4-Week Program | July 6-31
Morning
Each day from 8:25 am - 12:45 pm, students will attend five forty-five minute periods with a fifteen-minute recess and snack after third period. Before making your selections, please read the class descriptions below. You will indicate your desired class schedule during registration. If you desire academic classes, it is recommended that you choose at least two choices from Enrichment, Arts, and Athletics selections as this balance is essential for optimum performance and enjoyment.
Please Note: English fluency is required of all students attending this program.
Academic Classes
Comprehension Boost
- Strengthen comprehension with exercises in mental imagery, sentence analysis, identification of keywords in a sentence and the main points in a paragraph, summarizing, recalling, organizing reading matter into a written visual graphic (recall pattern), and answering varied-level comprehension questions based on reading. Daily Homework
Grammar Power
- Study grammar to enhance reading and comprehension and build a foundation for formal writing. This class will cover units on Parts of Speech, Parts of the Sentence, Verb Tenses, Phrases, and (in 6th grade) Clauses. Daily Homework
Literature Club
- This class is for students who love to read and whose reading comprehension is above grade level. The theme of this course is Heroes in Literature. Occasional Homework
Writing for Success
- Learn writing essentials in this rigorous course that covers supporting a thesis statement, expository and narrative writing techniques, structuring a paragraph, word choice, voice, and writing mechanics. Daily Homework
Math Mastery
- Build confidence by strengthening the basics. Increase math fact automaticity, knowledge of math concepts, computational procedures, and word problem skills through exercises, drills, games, and activities. Daily Homework
Course Content (Grade 5)
- Daily math fact drills
- Place value to the trillions (rounding, ordering, comparing whole numbers)
- Add, subtract, multiply larger numbers
- Division: multiple digit dividends divided by one and two-digit divisors
- Write remainders as fractions
- Fractions and decimals: adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing
- Fractions: reduce to simplest form and equivalent fractions
- Mixed numbers: adding subtracting, multiplying
- Changing mixed numbers to improper fractions and changing improper fractions to mixed numbers
- Decimals: adding, subtracting, multiplying
GCF (finding greatest common factors) and LCM (finding least common multiples and how this relates to adding fractions with unlike denominators)
- Prime factorization
- Difference between multiples and factors
- Strategies to tackle word problems and brain teasers
Course Content (Grade 6)
- Daily math fact drills
- Number sets, naturals, wholes, integers, rationals, irrationals, reals
- Place values, expanded and standard decimal notation
- Decimal addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and rounding
- Divisibility rules
- Prime factorization
- Greatest common factor using prime factorization
- Use GCF to simplify fractions
- Least Common Multiples (LCM) using prime factorization
- Use LCM to add, compare, and order fractions with different denominators
- Strategies to tackle word problems and brain teasers
Math in Action
- Go beyond the basics with projects, games, puzzles, critical thinking, problem solving, and word problems. Prerequisite: Students should have a solid foundation in grade-level basic math facts, math fact automaticity, and computational procedures. Occasional Homework
Course Content (Grade 5)
- Measures of central tendency: mean, median and mode
- Data charts, pie charts, predictions, fractions, ratios, and probability. Skittles Project.
- Order of Operations: Escape Room Activity
- Problem Solving Tasks
- Logic problems
- Contest math challenge problems
Course Content (Grade 6)
- Data charts, box and whisker, dot plots, stem and leaf plots, pie charts, mean, median, mode and range.
- Protractors and compasses. Small project.
- Cartesian coordinate system, plotting points, lines, Battleship!
- Mathematical and experimental probability, sample spaces, tree diagrams, counting principle, independence, dependence, venn diagrams
- Finding pi using project as the Egyptians first encountered. Project discovering the relationship of c and d.
- Reviewing the names and the areas on many quadrilaterals.
- Finding the area of the circle as the Japanese first encountered. Using the area of a rectangle.
Enrichment, Arts, and Athletics Classes
Conversational Spanish (an introduction for beginners)
- Enjoy practicing a second language in a group setting while playing games, singing songs, and doing age-appropriate, language-focused activities. No Homework
Curtain Time!
