Arizona’s hot summers often keep students looking for ways to stay cool. For the first time, Xavier is opening its gates to 5th-8th graders interested in an early peek into a day at Xavier.
This year Xavier is introducing a summer enrichment program for elementary school students. From athletic and artistic to academic pursuits, campers will be able to enjoy sessions on campus. The enrichment program will be offered to both female and male students.
While this program has been floating around for a while, principal Brittany Ecker and president Sister Joan Ftizgerald have worked alongside faculty to make it happen this year.
“It’s something that has been talked about for a while because we know it is a need in the community,” said Ecker.
Assistant to the principal and president Tara Metzger has been communicating with local middle schools to spread the word about the program. “We are welcoming everybody and we are excited because we are planning a whole lot of fun,” Metzger said.
Brophy’s summer program is often full, leaving many students waitlisted or eventually declined due to lack of spots. Fortunately, these students will now have another option at Xavier.
Members of Xavier’s National Honor Society are encouraged to volunteer as camp leaders. This volunteer work will count toward NHS hour requirements as well as the Christian Service hours required for all juniors. Metzger, NHS moderator, is excited about the bridge between younger students and high school volunteers.
“The academic classes will focus on HSPT (High School Placement Test) preparation, but everything else will be fun classes, such as sports, dance or drama,” said Metzger.
Xavier faculty will be teaching a majority of the classes. One standout opportunity is the historical culinary course taught by Stephanie Brugger ‘91.
Brugger is a knowledgeable freshwoman World History teacher, “but she also loves to cook and has experience in ethnic cooking,” said Fitzgerald. This unique intersection of history and kitchen skills will bridge to provide students with knowledge on international cuisine and the history behind it.
Noah Minton, theology teacher and campus minister, previously taught art before moving to Xavier to focus on theology. His background in portrait drawing is perfect for his art session this summer.
Elementary students will not be required to wear a Xavier uniform of any kind. Xavier will be providing campers with a “camp shirt” but it is optional to wear.
This camp will be held in two sessions, A and B, with different time slots. Session A will be June 2-June 13 and Session B will be June 16-June 27, with a holiday break for Juneteenth.
Other classes offered this summer will be esports, dance, drama, sports, sewing, and creative games, to name a few.
Although Xavier summer school courses for enrolled students will be occurring simultaneously with this camp, Xavier has planned to ensure traffic and parking will run smoothly.
“I can see the program progressing. It will grow as we go on,” Fitzgerald said.
Any interested middle school students can find up-to-date information about enrolling on Xavier’s website and social media pages.
