The Bush School
Student Life

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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  • Bush Blazer Athletics

    The Blazers Summer Athletic Camps focus on teaching and developing fundamental technical and tactical sports skills in a fun, inclusive, and challenging environment. Participants can apply their experience to recreational, club, and interscholastic sports teams.

    Our experienced and qualified coaches use age-appropriate methods to teach sport-specific skills, team strategies, and the mental aspects of the game, including teamwork, leadership, confidence, and fair play. In line with the Blazers Athletic philosophy, coaches encourage campers to work hard, improve various aspects of their game, and develop a love for the sport. 

    Blazers Athletic Camps are open to student-athletes of all experience levels and to both Bush and non-Bush students. These camps offer a great opportunity to invite friends who do not attend Bush to experience our summer programs and expert coaching.

    While some camps are offered separately for boys and girls, students of all gender identities are welcome to participate. The Athletic Department is committed to working collaboratively with each family to determine the best options for each student-athlete’s journey.

    NEW THIS YEAR: 
    • Tennis has been added to the slate of Blazers Athletic Camp offerings and will take place Monday, June 22 - Thursday, June 25. Following the same format and philosophy described above, Blazers Varsity Tennis Head Coach Cara Holloway will provide campers in Grades 6-8 with the opportunity to develop their tennis skills in a fun, inclusive, and appropriately challenging learning environment.
    • Don’t miss the Grade 6-12 Blazers Basketball Skills Camp, taking place Wednesday, July 29 through Friday, July 31. Building on the foundation of our regular basketball camps, the Blazers Basketball Skills Development Camp provides players with focused, individual skill instruction. Blazers Varsity Basketball Head Coach Alex Piggott will provide student-athletes with dedicated time and attention to focus on advanced fundamental development beyond what is typically possible during the regular season.
    ____________________________________________

    Ultimate Frisbee (Sixth-Twelfth Grade, All Genders)

    Lead Instructor: Max Bommarito (Bush Boys and Girls Varsity Ultimate Head Coach)
    Dates:  Monday, June 15 - Thursday, June 18 
    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.-12:30 p.m.
      • Half Day (Morning): Grades Ninth-Twelfth: 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
      • Half Day (Afternoon): Grades Sixth-Eighth: 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
    Location: Washington Park Playfield
    # of students: Twenty-five (minimum); sixty (maximum) 
    Cost: $220 (Half Day); $415 (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
    • For campers who enroll in the morning Ultimate Camp and the afternoon Girls Basketball Camp:
      • Coaches will walk campers to The Bush School campus at the conclusion of Ultimate Camp and campers must be picked up at Schuchart Gym


    Basketball Second-Fifth Grade (All Genders)

    Lead Instructor: Alex Piggott (Bush Boys Varsity Basketball Head Coach)
    Dates:  Monday, June 15 - Thursday, June 18 
    Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 
    Location: The Bush School, Schuchart Gym
    # of students: Eighteen (minimum); Forty-two (maximum) 
    Cost: $220

    Notes:
    • Campers will focus on fundamental basketball skill development 
    • 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
    • For campers who enroll in the morning Basketball Camp and the afternoon Soccer Camp:
      • Please bring a packed lunch 
      • Coaches will walk campers to Washington Park at the conclusion of Basketball Camp. Campers must be picked up at Washington Park.


    Soccer Second-Fifth Grade (All Genders)

    Lead Instructor: Marcelino Dumpit Jr (Bush Boys and Girls Varsity Soccer Head Coach) 
    Dates:  Monday, June 15 - Thursday, June 18
    Time: 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
    Location: Washington Park Playfield 
    # of students: Eighteen (minimum);  Forty-two (maximum)
    Cost: $220

    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 Washington Park Playfield. 
    • For campers who enroll in the morning Basketball Camp and the afternoon Soccer Camp:
      • Please bring a packed lunch 
      • Coaches will walk campers to Washington Park at the conclusion of Basketball Camp. Campers must be picked up at Washington Park


