This camp is geared toward improving knowledge and problem-solving skills to achieve optimal success on adaptive assessments, or "smart tests". Students will become familiar with the type of questions seen on smart tests, work on general test-taking skils, and work on sample test problems aimed at helping them improve their performance during test week.

In this interactive and engaging class, students will explore what it means to be a leader in everyday life. Rather than focusing solely on building a business or project, this class emphasizes the foundational skills behind effective leadership (confidence, communication, teamwork, and self-awareness). Through a mix of games, group activities, and guided discussion, students will discover their unique strengths and how they naturally show up in a team setting. They will learn how to listen, include others, speak up with confidence, and take responsibility in both small and big moments. Over the course of the three days, students will apply these skills in a fun, collaborative group project where they create something together and share it with the class. The focus is not just on what they build, but how they work together to bring it to life. This class is designed to help students grow in confidence, better understand themselves and others, and leave with practical leadership skills they can use at school, at home, and in their communities. (Ages 10-14)

This empowering four-day experience is packed with interactive activities designed to help you discover your strengths and build confidence. Through fun challenges, group activities, and leadership exercises, you'll connect with other amazing girls while learning how to speak up, lead, and believe in yourself. Come ready to grow, make new friends, and leave feeling stronger, braver, and more confident!

Can you tell if something you see online is generated by AI? Are you able to read beyond the headline, or identify when something doesn’t seem right? Is that viral TikTok trend/headline really true, or is it rooted in a joke or a lie? From detecting if videos, pictures, or text is generated by AI to determining what “truth” you’re being fed online, this course will challenge your media literacy and ideas on how content is presented digitally.

Join Ms. W for this All Ages storytime in our library auditorium!

Build confidence and independence in your learning through fun activities and hands-on lessons on study skills, organization, executive functioning and logical thinking. Whether we’re decoding complex mysteries or breaking down large tasks into mini goals, your daughter will walk away with a boost in critical thinking skills to handle whatever middle school challenges come her way. Girls will be evaluating information and guided in making smart choices. Be ready for interactive games and real-world projects.

Come and explore creative writing! Participants will be introduced to different genres and write each day. Each participant will create original pieces of writing to be included in a camp anthology! Participants will receive a copy of the anthology and a t-shirt. Sponsored by SDHS Writers Guild.

Learn the skills you need to shine bright in the classroom! This course teaches organizational skills as well as different note-taking methods. Campers will learn how to read and analyze text as well as how to study and prepare for different types of tests.

Get ready to babysit! This interactive program for ages 10-14 years includes getting started, taking care of baby, kids of all ages and stages, entertaining the kids, keeping things safe, and being prepared for emergencies and first aid in a 5 hour course. Please bring a regular size baby doll to practice baby care skills and a light snack. Program taught by our very own Camp Director Maddy and Assistant Camp Director Jess.

Students will learn about the Deaf Culture and the basics of American Sign Language. Students will practice signs and facial expressions to help communicate. Students will be able to communicate with a deaf person. (Ages 10-13)

Join Ms. W for this All Ages storytime in our library auditorium!

Come for a 10-minute visit and read to one of our therapy dogs. Bring a book or choose from one of ours. Must be comfortable around dogs. Each reservation of 10-minutes with a dog can count for one family or one child. **Children under the age of 8 years must be supervised by an adult.

Start the school year off right with new skills for studying, time management, and organization. Students will participate in hands-on activities and real-life simulations to help them understand how to implement tools that will help them succeed with a demanding schedule (personal, academic and extracurricular). Students will explore tools that fit their personality and personal needs.

The Counselor in Training (CIT) Program is an intense look into what it takes to become a counselor at our summer camp. During this three-week program, CITs will work alongside our camp counselors to lead activities that they have prepared while still receiving more hands-on training. This is a highly rigorous program and all interested teens must meet with the Recreation Specialist for an interview and have at least two letters of recommendation, one must be from a teacher, prior to registration. All CITs must attend a CIT Training the first week in June. If you have an interested teen, please contact Emma Brown at ebrown@desperesmo.org to schedule an interview.

Set your child up for a strong, confident start to the school year with our Executive Functioning Intensive Summer Series—a targeted, small-group program designed to build the skills students need to thrive both academically and personally. This series focuses on strengthening organization, time management, task initiation, planning, working memory, and self-advocacy—skills that are critical for school success but often underdeveloped in growing learners. Students will meet in a supportive, structured small-group setting twice per week for three weeks, participating in interactive lessons, guided practice, and real-life application strategies they can immediately use at home and school.