to

participate in Ranney Olympics. Each group took part in track and field events including Long Jump, Sprints and Ball Throwing. Other spirited competitions ranged from relays to dodge ball games.

Wearing gold medals around their necks, campers spent the afternoon watching the Chicago Boyz Acrobatic Team in the Gerhard Pavilion for Athletics. A traveling group of gymnasts, who also perform at Chicago Bulls’ basketball games, the team provided an exciting routine that left campers awestruck and cheering for more. Some breathtaking acts included somersaults over members of the audience and jumping numerous ropes simultaneously.

Success seen during the first week of camp is a sure indication of the many more fun activities that lay ahead this summer at Ranney School. Trip Camp experiences, for example, include visits to the Liberty Science Center, Six Flags Great Adventure theme park, Lakewood BlueClaws Stadium, Sahara Sam’s Indoor Water Park and Medieval Times, as well as paintballing, movies, bowling and visits to the shore.

Upcoming Friday activities include:

Rizzo Reptile & Wildlife Program   

Camp Talent Show

Remaining Sports Camps include: