June 8-12th, 2026
Open to Rising 6th-8th Grade Students
With Limited Spots for Rising 5th Grade Students
If you have questions about summer camp, please reach out to summer@academyhigh.org
Academy High summer camps are designed for students entering grades 6–8. Recognizing that families may have siblings or younger students eager for a full middle school–style camp experience, limited spaces in select camps are available for rising 5th grade students. If you are interested in enrolling a 5th grader, please contact summer@academyhigh.org
before registering to confirm availability.
Morning
9:00 - 12:00
It's Up For Debate: Myths and Heroes
Students who participate in a morning and afternoon camp will have an hour lunch from 12:00-1:00 with quiet activities available.
Afternoon
1:00 - 4:00
Students are welcome to be dropped off up to 15 minutes before camp and need to be picked up within 15 minutes of camp ending.
Register Today
Step 1
Submit information via our registration form.
Step 2
Add items to your cart and check out.
Refund Policy
Canceled registrations prior to April 10th will receive 50% of the amount previously paid. Registrations canceled April 10th and after will receive 0% of the amount previously paid.
Short Form Video Studio is a hands-on summer camp that introduces students to the art and responsibility of short form digital video creation. Campers explore every step of the creative process—from brainstorming and storyboarding to filming, editing, and sharing their work—while building practical skills in storytelling, communication, and digital media.
Students learn how short form videos are made, why certain content resonates, and how creators make thoughtful choices online. Along the way, the camp creates space for age-appropriate conversations about social media, digital citizenship, ethics, and wellbeing.
Students are encouraged to bring a personal device they are comfortable using for video creation, such as a laptop, Chromebook, smartphone, or tablet. A limited number of school devices will be available for campers who need one, and all software and tools used during the camp will be age-appropriate and accessible.
At the end of the week, students will have the opportunity to share their completed short-form videos with parents and friends, celebrating both their creativity and the skills they’ve developed.
About The Instructor, Megan Hutchison
I have been a middle and high school classroom teacher for last 20+ years and joined the Academy High faculty in 2025 as an English and writing instructor. I have a long history as a professional developer, training teachers in the application of writing as a mode of learning in all subjects and as a Technology Specialist, supporting teachers in the integration of digital learning into their existing analog curricula.
What can ancient myths teach us about courage, responsibility, and choice? In this debate-focused summer camp, middle school students explore classic myths and the dilemmas faced by legendary heroes while building confidence in speaking, listening, and reasoning.
Using stories from Greek mythology and beyond, campers learn the foundations of debate and about forming clear claims, supporting ideas with evidence, and responding thoughtfully to opposing viewpoints. Short, structured debates and guided discussions help students sharpen critical thinking skills in a supportive, low-pressure environment inspired by the Lincoln-Douglas debate format.
The camp concludes with a final myth-based debate where students apply what they’ve learned. This camp pairs well with afternoon offerings such as Put On a Play or Music Production for families seeking a full-day experience!
About The Instructor, Revathi Chellappa
I have been a high school English teacher for last 18+ years, and a middle school Language Arts teacher for the past two years. I have taught Debate, Speech, English, Journalism, and Current Events. My passion is finding texts and units that will engage even the most reluctant students . I love seeing students become excited about the power of words to create finely honed ideas!
Dive into the colorful and creative world of printmaking! In this hands-on camp, participants will learn the basics of printmaking techniques, including collagraph, cyanotype, and relief printing. Students will experiment with patterns, textures, and layering to create personalized prints while discovering how printmaking has been used throughout history to share stories, decorate objects, and challenge the status quo. Each day a new technique will be introduced, culminating in a gallery walk that showcases their favorite prints!
About The Instructor, Sophie Morgan
I am an artist and art educator in Champaign-Urbana. I have a BFA in Art Education from the University of Illinois. During the school year, I teach PreK-5 art at Garden Hills Academy, where I get to share all types of art making techniques with my students. In my own art practice, I like to explore many different mediums including collage, printmaking, film photography, and metalwork and jewelry. Outside of teaching, I enjoy cooking and baking, crocheting, and playing Fortnite!
This hands-on summer camp introduces middle school students to the exciting world of music production, sound design, and digital recording. No prior experience is required—students will start with the basics and quickly move into creating their own original music using professional-style digital audio workstation (DAW) software.
Campers will explore beat-making, virtual instruments, sampling, and basic recording techniques while developing a critical ear for sound and structure. Along the way, they’ll experiment, collaborate with peers, and learn how producers turn ideas into finished tracks. Conversations about creativity, digital tools, and responsible use of technology will be woven throughout the week.
Students are encouraged to bring a personal device they are comfortable using for video creation, such as a laptop, Chromebook, or tablet. A limited number of school devices will be available for campers who need one, and all software and tools used during the camp will be age-appropriate and accessible.
The camp culminates in a final showcase, where students will share a completed original track with parents and friends—something they can be proud of and continue building on long after the week ends.
About The Instructor, Mark Wyman
I have been writing, performing, and recording music professionally for two decades. I own and operate Tonegood Studio in downtown Urbana, Illinois, where I have helped bring hundreds of musicians’ creative audio endeavors to life. Over the years, I have pursued my passion for fostering creativity both in the studio and in the classroom; I have taught classes at Olivet Nazarene University and Academy High.
For middle school students who love to act (or are curious about the stage), Put On a Play offers a fun, collaborative introduction to theatrical performance. Campers will connect with fellow student actors as they rehearse and perform a short one-act comedy over the course of the week.
Students will work together to explore character, movement, timing, and teamwork, with everyone receiving a featured role (or roles!) to develop during the camp. Along the way, campers will practice memorization, build confidence speaking in front of others, and experience what it’s like to bring a script to life as part of an ensemble. Some memorization required!
Family and friends are invited to join us at the end of Friday’s camp for a live performance celebrating the hard work, creativity, and collaboration that make theater such a powerful experience.
About The Instructor, Jaclyn Loewenstein
I have taught acting and musical theatre since 1991 in Chicago, New York City, Austin and Champaign, where I am the owner/director of Class Act performing arts studio. I also teach drama at Countryside School and serve as Producing Artistic Director at Urbana's Station Theatre, where I am active year-round as a producer, director, and actor.
