Experience Education

Summer Programs

Learning and Exploration

Your summer adventure awaits at The Bush School. We are excited to welcome campers for a range of summer classes and camps for students entering Kindergarten - Grade 12. Bush summer camps are open to the greater community, welcoming students from beyond Bush to enjoy summer on one or both of our two campuses in Seattle, Washington and the Methow Valley in Mazama, Washington.

Seattle Campus Summer Programs

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  • Camp Galileo

    The Bush School welcomes back Camp Galileo to its campus this summer for the third year in a row! Galileo engages every kid with hands-on projects that teach design-thinking and problem-solving skills, all wrapped in big summer fun. Energetic, inclusive staff and world-class curriculum make for a summer kids love. Camp Galileo has been providing decades of fun for campers at 70+ locations in California, D.C., Chicago, and Denver. The Bush School is Camp Galileo’s first Seattle location. 

    Summer 2024 Information

    Dates
    : Monday, June 24 to Friday, August 9.

    ENROLL NOW >> Click here to register or call 800-854-3684. 

    Questions: For questions related to enrollment, parents/guardians can email at: info@galileo-learning.com or call 1-800-854-3684. 
  • Debate Camp

    Summer 2024 Information

    New this year for our Bush Summer Programs, we are welcoming Debate Camp for two sessions held Monday, July 8 through Friday, July 19. This five-day program teaches and develops student-skills in parliamentary debate, public speaking, and global awareness. Individuals work in teams of two to generate ideas in support of, or in refutation to a selection of debatable topics (new each day). This program is designed for students entering Fifth through Tenth Grade who are curious about debate and want to explore something new. No prior experience is necessary. 

    Click here to enroll today!
  • Bush Blazer Athletics

    The Blazers Summer Athletic Camps focus on teaching and developing fundamental technical and tactical sports skills in a fun and challenging atmosphere. Participants are able to apply the experience they gain to their participation in recreational, club and/or interscholastic sports teams.

    Our experienced and qualified coaches will utilize age-appropriate coaching methods which aim to teach offensive and defensive skills, team strategies and mental aspects such as teamwork, leadership, confidence and fair play. Following the Blazers Athletic philosophy, coaches will encourage campers to work hard and to improve various aspects of their game while developing a love for the sport. All levels are welcome! 

    Ultimate Frisbee
    Lead Instructor: Kate Kingery
    Dates:  Monday, June 17 - Friday, June 21 (no camp on Juneteenth - Wednesday, June 19)
    Age: Sixth - Twelfth Grade
    # of Days: Four 
    Time*: 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
    *Schedule Options:  
    Full Day: Grades Sixth-Eighth: 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
    Half Day (Morning): Grades Sixth-Eighth: 9:00 a.m.-Noon
    Half Day (Morning): Grades Ninth-Twelfth: 9:00 a.m.-Noon
    Half Day (Afternoon): Grades Sixth-Eighth: 12:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
    Location: Washington Park
    # of students: Twenty-five (minimum) / Sixty (maximum) 
    Cost: $215 (Half Day); $400 (Full Day)

    Notes:
    • All campers receive a camp shirt and a disc
    • Athletic Trainer coverage provided throughout the camp
    • Please bring cleats, a water bottle, a snack (half day camps) / packed lunch (full day camp), and sunscreen
    • Participants need to be dropped off and picked up at Washington Park

    Soccer (all genders)
    Lead Instructor: Marcelino Dumpit Jr and Amelia Wells 
    Dates:  Monday, June 17 - Friday, June 21 (no camp on Juneteenth - Wednesday, June 19)
    Age: Second - Fifth Grade
    # of Days: Four
    Time: 9:00 a.m. - Noon
    Location: Bush Turf Field
    # of students: Eighteen (minimum) / Forty-two(maximum)
    Cost: $215

    Notes:
    • All campers receive a camp t-shirt and a soccer ball
    • Athletic Trainer coverage provided throughout the camp
    • Please bring soccer cleats, a water bottle, sun screen, and a snack 
    • Participants need to be dropped off and picked up at the Bush Turf Field
    Boys Basketball
    Lead Instructors: Ben Scheffler 
    Dates:  Monday, June 17 - Friday, June 21 (no camp on Juneteenth - Wednesday, June 19)
    Age: Sixth - Eighth Grade
    # of Days: Four 
    Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Location: The Bush School, Schuchart Gym
    # of students: Eighteen (minimum) / Forty-two (maximum) 
    Cost: $215

