• Courses are capped at a specific number of students to ensure the best possible experience!  

• *New courses created by RPS staff!

• Open to ALL Ridgefield residents as well to children of RPS staff

• Transportation to/from Bridge is not provided. 

• Transportation to Boys and Girls Club available at the end of the day.

• Rising 6-9th Grade Intensives: 3, 4 and 5 day sessions 

  • • • Includes Jump Start to HS 

• Information about MS Jump Start (Free program)

• Best Buddies Program 

Coming Soon! 

• High School Volunteer Opportunities 

• Rising 10-12th Grade: Courses for Credit Options

Jump Start for Rising 9th Graders

July 7th-8th         cost $50
9:00 AM - 12 PM

Open to rising 9th graders

This course is designed to support incoming ninth graders as they prepare for the exciting transition to high school. This two day intensive program will provide students with opportunities to connect with peers, tour the school and gain familiarity with the staff, course offerings, and extracurriculars. Students will also develop valuable tools and skills to excel in their high school coursework from the “jump.” This program is a valuable resource for all incoming freshmen, including those who may be experiencing any anxieties about the transition, new to the district or those who may be the first in their family to attend RHS. 

Anticipated Instructor:  Ms. Karlan & Ms. DeJulio

The number of possible ways for a chess game to go is estimated to be around 10^120-- a number so large that we consider it to be infinite. With that many options, how can you even make one move? 

How can you do anything but become utterly paralyzed by choice and freeze right in front of the board? In this course, learn how to find your "way" in chess and in life, making moves that are simple, bound to a simple objective, and consistently improve your own position to accomplish your goal. 

Anticipated Instructor: Brendan Leslie, SRMS English

Get ready to mix, chop, and stir your way to deliciousness in this fun and interactive beginner cooking class! Designed for middle schoolers, Kitchen Creations will teach basic cooking skills, kitchen safety, and easy-to-follow recipes that you can make at home. From simple snacks to tasty treats, you’ll gain confidence in the kitchen while having a blast with your classmates. No experience needed—just bring your appetite and creativity!  Join us for a summer of cooking, tasting, and fun! 

🍕🥗🍪 

Anticipated Instructors: Chad Stewart and Jessica Koning ERMS 

Do you love to dance and great music?  Join this three day dancing ourse!  You do not need to be a danser to join the class, you can just be someone who loves myusic and movement.  Everyday will be a different focus and can include music from different decades.  You may do a dance off one day, learn the most recent trends in dance moves and choreograph a group performace another.  This promises to be an exciting time of music, movement and inevitable laughter.

Anticipated Instructor: Autumn Hoey, SRMS Science

Learn basic American Sign Language; it's fun and similar to Charades!  Students can RECORD themselves signing and feel like a moviestar!! 

What a great opportunity to get to learn how to communicate and express yourself with Sign Language!

Anticipated Instructor: Kimberlina Gerena, ASL teacher at RHS

Get ready for a fun, high-energy summer on the courts! This program will teach the basics of both tennis and pickleball through exciting drills, mini games, and skill challenges. Players of all levels will get chances to compete in real match play while improving their skills and confidence. It’s fast-paced, supportive, and perfect for students who love games, movement, and friendly competition!

Anticipated Instructor: Devin Sulliven, SRMS Physical Education

Fishing is back this year and better than ever!!  We added extra days based on feedback from students!  What would be better than spending a summer morning fishing and catching a Bass.  Enjoy a few hours relaxing, relieving stress and meeting kids with a similar interest.  You will learn how to use all your fishing gear, identify which lures work best for a particular environment and possibly trade one for something new.  For those who have never fished before we will have a few extra fishing poles and gear, it's all about the fun. Rain or shine we will fish so don’t forget to pack a poncho!  

Drop off and pick up locations will be different for each day!  

The list of fishing locations will be shared closer to the start of the week.

Anticipated Instructors: Frank Oakes, SRMS Science and Shaun Gallagher, RHS Physical Education

Ready to get your feet off the ground? Join us for an action-packed 3-day experience designed to take your skills to new heights! 

