Summer at SA

Week 1: June 9 through June 13, 2025

List of 3 frequently asked questions.

  • Art in 5 Days (Session 1)

    In this relaxing and fun class, students will draw, paint, collage, create small sculptures, and embellish  clothing. One project will use symbolism to create self-portraits in collage and paint. Students will get lots of support and direction, along with skill-building instruction for each project. We will close the session with a party that showcases and celebrates everyone’s artwork. Every day, we will play games to create an environment where learning is fun!

    Note: Each session of “Art in 5 Days” will feature unique projects and media, so interested students can take multiple weeks if they wish!

    Dates: June 9-13, 2025
    Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
    Ages: Current 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th graders
    Cost: $495

    Teacher: Catherine Daley
    Catherine is sculptor, photographer, and painter. You can find her work at sites throughout Sonoma County, including the Luther Burbank Center and Sonoma State University. She teaches a variety of art-focused Intersession and Exploratory classes at Sonoma Academy.

    Register Here

  • Cooking Around the World

    Over five exciting days, campers will explore the world of food through hands-on cooking experience while learning essential kitchen skills, food safety, and exploring different cultural cuisines! Each camper will also create an artistic cookbook featuring all the recipes they've made throughout the week. By the end of the camp, campers will have confidence in the kitchen and the skills to recreate their favorite recipes at home. Join us for a week of tasty fun!
     
    Note: Each session of “Cooking Around the World” will feature unique recipes, so interested students can take multiple weeks if they wish!
     
    Dates: June 9-13, 2025
    Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
    Ages: Current 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th graders
    Cost: $495
     
    Teacher: Blue Stringer '22
    Blue graduated from Sonoma Academy in 2022. She is a rising senior at New York University dual majoring in Childhood Education and Special Education. She is currently student teaching at an elementary school in Manhattan and plans to pursue a career in education after her undergraduate studies. 

    Register Here

  • Photography

    Explore the possibilities of your creative eye! This week-long Introduction to Photography course introduces students to the basics of photography, focusing on creative expression and visual storytelling. Through hands-on activities using both smartphones and digital cameras, you will learn essential skills such as composition, lighting, and basic photo-editing. Not only will you develop confidence in your photographic skills, you will create a portfolio, and participate in a mini-showcase of your photographs to share your creative journey! 
     
    Note: students should bring a smartphone for this camp, as well as a DSLR camera if they have one. We will also provide DSLR cameras for students to use.
     
    Dates: June 9-13, 2025
    Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
    Ages: Curent 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th graders
    Cost: $495
     
    Teacher: Samara Zepeda '18 
    Samara Zepeda graduated from Sonoma Academy in 2018 and Wesleyan University in 2023. She is an artist and teacher based in Connecticut. 

    Register Here

Week 2: June 16 through June 20, 2025

List of 6 frequently asked questions.

  • Art in 5 Days (Session 2)

    In this relaxing and fun session, students will sketch, draw, watercolor, make wire masks and small sculptures, and take fashion portraits of each other. Students will work together on a watercolor painting based on a master painter (Van Gogh or Frida Kahlo). Students will get lots of support and direction, along with skill-building instruction for each project. We will close the session with a party that showcases and celebrates everyone’s artwork. Every day, we will play games to create an environment where learning is fun! 

    Note: Each session of “Art in 5 Days” will feature unique projects and media, so interested students can take multiple weeks if they wish!

    Dates: June 16-20, 2025
    Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
    Ages: Current 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th graders
    Cost: $495

    Teacher: Catherine Daley
    Catherine is sculptor, photographer, and painter. You can find her work at sites throughout Sonoma County, including the Luther Burbank Center and Sonoma State University. She teaches a variety of art-focused Intersession and Exploratory classes at Sonoma Academy.

  • Athletic Adventures

    Calling all athletes and those who love to play! This weeklong camp offers a smorgasbord of sports, from basketball to soccer to ultimate frisbee and more! Each day, we will learn skills and fundamentals related to a wide variety of sports, guided by Sonoma Academy coaches and athletes. We’ll also learn about injury prevention, mobility, and taking care of ourselves to perform at our best.

    Dates: June 16-20, 2025
    Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
    Ages: Current 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th graders
    Cost: $495

    Teachers: Chris Ziemer and the SA Athletic Staff
    Chris Ziemer has been at Sonoma Academy for 20 years, serving as Head Coach of our high performing Varsity Girls Soccer Team and overseeing our athletic program as Athletic Director. He will be joined by other members of our coaching staff and varsity athletes to provide a fun variety of athletic activities for our campers! 