    Notes:
    • All campers receive a camp shirt and a basketball
    • Athletic Trainer coverage provided throughout the camp
    • Please bring indoor basketball shoes, a water bottle, and a snack
    • Participants need to be dropped off and picked up at Schuchart Gym
    Girls Basketball
    Lead Instructor: Sekou Rolland
    Dates:  Monday, June 24-Thursday, June 27 
    Age: Sixth - Eighth Grade
    # of Days: Four 
    Time: 9:00 a.m. - Noon
    Location: The Bush School, Schuchart Gym
    # of students: Eighteen (minimum) / Forty-two (maximum)
    Cost: $215

    Notes:
    • All campers receive a camp shirt and a basketball
    • Athletic Trainer coverage provided throughout the camp
    • Please bring indoor basketball shoes, a water bottle, and a snack
    • Participants need to be dropped off and picked up at Schuchart Gym
    Tennis (all genders)
    Lead Instructor: Bradie Ferguson
    Dates: Monday, June 24-Thursday, June 27
    Age:  Sixth and Eighth Grade
    # of Days: Four 
    Time: 9:00 a.m. - Noon
    Location: Local outdoor tennis courts - specific location will be communicated with participating families leading up to the camp.
    # of students: Eighteen (minimum) / Twenty-four (maximum)
    Cost: $215

    Notes:
    • All campers receive a camp t-shirt 
    • Athletic Trainer coverage provided throughout the camp
    • Please bring tennis shoes, a water bottle, sun screen, and a snack 
    • Participants need to be dropped off and picked up at camp location
    Girls Volleyball
    Lead Instructors: Bradie Ferguson
    Dates:  Monday, June 24-Thursday, June 27 
    Age: Sixth - Eighth Grade
    # of Days: Four 
    Time: 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
    Location: The Bush School, Schuchart Gym
    # of students: Eighteen (minimum) / Forty-two (maximum)
    Cost: $215

    Notes:
    • All campers receive a camp t-shirt and a volleyball
    • Athletic Trainer coverage provided throughout the camp
    • Please bring indoor volleyball shoes, a water bottle, and a snack
    • Participants need to be dropped off and picked up at Schuchart Gym
  • Arts Programs - New this Year!

    Upper School Vocal Camp: Radiohead Choir 
    Instructor: hannah ramone
    Date:  July 29 - August 2
    Age: Ninth - Twelfth Grade
    # of Days: Five Days
    Time: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (break for lunch)
    Location: In-person at The Bush School Seattle Campus
    # of students: Ten min / Forty max
    Cost: $450

    Description:  What better than to spend a week learning to sing Radiohead songs in a group? Learn vocal skills that strengthen your rock vocal power and tone with Thom Yorke as our vocal guide. We use songs from all across  their catalog like: “Creep,” “Everything in its Right Place,” “Climbing up the Walls,” “Karma Police,” “All I Need,” “ Paranoid Android,” “Videotape,” and other student favorites. At the end of the week, the choir will perform their selections for a concert for family and friends. (Interested in playing the music for the choir? We need musicians too! ) For all identities and skill-levels. 

    Middle School Vocal Camp: Tegan and Sara Choir 
    Instructor: hannah ramone
    Date:  July 1- 3, July 5
    Age: Sixth - Eighth  Grade
    # of Days: Four 
    Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (break for lunch)
    Location: In-person at The Bush School Seattle Campus
    # of students: Ten min / Forty max
    Cost: $360

    Description:  Spend a week singing together with friends!  Learn to use your vocal skills that strengthen your vocal power and tone with indie-pop artists Tegan and Sara as our vocal guides. We use songs from all across their catalog like:” Walking with a Ghost,” “So Jealous,” “The Con,” “ Arrow,” “Alligator,” “I can’t grow up,” “Goodbye, Goodbye,”  and other student-selected favorites.  At the end of the week, the choir will perform their selections for a concert for family and friends. For all identities and skill-levels.
  • Upper School Academic Classes

