Overview
Register online now for February Vacation Camp!
Learn how to draw and explore in Virtual Reality, solve a design challenge in our wood shop, create your own enchanted electronics projects, and more! We are ready for February vacation camp here at Acera, and hope you’ll join us! You can browse our offerings by SCHEDULE or by PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS, via the tabs above. Below you will find details about logistics and our approach. Questions? Contact us at office@aceratest.wpengine.com
Acera Vacation Camp, February 19 to 22, 2019
Timing:
AM session: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (students should bring a snack, lunch optional)
PM session: 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. (students should bring a snack, lunch optional)
Full day: 8:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m. (students should bring 2 snacks and a lunch)
Pricing:
Half Day: $70
Full Day: $130
SEEDS “Lab in a Backpack” (4 days, mornings only): $325
Our Approach
At Acera, we believe that deep exploration of STEAM subjects should begin early. Our hands-on learning environment allows elementary and middle school children to nurture their natural desire to inquire, create, and innovate; and experiment with content and concepts usually reserved for older students–or not introduced during K-12 school years at all.
With emphases on critical thought, creative problem solving, and integration of content areas, our programs inspire all types of learners and thinkers. Students discover engineering, biotechnology, math, arts, theater, design, electronics, music, chemistry, physics, teamwork, friendships — and who they are: as individuals, learners, and collaborators.
What to Expect
Our STEAM Learning Lab is designed to challenge students of all ages and learning styles. Participants should expect to tackle difficult, enticing problems, individually and in groups. They should anticipate taking the time to incorporate new techniques as they create unique works of art or design experimental protocols or novel engineering solutions.
Here’s an example of what a student made in a day in our SEEDS StudioLab during our 2017 vacation camps:
Full Day Programs
Architecture: Solar Sculptures (7-10)
Photosynthesis is the inspiration for this hands-on, day long class. Develop a deeper understanding of the similarities and differences between photosynthesis and solar cells. Use basic hand tools to create a solar sculpture built from wood for your room! We will study contemporary wood pavilion architecture for inspiration. Instructor: Estee Hill, Acera Architecture Teacher
This class is FULL on Thursday, Feb 21. Please select this date on the registration form if you like to be added to the wait list.
Woodshop Design Challenges (8-12)
Can you build a structure strong enough to carry your weight? With limited materials? Can you create a structure so light it can fly far? Work in teams to design and build structures and shapes using diverse materials that maximize strength, stability, buoyancy and other forces in two day long challenges. Learn woodshop skills and physics while you design with others. Instructor: Adam Rosell, Acera Creativity Morning Coach
Woodshop: Instrument Making (8-12)
In this class, we will make homemade instruments using traditional and improvised parts. From percussion to stringed instruments, campers will design their unique instrument, use the available supplies, and assemble it! After making revisions and decorating, learn to tune and play your creations. Instructor: Dylan Foley, a musician, instrument maker, and tinkerer with a degree in Music Production and Engineering from Berklee College of Music.
This class is now FULL on Wednesday, Feb. 20. Choose this class on the registration form if you would like to be waitlisted.
Morning Programs
CANCELLED – FULL WEEK PROGRAM: SEEDS Lab in a Backpack (11-14)
Are you a Citizen Scientist? Do you like the idea of exploring and investigating the air, water, and soil around you using scientific instruments that you made yourself? In this hands-on class, kids create their very own “Lab in a Backpack” that includes DIY devices such as a microscope made with a hacked webcam, a wearable stress detector, and air, water, and soil quality sensors.
They will also ask and explore questions about the factors that contribute to our own health and wellbeing, and how we can use design and computational thinking to make a positive influence on the world! Instructor: Alisha Panjwani, designer, educator and founder, Acera SEEDS Studiolab
Watch the “Lab in a Backpack” video: Making a Microscope!
*Students who want to take home their high tech projects can choose to purchase component parts (~$100) at the end of the week.
