RCS Summer Programming
Registration is now live!
2020 SUMMER CAMPS AT RCS
Summer Programming at Rainbow is an extension of what happens during the school year. Our camps focus on holistic approaches that appeal to all learners. From hands-on nature awareness, to cultivating video skills or learning about new cultures, there’s something for everyone.
We have limited scholarships available. We encourage you to inquire about availability by emailing our Camp Director, West Willmore.
2020 Summer Camps at RCS
Summer Programming at Rainbow is an extension of what happens during the school year. Our camps focus on holistic approaches that appeal to all learners. From hands-on nature awareness, to cultivating video skills or learning about new cultures, there’s something for everyone.
We have program offerings from Kindergarten through 8th grade. We also offer camps throughout the summer.
When applying, some camps are offered by Rainbow Community School teachers and staff. Others are offered by members of the Asheville Community. Be sure to click the registration button at the the bottom of the page to apply to the correct camp.
We have limited scholarships available. We encourage you to inquire about availability by emailing our Camp Director, West Willmore.
Camps in June 2020
Register at bottom of page for all camps.
Camps with an asterisk (**) have a separate registration. Click on that camp for details.
Asheville Adventures Camp
June 15-19, 9:00-4:00, Rising 5th-8th graders
Location: Rainbow Community School
Camp Cost: $300 – includes materials and transportation.
Led by Susan Waddell
Description
We live in one of the best cities in the world, and this week is dedicated to diving into the history, developing an understanding of Asheville’s uniqueness, and taking the time to appreciate it!
We will spend our mornings gaining a background knowledge of the arts, geography, the haunted tales, and the pop culture that has been cultivated in our local region.
Our afternoons will be filled with trips that compliment our morning lessons. Monday we will visit Asheville monuments. Tuesday we will embark on a Haunted Asheville trail, Wednesday we will explore Asheville art and murals, Thursday will be dedicated to food and farms and Friday will focus on our local geography.
About the Instructor
Susan moved the Asheville in 2006, which is also when she became one of the Omega teachers here at Rainbow. The first few summers, she and her husband, Chris, ran a camp they called CampChrusan: a week of Asheville adventures. They were filled with inspiration at every turn in this city and discovered the best way to experience Asheville was to be in it. From Art Strolls and local hikes, to trips to the Folk Art center and locations where haunted takes are set, they turned over all the stones they could in these camp days to get to know their new hometown. This camp ran for several years, and then Camp Chrusan went on pause so that Susan and Chris could raise their two children. In her spare time, Susan can be found knitting, playing with her family, doing all things Asheville, and falling more in love with this little town daily.
Creative Coding Camp
June 8-12, 8:30-1:00, Ages 9-12
Location: Rainbow Community School
Camp Cost: $150 + $18 for robot building materials. Computers will be provided. Total: $168.
Led by Christa Flores
Description
Computers are everywhere! In this camp, we will learn all about computers by building our own computer models. Use computers to make your own art, games, science experiments, and pet robots! Be amazed at the power of these machines in this computer science camp built for artists, engineers, and maters of every variety.
About the Instructor
Christa Flores is a scientist, science educator, passionate speaker and writer about student-driven learning spaces, the maker movement and curriculum that affords a diverse array of learning styles, cultures and ideas to be leveraged. Inspired by the maker movement in education, Christa co-founded the Hillbrook iLab in 2011, one of the nation’s first classrooms designed for material and digital making in Los Gatos, California. Christa designed a new curriculum called Problem-based Science, a model for STEM literacy with an emphasis on material science, in-depth projects, design thinking, collaboration and entrepreneurial activities. Christa moved to Asheville in 2017 and worked for the Asheville Museum of Science as the STEM lab manager and curriculum developer for two years. Christa is excited to bring her experience and passions to the Rainbow community through STEM electives and the development of the school’s new makerspace.
Creature Powers Camp (SOLD OUT!)
June 15-19, 9:00-1:00, Rising K-3rd graders
Location: Rainbow Community School
Camp Cost: $150
Led by West Willmore
Description
The Southern Appalachians are home to many unique animals with VERY special abilities. Over the course of the week we will explore a variety of creatures that inhabit the local forests, waters, and sky and learn about all their “magical” powers. Campers will engage in active learning games & imaginative play, storytelling & art, inquiry & observation, and engage in research & science experiments.
About the Instructor
This camp is led by Rainbow Community School’s resident naturalist, West Willmore. West is a certified North Carolina teacher and administrator. She also holds a degree in Environmental Science and Natural Resources and a graduate certificate in Environmental Education. She has been working as a naturalist for over 16 years. She looks forward to sharing her passion for nature with you!