    Girls Basketball Sixth-Eighth Grade

    Lead Instructor: Bea Chang (Bush Girls Varsity Basketball Head Coach)
    Dates:  Monday, June 15 - Thursday, June 18 
    Time: 12:30-3:30 p.m.
    Location: The Bush School, Schuchart Gym
    # of students: Eighteen (minimum); Forty-two (maximum)
    Cost: $220

    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 Sixth-Eighth Grade (All Genders)

    Lead Instructor: Cara Holloway (Bush Boys and Girls Varsity Tennis Head Coach)
    Dates: Monday, June 22 - Thursday, June 25 
    Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Location: Amy Yee Tennis Center (indoor courts)
    # of students: Eighteen (minimum); Forty-two (maximum)
    Cost: $220

    Notes:
    • All campers receive a camp shirt 
    • Athletic Trainer coverage is provided throughout the camp
    • Please bring indoor tennis shoes, a water bottle, and a snack
    • Participants need to be dropped off and picked up at the Amy Yee Tennis Center


    Boys Basketball Sixth-Eighth Grade

    Lead Instructor: Alex Piggott (Bush Boys Varsity Basketball Head Coach)
    Dates: Monday, June 22 - Thursday, June 25  
    Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 
    Location: The Bush School, Schuchart Gym
    # of students: Eighteen (minimum); Forty-two (maximum) 
    Cost: $220

    Notes:
    • Campers will focus on fundamental basketball skill development 
    • 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 Volleyball Sixth-Eighth Grade

    Lead Instructor: TBD
    Dates:  Monday, June 22-Thursday, June 25 
    Time: 12:30-3:30 p.m.
    Location: The Bush School, Schuchart Gym
    # of students: Eighteen (minimum); Forty-two (maximum)
    Cost: $220

    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


    Blazers Basketball Skills Camp Sixth-Twelfth Grade (All Genders)

    Lead Instructor: Alex Piggott (Bush Boys Varsity Basketball Head Coach)
    Dates: Wednesday, July 29 - Friday, July 31 
    # of Days: Three 
    Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Location: The Bush School, Schuchart Gym
    # of students: Eighteen (minimum); Forty-two (maximum) 
    Cost: $220

    Notes:
    • Campers will focus on advanced skills development and training 
    • 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

  • Upper School Academic Classes

    Writing the College Essay 

    Instructors: Assistant Director of College Counseling and Student Success Ana Richardson, and Coordinator of College Counseling and Student Success Alice Breternitz (Week 1); Director of College Counseling and Student Success Melissa Lanctot, Assistant Director of College Counseling and Student Success Ana Richardson, and Coordinator of College Counseling and Student Success Alice Breternitz (Week 2)
    Dates:  Two week-long sessions
    • Week 1: Monday, August 3 – Friday, August 7
    • Week 2: Monday, August 10 – Friday, August 14 
    Grade: For rising Twelfth Grade students only
    # of Days: Five days per session
    Time: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (including a break for lunch)
    Location: In-person at The Bush School 
    Cost: $845

    Description: This one-week course for rising seniors explores the writing portions of the college application process. Writing the College Essay helps students craft a compelling personal narrative of who they are and how they want to present themselves to colleges with both joy and authenticity.
     
    By the end of the course, you will:
    • Analyze the nuances of college essay writing
    • Practice editing your own and others’ work for topic, form, and voice
    • Complete an edited draft of the Common Application personal statement
    • Brainstorm and draft one college supplement
    Notes:  Students must bring a laptop to each class session and should expect to write both in class and at home throughout the week. This class is offered twice in August, and students should sign up for only one week. Please note that financial aid for this course is available to current Bush students who receive financial aid for tuition. Please see the Financial Aid section for more information. 


    Geometry

    Instructor: TBA
    Dates:  Monday, June 29 - Friday, July 24 (No class on July 3)
    Instructor: TBA
    Grade: Ninth through Twelfth Grade, open to all students
    # of Days: Nineteen
    Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
    Location: In-person at The Bush School 
    Cost: $1650
    Prerequisite: Students who have completed Algebra


    Introductory Calculus

    Instructor: TBA
    Dates:  Monday, June 29 - Friday, July 24
    Grade: Ninth through Twelfth Grade, open to all students
    # of Days: Nineteen
    Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
    Location: In-person at The Bush School 
    Cost: $1650
    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.


