Mifflin Summer Zone

Welcome to the Mifflin Summer Zone!

Each summer, Governor Mifflin students have an opportunity to enjoy high-interest topics or take advantage of academic preparation Zones that will help set them up for success in the year ahead. The Mifflin Summer Zone is led by Governor Mifflin teachers in a camp-like setting.

These programs are offered FREE to Governor Mifflin School District students thanks to the support of the Governor Mifflin Education Foundation (GMEF).

Registration

Our 2024 Summer Zone Registration is now CLOSED, however slots are still available in the following Zones as of 5/16/24. Please email the Zone leaders at the email addresses listed beside the Zone to inquire about these slots:

Summer of Music: Band (stephanie.carter@gmsd.org)
My Plant & Me: Science and SEL (jenna.rothrock@gmsd.org or elizabeth.defelice@gmsd.org)
Blast from the Past in P.E. Class (abigail.mckay@gmsd.org or ryan.collette@gmsd.org)

2024 Summer Zones

Pre-K Bird Investigation (Pre-K - 4 year-olds only)

Date & Time: June 10-14, 2024; 8:30-11:00 AM
Location: Cumru Elementary Room 1
Zone Leaders: Ms. Vitable, Ms. Fonte, & Ms. Pawling (Student Intern)

Description:
The Pre-K Bird Investigation Zone will send our youngest students’ education soaring to new heights! Through a variety of hands-on activities and outdoor exploration, students will learn all about birds and the role they play in our ecosystem. However, this Zone isn’t just about science! Students will also build literacy and math skills, as well as engage their creativity, throughout the unit and the activities provided.

Tubes & Tunnels (Pre-K - 4 year-olds only)

Date & Time: July 22-26, 2024; 9:30-11:30 AM
Location: Cumru Elementary Room 2 & Playground
Zone Leaders: Ms. Davis, Ms. Frey, & Mr. Wentzler (Student Intern)

Description:
Explore the wonders of tubes and tunnels in our exciting Pre-K Summer Zone! Designed for curious 4 year old minds entering Pre-K. Your child will embark on a journey of discovery through hands-on activities, interactive games, and creative play. From exploring how things move through tubes to building mini tunnels, it’s a week filled with fun and learning. Engage your child’s imagination and watch as they develop critical science, math and literacy skills in a playful supportive environment. Join us for a week of exploration, laughter and new friendships before heading into the school year!

Nature Explorers & Creators (Grades K-4)

Date & Time: June 3-6; 10-13, 2024; 9:30-11:30 AM
Location: Nolde Forest, Berks Nature, GMIS, & Mohnton Playground
Zone Leaders: Ms. Ziegler & Ms. Ryan

Description:
Find the beauty in nature in the Nature Explorers & Creators Zone! Students will embark on nature walks and woodland scavenger hunts in search of items to incorporate in their own works of art. In addition to exploring nature and the arts, students will also learn about patterns in nature, make mathematical connections, and learn about the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling.

STEM Stars (Grades 1-2)

Date & Time: June 18-21, 2024; 9:00-11:00 AM
Location: Cumru Room 32 & Pavilion
Zone Leaders: Mrs. Keiffer-Blatt & Mr. Oxenreider (Student Intern)

Description:
Explore the STEM behind the stars! In this Zone, students will learn about constellations and other celestial bodies, explore the engineering of rocket ships through an egg drop, and use Botley robots in outer-space themed activities. On the final day in this Zone, these amateur astronomers will embark on an exciting expedition to the Planetarium at the Reading Public Museum!

Mind and Movement (Grades 1-4)

Date & Time: June 10-13, 2024; 9:00-11:00 AM
Location: Shillington Park
Zone Leaders: Ms. Simmons & Ms. Russell

Description:
If relaxation, nature, and positivity is your thing, then this is the Zone for you! In the Mind and Movement Zone, students will get moving, connect with one another in nature, and express themselves through a variety of activities including arts and creative writing. Participants should bring a blanket or towel to sit on, a water bottle, snack if desired, and a backpack to carry their belongings!

Field Day Shenanigans (Grades 1-4)

Date & Time: July 8-12, 2024; 9:00-11:00 AM
Location: Mifflin Park Playground & Field
Zone Leaders: Ms. Freeman & Ms. Burns

Description:
Experience all the fun of Field Day during the summer months! Students will get outside and get moving as they enjoy a selection of their favorite field day sports and games, building their muscles, physical and mental health, and confidence in the process. Students will also get a chance to exercise their mental muscles, practicing their math skills as they divide into teams and keep score and exercising their problem-solving abilities as they strategize with their teammates to win the game!

