2026 Summer Programs
Dear NORY Families,
Summer 2026 is designed to help Explorers achieve holistic growth built upon the foundational soft skills of Resilience, Inquisitiveness, and Empathy.
See below to learn how our interdisciplinary curriculum supports development across a broad range of areas - from interpersonal empathy and creative confidence to early logic.
The Explorers' Growth Map
Below are the 9 Growth Areas your child will develop this summer, along with the linked themes. You can click any growth area or theme icon on this theme page to explore more.
💡 Design Thinking
Turning big imaginations into real inventions. Explorers build creative confidence by solving problems with their own two hands.
Themes: Inventors' Playground (6/8-12), Inventors' Time Travel (6/15-19)
❤️ Interpersonal Empathy
Designing with heart. We learn to spot the needs of others and create thoughtful solutions to help them.
Theme: Designing with Empathy (6/29-7/3)
🔎 Scientific Thinking
Always asking "Why?" We test wild ideas and discover the magic of cause-and-effect through hands-on experiments.
Theme: Magic Kingdom (7/27-31)
🏎️ Early Physics & Motion
Mastering the "Zoom!" Explorers get a grip on gravity and mechanics while building things that roll, spin, and fly.
Themes: Inventing the Future of Transportation (7/13-17), Woodworking Racers (7/20-24)
🤸 Bodily-Kinesthetic Awareness
Whole-body learning. We lift, balance, and build to strengthen the coordination and control that fuels creativity.
Themes: Woodworking NORY-lympics (8/3-7), World's Coolest Playground (8/24-28)
🗣️ Collaboration & Communication
Big projects, bigger teamwork. We learn to listen, share ideas, and work together to build something larger than ourselves.
Themes: Architects' Gardening (7/6-10), Water Park Carnival (8/17-21)
🎨 Artistic Creativity
Where art meets tech. Explorers use color, motion, and music as powerful tools for storytelling and expression.
Theme: Robotic Artists (6/22-26)
🧩 Early Logic & Math
Puzzle masters in training. We explore patterns, sequencing, and logic through playful, mission-based challenges.
Theme: Astronaut’s Space Mission (8/31-9/4)
🐾 Nature Exploration
Learning from the wild. We observe animals and ecosystems to learn how to design like nature (Biomimicry!).
Theme: Wild Wonders Lab (8/10-14)
Updated Daily Schedule
We updated our daily rhythm based on the neuroscience of early childhood. Key improvements include Optional Nap Time and Predictable Micro-Routines.
9:00 AM: Drop-Off & Opening Ritual
We ease into the day with quiet activities to ensure a smooth separation and emotional safety. We then wake up the day with mindful breathing and songs. This is where we connect and agree on shared rules for a fun day.
9:45 AM: STEM Lab 1 (Story-Driven Building)
Teachers launch each project with an empathy-driven story. Explorers jump straight into hands-on building and discovery.
10:25 AM: Snack & Wiggle Party
We get the energy out with a "Wiggle Party" (freeze dance, robot moves) and then use a breathing routine to calmly reset.
10:55 AM: STEM Lab 2 (Active Engineering)
It is time to test our inventions! We focus on resilience here, encouraging children to embrace "Awesome Mistakes" and never give up.
11:30 AM: Soft Skill Celebration
We celebrate character by awarding badges for specific traits: the "Never-Give-Up Hero," the "Super Asker," and the "Kind Helper."
12:00 PM: Lunch
12:20 PM: Quiet Time (Optional Nap)
Lights dim. Children who need sleep can nap, while others engage with "Quiet Baskets" and use "Breathing Buddies" to practice self-regulation.
1:00 PM: Outdoor Play
We head outside for big movement from water balloon battles to rocket launches.
2:10 PM: Sensory Science Experiments
We close the day with tactile science projects. This helps Explorers settle down, leaving camp feeling grounded and proud.
2026 Summer Virtual Open House
Join our virtual open house to explore projects, themes, and the camp experience.