Attendance at all four weeks of the summer program is required for this class.
Be in a fully costumed play! This class is perfect for those who love to perform or who need to increase self-confidence and improve oral communication skills. Students give final performance for family and friends on Thursday, August 1 or Friday, August 2. One after-school rehearsal during the final week. Occasional Homework (memorize lines and songs)
Music Showtime!
- Prepare an ensemble of high-energy, choreographed songs that is sure to delight an audience of family and friends. Final performance for family and friends is on Friday, August 2. No Homework
Science Lab
- Participate in experiments, activities, discussion, and hands-on investigation. Enliven and satisfy your curiosity as we explore specific areas from the myriad of choices the earth and its inhabitants offer. No Homework
Athletics and Games
- Energize the day in this class that focuses on athletic skills, physical fitness, and sportsmanship. Enjoy participating in team sports and learning new games. No Homework
Art and Visual Literacy
- Explore a variety of artistic mediums and techniques for self-expression. No Homework
Graphic Design
- In this project-based class, be introduced to basic navigation of Adobe Photoshop. No Homework
Keyboarding/Computers
- Learn correct finger placement. Practice for automaticity, accuracy, and speed. No Homework
Software Programming for Games and Robotics
- Learn the basics of software programming. Create your own video games using Scratch and use similar coding language to command robots to undergo a number of complex tasks and missions. No Homework
2-Week Program | July 6-17 or July 20-31
Morning
Each day from 8:25 am - 12:45 pm, students will attend five forty-five minute periods with a fifteen-minute recess and snack after third period. Before making your selections, please read the class descriptions below. You will indicate your desired class schedule during registration.
Please Note: English fluency is required of all students attending this program.
Academic Classes
Literature Club
- The theme of this course is Heroes in Literature. This level includes advanced Greek myths, fables, poetry, short stories, the Bible as literature, Aesop's fables, Chinese proverbs, an introduction to King Arthur, and Hans Christian Andersen and/or Brothers Grimm fairytales. Occasional Homework
Writing for Success
- Learn writing essentials in this rigorous course that covers supporting a thesis statement, expository and narrative writing techniques, structuring a paragraph, word choice, voice, and writing mechanics. Daily Homework
Math in Action
- Enjoy projects, games, puzzles, critical thinking, problem solving, and word problems. Occasional Homework
Grade 5 Course Content may include
- Measures of central tendency: mean, median and mode
- Data charts, pie charts, predictions, fractions, ratios, and probability. Skittles Project.
- Order of Operations: Escape Room Activity
- Problem Solving Tasks
- Logic problems
- Contest math challenge problems
Grade 6 Course Content may include
- Data charts, box and whisker, dot plots, stem and leaf plots, pie charts, mean, median, mode and range.
- Protractors and compasses. Small project.
- Cartesian coordinate system, plotting points, lines, Battleship!
- Mathematical and experimental probability, sample spaces, tree diagrams, counting principle, independence, dependence, venn diagrams
- Finding pi using project as the Egyptians first encountered. Project discovering the relationship of c and d.
- Reviewing the names and the areas on many quadrilaterals.
- Finding the area of the circle as the Japanese first encountered. Using the area of a rectangle.
Enrichment, Arts, and Athletics Classes
Athletics and Games
- Energize the day in this class that focuses on athletic skills, physical fitness, and sportsmanship. Enjoy participating in team sports and learning new games. No Homework
Art and Visual Literacy
- Explore a variety of artistic mediums and techniques for self-expression. Learn about creativity, produce art projects, and be introduced to the works of some of the world’s greatest artists. No Homework
Graphic Design
- In this project-based class, be introduced to basic navigation of Adobe Photoshop. No Homework
Keyboarding/Computers
- Learn correct finger placement. Practice for automaticity, accuracy, and speed. No Homework
Science Lab
- Participate in experiments, activities, discussion, and hands-on investigation. Enliven and satisfy your curiosity as we explore specific areas from the myriad of choices the earth and its inhabitants offer. No Homework
Software Programming for Games and Robotics
- Learn the basics of software programming. Create your own video games using Scratch and use similar coding language to command robots to undergo a number of complex tasks and missions. No Homework
Upper Campus Afternoon Classes
Please Note: For students registering for one of the 2-Week Sessions, the classes that are only offered in a particular Session are noted. The rest of the classes are offered in both sessions.
