Tinker Lab
The Tinker Lab is offered to our campers in our Sprouts and Choice programs, where kids can truly make anything. There are all sorts of materials in the lab that are not always offered in other places at camp, such as electrical pieces to make fans or cars. Campers in the past have made ziplines, solar-powered cars, and a miniature playground, just to name a few! In the lab, campers use their full imagination and are supported by the counselors in fulfilling their dreams. Counselors act as guides in the Tinker Lab, allowing the children to really work hands-on with tools and materials with counselor support.
Woodshop
The Woodshop is a specially curated program and long-standing staple of the SRV experience, woven throughout the school year and continuing into our summer camp program. The counselors act as guides, as they show the campers how to use tools, such as hammers, saws, and drills, in a safe way that helps them grow their independence and confidence. Some projects campers have worked on are a lemonade stand, a project that took all summer long, and some smaller items like games or cars. The shop is offered to children in the Sprouts and Choice programs every day, and offered to each preschool class once a week. Support is intentionally scaffolded across age levels, from learning foundational skills like measuring and selecting the right nail size to planning and carrying out larger, more complex projects with increasing independence.
Cooking
We are so excited to offer our cooking program, led by our school kitchen team. This hands-on program is designed to get kids excited about food, encouraging them to try new things, build confidence and independence in the kitchen, and experience the satisfaction of creating something with their own hands and enjoying the finished product. Along the way, campers practice skills like measuring, following a process, experimenting with ingredients, and working together. Campers might make fresh fruit smoothies, color-changing pasta, cookies inspired by our weekly themes, and more. Cooking has become a beloved staple of our summer program and one that campers look forward to year after year.
Art
The Art Room is a vibrant, creative space where campers can explore a wide range of materials, techniques, and ideas. From the moment they walk in, they are surrounded by opportunities to experiment, imagine, and create in ways that feel uniquely their own. Our counselors design projects inspired by weekly themes while also following camper interests and leaving room for unexpected ideas to take shape. Past favorites have included building miniature scenes from recycled materials, glow-in-the-dark painting, and costume design. The Art Room has also become a beloved place for campers to slow down, cool off, and take a break from the energy of a busy summer day while still having the opportunity to make, explore, and create at their own pace.
Nature
Hikes, chicks, fresh-picked veggies, oh my! Our Nature program gives campers countless ways to explore, discover, and connect with the natural world around them. Campers can care for and learn about our animals through Farm Club and Chicken Club, or dig into the garden, where they help plant, tend, and harvest flowers, fruits, and vegetables while learning about composting and caring for the earth. Nature counselors also lead everything from building and imaginative play in Fort Town to hands-on science experiments and activities inspired by each week’s theme. And, of course, a camper favorite is exploring SRV’s beautiful campus on hikes along Ridley Creek, including visits to two beloved SRV landmarks: Rock Beach and Bamboo Island!
Pool
Swim is one of the best parts of a summer day at SRV! Every camper has a designated swim session in one of our two saltwater pools, supported by a pool team that has historically included around 12 swim instructors and lifeguards. Staff are both on deck and in the water, swimming alongside campers and keeping safety, skill-building, and fun at the center of every session. Swim time is roughly 50% instruction and 50% free swim, with lessons designed to meet campers where they are. Our youngest swimmers might practice kicking, blowing bubbles, floating, and simply getting comfortable in the water, while older campers build their skills, work toward passing our Little Pool and Big Pool swim tests, and jump into games with friends and lifeguards. We do not use floaties or flotation vests during regular swim sessions; instead, we focus on helping campers develop strong swimming skills, body awareness, and confidence in the water. Our preschoolers receive especially close support, with counselors paired at approximately a 1:1.25 ratio so they can safely practice, play, and grow into more confident swimmers throughout the summer. This ratio may change due to the level of swim skills campers may have! For example, if your preschooler is a confident swimmer, the ratio may be more like 1:2 for the lifeguards and counselors, where as if your child needs extra support, they will always receive 1:1 care.