**This camp is part of an ongoing curriculum development initiative at Acera for students to learn about and design ideas relevant to personal health and data.
Drawing in Virtual Reality (10-14)
Imagine you can draw not just on the piece of paper in front of you, but all around you. You can paint a house, and then make it bigger and walk inside to draw a living room, a kitchen, the family dog. It’s called 3D drawing, and made possible by VR technology. Join us during vacation week to try it out: Learn about how Virtual Reality works, and how you can use it to draw and create art in entirely new ways. No prior experience required. Instructor: Kara Williams, Acera school counselor
This class is currently FULL on Tuesday, Feb 19 and Wednesday, Feb 20. (Class is cancelled for Thursday, Feb 21.) Choose this class on the registration form if you would like to be waitlisted.
Band Camp: Songwriting (7-10)
We will collaborate in composing original compositions, with emphasis on lyrics, hooks, themes, and melody! No musical experience necessary, but experienced musicians are welcome to bring their instruments of choice. Instructor: Dylan Foley, a musician, instrument maker, and tinkerer with a degree in Music Production and Engineering from Berklee College of Music
SEEDS StudioLab: E-Fashion Accessories and Start Making! (7-10)
Join us for creative explorations with new technologies! SEEDS stands for Science, Engineering, Esthetics, Design and Story. Each session, students can discover a different way to design, make and tell a story with their creations. Tuesday we will be making electronic fashion accessories and garments. Wednesday, discover new ways to “Start Making!” based on Alisha’s popular Maker book with the same title! Instructor: Kyle Browne, Artist, Acera Creativity Morning and Afterschool Teacher
This class is FULL on Tuesday, Feb 19. Choose this class and date on the registration form if you would like to be waitlisted.
Toy Making (5-8) & Fantastical Miniature Worlds (5-7)
Painting, play, and set design meet: build a diorama and make characters to inhabit a fanciful world! Let your three-dimensional construction serve as a new set for your imagination. Use it for puppetry, a stop animation movie project, or a place for imaginary friends to relax. Explore hand-made toys: marble labyrinths, “thaumatrope” animations, mini-soccer fields, and more! Instructor: Camila Garcia Enriquez, Acera Integrated Arts Teacher and Curriculum Creator
Fantastical Miniature Worlds is FULL on Wednesday, Feb 20. Choose this class and date on the registration form if you would like to be waitlisted.
Chess Camp (7-10)
Chess isn’t just a great game for math minds and visual-spatial thinkers — it is also a great way to exercise creativity and improve problem solving. This program will look at chess the Acera way: from strategy to the history of the game, from famous players and what made them great to other games that can improve your chess vision, we’ll be looking at the world through the game we love. And play, of course! Appropriate for all levels. Instructor: Yonatan Schreiber, Acera Math Teacher
This class is FULL on Wednesday, Feb. 20 and Friday, Feb. 22. Please select this class/date if you would like to be waitlisted.
Games & Probability (9-12)
Play classic games and discover how mathematical thinking can help you make decisions when you play! In this class, we will learn mathematic strategies to a variety of popular board games with an emphasis on game theory, probability, logic, and deduction. Students will also learn about resource management, trading strategies, and cooperation and collaboration within games. Games studied and played may include: Tic-Tac-Toe, Rummy, Monopoly, Settlers of Catan, Carcassonne, and Forbidden Island. Instructor: Yonatan Schreiber, Acera Math Teacher
Games and Probability is FULL on Thursday, Feb 21. Choose this class and date on the registration form if you would like to be waitlisted.
Minecraft Workshop (7+)
Students learn about the various programming languages in Minecraft – exploring virtual challenges and problem-solving together! Instructor: Chris Dale, Acera Technology after school teacher
This class is now FULL on Wednesday, Feb 20. Choose this class and dates on the registration form if you would like to be waitlisted.
