STEP -
Summer STudies Enrichment Program
1 week sessions 9:00am-3:00pm $700
STEP offers students entering Grades 6-9 the chance to explore enriching topics in one-week sessions taught by school-year Sidwell Friends School teachers and outside professionals and supported by counselors who share campers’ passion for learning.
During each week, participants will attend four workshops selected at the time of registration. Two workshops will meet daily in the mornings, and two workshops will meet daily in the afternoons. Programming also includes supervised group breaks for card/board games and movement. *Please note: STEP is a device-free program, including during breaks and lunch.
| STEP 2026 Sample Schedule | |||
| 8:45am – 9:10am | Arrival / Carpool | ||
| 9:10am – 10:20am | Workshop A (selected at registration) | ||
| 10:20am – 10:50am | Break | ||
| 10:50am – 12:00pm | Workshop B (selected at registration) | ||
| 12:00pm – 12:45pm | Lunch / Break | ||
| 12:45pm – 1:40pm | Workshop C (selected at registration) | ||
| 1:45pm – 2:40pm | Workshop D (selected at registration) | ||
| 2:45pm – 3:00pm | Dismissal / Carpool |
Dates, Hours, and Fees
| 2026 Dates | |
| July 6 - 10 | |
| July 13 - 17 | |
| July 20 - 24 | |
| July 27 - 31 | |
| Hours | |
| 9:00am – 3:00pm | |
| Fees | |
| $700/session | |
STEP Weekly Workshop Schedule
2026 workshop schedule and description is below. Workshops will be added prior to registration opening on January 14th!
| Week | Workshop A: | Workshop B: | Workshop C: | Workshop D: |
| July 6 - 10 | Building New Perspectives / Fantasy Role-Playing Games / Mask Making | Storytelling / LEGO® Design / Mask Making | Art: Impressionism / Board Game Strategy & Design / Debate | Art: Impressionism / Improv / Mindful Movement |
| July 13 - 17 | Building New Perspectives / Cryptography / Stand-Up Comedy | Debate / LEGO® Design / Fantasy Role-Playing Games | Art: China and Japan / Card Game Strategy & Design / Public Speaking | Art: China and Japan / Improv / Lawn Games |
| July 20 - 24 | Icky History / Storytelling / Memoir Writing | Debate / Social Psychology / Building New Perspectives | Art: Italy and France / Improv / Forensic Fun | Art: Italy and France / Sweet Styling / Architecture 101 |
| July 27 - 31 | Storytelling / Food Writing / Supreme Court | Stand-Up Comedy / Chinese Culture / Icky History | Art: China and Japan / Improv / Architecture 101 | Art: China and Japan / Sweet Styling / Forensic Fun |
*You select your workshops during the registration process. Once registered, if you would like to change a workshop email summer@sidwell.edu.
