- Summerspace is open to girls entering grades 5-9 in Fall 2024, except where noted.
- Summerspace offers both morning and afternoon weeklong camps. Morning camps run from 9 a.m. - 12 noon and afternoon camps run from 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (with the exception of Hiking Camp and Leadership Camp). There are many campers who stay for a full day.
- Girls staying for both morning and afternoon camps should bring a lunch and drink. Snacks are included each day.
- All camps take place at Sacred Heart Academy, except where noted. If off-site, campers will be transported from Sacred Heart Academy to the location.
- All camps are taught by Sacred Heart faculty & staff members, except where noted.
- Sacred Heart reserves the right to cancel camps for which there is not sufficient enrollment.
Questions? Call Summerspace Director, Ruth Donner, 834-2101 ext. 310.
WEEK OF JUNE 24-28
Lacrosse
This camp will focus on the fundamentals of the game, emphasizing basic skills, techniques and concepts. You will learn and practice basic to intermediate stick skills including cradling, passing, catching and shooting drills. In addition, you will learn offensive and defensive techniques and engage in daily scrimmages. Equipment needed: mouth guard, lacrosse goggles and stick (SHA has a limited amount of sticks for those who don’t own one). Team play will be highlighted as well as individual play.
June 24-28, 9 AM - 12 NOON
Instructor: Kristina Geschwender, SHA physical education teacher and varsity lacrosse coach
Cost: $125
Hiking Camp
Do you love being outdoors and exploring nature? Then this camp is for you! Each day we will hike in a beautiful location in Western New York. Hikes could include Griffis Sculpture Park, the Eternal Flame, and Akron Falls. This camp is open to girls entering grades 6-8 only.
June 26-28 (note: three-day camp), 9 AM – 1 PM
Instructors: Michelle Georger and Nicole Polino, SHA Faculty
Cost: $100
WEEK OF JULY 1-5 (NO CAMPS ON 7/4)
Leadership Academy
Sacred Heart’s Leadership Academy, now in its eleventh year, encourages young women to explore and practice skills in the 5 B’s of Leadership: Becoming a young adult leader, Belonging to a community called school, Believing in God and one’s own self, Building relationships and Bettering our world. Throughout the week, participants will develop their abilities to think creatively, to work as a team, to share ideas, and to handle conflicts. Eighth graders will be teamed up with our already trained student leaders. With the assistance of these student leaders, girls will develop the practical skills necessary for effective leadership in the school community. Each participant is eligible for a $200 tuition credit to Sacred Heart Academy upon acceptance and registration at Sacred Heart for the 2025-26 school year. For girls entering grade 8 only.
July 1-5, 9 AM – 3:30 PM (full day, no camp on 7/4)
Instructors: Maria Clare ‘95, SHA Religion teacher & campus minister & Katie Gravelle Kittleson ’05, SHA math teacher
Cost: $200
Field Hockey
This camp will focus on the fundamentals of the game, emphasizing basic skills, techniques, and concepts. You will learn and practice basic to intermediate stick skills including dribbling, passing, receiving and shooting drills. In addition, you will learn offensive and defensive techniques and engage in daily scrimmages. Equipment needed: mouth guard, goggles, shin guards and stick (SHA has a limited amount of sticks for those who don’t own one). Team play will be highlighted as well as individual play.
July 1-5, 9 AM - 12 NOON (no camp on 7/4)
Instructor: Kyle Dillman, SHA varsity field hockey coach
Cost: $100
The Art of Collage and Self-Portraits
If you love to create art, then this is the camp for you. You will learn about the art of collage and create your own projects using mixed media. In addition, you will use tempera paints to create self-portraits as you learn about how colors can represent ideas and emotions. No experience necessary!
July 1-5, 9 AM - 12 NOON (no camp on 7/4)
Instructor: Hanna Gabryszak, Art educator
Cost: $100
Cheerleading
For both the beginning and experienced cheerleader, we’ll work on the groundwork of building perfect technique for motions in cheer and dance, jumps, and stunting. Throughout the week you will work as a group on a short routine to perform for parents on the last day of camp.
July 1-5 (no camp on 7/4), 9 AM - 12 NOON
Instructor: Kennedy Crumish ‘16, SHA varsity cheerleading coach
Cost: $100
Baking Camp
Campers will learn to read and follow recipes, measure liquid and dry ingredients and understand the chemistry behind baking! Each day we’ll be creating, baking, and decorating fun-to-eat and make treats. We’ll be teaching baking techniques as well as how to work with pastry bags and different icing and piping tips. Our delicious treats will all be made from scratch. We’ll be working in teams to create fun projects including designing your own apron.
July 1-5 (no camp on 7/4), 12:30 PM-3:30 PM
Instructor: Melissa Rakvica, experienced and passionate cook/caterer and middle school science teacher
Cost: $125
Watercolors and Clay
If you love to create art, then this is the camp for you. You will learn how to use watercolors and create works of art utilizing elements of nature. In addition, you will create projects from clay including jewelry and outdoor decorations. No experience necessary!