    Writing the College Essay
    Instructors: Jasminé Smith and Dana Perkins (Weeks one and two), Brooks Teevan (Week three)
    Dates:  Three week long sessions / Five courses total
    • Monday, July 29 - Friday, August 2
    • Monday, August 5 – Friday, August 9
    • Monday, August 12 – Friday, August 16
    Age: For rising Twelfth Grade students only
    # of Days: Five days per session
    Time: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (break for lunch)
    Location: In-person at The Bush School 
    # of students: Thirteen per session / Fifty-two total
    Cost: $845

    Description: This one-week course for rising seniors explores the writing portions of the college application process. Hands-on and fast-paced, Writing the College Essay helps students craft  a compelling personal narrative of who they are with both joy and authenticity.
     
    By the end of the course you will:
    • Analyze the nuances of the Common Application personal essay and college supplements
    • Be able to edit your own and others’ work for topic, form, and voice
    • Complete an edited draft of the Common App personal statement
    • Begin brainstorming ideas for, and draft at least one, college supplement
    Notes: Students receive two personal writing assignments from their teachers in July that they must complete prior to the first day of class. In addition, students must bring a computer to each class session and should expect to write both in class and at home throughout the course of the week. This class is offered three times in July and August, and students should sign up for one week only. Please note that financial aid is available to current Bush students who receive financial aid for tuition for this course. Please see the Financial Aid section for more information. 

    Geometry
    Instructors: Karen Landen
    Dates:  Monday, June 17 - Friday, July 12 (No class on July 4 or June 19)
    Age: Ninth through Twelfth Grade, open to all students
    # of Days: Eighteen
    Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
    Location: In-person at The Bush School 
    Cost: $1650
    # of students: Seventeen
    Prerequisite: Students who have completed Algebra

    Description: This is an intensive course designed to present the major topics of a geometry course with practice problems that lead to fluency. Emphasis is on relationships among spatial constructs, algebraic applications and using deductive reasoning for proof. This course can serve as a student’s
    comprehensive study of geometry at the high school level or prepare students for a more in-depth
    examination of a full-year geometry class. Enrollment in this class does not imply placement in Introductory Calculus in the coming academic year. This decision is made through a placement test and in consultation with the Department Chair at the conclusion of the summer course.
     
    Introductory Calculus
    Instructor: Alban Howe
    Dates:  Monday, June 17 - Friday, July 12 (No class on July 4 or June 19)
    Age: Ninth through Twelfth Grade, open to all students
    # of Days: Eighteen
    Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
    Location: In-person at The Bush School 
    Cost: $1650
    # of students: Seventeen
    Prerequisite: Math Analysis or equivalent Pre-Calculus course

    Description: This course synthesizes a wide array of previous math experiences. Among other topics, this class introduces polar and parametric equations, vectors, difference equations, and logistic functions. Concepts introduced in Math Analysis are refined, broadened, and extended. Through graphic, numerical, and algebraic points of view, the groundwork is laid for a formal development of rates of change and limits of infinite sums. Enrollment in this class does not imply placement in Advanced Calculus in the coming academic year. Enrollment in this class does not imply placement in Introductory Calculus in the coming academic year. This decision is made through a placement test and in consultation with the Department Chair at the conclusion of the summer course.
     
    Math Analysis
    Instructors: Alban Howe
    Dates:  Monday, June 17 - Friday, July 12 (No class on July 4 or June 19)
    Age: Ninth through Twelfth Grade, open to all students
    # of Days: Eighteen
    Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
    Location: In-person at The Bush School
    Cost: $1650
    # of students: Seventeen
    Prerequisite: Advanced Algebra and Geometry

    Description: This course integrates an analysis of data with a formal development of functions encompassed by real-world applications. The students’ study of data motivates the need to develop an understanding of functions in order to model variable relationships. Many families of functions are investigated including exponential, inverse, logarithmic, and trigonometric. In addition, the students continue their study of sequences by examining series. The students are introduced to probability concepts and data analysis tools as well. Graphing calculators and other technology are heavily utilized to allow students to make connections between graphical and analytical approaches. Enrollment in this class does not imply placement in Introductory Calculus in the coming academic year. This decision is made through a placement test and in consultation with the Department Chair at the conclusion of the summer course.
     
