2021 RCS Summer Camp
Many of our camps are sold out. Please contact West Willmore @ west.willmore@rainbowlearning.org if you would like to be added to any camp wait list.
We are excited to host seven weeks of camp for rising K 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. From hands-on nature awareness, to cultivating academic skills and learning about new cultures, to art exploration, there’s something for everyone.
In order to support the health and safety of everyone, all applicable public health recommendations will be followed during camp, including mask wearing, hand washing, and social distancing. Programs are subject to change based on public health recommendations. More explicit details about safety protocols will be posted soon.
Click on each link below to learn more about our offerings.
Camps in June 2021
Amazing Animals of WNC: SOLD OUT!!!
June 14-18
Rising 1st-3rd Graders
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Rainbow Community School, Orchard House
Camp Cost: $300
Led by Tootsie Jablonski
Description
Come learn about the animals of the North Carolina mountains during a week of outdoor, play-based summer camp! We will explore the lives of native mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians through games, imaginative play, crafts, experiments, and stories.
About the Instructor
Tootsie is an assistant teacher in Kindergarten and is in charge of the outdoor classroom. Prior to Rainbow she spent 10 years traveling and pursuing her passion of getting people outside and connecting people with nature. She has worked as a climbing guide in NC and TN, an elementary teacher in Mississippi, a wilderness therapy mentor in Wyoming, and a hiking guide in Alaska.
Tootsie is committed to using her natural talents and formal education to help students learn through curiosity and exploration and to develop into resilient problem solvers, selfless community members, and strong environmental advocates. Tootsie has a Bachelor of Science degree in Anthropology and a Master of Science degree in Natural Science Education. She is also a certified Cedarsong Nature School Forest Kindergarten Teacher and a Wilderness First Responder. She is an avid hiker, backpacker, climber, snowboarder, and gardener. She also enjoys engaging with textile art, including quilting, needlepoint, and tie dye.
Asheville Adventures
June 21-25
Rising 4th-8th Graders
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Rainbow Community School, Omega 7/8 Classroom
Camp Cost: $300
Led by Susan Waddell
Description
Join us for a week of Asheville Adventures! We live in one of the best cities in the world, and this week is dedicated to diving into the history, growing our understanding of what makes us unique, and taking time to show appreciation for what makes Asheville- Asheville. We will spend many of our mornings growing our background knowledge of the arts, the geography, the haunted tales, and the pop culture that has been cultivated in our local region. Our afternoons will be field trips where we are afforded an opportunity to experience that which we have just learned about. In these visits, we will find ways to share an appreciation for the person or space visited. Our final afternoon will be the creation of a What I Love about Asheville poster filled with pictures and artifacts from our adventures (and likely some local grub!)
About the Instructor
Susan moved to 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.
Printing Without a Press: An art exploration camp: SOLD OUT!!!
June 21-25
Rising 2nd-5th Graders
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Rainbow Community School, 2nd Grade Classroom
Camp Cost: $150
Led by Kate Chassner
Description
This summer art camp will offer multiple ways of creating and exploring with prints. We will work with gel plates, collagraph printing and some rubber stamp carving. Expect to get messy, push your creativity and have lots of fun!
About the Instructor
Kate Chassner has always been passionate about art. She is currently studying to get her Master in Fine Arts at WCU and focuses on mixed media work. She loves to experiment and try new techniques, she has been making prints (without a press) for years. Her favorite work often comes accidentally. She finds joy when allowing her own children to lead the art exploration and watching them enjoy the process, too! Kate is also a Rainbow veteran. She has dedicated over 10 years to the school as an employee and as a parent!
Surf and Turf Camp
June 14-18
Rising 4th-8th Graders
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Rainbow Community School, 5th Grade Classroom
Camp Cost: $300
Led by Susan Waddell
Description
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 everyday will most certainly offer fun.
About the Instructor
Susan is a veteran Rainbow teacher and joined the team in 2006. She is currently the lead middle school teacher and when she is not helping her students set personal goals, collaborating on a mega-theme project, inspiring “light bulb” moments, or nudging kids out the door at the end of the week, she enjoys spending time with her young family, running, reading, enjoying music, and knitting.
Creeks and Parks Camp: SOLD OUT!!!
June 28- July 2
Rising 1st- 3rd Graders
9:00 am – 12:30 pm
Location: Rainbow Community School, 2nd Grade Classroom
Camp Cost: $150
Led by Mark Strazzer
Description
Come dressed to splash around in water and get dirty! Each day campers will visit a park and a water spot. The first part of the day campers will explore a local park followed up by some water play a special water spot. We will wrap up the day by enjoying fun, food and fellowship on Rainbow’s amazing playground.
About the Instructor
Mark is Rainbow’s beloved P.E. teacher. During the school year Mark explores a variety of sports, fitness activities, and mind/body awareness activities. He teaches his students to be respectful athletes and mindful participants. This teaching philosophy translates into all his educational experiences. Mark graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in Health and Physical Education and holds a Master’s in Health Education from East Carolina University. He has taught both middle and elementary health and physical education since 2002 in Asheville, NC. In his free time, Mark stays active. He is part of a community garden, he enjoys bike riding, is a two-time ultimate frisbee world champion, loves getting on the river and spending time with his daughter and his pup!
Sign it! Intro to American Sign Language
June 28- July 2
Rising 3rd- 8th Graders
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Rainbow Community School, 5th Grade Classroom
Camp Cost: $150
Led by Rose Howley
Description
Learn all about what Deaf Culture and Community is like as well as how to communicate in American Sign Language! You will learn the ASL alphabet, how to introduce yourself, colors, numbers, foods, etc. as well as learning the history of Deaf Culture. You will also attend an event (in person or through zoom) where you can meet others involved in the Deaf community and make some new friends! Take a stroll through the park and see how we can connect ASL to nature. Learn a new language and discover the passion within the community.