Soccer & More! (Grades 1-4)

Date & Time: June 3-6, 2024; 9:00-11:00 AM
Location: Mifflin Park Playground
Zone Leaders: Ms. Freeman & Ms. Russell

Description:
During this fun-filled week, students will get the chance to learn fundamental soccer skills while learning new and exciting activities! Students will get the chance to improve their math skills while calculating their passes. Students will also work on sportsmanship and practice working together on a team.

Splish Splash Math (Grades 1-4)

Date & Time: June 7, 14, & 28, 2024; 8:30-11:30 AM
Location: Brecknock Elementary Playground
Zone Leaders: Ms. Freeman & Ms. Latchum

Description:
In Splish, Splash Math, water fun meets math fundamentals! In this Zone, students will practice addition, subtraction, and multiple number addition and subtraction through a variety of engaging water games such as a multiple choice math game using water balloons and hula hoops, a high-stakes relay race where students work to calculate how many sponge squeezes it takes to fill a bucket, and racing the sun as they work to solve math problems written in H20. In Splish Splash Math, students will be cooling down all while heating up their math skills!

The History of Sports & Healthy Participation (Grades 1-4)

Date & Time: June 3-6, 2024; 8:00-10:30 AM
Location: GMHS Room 151, Main Gym, Multipurpose Field, & Softball Field
Zone Leaders: Mr. Hole & Mr. Williams

Description:
Have you ever wondered how your favorite sport originated? Look no further than the History of Sports and Healthy Participation Zone! In each session, students will explore the history behind a particular sport, including origins and founding, then play each of the sports explored for a firsthand learning experience! Sports may include soccer, dodgeball, hockey, handball, kickball, football, and more! This is a very active zone, so make sure to wear your gym attire and sneakers and bring a water bottle and sunscreen!

Curious Kids in the Community (Grades 2-3)

Date & Time: June 26-27, 2024: 8:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Various
Zone Leaders: Mrs. Bilger & Mrs, Sebastian

Description:
Do you have a curious kid who loves hands-on learning activities? Join us for two mornings of hands-on inquiry including a stream study, a candy investigation at the Shillington Market, and time at the library to “build” knowledge by using library books as the inspiration for creative building block designs.

Science Detectives (Grades 2-3)

Date & Time: Mondays & Wednesdays, July 8-24, 2024; 9:00-11:00 AM
Location: GMIS Classroom, Kitchen, & Gym; Rabbit Run
Zone Leaders: Mrs. Reber & Miss Shulski (Student Intern)

Description:
The phenomenon of science is all around us! In this Zone, students will learn just how often they encounter science in their everyday life through a variety of labs, activities, and experiments! From the chemistry of cooking, the physics necessary to engineer simple machines, and the interesting (and sometimes icky) facts about bugs, students will find themselves looking at their world through a new scientific lens!

Art Adventures in (Many) Mediums and Movement (Grades 2-5)

Date & Time: July 15-19, 2024; 9:30-11:30 AM
Location: Cumru Room 32 & Pavilion
Zone Leaders: Ms. Adkins & Ms. Burns

Description: Ignite your child's creativity with our week-long workshop designed for students entering 2nd to 5th grade! Each day, they'll dive into a diverse array of art mediums, from painting and sculpting to using natural materials, exploring their imaginations and honing their artistic skills. In addition to unleashing their artistic talents, students will enjoy a fun movement component incorporating elements of yoga, pilates, and dance, promoting physical well-being and mindfulness. Don't miss this opportunity for your child to explore the world of art and movement in a supportive and inspiring environment!

Summer Sweat Lab ( Grades 3-5)

Date & Time: June 3-6, 2024; 9:00-11:00 AM
Location: Cumru Playground & Gym
Zone Leaders: Ms. McKay & Mr. Collette

Description:
Are our students’ favorite P.E. games also the best for their body and mind? That’s the question students will be exploring in the Summer Sweat Lab! Students will play the role of both subject and researcher as they track their cardiovascular reactions and cognitive state before, during, and after each sport or game. Students will dive into the data as they take note of their step count, heart rate, and response time in rapid-fire quizzes.