2026 Weekly Workshop Descriptions
Architecture 101: Students will learn the basics of building, developing background knowledge about topics such as the structural ABCs (arches, beams, cantilevers, etc.), symmetry and asymmetry, and color theory (warm and cool colors). They will learn to make a scale drawing of a building and a 2D floor plan, review calculations relevant to mapping out interior design needs (rooms, carpet, wallpaper), and build a simple 3D model of a structure of their choice. (Weeks of July 20 and July 27)
Art: China and Japan: Students will explore Chinese and Japanese art and culture through drawing, painting, and sculpture. Depending on the week, students might learn traditional bamboo painting techniques, create artwork inspired by Asian landscapes, learn about traditional Chinese and Japanese painting schools, explore the history of anime, or build their own Japanese Zen garden. Students will learn professional art techniques and use of different art materials. This workshop is taught by the artistic director of Artichoke Art Studio during the week of July 15 and by the director of the Stephanie Change Studio during the week of July 27. (Weeks of July 15 and July 27)
Art: Italy and France: Students will discover the art and culture of Italy and France through hands-on drawing, painting, and sculptural projects. Activities may include creating a Parisian cityscape or an Italian landscape, a portrait inspired by Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci, and a 3D model of an iconic European landmark. This workshop is taught by the director of the Stephanie Chang Studio. (Week of July 20)
Art: Impressionism: This workshop introduces students to the exciting world of art through the colorful and expressive style of the Impressionist painters. Students will learn about famous artists such as Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, explore how light and color create mood, and experiment with loose brushstrokes and painting outdoors. Through hands-on activities, guided discussions, and creative projects, students will develop their observation skills, confidence, and personal artistic style. By the end of the week, each student will complete an Impressionist-inspired artwork and gain a deeper appreciation for art, creativity, and self-expression. This workshop is taught by the artistic director of Artichoke Art Studio. (Week of July 6)
Board Game Strategy and Design: In this workshop, taught by a board game aficionado and designer, we’ll engage in a guided examination of the strategy and psychology behind popular games. What factors affect the complexity of a game? How do compelling games balance strategy and luck? How do games—and life—teach us to take what we’re dealt and maximize it? When you play games, how do you read the room and other players, and how does that information affect your strategy? For each of the first three days, we'll examine a different board game (e.g., Survive, Trekking, Monopoly) and its unique strategy and focus; on the last two days, students will have the option of designing their own board games with materials provided. (Week of July 6)
Building New Perspectives: Developing the ability to adopt new and unfamiliar perspectives is key to navigating our lives. It increases our agency at school, at home, and eventually at work. Students in this workshop series, facilitated by Gideon Culman, an ICF Master Certified Coach, will engage in focused, reflective conversation to cultivate new habits of mind that will expand their range of thoughts and actions. Curious students who excel at listening to peers and advocating their own ideas will come together to consider real-life ethical problems. Note: Each week focuses on a different skill; students can enroll in multiple sessions. (Weeks of July 6, 13, and 20)
Week of July 6: Becoming Future You: We often find it easier to reflect on who've been in years past than to imagine who we will be in years to come. Students in this class will do both: Considering how the obstacles they've worked to overcome can inform how they navigate the terrain that lies ahead. Each student in this class will write reflections about their life, build LEGO® models to express their insights, and respectfully share and discuss these insights with other students.
Week of July 13: Dismantling Assumptions: When a person we're close to disappoints us, we may rush to judgment. Students in this class will examine important relationships. They will learn to pause and consider how their own judgments might be wrong. Students will practice articulating how other people are the heroes of their own stories. Each student in this class will write reflections about their life, build LEGO® models to express their insights, and respectfully share and discuss these insights with other students.
Week of July 27: Finding Our Way: The writings of 4th-century BCE philosopher Zhuangzi will lead students on an exploration of who they are and what matters most to them. Students in this class will read together and reflect on short literary excerpts, build LEGO® models that express their insights, and respectfully share and discuss these insights with other students.
