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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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)

This camp is led by members of the CJA Speech Team and is designed to introduce or further develop students' abilities in competitive speech. Campers will explore the nine speech categories offered in high school.

Join us for an action-packed week in the world of law and justice at the Mock Trial- Order in the Camp! In this exciting summer program, girls step into the roles of attorneys, witnesses, and jurors as they learn how real trials unfold. Through interactive games, mini-cases, and hands-on courtroom challenges, students build confidence in public speaking, sharpen their critical-thinking skills, and work together to solve mysteries and argue their cases. By the end of the week, participants will take part in a lively mock trial showdown—complete with objections, evidence, and dramatic courtroom flair!

With construction wrapping up at St. Charles County Kinetic Park, it’s time to get up close and personal with the big trucks that made it all possible. Come check out the massive machinery and more on Truck Day! This free program is fun for all ages.

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.

TCS nurse, Jen Martin, will teach the skills necessary to be a successful and safe babysitter. This course offers hands-on training in skills needed to babysit such as: developmentally appropriate play, safe handling of infants and toddlers, feeding, diapering, and much more. This course will also include the opportunity to earn American Red Cross Babysitter’s Training Certification and infant CPR and first aid certification.

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.

Making a difference together, one act of kindness at a time! This summer, join us for a week of heart, hands and helping others. Campers will explore the joy of giving back through fun, hands-on services projects that make a real impact in our community. Each day, we'll learn about a local organization - who they help, what they do and how we can support their mission - then roll up our sleeves for a meaningful volunteer project.