    Pre-Season Writing
    Instructor: Sarah Cohen
    Dates:  August 5 - 16
    Age: Ninth and Tenth Grade
    # of Days: Ten
    Time: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
    Location: In-person at The Bush School 
    Cost: $650
    # of students: Fourteen

    Description: The transition into high school is an important one. This class will help students manage this transition by preparing them to write at a high school level. Students in the Pre-Season Writing course will have a chance to brush up on techniques they may not have used much during the summer. Drafting and gathering feedback on writing in a helpful workshop atmosphere allows students to combine the serious purpose of building stronger skills with the fun of working together. The goal is to have students enter their high school year with a sharpened sense of how to write well at this level. This course focuses on three areas of preparation: approaching writing assignments, generating ideas, and reviewing the basics.
     
    Approaching writing assignments: How to "receive" an assignment, understand what is being asked, break it down into manageable chunks, and do the assignment in an efficient, timely, and effective manner.
     
    Generating ideas, or brainstorming: How to develop a simple idea into a complex nuanced argument, how to narrow a broad idea into a focused topic, and how to write a strong thesis statement.
     
    Reviewing the basics: writing strong, varied sentences; focused, complete, and concise paragraphs; and logical, tightly organized essays. Attention will be given to grammar, mechanics, spelling, and vocabulary in context.
  • Upper School Robotics

    Robotics
    Instructor: TBD
    Dates: Two Sessions, pick one or both!
    • Week 1: Monday August 5 – August 9: design and prototype
    • Week 2: Monday August 12 -  August 16: build and test
    Age: Ninth through Twelfth Grade, open to all Upper School students
    # of Days: Five days per session
    Time: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
    Location: In-person at The Bush School Seattle Campus
    Cost: $450
    # of students: Four to Ten
     
    Description: Are you interested in Robotics Club — or already in it? We’re inviting all levels, from beginners to experienced engineers and coders, to join us for the annual summer design/build series.
     
    Competitive robotics is rapidly gaining popularity in the Seattle area. Maintaining Bush Robotics as a team to be reckoned with depends on plenty of time to design and build — oh, and to get it wrong, too. Iteration and testing is what this class is all about. Since robotics contests start early in the fall, let’s get a jump on your designs.
     
    These summer workshops are about your ideas and ambitions. The Vex Robotics platform has become ever more exciting as they’ve added all manner of sensors, including vision, inertial, and even GPS. The Bush Robotics team has a history of thinking differently about how to approach each game, and we’ve built an inviting creation lab for whatever you can scheme up.
     
    Join us for one or more iterations in this series of design/build sessions. Even if you can’t make all of them, you can still have a big impact on the final robot and a hand in elevating Bush Robotics.
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Financial Aid for Summer Programs
There is limited financial aid available for Bush Summer Programs upon request for Bush Upper School students who receive financial aid for tuition. For more information on financial aid coverage for Bush Summer Programs, please contact Director of Enrollment Management Adam Choice at adam.choice@bush.edu.

Methow Valley Campus Summer Programs

Your summer adventure awaits at The Bush School Methow Valley Campus! The Bush School offers local summer programming in the Methow Valley to provide children ages seven to fourteen the opportunity to learn new skills as well as the opportunity to explore the Methow’s environment, history, and culture. 

Each camp is led by experienced instructors. Camps are based out of The Bush School Methow Valley Campus in Mazama, Washington, and often venture to destinations around the Methow Valley to explore and participate in a variety of activities. Campers can expect to be outside in any weather, and be active and engaged. Please note, we will only offer transportation from Seattle and overnight accommodation at the Methow Campus for the College Essay Course. All others are day only.

Each day camp runs Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Campers are required to bring their own lunch and water bottles. Snacks will be provided. For day campers, there will be an optional bus each morning and afternoon that shuttles students to/from the Methow Campus and the Winthrop Barn. There is also a MVSD bus to take students between TwispWorks and the Winthrop Barn if needed.

List of 3 items.