D&D Role Play (9+)
Create a character and dive into the fantasy world of Dungeons and Dragons, as we work together to solve mysteries, slay horrible beasts, and tell a fantastic story together. Experienced and new players are always welcome, as each story is new and unique, and designed to fit the characters and their players. Instructor: Chris Dale, Acera Technology after school teacher
Stop Motion Animation (9-13)
Filmmakers, magicians, storytellers – put your powers to use in the the animation lab! Learn basic low-tech techniques to more complex stop-motion film. You’ll use tripods, ipads, an array of applications, and materials ranging from a whiteboard to clay, cut paper, and found objects.
Printmaking Jr. (4-7)
Explore a wide array of printmaking techniques designed especially for our youngest campers. Colorful mono-prints, exotic nature printing, dynamic rubber band and bubble wrap overlay prints may be explored. Instructor: Jenifer Demko, Acera Lower Elementary teacher
This class is FULL on Wednesday, Feb. 20. Please choose this class and date on the registration form if you would like to be waitlisted.
Creative Constructions (4-7) and Fairy House Constructions (4-7)
Wood, wire, rocks, and gems will be used to create tree houses, bridges, ladders, gardens and playgrounds for fancifully fairies, tipsy trolls, or other imagined creatures! Start collecting bark, moss, acorns, and seed pods now that we will turn into furniture, and accessories for our tiny constructions! Instructor: Jenifer Demko, Acera Lower Elementary Teacher
Fairy House Constructions is now FULL on Friday, Feb. 22. Choose this class on the registration form if you would like to be waitlisted.
Creative Constructions is now FULL on Thursday, Feb. 21. Choose this class on the registration form if you would like to be waitlisted.
Architecture: Woven Wonders (7-10)
Use weaving to create sculptural architecture. We will look at nature and contemporary architecture for inspiration, creating unique birdhouses for your spring garden. Explore the ways in which architects use tension to innovate lightweight portable architecture – and finally, make yours glow in the dark! Instructor: Estee Hill, Acera Architecture Teacher
This class is CANCELLED and rescheduled for April Vacation Camp.
Afternoon Programs
Band Camp: Music Composition (7-10)
We will collaborate in composing original compositions, with emphasis on melody, motifs, form, and digital composition tools. No musical experience necessary, but experienced musicians are welcome to bring their instruments of choice. Instructor: Dylan Foley, a musician, instrument maker, and tinkerer with a degree in Music Production and Engineering from Berklee College of Music
Film Making Club (7-10)
Theater, movie making and other forms of storytelling are great ways to get creative and make new friends! Put on a scene, film and cut a video clip, or bring your own ideas and make your story come to life. Build confidence in how to enter a group, work with others and have fun as part of a team. Instructor: Kara Williams, Acera school counselor and Acera Newsroom Coach
SEEDS StudioLab: E-Fashion Garments and Start Making! (7-10)
Join us for creative explorations with new technologies! SEEDS stands for Science, Engineering, Esthetics, Design and Story. Each session, students can discover a different way to design, make and tell a story with their creations. Tuesday we will be making electronic fashion accessories and garments. Wednesday, discover new ways to “Start Making!” based on Alisha’s popular Maker book with the same title! Instructor: Kyle Browne, Artist, Acera Creativity Morning and Afterschool Teacher
Toy Making (5-8) and Fantastical Miniature Worlds (5-7)
Painting, play, and set design meet: build a diorama and make characters to inhabit a fanciful world! Let your three-dimensional construction serve as a new set for your imagination. Use it for puppetry, a stop animation movie projects, or a place for imaginary friends to relax. Explore hand-made toys: marble labrynths, abrynths, “thaumatrope” animations, mini-soccer fields, and more! Instructor: Camila Garcia Enriquez, Acera Integrated Arts Teacher and Curriculum Creator
Toy Making is FULL on Tuesday, Feb. 19. Please choose this class and date on the registration form if you would like to be waitlisted.
