Summer learning cascades between new and current Champlain Valley Union High School (CVU) students. This CVU summer camp is based on providing a smooth transition to high school. The adventure begins when incoming ninth graders sign up for interest area groups led by experienced CVU student counselors. Counselors serve as mentors to challenge the campers to develop high school skills, make friends, and work in groups. The adventure never ends as CVU students learn to connect with CVU in a multitude of different ways.

Anthony Jordick is completing his CVU Graduation Challenge project based on personal experiences as a camper and counselor. "Campers exhibit characteristics representative of everyone, and they provide a useful learning experience.  Lessons about making friends, managing your time, and using the resources available to you are all things that we can learn from, as an adult and a learner." Anthony created a handbook for students to utilize this summer and during the school year. "Making connections with the school is equally as important." Anthony makes good connections to campers as he promotes group dynamics and CVU-savvy.

The camp provides many ways for incoming ninth graders to connect with academics, clubs, sports, and CVU culture.  Andre LaChance, a CVU English teacher, challenges Summer Academy Campers to know their teachers. "It's nice because I work with a smaller group. I make quick connections with each student and challenge them to interpret literature and write with revision techniques." The activities at the camp provide the initial connection but it often expands into the fall, winter, and spring. "I often see them later in my English classes or help advisors and teachers plan for success."
Other interest area choices provide ways for campers to orchestrate success at CVU. The students that sign up for CY CVU explore how to improve personal assets through clubs, sports, and other extra-curricular activities. Campers choose ways to connect to CVU with a technological, artistic, or athletic talent. LaChance also observes how counselors implement skills that transcend CVU, "I mentor counselors as they facilitate a community environment."

The counselors learn how to implement CVU skills to the world in front of them. Callie Stewart, another experienced camper and counselor, explains, "As a counselor, I found the camp to be fun and very helpful because I was able to work on my leadership and organizational skills." Callie confirms that "these skills are valuable when you need to work in a large group or have a long project, like Graduation Challenge, you need to complete."

The planning and leadership requirements of camp counselors provide ways for them to explore organizational strategies and job skills. Ellen Snyder explains, "As an experienced counselor, I really enjoy planning lessons, acquiring materials, and teaching art skills to campers to allow their creativity to flourish." The counselors develop leadership skills and experience responsibilities that transcend high school.

"Five years ago I had to search for counselors carefully," says Camp Director Duncan Wardwell, "nowadays, CVU students realize what a great opportunity this is. I choose between the best of the best." There is always room for an incoming ninth grader to join the camp because the staff can handle diverse learning opportunities. "Each counselor contributes a unique talent yet is diverse enough to lead many fun interest areas activities.

We provide many ways to discover success at CVU." A generation ago, summer school smelled only of hallway wax but today there is lunch. This summer many current and former CVU students will connect with content and community resources. To find out how to enhance your CVU connection, check out the CVU Summer Camp web site at cvuhs.org or call Duncan at 482-7194. Spaces available for incoming ninth graders in both sessions, all interest areas.