Starting in early July, each session is two weeks in length. The GirlSummer day program offers a variety of electives matching the interests and goals of campers: exploring athletics, visual arts such as intro to clay and bead bonanza, language and writing, STEM and sciences (slime-making, the care and keeping of plants), crafts, performing arts like singer songwriting classes, broadway bound theatre electives, writer’s retreat, and more!

 

During middle-of-the-day recess time you’ll find campers sitting under the trees on inner campus, reading books, drawing in journals, or using the unscheduled free time to play games. In the first week of camp, Thursdays are Chalk Day, when all of camp spends time decorating the sidewalks of campus with rainbows, song lyrics, pet portraits, and even the longest-ever (probably) game of hopscotch. Campers also have the option to tie-dye tote bags and t-shirts during chalk day, and by the end of the second week everyone’s t-shirts are covered in signatures of camp friends. 

 

The myriad of activities takes place all across campus, from classes in Slocum, dance and improv in the Strong Dance Studio and Kiggins Auditorium, and elaborate games of tag in Lyon-Remington or on the senior triangle (campers have permission to be on it during the summer, don’t worry). In the Hunter science building laboratories students are experimenting, writing is happening in Weaver, and in the Dietel Library the newspaper and journalism electives are getting to work. At the end of each session, campers present their work over the previous two weeks to parents and the summer Emma community: it’s a welcome respite from the quiet campus summer days to have a day of songs and art!

 

 

Counselors, many of whom are current or graduated Emma students, and campers alike are enjoying the time on campus together. Ask them what’s the best thing about GirlSummer? 

“Getting to spend everyday with some of my best friends,” says Rowan Locascio-McLaughlin ’22, standing alongside some of her fellow alums who are back as counselors.

 

“The kids' energy is so great, and they love being here,” added Sam McEntee ’24, “and their authenticity, ULTRA authentic,” say Rowan and Sophia Mazzariello ’22 through laughs. 

 

“We have more campers than we’ve had since our residential program,” says Interim Director of GirlSummer Hannah Tompkins. “And everyone seems to be going home happy at the end of the day!”