Fantastical Miniature Worlds is FULL on Wednesday, Feb 20. Please select this date on the registration form if you like to be added to the wait list.
Engineering and Block Building (4-7)
Young students take on building challenges while learning about math, geometry, architectural design, and more. Patience, perseverance, and teamwork are tested here to make an exquisite, life-sized elaborate structure! Instructor: Jenifer Demko, Acera Lower Elementary Teacher
This class is FULL on Thursday, Feb 21. Choose this date on the registration form if you like to be waitlisted.
Band Camp: Bad Lip Reading (9-13)
Kids will learn video editing, as well as audio recording, editing and mixing, while making their own ‘bad lip reading’ videos – that is, overdubbing original dialog and music on top of pre-existing footage, for comedic effect. A challenging, involved and many-faceted creative process, with satisfying (and hilarious) results to share with friends and family! Instructor: Dylan Foley, a musician, instrument maker, and tinkerer with a degree in Music Production and Engineering from Berklee College of Music
Bad Lip Reading is cancelled on Friday, Feb 22.
Going Further with Minecraft (9+)
Students take a deep dive into various programming languages in Minecraft – exploring new virtual challenges and problem-solving together! Instructor: Chris Dale, Acera Technology after school teacher
This class is FULL on Wednesday, Feb 20. Please select this date on the registration form if you like to be added to the wait list.
D&D Role Play (9+)
Create a character and dive into the fantasy world of Dungeons and Dragons, as we work together to solve mysteries, slay horrible beasts, and tell a fantastic story together. Experienced and new players are always welcome, as each story is new and unique, and designed to fit the characters and their players. Instructor: Chris Dale, Acera Technology after school teacher
Stop Motion Animation (9-13)
Filmmakers, magicians, storytellers – put your powers to use in the the animation lab! Learn basic low-tech techniques to more complex stop-motion film. You’ll use tripods, ipads, an array of applications, and materials ranging from a whiteboard to clay, cut paper, and found objects.
Architecture: Woven Wonders (7-10)
Use weaving to create sculptural architecture. We will look at nature and contemporary architecture for inspiration, creating unique birdhouses for your spring garden. Explore the ways in which architects use tension to innovate lightweight portable architecture – and finally, make yours glow in the dark! Instructor: Estee Hill, Acera Architecture Teacher
This class is CANCELLED and rescheduled for April Vacation Camp.
Chess Camp (7-10)
Chess isn’t just a great game for math minds and visual-spatial thinkers — it is also a great way to exercise creativity and improve problem solving. This program will look at chess the Acera way: from strategy to the history of the game, from famous players and what made them great to other games that can improve your chess vision, we’ll be looking at the world through the game we love. And play, of course! Appropriate for all levels. Instructor: Yonatan Schreiber, Acera Math Teacher
Chess Camp is FULL on Wednesday, Feb 20 and Friday, Feb 22. Please select this date on the registration form if you like to be added to the wait list.
Printmaking Jr. (4-7)
Explore a wide array of printmaking techniques designed especially for our youngest campers. Colorful mono-prints, exotic nature printing, dynamic rubber band and bubble wrap overlay prints may be explored. Instructor: Jenifer Demko, Acera Lower Elementary teacher
Tech Hub enables students to emerge as community-minded technologists able to solve problems to benefit the whole school. More a philosophy than a place, Tech Hub can start as simply a cart in a cafeteria with one student fired up to be a knowledgable, technically skillful community member. Concurrently developing emotional intelligence skills and a wide array of technological abilities, Tech Hub members model and spread an attitude of fearlessness at using STEM tools to solve real problems.
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At Acera, we believe a school’s success can be measured far beyond its standardized test scores. How happy are its students? Do they feel a sense of purpose at school? Are they developing a capacity for perspective taking and problem solving? Can they stick to something even when it’s hard? Acera’s Education Innovation team is working to change how we measure education to include students’ wellbeing, habits of mind, and feeling of belonging at school.