We kick things off on the ground with high-energy cooperative games and low-element challenges that will test your squad’s problem-solving skills. Once the trust is built, we head for the rafters. You won’t just be a climber—you’ll become a pro at the safety systems that keep the adventure running. You will learn the art of the Belay, and taking command as a primary belayer and back-up belayer, 

Whether you are scaling the high elements or managing the ropes for your teammate, this course is about adrenaline, trust, and conquering the climb.

Anticipated Instructors: Carrie Torpey, SRMS Physical Education and Andy Clavi, SRMS Music

Looking for the summer camp experience without having to go away? Well look no further! If you're interested in fun, outdoor activities, then this is the course for you. Activities will include:  wiffle ball, flag football, hiking, Kan Jam, ultimate frisbee, Cornhole, basketball, and more! 

Anticipated Instructor: Shane Luery, SRMS English

Are you ready for some football? 

Students will be placed on teams, have a chance to practice with their teams and create plays. Once the practice session is finished, teams will put their plays to the test against another squad. 

Let's see who wins the Chip!

Anticipated Instructors: Steve LaBounty, SRMS Science and Sean Geary, SRMS Math

Join the "Bandomonium" ! Let’s be real: Band is better when you’re playing with friends.Bandomonium is a four day jam session designed for anyone who wants to get better at their instrument without it feeling like another normal rehearsal.

Play What You Love: We’re ditching the method books for a playlist of various genres—think Top 40, Jazz-funk, and Cinematic masterpieces.

Zero Stress, All Progress: We’ll help you nail those tricky high notes and fast runs with tips and tricks to help you improve.

Find Your People: From section bondings to epic break-time hangouts, you’ll meet other musicians who "get" it.

Anticipated Instructor: George Beratis, RHS Band

Got ideas? Let’s put them on stage! In this fast-paced and creative summer playwriting class, students will dream up characters, write exciting dialogue, and turn their ideas into original one-act plays. Students will work collaboratively to brainstorm, write, rehearse, and perform. Through drama games, writing challenges, and rehearsals, students will bring their stories to life and build confidence as writers and performers. The week wraps up with a fun performance where students act out the plays they created together.

Anticipated Instructor: Jen Bray, SRMS English

Join us for a week of STEM projects! This hands-on course is for any students entering 6th, 7th, 8th or 9th who like to design, build, and test out their personalized projects. Along with attention to detail, students will put their science, technology, engineering, and math skills to the test.  Projects may have to do with thermal energy transfer, flight, simple machine making to name a few.  Get ready to figure out the wonders of science with this engaging hands on course.

Anticipated Instructors: Steve LaBounty, SRMS Science and Sean Geary, SRMS Math

Summer Studio Crafts is a premium, small-group creative experience who love hands-on projects and creating things they’re truly proud of. Think Pottery Factory–style crafting, but right here at RPS. Over five structured days, students work with high-quality materials and real techniques—resin, soap making, hat burning, Mod Podge décor, tie-dye, and coastal seasonal crafts—producing multiple polished, take-home pieces. This program is more expensive than other RPS offerings, but remains very reasonable given the volume of projects, the quality of materials, and the level of instruction involved. It is intentionally planned to ensure structure, safety, and a true studio experience. 

Anticipated Instructor: Amanda Johnson, SRMS Math

Let your child’s creativity flow at Watercolor Wonders, a joyful, hands-on art experience where imagination meets color! Campers will explore the magic of watercolor painting through playful techniques like color blending, salt textures, resist art, and expressive brush strokes.

Each day, artists will create vibrant projects inspired by nature, animals, stories, and their own big ideas. Campers will learn basic art skills while experimenting freely, building confidence, and having fun in a relaxed, encouraging environment. No prior art experience needed just curiosity and a love of color!

By the end of camp, each child will leave with a collection of unique watercolor masterpieces and a big smile, ready to proudly show off their creativity. 

So grab a brush, dive into color, and join the fun!

