Summer Enrichment Experiences
IU13 offers challenges, learning, and fun through its summer enrichment experiences for students. Each opportunity requires teamwork, flexibility, and social interaction on the part of the participant.
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Check out this video of clips from past years to see how students are challenged and have fun at IU13 Summer Enrichment Experiences!
Below are the 2023 Summer Enrichment Experiences offered by IU13. We are looking forward to more fun and learning this summer.
Survival in the Wilderness: Challenge Accepted!
Who can attend: Students entering Grades 5 through 8 in Fall 2023
Limit: 20 participants
A Three-Day Experience: Tuesday-Thursday, June 27-29, 2023
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Tuition: $175.00 per child
Location: Lancaster County Central Park, Pavilion #11, 733 Williamson Rd., Lancaster, PA
Registration Deadline: June 23, 2023
This 3-day experience has become an annual favorite for campers as they experience fresh air and exercise out in the woods. Join Naturalist Lisa J. Sanchez and IU13 staff at Lancaster County Park’s Pavilion #11 and learn survival skills in the wilds of Lancaster County. The important things in a survival situation are food, water, shelter, and fire; we will explore all of these. As part of a team, you will have the opportunity to build a shelter and a fire. You will also gather food and water from a variety of locations in the woods and learn if they would be safe to eat in a survival situation. You will also practice the vital skills of teamwork, problem-solving, and collaboration! To have a great day outside, please dress for the weather and bring a water bottle. Arrive ready to meet new people and work effectively to face challenges as they are presented.
NOTE: Dress for the weather and outdoor exploration. Sturdy, comfortable shoes that can get DIRTY are required – no flip flops. We will be outdoors or under a covered outdoor pavilion all day.
Learn more here:
- Survival in the Wilderness Summer Experience 2023 flyer
- Register here by June 8, 2023
- Lancaster County Department of Recreation Waiver – required
Questions:
- Email: enrichment@iu13.org
- Call IU13 Gifted Education and Enrichment Services: 717-606-1732
Game Building Through Block Coding with Ozobots and Spheros
Who can attend: Students entering Grades 4 through 7 in Fall 2023
Limit: 20 participants
An All-Day Experience: Thursday, July 13, 2023
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Tuition: $55.00 per child
Location: The Conference and Training Center at IU13, Burle Business Park, 1020 New Holland Avenue, Lancaster, PA
Registration Deadline: June 29, 2023
Summer is a perfect time to have fun making new friends while building computational thinking skills and learning how to use block coding with Ozobots and Spheros! With guidance from the IU13 Student Services staff, led by Judy Trusz, campers will use coding to create games while they connect with others who love technology. Because pair coding is valuable and fun, campers will work together to modify and create gaming programs during this highly interactive session. Enrollment is limited – register right away.
Learn more here:
Questions:
- Email: enrichment@iu13.org
- Call IU13 Gifted Education and Enrichment Services: 717-606-1732
Chess Exploration: Choices, Pawn-chains, and Checkmates
Who can attend: Students entering Grades 3 through 6 in Fall 2023
Limit: 20 participants (Waitlist Registration Available)
An All-Day Experience: Thursday, July 27, 2023
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Tuition: $55.00 per child
Location: The Conference and Training Center at IU13, Burle Business Park, 1020 New Holland Avenue, Lancaster, PA
Registration Deadline: July 13, 2023
Are you looking for a great way to enjoy summer vacation and learn things you can practice for years to come? Have you played in the Lancaster-Lebanon Elementary Chess Tournament and want to improve your game for next year? Or do you want to fine-tune your thinking by learning new strategies and changing the way you look at the board? If any of these sound good to you, come join us at IU13 for this summer chess experience! Working with Mr. Jason Shugar, a K-6 STEM specialist and elementary chess coach from Eastern Lancaster County School District, you will build self-confidence, analyze possibilities, solve problems, and discover new approaches in the game of chess. Whether you are new to the game or have experience, you will enjoy time with fellow chess players and build your skills to take your game to a new level. Join us for this day filled with strategy, concentration, competition, and fun. Space is limited so register today!
Learn more here:
Questions:
- Email: enrichment@iu13.org
- Call IU13 Gifted Education and Enrichment Services: 717-606-1732
Jump In! The Science and Fun of Water
Who can attend: Students entering Grades 4 through 7 in Fall 2023
Limit: 20 participants
A Three-Day Experience: Tuesday-Thursday, August 8-10, 2023
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Tuition: $175.00 per child
Location: Lancaster County Central Park, Pavilion #11, 733 Williamson Rd., Lancaster, PA
Registration Deadline: July 20, 2023
Do you like exploring creeks, wetlands, or rivers? Do you like hiking and discovering wildlife in an outdoor environment? Do you like drawing, painting, and writing about what you see in nature? If so, this summer enrichment experience is for you! Take a break from the summer heat and spend a few refreshing days with Lancaster County Park naturalist Lisa J. Sanchez and IU13 staff members. Each day will be spent investigating and experiencing the science of water. By “jumping in,” you will see the connection between water and the living organisms on our planet. You can touch the critters living in the water, dissect plants, learn how to keep our water clean, and use paints and natural dyes to document discoveries. When summer temperatures rise, water offers fun, cool refreshment, and awesome opportunities for scientific discovery.
NOTE: Dress for the weather and outdoor exploration, including a river study. Water shoes or old sneakers will be required in the river – no flip flops, please. We will be outdoors or under a covered outdoor pavilion all day.
Learn more here:
- Jump In Summer Enrichment Experience 2023 Flyer
- Register here by July 20, 2023
- Lancaster County Department of Recreation Waiver – required
Questions:
- Email: enrichment@iu13.org
- Call IU13 Gifted Education and Enrichment Services: 717-606-1732
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers (high school students entering Grades 10-12 or college students) are needed for the three-day outdoor enrichment experiences at Lancaster County Central Park. Click here if you are interested in completing an online volunteer application. Current clearances are required and must be on file at IU13.
Enrichment Experience Refund/Cancellation Policies
- IU13 reserves the right to cancel any enrichment experience if there is inadequate enrollment. A full refund will be given.
In the event you cancel your child’s registration, refunds are defined below:
- Notice of cancellation must be submitted to IU13 in writing.
- A full refund will be given if cancellation is received before the registration deadline.
- A refund for cancellation after the registration deadline has passed will be at the discretion of IU13.
- Please allow 4-6 weeks to receive your refund.