Chemistry in Action (Session 2 only)
- Explore chemical processes and create substances to take home. Students that enjoy getting their hands gooey and learning science will not be disappointed.
Creating with Code (Session 1 only)
- Using scratch and other block based coding programs, students will learn computer science fundamentals that serve as the building blocks for more complex programming languages.
Culture Club (Session 1 only)
- Travel to far off Latin American lands, learn the language, taste the food, create, and enjoy! Get an introduction to various Spanish speaking countries through music, games, food, art, and literature.
Dance
- Increase dance basics in technique, strength, posture, flexibility, and rhythm and get introduced to multiple styles of dance. All levels welcome.
Film Making (Session 1 only)
- Develop your filmmaking and technology skills. By creating short films you will exercise your creativity in storytelling and learn videoing and editing techniques. Lights! Camera! Action!
I Escaped!
- Focusing on teamwork, healthy competition, and thinking “outside the box," students will work together to escape and create suspenseful simulations.
Investigating the Hidden World (Session 1 only)
- Investigate the hidden world around us. Examine bacteria, unicellular organisms, and cell processes.
Leadership in Action
- Practice skills that make a strong leader. Enjoy interactive team-building games that increase confidence, communication, creativity, and collaboration.
Makey Makey Lab (Session 2 only)
- Using our Makey Makey kits, a laptop, and some technical skills, students will work in groups to make fun interactive creations such as musical instruments, door alarms, interactive artwork, or even big video game controllers.
Multimedia Art
- Using different materials/mediums, create works of art worthy of display.
Soaked in Leadership (Session 2 only)
- Let’s put a twist on some of our favorite team-building games and make sure everyone gets soaked while learning to develop the attributes of a strong leader.
Speak Up (Session 2 only)
- Learn skills to help you make an impact in everything from sports to scholastics. Practice ways to communicate effectively and increase your success in conveying your ideas and feelings.
Splash Bash! (Session 2 only)
- Cool off in the sun with water games, fun, and giant inflatable water slides.
Sports Mania
- Play your favorite sports and outdoor games.
Taekwondo
- Learn some of the basics of the world's most popular Martial Art. Students will learn principles of self defense, agility, flexibility, and just plain have fun with this Korean martial arts class.
Tennis
- Focus on all the necessary skills to raise your game to the next level. Match play, stroke production, and conditioning are all included.
The Amazing Race
- Race other teams of two or three to various "pit stops." Perform tasks, solve problems, and try not to come in last.
Theater Improvisation (Session 1 only)
- Learn how to think on your feet and present yourself in a dynamic, confident manner. Team up with your fellow actors in theater games and improvised sketches.
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Option 1: Take your pick! (offered by Summer Festival of Learning)
- Choose from a variety of activities organized by our enthusiastic afternoon staff such as water play, BubbleBall, games, and athletics. A study hall is also available for students who want to complete homework or spend time reading silently.
Option 2: Panther Tennis Club (offered by tennis pro, Craig Corfield)
If you would like to enroll your student in this club, an additional registration form + fee is required. Please follow these steps:
For the club description, click here and you will be directed to the Summer Camps web page.
Download / print out / complete the July Tennis Club registration form and write a check payable to Craig Corfield.
Mail the completed form and payment to: Pinewood Summer Camps, 327 Fremont Avenue, Los Altos, CA 94024.
Important! Student pickup is at 5:00 pm for this club; however, you must select the 3:00 pm pickup time. By choosing the 3:00 pm pickup time, you will not be charged the fee for the Take Your Pick! option.
If you do not select the correct dismissal time for this option only, your program fee will need to be adjusted and a $50 processing charge will be assessed
Please note: the tennis class that is offered during the 1:10-3:00 pm period is a different class. Since it is part of the Summer Festival of Learning afternoon choices, there is no additional fee.
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Limited scholarships may be available, please contact for more information.