    Pre-Season Writing

    Instructor: Bush Middle School English Faculty Sarah Cohen
    Dates:  July 27 - August 7
    Grade: Ninth and Tenth Grade
    # of Days: Ten
    Time: 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
    Location: In-person at The Bush School 
    Cost: $650

    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.


    Study Skills for High School

    Instructor: Bush Middle School English Faculty Sarah Cohen
    Dates:  July 27 - August 7
    Age: Ninth and Tenth Grade
    # of Days: Ten
    Time: 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
    Location: In-person at The Bush School 
    Cost: $500

    Description: The transition to high school is a time of tremendous change. This course is designed to ease the transition by providing students with the study skills and tools necessary to manage a more demanding academic load. The course will address homework habits, planning, time management, organization, big projects and tests, mental health, self-reflection, and self-advocacy.

  • 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 2026 Information

    Dates:  Six Weeklong Sessions:
    Monday, June 22 - Friday, July 31
    Age: Kindergarten - Eighth Grade
    # of Days: Five days per session
    Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
    *AM Extended Care: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
    *PM Extended Care: 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
    Location: The Bush School
    Cost: $555 -575
    *AM Extended Care: $45
    *PM Extended Care: $90
    *AM + PM Extended Care: $110
    **Additional multiple-session discounts automatically applied

    Registration link and Website link

  • Debate Camp

    Summer 2026 Information

    Dates: Two Sessions: 
    Monday, July 6 - Friday, July 10
    Monday, July 13 - Friday, July 17
    Age: Fifth - Tenth grade
    # of Days: Five days per session
    Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
    Location: The Bush School
    # of students: Forty
    Cost: $655 
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 towards tuition. Director of Enrollment Management Adam Choice will send out an official communication to Upper School families who receive financial aid with more information on support for summer programs. 

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  • Health and Safety

    Camp registration fees are fully refundable this year up to thirty days before the start of the program. The Bush School is committed to providing a healthy environment for campers and staff, as well as complying with local and state health guidelines. All staff are required to follow The Bush School Health guidelines. If you decide not to send your camper before the thirty-day mark or in the unlikely event that we need to cancel camp, all registration fees will be refunded.

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.

QUESTIONS 
For questions about Bush Methow Campus Summer Programs, email: summerprograms@bush.edu.

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  • The Bush School Discovery Day Camp

    Dates: two sessions
    Monday, July 6 - Friday, July 10
    Monday, July 13 - Friday, July 17
    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: $290 (Reach out to summer@bush.edu for Financial Aid)
    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

  • College Essay Writing Retreat - Mazama OVERNIGHT

    Instructor: Assistant Director of College Counseling and Student Success Ana Richardson
    Residential Life: TBA
    Dates: One Session Offered  (overnight, transportation from Seattle included)
    • Sunday, July 26 - Friday, July 31
    Age: For rising Twelfth Grade students only
    # of Days: Six
    Location: Methow Valley Bush Campus, 225 Lost River Rd, Mazama, WA, 98833
    # of students: Twelve students Seattle Overnight; Ten Local Day
    Cost: $1,500 (for Methow Valley School District student day rate reach out to summer@bush.edu)

    Write your college essay in the beautiful landscape of the Methow Valley! This one-week writing retreat allows space for students to create a draft of their personal statement. Through activities and focused feedback, the College Essay Methow Retreat will help students craft a compelling personal narrative of who they are and how they want to present themselves to colleges with both joy and authenticity. Students will also have the chance to enjoy our amazing Methow Campus and surrounding community. Students taking this class should not also register for the Seattle Writing the College Essay course.
     
    By the end of the course you will:
    • Analyze the nuances of college essay writing
    • Practice editing your own and others’ work for topic, form, and voice
    • Complete an edited draft of the Common Application personal statement
    ●  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.  Students stay in the lodge on campus and cook meals as a group. Transportation to and from Bush and writing supplies are provided. Please bring your laptop.
For questions about Bush Methow Valley Campus Summer Programs, email summerprograms@bush.edu.
The Bush School
The Bush School is an independent day school located in Seattle, WA enrolling 745 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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