About the Instructor
Rose Howley recently completed her Interpreter Education Program at Blue Ridge Community College, as well as completing her Bachelor’s of Art from UNCA. She is passionate about teaching children and using creative outlets to explore a child’s thinking She loves to go for hikes or cuddle up with her cats. Learning ASL has been such a wonderful experience, and she thinks it is important for everyone at least try and learn ASL so we can better communicate with the Deaf Community and be inclusive.
Camps in July 2021
Native Reptiles and Amphibians Camp
July 12-16
Rising 4th-7th Graders
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Rainbow Community School, 5th Grade Classroom
Camp Cost: $150
Led by April Fox
Description
Get to know the local cold-blooded wildlife — including some slithery friends who make their homes right here on campus. Campers will spend the week studying these fascinating creatures and will demonstrate their learning through art and writing in this science-based camp.
About the Instructor
April Fox has been an educator for more than 20 years, working with children from infants through high school. She has been with Rainbow since 2015. She was drawn to Rainbow because of its holistic education philosophy and enjoys encouraging every student to embrace their inherent quirks and strengths, and to see themselves as competent learners. In addition to teaching, April is a music journalist and brings her love of words to the classroom. She is also a fan of coffee, books, loud music, quiet settings, and spending time with her family and pets.
Math Camp, Week 1: SOLD OUT!!!
July 12-16
Rising 1st- 3rd Graders
9:00 am – 12:30 pm
Location: Rainbow Community School, 4th Grade Classroom
Camp Cost: $150
Led by Jess Alberi
Description
Dive into the magic of numbers! We will strengthen our mathematical understandings using the Cognitively Guided Instructional (CGI) approach. This practice builds on what each individual child already knows, utilizes the tools they already have in their problem-solving toolbox, and engages their thinking using intentional math talks, counting collections, story problems, and games. A truly child-centered approach with the goal of uncovering and expanding every student’s mathematical understanding. Your child will build confidence, act as both student and teacher, and strengthen the foundation of their mathematical minds. This camp is for rising 1-3 graders with new experiences each week; join for 1 or both weeks!
About the Instructor
As a child, Jess didn’t feel as though she had a “math brain” and felt discouraged in her own math classes. She thought that math was only about memorization and getting correct answers. When she became an educator, she fell in love with exploring numbers and problems with her students, and working closely with the UCLA math project to strengthen math education for all learners. Jess has taught K-8th grade STEM, 3rd grade, 5th grade, kindergarten, and special education, and she believes that everyone has a math brain. She is trained in the Cognitively Guided Instruction math approach which she will be using during her camps.
Math Camp, Week 2: SOLD OUT!!!
July 26-30
Rising 1st- 3rd Graders
9:00 am – 12:30 pm
Location: Rainbow Community School, 4th Grade Classroom
Camp Cost: $150
Led by Jess Alberi
Description
Dive into the magic of numbers! We will strengthen our mathematical understandings using the Cognitively Guided Instructional (CGI) approach. This practice builds on what each individual child already knows, utilizes the tools they already have in their problem-solving toolbox, and engages their thinking using intentional math talks, counting collections, story problems, and games. A truly child-centered approach with the goal of uncovering and expanding every student’s mathematical understanding. Your child will build confidence, act as both student and teacher, and strengthen the foundation of their mathematical minds. This camp is for rising 1-3 graders with new experiences each week; join for 1 or both weeks!
About the Instructor
As a child, Jess didn’t feel as though she had a “math brain” and felt discouraged in her own math classes. She thought that math was only about memorization and getting correct answers. When she became an educator, she fell in love with exploring numbers and problems with her students, and working closely with the UCLA math project to strengthen math education for all learners. Jess has taught K-8th grade STEM, 3rd grade, 5th grade, kindergarten, and special education, and she believes that everyone has a math brain. She is trained in the Cognitively Guided Instruction math approach which she will be using during her camps.
Camps in August 2021
Creeks and Parks Camp
August 2-6
Rising 4th- 8th graders
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location: Rainbow Community School, 6th Grade Classroom
Camp Cost: $285
Led by Mark Strazzer
Description
Come dressed to splash around in water and get dirty! Each day campers will visit a park and a water spot. The first part of the day camper will explore the various parks offering around Asheville. Then the campers will play in the water and will end the day with some fellowship and fun on Rainbow’s amazing playground. We will visit Hominy Creek, Jones Park, The Botanical Gardens, Fletcher Park, and many more! Students must wear shoes in the water and it is recommended they bring a change of clothes.
About the Instructor
Mark is Rainbow’s beloved P.E. teacher. During the school year Mark explores a variety of sports, fitness activities, and mind/body awareness activities. He teaches his students to be respectful athletes and mindful participants. This teaching philosophy translates into all his educational experiences. Mark graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in Health and Physical Education and holds a Master’s in Health Education from East Carolina University. He has taught both middle and elementary health and physical education since 2002 in Asheville, NC. In his free time, Mark stays active. He is part of a community garden, he enjoys bike riding, is a two-time ultimate frisbee world champion, loves getting on the river and spending time with his daughter and his pup!
Creature Powers Camp: SOLD OUT!!!
August 2-6
Rising K- 3rd Graders
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Rainbow Community School, 1st Grade Classroom
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!
Register for Summer Camp
Please fill out this form to register for camp. Registration is not complete until you reach the summer camp confirmation page. All fields marked with a * are required.