Lab School

Summer Programs 2026

Each summer, the Lab School offers an array of summer programs meant to inspire. Our programs are designed for children ages 3 through 7 years. We hope your child will join us!

Teacher guides students through the woods outside at the UD Lab School

All About Adventure Week 1 (Ages 4.5 – 7 years) – Fishing and Wildlife

Are you ready for a summer of discovery? Our All About Adventure Camp is designed for curious minds who love to get their hands dirty, ask big questions, and explore the great outdoors. From the quiet shadows of the woods to the splashing fun of the creek, every day is a new adventure!

“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” — John Muir

This camp is a playful, hands-on program designed especially for curious explorers ages 4.5 to 7 years. Each week invites children to learn through outdoor discovery, creative projects, stories, and games that spark imagination and build confidence. Every week features a new adventure theme.

Week 1: Fishing and Wildlife
Campers dive into the world of animals and ecosystems as they learn about fish, birds, and local wildlife. Through nature walks, simple fishing concepts, crafts, and games, children discover how animals live, what they eat, and how we can care for their habitats.

Led by the Lab School teachers: Kristen Chandler & Alexis Washofsky

Dates: May 18 – May 22

Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Cost: $395

All About Adventure Week 2 (Ages 4.5-7 years) – Architecture and Design

“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” — John Muir

Week 2: Architecture and Design

Young builders and designers explore how structures are imagined and created. Campers experiment with shapes, balance, and materials while designing buildings, bridges, and shelters using hands-on activities that encourage creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Led by the Lab School teachers: Kristen Chandler, Alexis Washofsky & Katie Pollock

Dates: May 26 – May 29

Hours: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Cost: $315

I Can Be Mindful WITH Nature (Ages 3–5 years)

“One of the first conditions of happiness is that the link between man and nature shall not be broken.” Leo Tolstoy – Russian Writer

Mindfulness is the practice of bringing awareness, moment to moment, to our feelings, our thoughts, and our bodies with kindness and curiosity. Mindfulness has been shown to improve happiness and to increase compassion, focus, curiosity, and empathy! Spending time in nature enhances growth and development in all domains. Nature also teaches us how to be curious, to wonder, and to look closer. This I Can Be Mindful WITH Nature summer program brings these two powerful practices together to support children’s well-being.

Children enrolled in this summer program will spend time both outside and inside observing, encountering, wondering, creating, and caring for the natural world. Through these experiences, coupled with mindful practices, songs, stories, movement, and games, children will strengthen their ability to be mindful. Special focus will be placed on supporting children to notice their thoughts, their feelings, and sensations (belly fluttering, chest tightening, heart racing, fist clenching). When we notice and name our sensations, our feelings, our thoughts, and our needs, they become more manageable, which makes it easier to respond effectively to challenging situations. By focusing on these skills with young children, we help them establish the emotional foundation that is needed to thrive in a diverse, ever-changing, and sometimes stressful world.

Led by the Lab School teachers: Laura Morris, Polly Lung & Debbie Torbert

Dates: May 26 – June 12

Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Cost: $1100

All About Adventure Week 3 (Ages 4.5-7 years) – Parks and Paths

“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” — John Muir

Week 3: Parks and Paths

This week focuses on outdoor exploration and community spaces. Campers learn about parks, trails, and pathways while enjoying scavenger hunts, map-making, movement games, and nature-based art. Children discover how paths connect people and places and why green spaces matter.

Led by the Lab School teachers: Kristen Chandler, Alexis Washofsky & Katie Pollock

Dates: June 1 – June 5

Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Cost: $395

All About Adventure Week 4 (Ages 4.5-7 years) – Hunters and Gatherers – Camp is FULL (waitlist only)

“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” — John Muir

Week 4: Hunters and Gatherers

Campers will blend the ancient art of foraging with modern creative expression, turning the forest floor into a boundless art supply store. Children will learn to “hunt” for natural treasures—from textured bark and sun-bleached stones to vibrant fallen leaves and sturdy twigs—learning about the local ecosystem as they gather. This camp fosters fine motor skills, spatial reasoning, and a deep environmental stewardship. By interacting directly with raw materials, children develop a sense of resourcefulness and a lasting connection to the natural world.

Led by the Lab School teachers: Kristen Chandler, Alexis Washofsky & Katie Pollock

Dates: June 8 – June 12

Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Cost: $395

To register, complete the form below (one per child). Once we receive your child’s registration, we will provide you with the camp enrollment agreement along with deposit/payment information. You will be responsible for returning the agreement and a non-refundable deposit of $275 (per camp) within 48 hours of receipt. Camps must be paid in full by May 1st. Payment can be made by check (payable to the UD Lab School) or by paying online.

Child's Name * Required
Child's Date of Birth * Required
MM slash DD slash YYYY
Sex * Required
- Male
- Female
Choose a camp (you may choose more than one camp as long as the dates do not overlap) * Required
- All About Adventure - Week 1 (4.5-7 years) May 18-May 22
- All About Adventure - Week 2 (4.5-7 years) May 26-May 29
- All About Adventure - Week 3 (4.5-7 years) June 1-June 5
- WAITLIST - All About Adventure - Week 4 (4.5-7 years) June 8-June 12
- Mindfulness (3-5 years) May 26-June 12
Is there anything you would like us to know about your child?
Parent(s)/ Guardian(s) Name(s) * Required
Address * Required
Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code
Phone Number * Required
Email Address * Required