  • The Bush School Discovery Day Camp

    Dates: two sessions
    Monday, July 8 - Friday, July 12
    Monday, July 15 - Friday, July 19
    Location:  The Bush School Methow Campus, 225 Lost River Rd, Mazama WA, 98833
    Times: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
    Ages: Seven to ten years-old
    Cost: $280
    Transportation: 8:30 a.m. drop-off and 3:30 p.m. pick-up at the Winthrop Barn

    Description:  In a week of outdoor exploration and artistic expression, students will discover the magical secrets of the woods and waters around The Bush School’s Methow Campus. Using all of their senses and a variety of tools, students will develop naturalist skills, play games, and create art from and inspired by nature. Highlights could include building forts in the woods, learning to identify plants and insects, pressing flowers, cooking delicious snacks, and creating self-portraits from found materials.  Friendships will develop and grow as students share feelings, ideas, and new experiences  in a nurturing environment with caring instructors. Join us for a week of outdoor exploration, creativity, and summer fun!

    Snacks and transportation provided each day.
  • The Bush School Adventure & Leadership Day Camp

    Dates: two sessions
    Monday, July 8 - Friday, July 12
    Monday, July 15 - Friday, July 19
    Location:  Methow Valley Bush Campus, 225 Lost River Rd, Mazama WA, 98833
    Times: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
    Ages: 11-14 years-old
    Cost: $280
    Transportation:  8:30 a.m. drop-off and 3:30 p.m. pick-up at the Winthrop Barn

    Description: This adventure and leadership camp will provide students with an opportunity to engage with a variety of outdoor activities while honing their leadership and teambuilding skills. Students will explore the landscape of the Methow Valley in a variety of ways whether it be on foot, on bikes, or on the water. They will learn outdoor skills such as building shelters, outdoor cooking, and navigation, and they will have the opportunity to practice their leadership skills by holding different leadership roles over the course of the week. While the days will be action-packed and full of adventure, students will also have time to appreciate their surroundings and reflect on their experiences through creative projects such as watercolor, sculpture building, and nature journaling. 

    Snacks and transportation provided each day.
  • College Essay Writing Retreat - Mazama OVERNIGHT

    Instructors: Jasminé Smith and Hilary Kaltenbach 
    Residential Life: TBA
    Dates:  June 24 - June 28 (overnight, transportation from Seattle included)
    Age: For rising Twelfth Grade students only
    # of Days: Five 
    Location: Methow Valley Bush Campus, 225 Lost River Rd, Mazama WA, 98833
    # of students: Twenty students Seattle Overnight  / Ten Local Day
    Cost: $1,500

    Write your college essay in the beautiful landscape of the Methow Valley! This one-week writing retreat tackles the writing portions of the college application process, as well as offering day hikes and Methow excursions. Through activities and focused feedback, the College Essay Methow Retreat will help you tell your best story and present colleges with an engaging portrait of who you are. Best of all, you are able to fully focus on your work and take breaks to enjoy our amazing Methow Campus and surrounding community. This course covers the same material as the Seattle-based Writing the College Essay class, and students should not register for both.
     
    By the end of the course you will:
    ●  Understand the components of a strong college admissions essay
    ●  Analyze the nuances of the Common Application personal essay and college specific supplemental questions
    ●  Be able to edit your own and others’ work for topic, form, and voice
    ●  Complete an edited draft of a Common App personal essay and college supplement
    ●  Explore other written elements of college applications, including the “Additional Information” and “Activities” sections
    ●  Feel relaxed and rejuvenated from your time in the Methow
     
    You should expect to write for several sessions during the day and for at least thirty minutes each evening.  We are staying in the lodge on campus and cooking our meals as a group. Transportation to and from Bush is  provided.  Please bring paper and writing utensils as well as a laptop. Before this class, students must have identified at least one college that they intend to apply to that requires a supplemental essay.
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For questions about Bush Methow Valley Campus Summer Programs, email summerprograms@bush.edu.
The Bush School is an independent, coeducational day school located in Seattle, WA enrolling 715 students in grades K–12. The mission of The Bush School is to spark in students of diverse backgrounds and talents a passion for learning, accomplishment, and contribution to their communities.

3400 East Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98112    (206) 322-7978
The Bush School does not discriminate in matters of employment, recruitment, admissions, or administration of any of its programs on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, gender, or sexual orientation. In addition, The Bush School does not discriminate in matters of employment on the basis of age or marital status.
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