Summer Camp
7 weeks of summer programming at Rainbow
Camp Descriptions
Contact Us
Summer Camp
Each summer, Rainbow Community School hosts seven weeks of camp for rising 1st through 8th graders. Summer Camps at Rainbow are an extension of what happens during the school year. Our camps focus on holistic approaches that appeal to all learners. Encompassing hands-on immersion in the natural world, water play, movement, arts exploration, and more, we have a camp that will engage and enrich your child’s summer. For information about all camps and policies, click here.
For rising Kindergarten and PreK summer programming, please contact Kate Brantley at kate.brantley@rainbowlearning.org.
We have limited scholarships to support the cost of summer camp. Please contact our Summer Camp Director using the form at the bottom of this page to find out more.
Summer Camp
Each summer, Rainbow Community School hosts seven weeks of camp for rising 1st through 8th graders. Summer Camps at Rainbow are an extension of what happens during the school year. Our camps focus on holistic approaches that appeal to all learners. Encompassing hands-on immersion in the natural world, water play, movement, arts exploration, and more, we have a camp that will engage and enrich your child’s summer. For information about all camps and policies, click here.
For rising Kindergarten and PreK summer programming, please contact Kate Brantley at kate.brantley@rainbowlearning.org.
We have limited scholarships to support the cost of summer camp. Please contact our Summer Camp Director using the form at the bottom of this page to find out more.
Camp Descriptions
Summer 2026
Happiness Camp for Grades 1-2 and 2-3
Whole Child Wellness: Movement, Nature, Art, and Adventure!
“Happiness is the greatest skill we’ll ever learn.” –Katherine May, “Wintering”
“For what is happiness but growth in peace…” –May Sarton, “The Work of Happiness”
Ever since I was a child, my mother and I have played a game that involves imagining our perfect days. My version has evolved somewhat over the years, but usually includes a breakfast of fruit and tea, some morning meditation, study, and solitude; a nice long walk outside, reading and writing and making art, cooking and eating good food, moving my body, connecting with friends and family, restoring order to my home and getting a good night’s sleep. It includes rest and relaxation and contemplation, as well as meaningful work, relationships, and fun!
With this in mind, we will practice building beautiful days together. Taking our time to wake up and greet the day. Going outside to be enlivened by the natural world and one another. Coming in to use our own two hands to make nourishing food, our minds to explore art and ideas, and our hearts for self-expression. We will play and learn together to expand our understanding and compassion for one another. We will break bread and rest. We will engage in the meaningful work of caring for ourselves and the environment, and we will have fun doing it!
What will this actually look like?
We will begin by coming together outside for fresh air, sunshine, active play, and time on the playground. We will wash up and set to work making a healthful snack for ourselves and spending time on independent and small group creative work and/or movement. We will have lunch and go back outside for a brief recess before water play! After water play, we’ll have quiet time, tend to the environment, and go back outside for more free play before pick-up.
This may sound like a lot of in-and-out, but the rhythm of activity and rest, movement and stillness, interaction and introspection allows for balance and harmony in our minds, our bodies, and our camp family!
Weekly Rhythm
Happiness Campers 1-2 (for Rising 1st-2nd Graders) will spend their afternoons playing games, crafting, and enjoying water play. Specific details will be shared the week prior to the start of camp. Happiness Campers 1-2 will take a field trip to a local creek on Friday afternoons before we close out with our weekly Friday Refreshments!
Happiness Camp 2-3 (for Rising 2nd-3rd Graders): Monday-Thursday afternoons will involve waterplay, either on campus or at a local creek. Friday afternoons, we will watch a movie (movie selection shared the week prior) and enjoy all-inclusive Friday Refreshments right before pick-up! 4th Graders who feel like this is the right fit for them can also join Happiness Camp 2-3, but they will more likely be better suited for our specialty camps designed for our Rising 4th-8th Graders! We want our campers to WANT to be here and enjoy what their camp is geared toward!
Please note: a camp will not run if we do not reach a minimum enrollment. We will notify you if this occurs.
For rising K and PreK summer programming, please contact Kate Brantley at kate.brantley@rainbowlearning.org.
Happiness Camp Grades 1-2
Students in this camp are ready for a full day of activity with no nap time. They are ready to be on a playground with a multi-aged group of children, transition easily, excited to go on an off-campus adventure, and enjoy spending time with older friends.
Our rising 2nd-grade students have a choice of Happiness Camp 1-2 or Happiness Camp 2-3. If your 2nd grader is younger, a touch nervous about field trips, and enjoys time with younger friends, then Happiness Camp 1-2 is perfect!