Anticipated Instructor: Carolina Quaglierello, SRMS Spanish

In this hands-on summer art camp, students will explore the power of collaboration through a unique, large-scale creative experience. Each student will design and paint an individual canvas while working closely with classmates to ensure that all pieces connect visually and conceptually. When assembled, the separate canvases will come together to form one unified work of art. Throughout the camp, students will learn about composition, color harmony, and theme development. Campers will practice communication, problem-solving, and teamwork as they bring their individual pieces together into a unified vision. 

The completed collaborative artwork may be displayed later in SRMS as a celebration of students’ creativity. 

This public display will highlight the strong collaboration, artistic growth, and community spirit developed during the summer program. This camp is perfect for students who love art, enjoy working with others, and want to be part of of a meaningful project that leaves a lasting impact beyond the classroom.

Anticipated Instructor: Carolina Quaglierello, SRMS Spanish

Love art, music, and having time to just chill and be creative?

Creative Wellness Studio is a fun, low-stress class where students get to create, relax, and express themselves through art and music. Students will make vision boards, design art journals, explore how music affects mood, and work on creative projects with classmates. This is a calm, welcoming space to unplug, be creative, and try new ways to feel relaxed and confident—no tests, no pressure, just creativity.

Anticipated Instructor: Kristin DiMarino, RHS Health

Ever wanted to design your own food truck? In this hands-on intensive course, students will work in teams to create a themed food truck menu from start to finish! Over four days, students will brainstorm food truck ideas, design menus, explore how food affects energy and mood, analyze food labels, and take part in fun challenges. By the end of the week, teams will pitch their food truck and menu to the group. This course is creative, interactive, and perfect for students who love food, teamwork, and trying new ideas—no cooking experience needed!

Anticipted Instructor: Kristin DiMarino, RHS Health

Calling all student bakers! In this fun, four-day Baking Bootcamp, student chefs will mix, roll, knead, and decorate their way through cookies, pies, tarts, yeast breads, and cakes. Along the way, they’ll learn essential baking skills, kitchen safety, measuring precision, and creative decorating techniques—while having a blast and taking home sweet treats to share. This course will take place in an instructional kitchen under the guidance of a certified culinary instructor. 

Anticipated Instructor: Martha DeSantis, RHS FCS

Grab your fabric and get ready to sew! Stitch Studio is a fun, three-day sewing class where middle school students learn the basics of sewing while bringing their creativity to life. Students will practice essential skills like hand sewing, embroidery, using a sewing machine, reading simple patterns, and finishing projects—all while designing and creating their own handmade items. Whether you’re brand new to sewing or already love to stitch, this class is the perfect place to learn, create, and show off your style!

Anticipated Instructor: Martha DeSantis, RHS FCS

Isn't it time you were on Stage? Students will explore the foundational elements of acting, including voice and movement, character development, improvisation, and script analysis. Through individual and ensemble work, students will engage in various performance exercises and scene studies designed to build confidence, creativity, and a deeper understanding of dramatic storytelling.

Anticipated Instructor: Jane Tulley, RHS English & Acting

Snack Lab is a hands-on course where students become snack scientists and entrepreneurs. You'll investigate popular snacks, create healthier alternatives using real ingredients, and compete in a "Shark-Tank" style pitch to prove your snack is better than name brands. Expect taste-tests, challenges, nutrition information, and lots of creativity! 

OPEN TO RISING 8th & 9th graders

Anticipated Instructor: Rachel Fleischer, RHS Health & PE

High school brings new expectations for how students manage their time, read complex texts, write clearly, and collaborate with peers. This five-day intensive is designed to make those expectations visible and manageable before the school year begins.

Students will work with real high school–level materials and engage in guided practice focused on three essential skills: time management, reading for understanding, and academic writing. Through structured discussion, choice-based reading and writing tasks, and collaborative problem-solving, students will build confidence in their ability to meet high school expectations.

By the end of the week, students will leave with a small portfolio of work—including a written paragraph, annotated reading, and a personal academic plan—that reflects both their readiness for ninth grade and their growing independence as learners.

Open to Rising 9th graders only

Anticipated Instructor: Matthew Goetz, RHS English

Love music, concerts, and expressing your own style?  In Pop Concert Craft Studio, students will spend the week creating fun, music-inspired crafts celebrating concert culture and their favorite artists-  from pop to rock to hip-hop and everythign in between, all while jamming out to their favorite songs!  Students willd esign and create concert friendship bracelets, bold concert posters and signs, custom accessories and wearable concert-inspired pieces.  