Fierce Flix**
June 22-26, 9:00-4:00, for trans, non-binary, and female youth ages 8-16
Location: Rainbow Community School
Camp Cost: $200/week; silding scale, includes all video equipment, snacks, and lunch
Click to go to the Fierce Flix Website to Register
Description
Fierce Flix is a week-long social justice summer camp, inspiring confidence in trans, nonbinary, and female youth through filmmaking. Over the course of a week, campers will form production teams, and write, direct, shoot, and edit music videos for local bands! The music videos will premiere as a public screening at a movie theatre at the end of camp. Each day, campers will attend video shoots, filmmaking instruction, workshops, and a mini-screening & talkback with a filmmaker from a marginalized gender group. Throughout the week, campers are encouraged to work together, support each other, and foster one another’s unique creative abilities through positive reinforcement.
Women are significantly under-represented in film production – 9% of directors, 2% of cinematographers and 15% of writers are women. On screen, only 30.8% of speaking characters are women. WE hope to empower the next generation of makers to change this.
About the Instructors
Fierce Flix is a volunteer-run non-profit camp. Our volunteers are filmmakers, artists, educators, parents, activists, and community members dedicated to empowering youth.
Camps in July 2020
Register at bottom of page for all camps.
Babysitter's Club
July 6-10, 2020 9:00-1:00, Rising 6th-8th graders
Location: Rainbow Community School
Camp Cost: $150/week; includes materials
Led by April Fox Dorion
Description
This half-day camp gives aspiring babysitters a head start on learning the basics. We’ll practice diaper and clothing changes (on dolls), learn about infant and child safety, discover and create fun games for kids, talk about safety when going into other people’s homes, and more. At the end of the week, we’ll spend some time with preschool students, practicing the fun parts of our training. Campers should bring a water bottle and snack, and come in comfortable clothes that are easy to play in.
About the Instructor
April Fox Dorion is Rainbow’s 5th grade assistant teacher. She began babysitting many years ago when she was in middle school and has been taking care of children ever since, continuing to babysit the children of friends and coworkers today. Before she taught 5th grade, she worked extensively with children from infancy through preschool, including working in Rainbow’s preschool program and running a day camp for children with special needs. She is a mother of six adult children and has five grandchildren under 7, so she has plenty of practical experience both professionally and at home.
Musical Mornings (SOLD OUT)
July 20-24, Rising K-2nd graders
Location: Rainbow Community School
Camp Cost: $150; includes materials
Led by Sue Ford
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Description
In this camp, we will explore musical expression of all types. We will learn new dances and compositions playing small percussion instruments and xylophones. We will play music and movement games and most importantly we will sing! Singing in community is an age-old tradition. Many articles have been published in recent years about the benefits of singing. Time magazine’s article “Singing Changes Your Brain” suggests that singing can reduce stress with the release of a natural hormone, oxytocin and the with the production of endorphins, which are associated with feelings of pleasure. This article states that “our heart rates may sync up during group singing which could explain why singing together sometimes feels like a guided group meditation”. If your child loves music, they are sure to enjoy this camp led by Sue Ford.
About the Instructor
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Sue Ford has been a community music facilitator in the Asheville area for 20 years serving both children and adults. She is the music teacher at Rainbow Community School and the director of the Village Marimba School. Previously she was the music teacher at Evergreen Community Charter School and assistant director of Womansong of Asheville. She is a seasoned performer and an avid life long learner.
Sense and Savor Camp (SOLD OUT)
July 13-17, 2020 9:00-1:00, Rising K-2nd graders
Location: Rainbow Community School
Camp Cost: $135/week; includes materials
Led by West Willmore
Description
The natural world is an inspiring place to connect to the senses. We will spend the week exploring the nooks and crannies of Rainbow Community School’s five-acre nature oasis. Time outside will be complete with animal observation, mindfulness activities, hands-on play, games, building, and discovery, nature art, and many other sensory awareness activities.
About the Instructor
This camp is led by Rainbow Community School’s resident naturalist, West Willmore. West is not only a North Carolina certified teacher and administrator but also holds a degree in Environmental Science and Natural Resources and a graduate certificate in Environmental Education. She has been working as a naturalist for over 16 years. She looks forward to sharing her passion for nature with you!
Surf and Turf Camp
July 6-10, Rising 5th-8th graders
Location: Rainbow Community School
Camp Cost: $275; includes materials and bus transportation
Led by Susan Waddell
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Description
We may not live beachside, but we do have plenty of water in and around our beautiful mountain home. During this camp we will explore the hiking and water features found in these hills. The mornings will be spent getting to know about the destination, understanding the terrain, the challenge, the safety plan, and the special features of the adventure.
Each day, the group will hike to a new water feature. Students will wear hiking gear and be ready to get wet. This will be an active camp, some hikes will be challenging, some will be long and easy, but everyday will most certainly offer fun.