So, which sport is truly the gym class hero: kickball, handball, dodgeball, volleyball, striker ball, or scooter soccer? Join us as we discover what activities are the most effective!

Cursive to Calligraphy (Grades 4-6)

Date & Time: July 15-18, 2024; 9:00-11:00 AM
Location: Mifflin Park Art Room
Zone Leaders: Mrs. Holgate & Miss Watts (Student Intern)

Description:
Join Mrs. Holgate and explore a classic form of art that’s experiencing a boom in popularity: calligraphy! In this Zone, students will refresh their knowledge of cursive writing, refine their technique, and explore calligraphy letter forms to find the one that is right for each artist! Each student will leave the course with a beginner’s knowledge of this popular art form used in card making, scrapbooking, and sign designs, as well as their very own matted calligraphy sign!

Outdoor Fitness For Health (Grades 5-6)

Date & Time: June 17-21, 2024; 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Cumru Pavilion
Zone Leaders: Mr. Peck

Description:
Challenge your mind and body while exploring the diverse settings and landscape our community has to offer! In this Zone, we will provide organized, fun, fitness-based activities that will build leadership skills, adventurous spirit, and teamwork while also learning important health lessons that can last a lifetime! Students will take on activities such as hiking while learning about heart rate, fishing while learning about the nutritional benefit of fish, slacklining and the impact of physics on the sport, and what makes swimming one of the best exercises we can perform, and more! Activities may vary based on the weather. We will be challenging both our mind and our body which includes a 5 mile hike with difficult elevation changes.

Crime Scene Detective (Grades 5-6)

Date & Time: June 17-20, 2024; 9:30-11:30 AM
Location: GMIS Room 102
Zone Leaders: Mrs. Eastman & Miss Iraota-Ceely (Student Intern)

Description:
Who Dunnit?? A crime has been committed and it's up to you to solve it. Students will explore the world of forensic science and how professionals examine and process fingerprints, hair, and fibers for use as evidence.

After learning about various types of evidence, students will put their detective skills to work. They will become a crime scene investigator and solve a case by examining evidence, suspects, motives, and alibis.

Mind and Movement (Grades 5-7)

Date & Time: July 8-11, 2024; 9:00-11:00 AM
Location: Shillington Park
Zone Leaders: Ms. Simmons & Ms. Russell

Description:
If relaxation, nature, and positivity is your thing, then this is the Zone for you! In the Mind and Movement Zone, students will get moving, connect with one another in nature, and express themselves through a variety of activities including arts and creative writing. Participants should bring a blanket or towel to sit on, a water bottle, snack if desired, and a backpack to carry their belongings!

The History of Sports & Healthy Participation (Grades 5-8)

Date & Time: June 3-6, 2024; 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: GMHS Room 151, Main Gym, Multipurpose Field, & Softball Field
Zone Leaders: Mr. Hole & Mr. Williams

Description:
Have you ever wondered how your favorite sport originated? Look no further than the History of Sports and Healthy Participation Zone! In each session, students will explore the history behind a particular sport, including origins and founding, then play each of the sports explored for a firsthand learning experience! Sports may include soccer, dodgeball, hockey, handball, kickball, football, and more! This is a very active zone, so make sure to wear your gym attire and sneakers and bring a water bottle and sunscreen!

Book Walk and Talk (Grades 5-9)

Date & Time: June 3-7, 2024; 9:00-11:00 AM
Location: GMMS Room 108
Zone Leaders: Ms. Ziemer & Mr. Heywood (Student Intern)

Description:
Introducing Book Walk and Talk, the mobile, individualized, and interdisciplinary book club! Students will dive into a good book of their choice, meeting up each day for a walk and a group discussion of what they are reading. The Zone will culminate in a truly creative “book exhibition” as students exemplify their choice reading through artwork, dramatic reenactments, experiments, and beyond to their peers and families!

Intermediate Clay Camp - AM Session (Grades 6-7)

Date & Time: Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays July 8-19, 2024: 9:00-11:00 AM
Location: GMIS Art Room
Zone Leaders: Mr. Bjorkquist & Ms. Bennett (Student Intern)

Description:
Get creative at Intermediate Clay Camp! Clay camp allows students to explore the art of ceramics as they learn several clay-building techniques. Students will learn hand-building, glazing, clay jewelry making, and much more in a fun and friendly environment.