If your 2nd grader is older, excited for an adventure, loves to celebrate with an animated film, and enjoys time with older friends, then Happiness Camp 2-3 is for them!
Camp Cost: $350/week – includes all materials
Happiness Camp Grades 2-3
Happiness Camp 2-3 (for Rising 2nd-3rd graders): Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday afternoons will be field trip or water play days for this group.
This is where they head to a local creek and have time to play in the water and explore. Friday afternoons, we will watch a movie (movie selection shared the week prior) and all-inclusive Friday Refreshments right before pick-up!
4th Graders who feel like this is the right fit for them can also join Happiness Camp 2-3, but they will more likely be better suited for our specialty camps designed for our Rising 4th-8th Graders!
We want our campers to WANT to be here and enjoy what their camp is geared toward!
Camp Cost: $350/week – includes all materials
Specialty Camps, Rising 4th – 8th Grade, Summer 2026
Specialty Camps for rising 4th-8th grade are either HALF DAY (9-12:30) or FULL DAY (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM). These camps may include daily field trips, building, crafting, more advanced sports clinics, etc. We also offer an option for after-care if you select a half-day camp, but need whole-day coverage.
If your camper stays the whole day, they have the opportunity to play field games, enjoy some water play, and have full access to our playground. We will plan activities that best fit the group!
Our rising 4th Graders are welcome to join Happiness Camp 2-3 programming or take a leap into our specialty camps focused on one theme or concept each week.
Please note: a camp will not run if we do not reach a minimum enrollment. We will notify you if this occurs.
Week 1: June 8 - June 12
Surf & Turf
9:00 am - 4:00 PM, Mon-Fri
We are excited to share the magic of our home with you! We may not live beachside, but we do have plenty of water in our beautiful mountain home. This camp is all about exploring the unique water features that attract so many people to the area. Waterfalls, rivers, lakes…This will be an active camp; some hikes will be challenging, some will be long and easy, but every day will most certainly offer fun. One thing is certain: there will be a lot of time spent swimming and getting wet. This is the perfect camp for those kiddos who like to explore and play in the natural world!
For rising 4th - 8th grade. Total cost: $350 (includes materials)
Nature & Art
9:00 am - 12:30 PM, Mon-Fri - HALF DAY CAMP
Earth Arts Summer Camp is a hands-on, nature-based art experience where 4th–8th graders explore creativity through plants, fibers, stone, sunlight, and fire. Each week blends outdoor observation, storytelling, and traditional craft techniques rooted in our human relationships with the land.
Campers will practice slowing down, noticing, and working with natural materials through activities like pine needle basketry, weaving, natural dyeing, botanical cyanotype printing, needle felting, as well as charcoal making and drawing. Cultural and historical context is shared in age-appropriate ways, emphasizing respect for Indigenous and traditional craft lineages while encouraging curiosity, experimentation, and personal expression.
Week One of Earth Arts Camp invites campers to slow down, notice, and create using materials gathered from the land. Through pine needle basketry, weaving with natural materials, charcoal making and drawing, and nature amulets, campers will learn how people through history have transformed plants, wood, and fire into useful and expressive tools.
Daily sit spot observation and journaling help campers build a relationship with place, while hands-on art-making builds patience, confidence, and skill. Cultural and historical context is shared in age-appropriate ways, emphasizing respect for Indigenous and traditional craft lineages without imitation or appropriation.
Our older campers who need care for the whole day can stay with us on campus and enjoy water-play and more OR join our Junior Campers on their field trips.
Total Cost: $200 (includes materials) / Add extended care option: $150
Week 2: June 15 - June 19
Surf & Turf
9:00 am - 4:00 PM, Mon-Fri
We are excited to explore WNC with campers ready for adventure. We may not live beachside, but we do have plenty of water in our beautiful mountain home. This camp is all about exploring the unique water features that attract so many people to the area. Waterfalls, rivers, lakes…This will be an active camp; some hikes will be challenging, some will be long and easy, but every day will most certainly offer fun. One thing is for certain: there will be a lot of time spent swimming and getting wet. This is the perfect camp for those kiddos who like to explore and play in the natural world!
For rising 4th - 8th Grade. Total cost: $350 (includes materials)
Disney Hits Variety Show
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Mon-Fri
We will have a musical theater variety show camp featuring top hits from Disney. Campers will explore songs, choreography, and culminate with a performance. Anyone who wants a solo will be able to have one.
For rising 4th - 8th grade.