This class is all about creativity, self-expression and having fun in a relaxed upbeat environment with plenty of time to create, trade, and show off finished projects.  No artistic experience is needed, just bring your love of music and creativity!  Whether you're inspired by Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, Zach Bryan or your own imaginary world tour, this class lets you design your own concert vibe and make projects you'll actually want to keep.  Come craft, create and celebrate music all week.

Anticipated Instructor: Kat Mellen, SRMS Spanish

Get ready to make art you can actually use, show off, and take home! In this hands-on summer class, you’ll explore traditional arts and crafts from cultures around the world — and put your own creative spin on them. You’ll learn the basics of henna design, build and decorate your own piñatas, experiment with Chinese brush painting, and try other exciting folk art projects using bold colors, patterns, and textures.

This class is all about creativity, self-expression, and trying new techniques in a relaxed, fun environment. You don’t need to be “good at art” — just curious and ready to create. Come ready to paint, design, build, and get a little messy while discovering how artists from different cultures tell stories through art.

Perfect for students who love hands-on projects, learning about the world, and making something totally original every day.

Anticipated Instructors: Patricia Dowd, SRMS Social Studies & Tressa Ringkamp, SRMS Art

This 4 day intensive robotics course will give a basic introduction to robotic design and creation. What a great way to be introduced to the Robotics program at RHS with one our own product design, engineering teachers!

Anticipated Instructor: Michael Murphy, RHS 

Physics, Robotics, Engineering & Product Design

Let's turn up the heat and feel the beat in this five day fun filled Salsa dancing introductory class. What a great way to get moving this summer with some fun Salsa music and moves.

Anticipated Instructor: Kimberlina Gerena, RHS American Sign Language

Revue Rush is a one-week fast-paced musical theatre experience designed for middle school performers who love being on stage. Students will work together to rehearse musical numbers, develop stage presence, and learn how a revue comes together. Throughout the week, students will also have the opportunity to create choreography, collaborate with peers, and see their own ideas brought to life on stage. The intensive wraps up with a performance for family. 

Anticipated Instructor: Jen Bray, SRMS English

Social Studies Tune Up is a fun and interactive course designed to help middle school students refresh key social studies skills and concepts while building confidence for the upcoming school year. 

Students will revisit 6th, 7th, and 8th grade topics through hands-on activities, games, and discussions. Review content will include geography skills, US History, civics, and world history. Throughout the course, students will practice essential skills like analyzing sources, participating in respectful discussions, reading/labeling a map, understanding cause and effect, and more. This course provides a low pressure, supportive environment to strengthen understanding, fill in gaps, and get ready for success in the new school year.  

Open to Rising 6th-8th graders

Anticipated Instructor: Kate Zangre, ERMS

Love stories? Crafting? Enjoy snacks? Then this summer book group is for you.

Come dive into powerful, relatable novels that explore friendship, identity, fairness, and finding your voice. In this fast-paced, creative course, you’ll read one awesome book and go beyond just turning pages. Each week brings the book to life through guided discussions, creative writing, art projects, hands-on crafts, and collaborative activities. (A different book will be done each session, so you can come twice!)

And yes—there will be snacks. You’ll help make simple, book-inspired snacks each day, because reading is better when you’re eating and talking together.

This is a place to be curious, a little messy, and totally yourself. Whether you’re a big reader, a creative thinker, or someone who just likes a good story and a good snack, you’ll leave with new ideas, cool projects, and maybe even a new favorite book.

Come read boldly, create wildly, and snack often. 

Anticipated Instructor: Jen Bray, SRMS English

Become your very own crime scene investigator. Learn all about forensics, searching for evidence, and gathering clues. You will learn all about fingerprinting, handwriting analysis, blood spatter and more! Learn how to classify clues and help solve a crime!

Open ONLY to Rising 9th graders

Anticipated Instructor: Nermeen Reyes, RHS Physics