About the Instructor
Susan moved the Asheville area in 2006, which is also when she became one of the Omega teachers at Rainbow. The first few summers, she and her husband, Chris, ran a camp they called CampChrusan: a week of Asheville adventures. They were filled with inspiration at every turn in this city and discovered the best way to experience Asheville was to be in it. From Art Strolls and local hikes, to trips to the Folk Art center and locations where haunted takes are set, they turned over all the stones they could in these camp days to get to know their new hometown. This camp ran for several years, and then Camp Chrusan went on pause so that Susan and Chris could raise their two children. In her spare time, Susan can be found knitting, playing with her family, doing all things Asheville, and falling more in love with this little town daily.
Camps running from June – August 2020
Register at bottom of page for all camps.
Camps with an asterisk (**) have a separate registration. Click on that camp for details.
Languages and Cultures Camp**
Languages and Cultures Camp
June 29 – August 15, 9:00 – 5:00 (M-F), for ages 10-17
Location: Rainbow Community School
Camp Cost: $250/week (Free for Host Families) – includes all language lessons and activities
Led by Katie Wilson
Website: VisionsUSA – Grow Abroad International Exchange
Click to go to VisionsUSA site to Register
Description
During July and August, Asheville students will have the opportunity to learn from and interact with students visiting from abroad. Morning language immersion sessions feature visiting students’ native languages: German, Spanish. Practice a new language with native speakers! Afternoons feature fun local excursions with international and local students combined- waterfall hikes, high ropes course, Carowinds, and more! Ask about how you can attend camp for free while hosting a student.
About the Instructor
Hi, I’m Katie! I grew up in Asheville, graduated from Appalachian State University, and have taught in WNC for the last 9 years. Throughout my teaching career, I have taught everything from Spanish to Yoga, and across all ages, from PreK through highschool. I have worked in a variety of roles at RCS for the past 4 years. I absolutely love the RCS community and am thrilled to be able to bring this opportunity for multicultural learning to our students and families.
Teaching and learning languages is my passion. This summer, we will have students visiting the United States from cities in Germany, Spain, and Vietnam! Participating American students will have the opportunity to learn visiting students’ languages in fun, engaging activities, and then truly USE those skills during fun activities around town along with international students, such as High Ropes Courses, Waterfall Hikes, a trip to Carowinds, and more!
Contact Director Katie Wilson at Katie.wilson@visionsusa.org with questions.
Wandering Swordsmen**
The Peaceful Warrior Camp
June – August, 9:00-3:00, for students ages 9-15
Paladin Week: June 8-12
Ranger Week: June 22-26
Monk Week: July 13-17
Barbarian Week: July 27-31
Rogue Week: August 3-7
Location: Rainbow Community School
Camp Cost: $350/week or $650 for two weeks or two campers
Led by Phil Ferguson
Register Here: The Wandering Swordsmen
Description
The Peaceful Warrior Camp is dedicated to teaching children ages 9-15 how to be a modern warrior that deeply values peace, compassion, and respect for themselves and their opponents. Each week will include large amounts of boffer game play using all different kinds of gear, and we will also study the style of one warrior archetype, honing the abilities that they utilize in the game and in life! The mornings will be more physically active, focusing on game play and ability training. The afternoons will be less physically demanding during the heat of the day, with time and activities focused on learning how to truly become the warrior archetype!
Week of the Paladin: Specializing in sword and shield style combat, the Paladin is a warrior that embodies Devotion, Honor, and Leadership.
Week of the Ranger: Specializing in ranged combat using archery and javelins, the Ranger is a warrior that embodies Adaptability, Dexterity, and Wildcraft.
Week of the Monk: Specializing in staff and unarmed combat, the Monk is a warrior that embodies Serenity, Perception, and Grace.
Week of the Barbarian: Specializing in two-handed and large weapon combat, the Barbarian is a warrior that embodies Resilience, Strength, and Wildness.
Week of the Rogue: Specializing in dual weapon combat and stealth, the Rogue is a warrior that embodies Precision, Resourcefulness, and Patience.
About the Instructor
Phil Ferguson is the leader of The Wandering Swordsmen, an organization dedicated to the facilitation and growth of padded full contact combat sports, also known as boffing. He started training in Belegarth swordfighting in 2006, started the Asheville Belegarth community in 2011, and has been teaching professionally since 2014. Currently he teaches at many schools and festivals around the Asheville area, runs weekly battles at Carrier Park on Sundays, runs his own sword training programs on Mondays and Wednesdays, and travels to national Belegarth events to compete throughout the year. His goal is to travel the world with The Wandering Swordsmen to help professionalize the sport, while using his training methods to teach people how to engage in compassionate combat, and by doing so help people learn how to resolve conflict more effectively.
Email Phil Ferguson at thewanderingswordsmen@gmail.com to register for this camp.