Total cost: $350 (includes materials)
Nature & Art Camp
9:00 am - 12:30 PM Mon-Fri - HALF DAY CAMP
Earth Arts Summer Camp is a hands-on, nature-based art experience where 4th–8th graders explore creativity through plants, fibers, stone, sunlight, and fire. Each week blends outdoor observation, storytelling, and traditional craft techniques rooted in our human relationships with the land.
Campers will practice slowing down, noticing, and working with natural materials through activities like pine needle basketry, weaving, natural dyeing, botanical cyanotype printing, needle felting, as well as charcoal making and drawing. Cultural and historical context is shared in age-appropriate ways, emphasizing respect for Indigenous and traditional craft lineages while encouraging curiosity, experimentation, and personal expression.
Week Two focuses on transformation, color, and personal expression through earth-based art. Campers will explore natural dyeing with plants, needle felting with wool, sun printing, and creating small nature amulets inspired by objects found outdoors.
This week blends experimentation with reflection, inviting campers to notice how materials change through time, light, and care. Stories of traditional crafts from around the world are woven into daily activities, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and respect for the deep histories behind these practices.
Our older campers who need care for the whole day can stay with us on campus and enjoy water-play and more OR join our Junior Campers on their field trips. For rising 4th - 8th grade.
Total cost: $200 (includes materials) / Add Extended Care Option: $150
Week 3: June 22 - June 26
Ceramics Camp
9:00 am - 4:00 PM, Mon-Fri
We are thrilled to share the joys of clay creation and exploration. Campers will learn the skills of handbuilding and glazing to create some beautiful take-home projects
For rising 4th – 8th Grade. Total cost: $350 (includes materials)
Broadway Hits Variety Show
9:00 am - 4:00 PM Mon-Fri
We will have a musical theater variety show camp featuring top hits from Broadway. Campers will explore songs, choreography, and culminate with a performance. Anyone who wants a solo will be able to have one.
For rising 4th - 8th grade. Total cost: $350 (includes materials)
Week 4: July 6 - July 10
Surf & Turf
9:00 am - 4:00 PM, Mon-Fri
We are so excited to share the magic of our home with you! We may not live beachside, but we do have plenty of water in our beautiful mountain home. This camp is all about exploring the unique water features that attract so many people to the area. Waterfalls, rivers, lakes…This will be an active camp; some hikes will be challenging, some will be long and easy, but every day will most certainly offer fun. One thing is certain: there will be a lot of time spent swimming and getting wet. This is the perfect camp for those kiddos who like to explore and play in the natural world!
For rising 4th – 8th Grade. Total cost: $350 (includes materials)
Upcycled Fashion
9:00 am - 12:30 PM, Mon-Fri - HALF DAY CAMP
Love fashion and saving the planet? In this week-long fashion camp, we will learn how to use sewing machines to upcycle used jeans, sweatshirts, and t-shirts into new and noteworthy products you can wear, give away, or share with your pets. No experience sewing necessary.
Our older campers who need care for the whole day can stay with us on campus and enjoy water-play and more OR join our Junior Campers on their field trips.
For rising 4th - 8th grade. Total cost: $200 (includes materials) / Add extended care option $150
Week 5: July 13 - July 17
Musical Theatre Camp
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Mon-Fri
Join us in a week of scriptwriting, directing, costuming, and singing as campers create a musical from start to finish! Campers' creativity will be allowed to flourish as they experience hands-on what it's like to dream up a script and bring it to life on the stage, and everyone will get to try their hand at a different part of the musical-making process!
For rising 4th - 8th grade. Total cost: $350 (includes materials)
Let's Make a Zine! Middle School Creative Writing
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM Mon-Fri - HALF DAY CAMP
Diaries, flash fiction, poetry, and comics are all great material for making small magazines or “zines.” In this workshop, we will explore a number of writing prompts and techniques, exploring what happens when we play with language and let it roam free. After roaming and listening, we’ll delve into how much wordy action we can pack into a small space. We’ll look at different zine-making techniques, folding, copying, etc. Each writer will come away with some zines of their own creation. In this camp, there is no good writing or bad writing, just a deep dive into saying and sharing what has never been said before.
Our older campers who need care for the whole day can stay with us on campus and enjoy water-play and more OR join our Junior Campers on their field trips.