July 1-5, 12:30 PM-3:30 PM (no camp on 7/4)
Instructor: Hanna Gabryszak, Art educator
Cost: $100
WEEK OF JULY 8-12
Catholic High School Entrance Exam Prep Course
Prepare yourself for the Catholic High School Entrance Exam in November. Learn strategies for test taking in Math and English along with review in each section. Students will take a full-length practice exam on the final day (This course will also be offered in Fall 2024.)
July 8-12, 9 AM - 12 NOON, girls entering grade 8 only
Instructors: Mary Marciniak, SHA English teacher and Angela Harris, SHA Math teacher
Cost: $100
Catholic High School Entrance Exam Practice Test – Friday, July 12
This is a great opportunity to become familiar with the format of the Catholic High School Entrance Exam which will be offered to 8th graders in November 2024. Girls will take all five sections in a test environment and receive detailed written results. The practice test is open to girls entering 8th grade in Fall 2024. Do not sign up for the practice test if you are enrolling your daughter in the full week prep course.
July 12, 9 AM - 12 NOON, girls entering grade 8 only
Cost: FREE
Musical Theater
Spend a week learning about live theater and how to become a part of it. You will learn many different aspects of theater, including movement, dance, voice and acting, as well as other technical and creative components such as costumes, set design and make-up. Each day you will participate in a series of activities which will prepare you for a performance piece to be presented on the final day of the camp. Please note: this camp will also be offered July 15-22, sign up for one camp only.
July 8-12, 9 AM -12 NOON
Instructor: Jill Anderson, SHA musical theater and dance teacher
Cost: $125
Service
Spend a week sharing your time and talents by volunteering at a variety of agencies throughout Western New York. Each day we will volunteer at a different service site and learn about each organization. This is a great opportunity to explore our gifts and talents, and to give back and make a difference in the community. This camp is open to girls entering grades 6-8 only.
July 8-12, 9 AM – 12 NOON
Instructor: Maria Clare ‘95, SHA Religion teacher and campus minister
Cost: $125
Photographic Art: Portraits, Editorial, Nature, Still Life (PENS)
During this week-long camp, you will learn about lighting, compositional techniques, and other photo-making hot tips. We will make self-portraits, go on field trips, and create spiral-bound portfolios of selected images made during the workshop. In addition, you will learn about graphic design and create your own book covers. All of your images will be uploaded via Google Drive so all artwork will be preserved for posterity digitally. Now in its eleventh year, this camp is fun, creative and highly engaging!
June 8-12, 12:30 PM-3:30 PM
Instructor: Nancy J. Parisi, freelance photographer & journalist
Cost: $125
Improvisation
This camp will teach you the building blocks of basic improv and introduce you to the fundamental aspects of stage craft through both physical expression and verbal communication.
Throughout the week, you will be led through some basic improv exercises and games. These are meant to be fun and focus on communication and teamwork. We will focus on being a good ensemble member as well as developing your individual skills in a low-pressure environment. No experience necessary!
June 8-12, 12:30 PM-3:30 PM
Instructor: Jill Anderson, SHA musical theater and dance teacher
SHARK Week: All Things SHA
Spend a week experiencing all things that make SHA unique. From creating a dance routine to scavenger hunts, a field trip, community service, and more, this camp will leave you knowing what it means to be a SHARK girl!
July 8-12, 12:30 PM-3:30 PM
Instructor: Maria Clare 95, SHA Religion teacher and campus minister
Way Cool Culinary Camp
Can’t get enough of the Food Network, then this camp is for you! Way Cool culinary camp will be a dynamic and fun hands-on experience of culinary arts. Young chefs will learn the skills to create delicious and healthy dishes in both baking and cooking segments. Activities to include (but not limited to): learning about fundamentals in the kitchen, a field trip to the farmer’s market to purchase fresh-picked produce for cooking, distinguishing taste preferences and pairings, and learning how to how to put together a well-balanced and tasty meal as part of collaborative team. Learn for a week, keep skills for a lifetime! This camp will also be offered July 22-26 (please only sign up for one camp).
July 8-12, 9 AM – 12 NOON
Instructor: Melissa Rakvica, experienced and passionate cook/caterer and middle school science teacher
Cost: $150
JULY 15-19
Ukulele
Have you always wanted to learn how to play a musical instrument? The ukulele is fun, versatile, and easy to learn! Over the course of this camp you will learn how to read and play tabs, chords, and strumming patterns so that you can play any song that comes your way. No experience necessary. We will provide the ukuleles which will be available for purchase after the camp. There will be a short performance for parents on the last day of camp.
July 15-19, 9 AM - 12 NOON
Instructor: Christina Santa Maria, music educator and owner, Santa Maria Voice Studio
Musical Theater
Spend a week learning about live theatre and how to become a part of it. You will learn many different aspects of theatre, including movement, dance, voice and acting, as well as other technical and creative components such as costumes, set design and make-up. Each day you will participate in a series of activities which will prepare you for a performance piece to be presented on the final day of the camp. Please note: this camp will also be offered July 8-12. Please only sign up for one camp.