Card Game Strategy and Design: In this workshop, taught by a card game aficionado and designer, we’ll engage in a guided examination of the strategy and psychology behind popular group card games. What factors affect the complexity of a game? How do compelling games balance strategy and luck? How do games—and life—teach us to take what we’re dealt and maximize it? When you play games, how do you read the room and other players, and how does that information affect your strategy? For each of the first three days, we'll examine a different card game (e.g., Kids Edition of Cards Against Humanity, Medium) and its unique strategy and focus; on the last two days, students will have the option of designing their own card games with provided materials. (Week of July 13)
Chinese Culture: This workshop, taught by a Sidwell Upper School Chinese teacher, invites students to explore China’s rich cultural heritage through a series of creative, hands-on projects. Each day introduces a new craft connected to a meaningful cultural theme, allowing students to deepen their understanding while making beautiful, take-home pieces of art, such as bamboo wind chimes, Peking Opera fans, qipao-style bookmarks, and gold-foil pictures. The week will conclude with a delicious cooking activity featuring scallion pancakes and boba tea. This workshop is perfect for students who love making things and trying new foods while exploring Chinese culture. (Week of July 27)
Cryptography: Secret messages have fascinated people for thousands of years. We’ll look at some examples from history and literature, take part in encryption and decryption of messages, and have fun in the process! Taught by a Sidwell Friends School teacher, this workshop will use language and concepts from mathematics as a basis for understanding various ciphers, but the course should be accessible to any students with a solid grounding in arithmetic. (Week of July 13)
Debate: Are you ready to win more arguments? Get better at expressing yourself and your viewpoints? Up your critical thinking game? Improve your public speaking skills? Boost your confidence and communication abilities? You can do all that and more through the Dare to Debate class. You’ll learn debate basics and then some, plus have fun while doing it, thanks to all the interactive challenges and game play. Join forces with your teammates to engage in real live impromptu debates! Win, lose, or draw, every student comes out ahead. (Weeks of July 6, 13, and 20)
Fantasy Role-Playing Games: In this workshop, taught by a Sidwell Friends School teacher, we’ll have fun at the intersection of storytelling, gaming, and acting. Whether you’re experienced with running games of your own, a novice of just a few encounters, or a complete newbie to the world of tabletop RBGs, we’d love to have you join us! (Weeks of July 6 and 13)
Food Writing: Taught by Jen Lin-Liu, author of the culinary travel memoirs On the Noodle Road and Serve the People, this workshop will teach students the fundamentals of how to become a food writer. Through tasting foods, reading the works of professional food authorities such as Ruth Reichl and Anthony Bordain, and drawing on their own eating and cooking experiences, students will learn how to write recipes, restaurant reviews, and literary culinary articles. Please note: We welcome students who’ve taken this class previously; class content and drills will be new and unique to this year. (Week of July 27)
Forensic Fun - In this workshop based on the Great Explorations in Math and Science (GEMS) Mystery Festival students will investigate a simulated crime scene on the patio of a beach house. They’ll analyze footprints, fingerprints, stains, and smells, using science to puzzle out the mystery! (Weeks of July 20 and July 27)
Icky History: They used to do what?! They used that?! History is full of strange rituals, inventions, hygiene, and more. In this workshop taught by a Sidwell Friends Upper School History teacher, we'll explore what cultures across the world and across time used as make-up and shampoo, the weird habits of famous historical figures, and the general ickiness of times past. (Weeks of July 20 and July 27)
Improv Basics: Got Game?: Like to play games and have fun? Then this is the class for you. You’ll get to play theater games, story games, musical games, guessing games, gibberish games, and more while practicing improv. You’ll learn to trust and support your fellow teammates, build scenes together out of thin air, and think fast on your feet. Improv boosts your confidence, imagination, teamwork, creativity, and communication skills. You’ll even have the chance to test drive your new improv skills by performing a few games together as a troupe at the Friday showcase! Join us and learn how to “Yes, and—” your way through life! (Weeks of July 6, 13, 20, and 27)
Lawn Games: Join us for some afternoon movement, including popular lawn games such as cornhole, Spikeball, and gaga ball! Games will vary by day and will be weather-dependent, with indoor movement options available for the group as needed. (Week of July 13)
LEGO® Design: In this workshop, taught by an experienced designer, builder, and lifelong LEGO® aficionado, students will learn about the many and varied types of LEGO® pieces (i.e., classic, modified, technic, decorative) and their seemingly infinite configurations and uses. Students will also explore the evolution of LEGO®, which began with basic builds and expanded to elaborate sets and resources that can be used for original builds. Students will have access to a wide array of blocks as they design and create. Collaboration, feedback, experimentation, and troubleshooting are encouraged. Students can enroll in multiple weeks if desired. (Weeks of July 6 and 13)
Week of July 6: Architectural Buildings: Design houses, shops, skyscrapers, famous landmarks, and more!
Week of July 13: Green Spaces: Design city parks, eco-friendly cars, greenhouses, and more!
