Summer Programming at The Armory Wraps Up
That’s a Wrap! 2021 Summer Programming Concludes
If the Olympics were held a bit later, Armory College Prep Summer Program very well might have medaled for flying by with top speed. The middle school and high school programs met in-person at The Armory this summer for their respective six weeks of fun and learning. Sessions began on July 5th and concluded on August 12th, running Mondays through Thursdays from 9am to 4pm. Read on for the recap!
Armory College Prep’s Middle School Summer Program ate lunch at Little Island, shown here, before walking to the Circle Line Cruise.
The Middle School Program
ACP middle schoolers adventured around New York City this summer. Activities promoted students’ understanding of local geography, corresponding history lessons, and, of course, fun!
Day trips ranged in distance from our home in Washington Heights to the edges of Manhattan and beyond: from frequenting J. Hood park to sailing at the Dyckman Marina, taking a guided food tour of the Lower East Side, canoeing in Central Park, visiting the Museum of Natural History, traveling to Chelsea’s Little Island, and even cruising around the island of Manhattan (with views of Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, and more).
In addition to the sight-seeing and tours, students rode bikes with Bike New York. Playing kickball, painting self-portraits, reading books, tie-dying t-shirts, and partaking in various trivia games also made time fly. Students learned to use step-counting activity trackers, which they wore each day and kept at the end of the program. (Did you know that, according to the World Health Organization, about 80% of children ages 11-17 don’t engage in enough physical activity?) KPMG generously donated lunch bags, snacks, and books for the students. Middle schoolers even brought home brand new bicycles, thanks to the support of Bloomberg Philanthropies.
During the academic year, ACP’s biweekly after-school programming supplements students’ studies and emphasizes STEAM fundamentals. The Summer Program further enables students to experience learning outside of the classroom, explore the neighborhood (and beyond!), and increase their physical activity levels. Emphasis is also put on creative expression and teamwork.
“During The Armory Summer Camp [my daughter] has visited museums where she learned about planets, colors, patterns and gems; played in various local parks; learned to ride a bike; went to an Indian restaurant for the 1st time; and has learned how to work together in teams and sportsmanship. All of these experiences are priceless and things [she] would not have been able to do if not for The Armory.”
The High School Program
The ACP High School Summer Program presented a unique opportunity for students to learn about and prepare to apply to colleges, without the added responsibilities of school, homework, and organized athletics. Sessions entailed college scholarship and application guidance, both of which carry great importance for fall’s incoming juniors and seniors but are also advantageous for underclassmen. Time was also devoted to Khan Academy practice, reading, and essay writing.
Additionally, summer days at The Armory balanced academic planning with creative outlets: music exploration, yoga, and acting, the last of which culminated in an end-of-program performance of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The play was “off book” (meaning the students did not use scripts), open to the public, and put on in The Armory’s theater space. Students were encouraged to bring their own interests, identities, and cultures to the production. Their enthusiasm to share family traditions, musical influences, and celebratory clothing added to the performance.
“The ACP Summer 2021 Showcase of Midsummer Night’s Dream was a celebration of life! After over a year of remote learning, the students eagerly reaped the joy of being present with each other. Shakespeare’s Fairyland was the perfect setting for our students to connect through acting, dancing and studying a difficult but enriching script. The final production was an inspiring and magical experience for those on the stage and in the audience. ”
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