For rising 4th - 8th grade. Total cost: $200 (includes materials) / Add Extended Care Option: $150
Week 6: July 20 - July 24
Puppet Masters of the Universe
9:00 am - 4:00 PM, Mon-Fri
Come and explore the wonderful world of storytelling with puppets! If you like to make things and act out stories, then this camp is for you! We will create puppets from found objects and give them stories to tell. Have you ever seen two shoes in an argument? Just wait. We will also explore shadow puppet making and present a “big screen” show at the end of the week. (There may be monsters.) Puppetry combines drama, visual art, storytelling, and working together, all in the name of fun! Afternoon activities will include plenty of creative movement, a possible field trip, and watching some classic puppet show videos! (There may be popcorn.)
For rising 4th - 8th grade. Total cost: $350 (includes materials)
Woodworking
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM Mon-Fri - HALF DAY CAMP
Build small and large structures in this week-long introduction to woodworking. You will learn how to design on paper and use digital tools. You will use power tools and basic hand tools. No experience necessary.
Our older campers who need care for the whole day can stay with us on campus and enjoy water-play and more OR join our Junior Campers on their field trips.
For rising 4th - 8th grade. Total cost: $200 (includes materials) / Add extended care option: $150
Week 7: July 27 - July 31
Ultimate Frisbee
9:00 am - 4:00 PM Mon-Fri
Come and learn all about the sport of Ultimate Frisbee! From basic drills to full games, students will enjoy this fast-paced, athletic game.
For rising 4th - 8th grade. Total cost: $350 (includes materials)
Rock Band Camp
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM Mon-Fri HALF DAY CAMP
Join us for a week of musical exploration! Campers will learn music principles and performance skills, including taking care of instruments, stage setup, playing together as a group, and song selection. Camp will feature a concert for friends and family at the end of the week.
Our older campers who need care for the whole day can stay with us on campus and enjoy water-play and more OR join our Happiness Campers on their field trips.
For rising 4th - 8th grade. Total cost: $200 (includes materials) / Add Extended Care Option: $150
Week 1: June 8 - June 12
Surf & Turf
9:00 am - 4:00 PM, Mon-Fri
We may not live beachside, but we do have plenty of water in our beautiful mountain home. This camp is all about exploring the unique water features that attract so many people to the area. Waterfalls, rivers, lakes…This will be an active camp; some hikes will be challenging, some will be long and easy, but every day will most certainly offer fun. One thing is certain: there will be a lot of time spent swimming and getting wet. This is the perfect camp for those kiddos who like to explore and play in the natural world!
For rising 4th - 8th grade. Total cost: $350 (includes materials)
Nature & Art Camp
9:00 am - 12:30 PM, Mon-Fri - HALF DAY CAMP
Campers will get their nature & art skills ready by dyeing fabrics with plant material, creating cyanotypes, engaging in pine needle basket making, and print making with natural objects.
Our older campers who need care for the whole day can stay with us on campus and enjoy water-play and more, or join our Happiness Campers on their field trips.
Total Cost: $200 (includes materials) / Add extended care option: $150
Week 2: June 15 - June 19
Surf & Turf
9:00 am - 4:00 PM, Mon-Fri
We may not live beachside, but we do have plenty of water in our beautiful mountain home. This camp is all about exploring the unique water features that attract so many people to the area. Waterfalls, rivers, lakes…This will be an active camp; some hikes will be challenging, some will be long and easy, but every day will most certainly offer fun. One thing is for certain: there will be a lot of time spent swimming and getting wet. This is the perfect camp for those kiddos who like to explore and play in the natural world!
For rising 4th - 8th Grade. Total cost: $350 (includes materials)
Disney Hits Variety Show
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Mon-Fri
We will have a musical theater variety show camp featuring top hits from Disney. Campers will explore songs, choreography, and culminate with a performance. Anyone who wants a solo will be able to have one.
For rising 4th - 8th grade.
Total cost: $350 (includes materials)
Nature & Art Camp
9:00 am - 12:30 PM Mon-Fri - HALF DAY CAMP
Campers will get their nature & art skills ready by dyeing fabrics with plant material, creating cyanotypes, engaging in pine needle basket making, and print making with natural objects.
Our older campers who need care for the whole day can stay with us on campus and enjoy water-play and more OR join our Junior Campers on their field trips. For rising 4th - 8th grade.
Total cost: $200 (includes materials) / Add Extended Care Option: $150
Week 3: June 22 - June 26
Ceramics Camp
9:00 am - 4:00 PM, Mon-Fri
Our camp counselors are thrilled to share the joys of clay creation and exploration. Campers will learn the skills of handbuilding and glazing to create some beautiful take-home projects.
For rising 4th – 8th Grade. Total cost: $350 (includes materials)
Broadway Hits Variety Show
9:00 am - 4:00 PM Mon-Fri
We will have a musical theater variety show camp featuring top hits from Broadway. Campers will explore songs, choreography, and culminate with a performance. Anyone who wants a solo will be able to have one.