Mask Making: Get ready to transform your identity and dive into the world of 3D art! In this workshop taught by Ksenya Litvak, a professional puppet designer and the founder of Artichoke Art Studio, students will learn how to build professional-style masks from the ground up. Whether you want to create a mythical creature, a futuristic cyborg, or a stylized version of yourself, you’ll master the basics of structural design using papier-mâché, plaster gauze, and recycled materials. Learn how to use plaster cloth and wire mesh to create strong, lightweight bases. Explore “character lore”—give your mask a backstory before you even start painting. Experiment with high-texture additives such as faux fur, metallic paints, and found objects. We’ll cover everything from facial symmetry to bold color theory, giving you the tools to turn a flat idea into a wearable piece of art that pops. End the week with an optional “Masquerade Parade” to show off your finished creation! (Week of July 6)
Memoir Writing: Taught by Jen Lin-Liu, author of the culinary travel memoirs On the Noodle Road and Serve the People, this workshop will teach students to write in first person in a vivid and memorable way, using examples from students’ daily lives. Students will read examples of memoir writing by impactful figures in the sports, culture, and business worlds. Please note: We welcome students who’ve taken this class previously; class content and drills will be new and unique to this year. (Week of July 20)
Mindful Movement: Students will practice breathing techniques, yoga postures, and creative movement with the goal of building greater body awareness, problem solving skills, and creativity. This workshop is taught by Sidwell Friends School’s dance teacher. (Week of July 6)
Public Speaking: This class was designed to be both fun and easy, teaching tips and strategies for not only becoming a better public speaker, but also for coping with nerves. Learn how to use your voice, body language, and gestures to convey your message powerfully. This class can help you build your confidence, improve your critical thinking skills, develop your leadership skills, and advocate for topics you care about—all while enjoying yourself. (Week of July 13)
Social Psychology: How do humans behave in social groups? In this workshop, taught by a Sidwell Friends Upper School History teacher, we will learn about how we think about, influence, and relate to one another. In studies examining conformity, attitudes, persuasion, and more, you will examine the role of social pressure and how it affects human behavior! Will you conform and join the crowd, or will you become a hero and join this workshop? (Week of July 20)
Stand-Up Comedy: Humor makes everything better. Whether you’re arguing a case in front of the Supreme Court, trying to make new friends, or just trying to maintain perspective during tough times, the ability to make yourself and others laugh will help you immeasurably. So why wait to learn the fundamental techniques behind stand-up comedy? In this workshop, you’ll explore your comedic style and develop your own distinctive voice, learning to craft jokes that leave a lasting impression! (Weeks of July 13 and 27)
Storytelling: This hands-on, highly interactive first-person storytelling class will show students how to turn their unique life experiences into compelling true stories. There are no lectures. Students will learn the ancient art of storytelling by diving into dynamic activities, imaginative games, and explorative exercises--all designed to help them discover and develop interesting story material from their own lives. The instructor, renowned DC story coach Stephanie Garibaldi, will teach students tools and tips for sharing their stories in relatable, meaningful ways—ways that will enable them to make genuine, human connections with their listeners.
Students will have the chance to put their new story skills into action on Friday afternoon, when Storytelling students will perform their stories in front of their STEP peers in a final (optional) showcase! (Weeks of July 6, 20, and 27)
The Supreme Court and You: In this workshop, taught by a Sidwell Friends Upper School History teacher, we will explore Supreme Court cases that have defined student rights! Yes, what rights do you have? What kind of education are you entitled to? What can teachers and administrators do and what can’t they do? Come and learn about how the justice system works, how your rights have been defended in courts, and learn how the constitution has directly impacted your school! (Week of July 27)
Sweet Styling: After observing demonstrations, students will use provided icing and frosting to practice the techniques of cookie and cake decorating. Students will receive recipes as well as taking home real cookies and cakes! This workshop will be taught by the Sidwell Friends Middle School Librarian, who is also a lifelong baker and the head of Amal’s Baking Class. (Weeks of July 20 and July 27)