July 15-19, 9 AM -12 NOON
Instructor: Jill Anderson, SHA musical theatre and dance teacher
Cost: $125
Basketball Camps
We will offer two distinct camps. In order for your daughter to maximize her experience, please select the camp that best matches her skill level.
Basketball: Advanced Academy
This camp is designed for girls with prior playing experience, preferably with travel, club or outside of school basketball play.
July 15-19, 9 AM – 12 NOON
Coach: Ron Stepien, SHA junior varsity basketball coach
Intro to Basketball
This camp is designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of basketball in a fun and engaging way. From the rules of the game to passing, dribbling, shooting and learning to play multiple positions, you will engage in daily drills and on-court activities. This camp will benefit girls with no experience as well as the beginning player who is looking to improve her game at the middle school level.
July 15-19, 12:30 PM-3:30 PM
Coach: Maria McGrath, SHA varsity basketball coach
Cost: $125
Filmmaking
Do you want to learn how to make your own movies? Come to our new filmmaking camp where you can learn how to write, film and edit your own movie using iMovie. Tap into your creative side and learn how to be a director as we explore various themes and genres of filmmaking. SHA will provide iPads for all participants.
July 15-19, 12:30 PM-3:30 PM
Instructor: Heather Casseri, SHA faculty and freelance actor
Cost: $125
Stained Glass Fusion
Have fun making art by fusing glass using glass kilns. Make jewelry, frit cast ornaments, glass paintings and so much more! This class for beginners is totally hands on and very creative. You will take home everything you make at the end of the week. Students will be bussed from Sacred Heart to Villa Maria College each day.
July 15-19, 12:30 PM-3:30 PM
Instructor: Sister Ann Therese Kelly, Villa Maria College professor, SHA faculty member, and the Roycroft Artisans
Cost: $150
JULY 22-26
Digital Art and Design Camp
Are you a creative girl who wants to explore the digital side of the arts? Spend a week learning to
use some of the most popular programs in digital art and graphic design. You’ll find digital art
used everywhere from books, to posters, to stickers, and even clothing designs. We’ll learn
the tools and basics including illustration, logos and branding, photo editing, comic art, and more!
July 22-26, 9 AM -12 NOON
Instructor: Instructor: Tia Federice, SHA faculty and freelance artist
Cost: $125
A Cappella Choir Camp
Are you a fan of “Glee” or “Pitch Perfect”? Love singing in the shower? Join us for a week of an a cappella choir camp lead by singing voice specialist, Christina Santa Maria. Together we will learn to sing as a group, learn easy choreography, and perform/record a song at an actual recording studio. No experience required.
July 22-26, 9 AM -12 NOON
Instructor: Christina Santa Maria, music educator and owner, Santa Maria Voice Studio
Cost: $125
Painting FUNdamentals
If you’re interested in painting, this camp is a great way to “brush up” on your brushwork! Throughout the week, we’ll use acrylic paint to explore the fundamentals of painting in a fun way. Each day, we’ll be working on a different project to utilize concepts such as value, color, composition, form & space and brushwork. You will create a variety of paintings ranging from simpler still life objects and abstract designs, to more involved subjects like landscapes, plants, and animals. Whether you have some experience in painting or none at all, this camp is for anyone who would like to explore this art medium.
July 22-26, 12:30 PM-3:30 PM
Instructor: Tia Federice, SHA faculty and freelance artist
Cost: $125
Way Cool Culinary Camp
Can’t get enough of the Food Network, then this camp is for you! Way Cool culinary camp will be a dynamic and fun hands-on experience of culinary arts. Young chefs will learn the skills to create delicious and healthy dishes in both baking and cooking segments. Activities to include (but not limited to): learning about fundamentals in the kitchen, a field trip to a local farm to learn about cooking with fresh-picked produce, distinguishing taste preferences and pairings, and learning how to how to put together a well-balanced and tasty meal as part of collaborative team. Learn for a week, keep skills for a lifetime! This camp will also be offered July 8-12 (please only sign up for one camp).
July 22-26, 12:30 PM-3:30 PM
Instructor: Melissa Rakvica, experienced and passionate cook, and middle school science teacher
Cost: $150
Volleyball Camps
We will offer two distinct camps. In order for your daughter to maximize her experience, please select the camp that best matches her skill level.
Intro to Volleyball
This camp is designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of volleyball in a fun and engaging way. From the rules of the game to passing, setting and learning to play multiple positions, you will engage in daily drills and on-court activities. This camp will benefit girls with no experience as well as the beginning player who is looking to improve her game at the middle school level.
July 22-26, 9 AM - 12 NOON
Coaches: J.T. Ripper and Ron Stepien, SHA volleyball coaches
COST: $125
Volleyball: Advanced Academy
This camp is designed for girls with prior playing experience, preferably with travel, club or outside of school volleyball play. Students will work on improving their skill set in passing, setting, hitting and blocking. Students will be introduced to serve receive formation, along with 6 - 2 and 5 - 1 offense formation.
July 22-26, 12:30 PM-3:30 PM
Coaches: J.T. Ripper and Ron Stepien, SHA volleyball coaches
Cost: $125