For rising 4th - 8th grade. Total cost: $350 (includes materials)
Week 4: July 6 - July 10
Surf & Turf
9:00 am - 4:00 PM, Mon-Fri
We may not live beachside, but we do have plenty of water in our beautiful mountain home. This camp is all about exploring the unique water features that attract so many people to the area. Waterfalls, rivers, lakes…This will be an active camp; some hikes will be challenging, some will be long and easy, but every day will most certainly offer fun. One thing is certain: there will be a lot of time spent swimming and getting wet. This is the perfect camp for those kiddos who like to explore and play in the natural world!
For rising 4th – 8th Grade. Total cost: $350 (includes materials)
Upcycled Fashion
9:00 am - 12:30 PM, Mon-Fri - HALF DAY CAMP
Love fashion and saving the planet? In this week-long fashion camp, we will learn how to use sewing machines to upcycle used jeans, sweatshirts, and t-shirts into new and noteworthy products you can wear, give away, or share with your pets. No experience sewing necessary.
Our older campers who need care for the whole day can stay with us on campus and enjoy water-play and more OR join our Junior Campers on their field trips.
For rising 4th - 8th grade. Total cost: $200 (includes materials) / Add extended care option $150
Week 5: July 13 - July 17
Musical Theatre Camp
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Mon-Fri
Join us in a week of scriptwriting, directing, costuming, and singing as campers create a musical from start to finish! Campers' creativity will be allowed to flourish as they experience hands-on what it's like to dream up a script and bring it to life on the stage, and everyone will get to try their hand at a different part of the musical-making process!
For rising 4th - 8th grade. Total cost: $350
Let's Make a Zine! Middle School Creative Writing with Barbara
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM M-F - HALF DAY CAMP
Diaries, flash fiction, poetry, and comics are all great material for making small magazines or “zines.” In this workshop, we will explore a number of writing prompts and techniques, exploring what happens when we play with language and let it roam free. After roaming and listening, we’ll delve into how much wordy action we can pack into a small space. We’ll look at different zine-making techniques, folding, copying, etc. Each writer will come away with some zines of their own creation. In this camp, there is no good writing or bad writing, just a deep dive into saying and sharing what has never been said before.
Our older campers who need care for the whole day can stay with us on campus and enjoy water-play and more OR join our Junior Campers on their field trips.
For rising 4th - 8th grade. Total cost: $200 (includes materials) / Add Extended Care Option: $150
Week 6: July 20 - July 24
Puppet Masters of the Universe
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Mon-Fri
Come and explore the wonderful world of storytelling with puppets! If you like to make things and act out stories, then this camp is for you! We will create puppets from found objects and give them stories to tell. Have you ever seen two shoes in an argument? Just wait. We will also explore shadow puppet making and present a “big screen” show at the end of the week. (There may be monsters.) Puppetry combines drama, visual art, storytelling, and working together, all in the name of fun! Afternoon activities will include plenty of creative movement, a possible field trip, and watching some classic puppet show videos! (There may be popcorn.)
For rising 4th - 8th grade. Total cost: $350 (includes materials)
Woodworking
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM Mon-Fri - HALF DAY CAMP
Build small and large structures in this week-long introduction to woodworking. You will learn how to design on paper and use digital tools. You will use power tools and basic hand tools. No experience necessary.
Our older campers who need care for the whole day can stay with us on campus and enjoy water-play and more OR join our Junior Campers on their field trips.
For rising 4th - 8th grade. Total cost: $200 (includes materials) / Add extended care option: $150
Week 7: July 27 - July 31
Ultimate Frisbee
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Mon-Fri
Come and learn all about the sport of Ultimate Frisbee! From basic drills to full games, students will enjoy this fast-paced, athletic game.
For rising 4th - 8th grade. Total cost: $350 (includes materials)
Rock Band Camp
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM Mon- Fri HALF DAY CAMP
Join us for a week of musical exploration! Campers will learn music principles and performance skills, including taking care of instruments, stage setup, playing together as a group, and song selection. Camp will feature a concert for friends and family at the end of the week.
Rock Band Campers who need care for the whole day can stay with us on campus and enjoy water play and more OR join our Junior S'Camp on field trips.
Our older campers who need care for the whole day can stay with us on campus and enjoy water-play and more OR join our Junior Campers on their field trips.
For rising 4th - 8th grade. Total cost: $200 (includes materials) / Add Extended Care Option: $150