    Register Here

  • Creative Hands: Crafting

    Crafting introduces students to the diversity of creating art with our hands! Crafting offers a creative and therapeutic experience while developing fine motor skills and patience. Over the course of five days, students will explore paper-making, flower pressing, beading, collaging, and other fun art forms. This week-long course encourages self-expression, teamwork, and problem-solving through collaborative and individual projects. Each student will leave with unique projects they've created, along with a deeper appreciation for the crafts and a tangible set of skills to continue their creative journey. Perfect for beginners and those looking to expand their artistic horizons.
     
    Dates: June 16-20, 2025
    Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
    Ages: Current 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th graders
    Cost: $495
     
    Teacher: Blue Stringer '22 and Samara Zepeda '18
    Blue graduated from Sonoma Academy in 2022. She is a rising senior at New York University dual majoring in Childhood Education and Special Education. She is currently student teaching at an elementary school in Manhattan and plans to pursue a career in education after her undergraduate studies. 
     
    Samara Zepeda graduated from Sonoma Academy in 2018 and Wesleyan University in 2023. She is an artist and teacher based in Connecticut.

    Register Here

  • Lights, Camera, Action! Intro to Filmmaking

    Have you ever dreamed of becoming the next Spielberg or Gerwig? Develop your filmmaking skills over the course of a week with award-winning filmmakers (and Sonoma Academy alumni) Chris Kam and Miles Levin. Campers will learn the basics of visual storytelling and will have fun telling stories, making new friends, and learning from the pros!

    Dates: June 16-20, 2025
    Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
    Ages: Current 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th graders
    Cost: $495

    Teachers: Chris Kam ‘21 and Miles Levin ‘13
    Chris and Miles first met when Chris was a sophomore at Sonoma Academy, in an Intersession course on Documentary Filmmaking. Miles is the award-winning director of the short film “Under the Lights,” which is currently being developed into a feature length movie. Chris is a working filmmaker and a student in the film program at Chapman University.

    Register Here

  • Manga Manga! Italian Cooking and Baking

    Do you love Italian and Italian American food? Who doesn't?! This week you will learn to make some of the favorite dishes that you will want to make over and over again for your friends and family. Homemade pastas, simple salads, pizza with our outdoor brick oven, and desserts like tiramisu and gelato will be fun to make and delicious to eat! No prior cooking experience necessary. Come ready to get your hands dirty in all parts of the process, from prepping and assisting, to cooking and clean-up. (This camp will be whipping up the same tasty recipes during the Week 2 session.)
     
    Dates: June 16-20, 2025
    Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
    Ages: Current 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th graders
    Cost: $495
     
    Teacher: Alissa Coenen
    Alissa teaches Spanish at Sonoma Academy, along with many fun Exploratories and Intersession courses in a wide range of topics. She loves to cook, surf, knit, play ukulele, and play with her dog, Panda! 

    Register Here

  • Sticks and Tales: Taiko Drumming and Storytelling

    We will listen to and tell folktales and stories from our lives during half of the class, and then spend the other pounding out traditional rhythms on Taiko drums (from Japan). We will, of course, learn the lore, mythology, and traditions around Taiko drumming.
     
    Dates: June 16-20, 2025
    Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
    Ages: Current 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th graders
    Cost: $495
     
    Teachers: Brandon Spars and Byron Spars '19
    Brandon teaches Humanities at Sonoma Academy, where he has been part of the staffulty for over twenty years. He is a passionate storyteller, an author, a TEDx speaker, and a five-time champion of the Moth StorySLAM (including two GrandSLAMS). He performed at the Exchange Place as part of the 2022 National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee, and recently, he had the honor of performing and presenting a workshop titled "Bringing Characters to Life" at FEAST 4th Storytellers' Conference in Suwon, South Korea.

    Brandon will be joined by his son, Byron Spars ‘19! Byron is a passionate performer and student of Taiko. Beginning as a young boy with Sonoma County Taiko, Byron pursued Taiko while at Macalester College in Minnesota with Enso Daiko, where he studied with Sensei Chiaki O'Brian. Byron has returned to Sonoma County Taiko and enjoys performing regularly with his fellow members under the guidance of Sensei Arnold Shimizu. He hopes to pass on the "joy of the drum" to other young people. 

    Register Here

Week 3: June 23-27, 2025

List of 6 frequently asked questions.

  • Art in 5 Days (Session 3)

    In this relaxing and fun class, students will hike and then draw in nature, create shadow boxes, landscape collages, and paint their own interpretation of Robert Indiana’s LOVE as well as other art projects. We will close the session with a party that showcases and celebrates everyone’s artwork. Every day, we will play games to create an environment where learning is fun!
     
    Note: Each session of “Art in 5 Days” will feature unique projects and media, so interested students can take multiple weeks if they wish!
     
    Dates: June 23-27, 2025
    Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
    Ages: Current 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th graders
    Cost: $495
     
    Teacher: Catherine Daley
    Catherine is sculptor, photographer, and painter. You can find her work at sites throughout Sonoma County, including the Luther Burbank Center and Sonoma State University. She teaches a variety of art-focused Intersession and elective classes at Sonoma Academy.