Intermediate Clay Camp - PM Session (Grades 6-7)

Date & Time: Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays July 8-19, 2024: 12:00-2:00 PM
Location: GMIS Art Room
Zone Leaders: Mr. Bjorkquist & Ms. Bennett (Student Intern)

Description:
Get creative at Intermediate Clay Camp! Clay camp allows students to explore the art of ceramics as they learn several clay-building techniques. Students will learn hand-building, glazing, clay jewelry making, and much more in a fun and friendly environment.

From Taylor Swift to TV Scoring: Total Experience Learning in the Music Lab (Grades 6-9)

Date & Time: June 24-28, 2024: 8:30-11:30 AM
Location: GMMS Music Suite
Zone Leaders: Mr. Williamson & Ms. Carter

Description:
Unleash your inner musical artist and storyteller! This 5-session adventure dives into the worlds of songwriting and film scoring, igniting your creativity and turning your dreams into reality. On Day 1, channel your inner Taylor Swift and unlock the magic of crafting powerful lyrics. Day 2, we will explore songwriting basics using GarageBand to build your own song from scratch. Day 3 flips us into the world of the big screen as we explore the fascinating world of foley and learn how to turn everyday objects into dramatic sound effects! Day 4, we will step into the role of film composer, creating music that matches the action on screen, adding emotion and depth to your very own short film clip. Finally, on the last day of camp you will have the opportunity to bring your burning passion to life: designing, creating, and sharing your own project!

Summer of Music: Band (Grades 6-9)

Date & Time: June 24-28, 2024: 12:30-3:00 PM
Location: GMMS Music Suite; GMIS Music Suite and Cafeteria for Performance
Zone Leaders: Mr. Williamson & Ms. Carter

Description:
Keep your music skills tuned up during the summer months! This program brings our band students across several grade levels together to play new music, building their skill set in their instrument and offering a chance to connect! The Zone will culminate in a public concert on the evening of June 28 at Community Days!

This Zone is also supported, in part, by the Governor Mifflin Music Association.

My Plant and Me: Science and SEL (Grades 7-9)

Date & Time: June 3-7, 2024: 9:00-11:00 AM
Location: GMMS
Zone Leaders: Ms. Rothrock & Ms. DeFelice

Description:
How are plants and our emotional well-being connected? My Plant & Me will teach students all about the science of plants, what they need to grow and thrive, as well as what we need as human beings to grow and thrive. An interactive, hands-on workshop in which students will gain necessary skills in science and social emotional learning.

Shedding Light on Art (Grades 9-12)

Date & Time: June 17-21, 2024: 9:30-11:30 AM
Location: Cumru Art Room & Courtyard
Zone Leaders: Ms. Adkins

Description:
Embark on an illuminating artistic journey where we explore the influence of light on and in art. Through hands-on activities, including cyanotype printing, using color filters, and experimenting with colored lights and blacklights, students will unlock the secrets of how light shapes our visual world and explore the interplay of light and color to infuse their creations with captivating effects.

Blast from the Past in P.E. Class (Grades 10-12)

Date & Time: June 3-6, 2024: 12:00-2:00 PM
Location: Cumru Gym & Playground
Zone Leaders: Ms. McKay & Mr. Collette

Description:
Students will get a chance to “jog” their memories and get nostalgic about their elementary school days in this companion Zone to the Summer Sweat Lab! Students will explore a variety of sports from their childhood and reflect on whether or not their favorite sport was truly the best for them, both mentally and physically. They will play the role of both subject and researcher as they track their cardiovascular reactions and cognitive state before, during, and after each sport or game. Students will dive into the data as they take note of their step count, heart rate, and response time in rapid-fire quizzes.

So, which sport is truly the gym class hero: kickball, handball, dodgeball, volleyball, striker ball, or scooter soccer? Is there a difference between what is an effective exercise for high school students versus elementary age students? Join us as we discover what activities are the most effective!

Karen DeNunzio

Director of Teaching and Learning

Elementary Zone Coordinators

Damien Drago

Teacher, 5th Grade, Math, Science, Social Studies

Nicholas Blatt

Teacher, 5th Grade, Math, ELA, Social Studies

Thanks to the generosity of the Governor Mifflin Education Foundation and its supporters, the Mifflin Summer Zone is offered at no cost to all Governor Mifflin students.

LEARN MORE ABOUT GMEF DONATE TO GMEF TODAY