  • Athletic Adventures

    Calling all athletes and those who love to play! This weeklong camp offers a smorgasbord of sports, from basketball to soccer to ultimate frisbee and more! Each day, we will learn skills and fundamentals related to a wide variety of sports, guided by Sonoma Academy coaches and athletes. We’ll also learn about injury prevention, mobility, and taking care of ourselves to perform at our best.

    Dates: June 23-27, 2025
    Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
    Ages: Current 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th graders
    Cost: $495

    Teachers: Chris Ziemer and the SA Athletic Staff
    Chris Ziemer has been at Sonoma Academy for 20 years, serving as Head Coach of our high performing Varsity Girls Soccer Team and overseeing our athletic program as Athletic Director. He will be joined by other members of our coaching staff and varsity athletes to provide a fun variety of athletic activities for our campers!

    Register Here

  • Cooking Around the World (Session 2)

    Over five exciting days, campers will explore the world of food through hands-on cooking experience while learning essential kitchen skills, food safety, and exploring different cultural cuisines! Each camper will also create an artistic cookbook featuring all the recipes they've made throughout the week. By the end of the camp, campers will have confidence in the kitchen and the skills to recreate their favorite recipes at home. Join us for a week of tasty fun!

    Note: Each session of “Cooking Around the World” will feature unique recipes, so interested students can take multiple weeks if they wish!

    Dates: June 23-27, 2025
    Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
    Ages: Current 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th graders
    Cost: $495

    Teacher: Blue Stringer '22
    Blue graduated from Sonoma Academy in 2022. She is a rising senior at New York University dual majoring in Childhood Education and Special Education. She is currently student teaching at an elementary school in Manhattan and plans to pursue a career in education after her undergraduate studies. 

    Register Here

  • Flower Power! Floral Design Adventures

    Come join us for a super fun, hands-on Floral Arranging Camp where you’ll learn how to create amazing floral designs that will wow your friends and family. Over five days, you’ll work with cut flowers, wildflowers, and greens while learning the basics of design, balance, and creativity. You’ll also explore different floral styles like traditional floral arranging, Ikebana (Japanese flower art), and other cool techniques. Plus, you’ll discover the meanings of flowers in different cultures and celebrations around the world. By the end of the week, you’ll have made everything from everyday flower arrangements and special event designs to wreaths and wearable flowers like crowns and corsages. It’s a week full of hands-on fun, learning new skills, and getting creative with flowers. 

    Dates: June 23-27, 2025
    Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
    Ages: Current 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th graders
    Cost: $545

    Teacher: Margaux Hardy
    With over 30 years of experience in the floral industry and design, Margaux brings a passion for creativity, community, and education to every project. As an accomplished floral designer, event planner, and fundraising professional, she has dedicated her career to fostering connection, optimism, and artistic expression.

    Margaux serves as the Associate Director of Advancement, focused on Special Events & Parent Engagement at Sonoma Academy. She has spent decades leading successful events, from weddings to large-scale fundraising initiatives, always with a focus on bringing people together and achieving shared goals. A seasoned Advancement professional, she is passionate about fundraising and its ability to fuel transformative opportunities for nonprofits and schools.

    Register Here

  • Just Dance!

    Get ready to move, groove, and express yourself at our Summer Dance Camp! This exciting program offers three popular dance styles—Hip Hop, Jazz, and Contemporary. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced dancer, you'll have the opportunity to explore new techniques, build your skills, and unleash your creativity in a fun, high-energy environment!

    Dates: June 23-27, 2025
    Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
    Ages: Current 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th graders
    Cost: $495

    Teacher: Tayla Nielsen
    Tayla Nielsen is Sonoma Academy’s dance teacher and Dance Corps coach. She is a professional Hip Hop dancer who has been dancing since the age of ten and is an accomplished competitive performer and Hip Hop teacher. She was born and raised in Melbourne, Australia until the age of 11 when she moved to Sonora, California. While competing, Tayla also choreographed group routines, and solos for students of all ages, learning styles, and experiences; ranging from beginner to advanced skill levels.

  • Sticks and Tales: Taiko Drumming and Storytelling

    We will listen to and tell folktales and stories from our lives during half of the class, and then spend the other pounding out traditional rhythms on Taiko drums (from Japan). We will, of course, learn the lore, mythology, and traditions around Taiko drumming.

    Dates: June 23-27, 2025
    Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
    Ages: Current 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th graders
    Cost: $495

    Teachers: Brandon Spars and Byron Spars '19
    Brandon teaches Humanities at Sonoma Academy, where he has been part of the staffulty for over twenty years. He is a passionate storyteller, an author, a TEDx speaker, and a five-time champion of the Moth StorySLAM (including two GrandSLAMS). He performed at the Exchange Place as part of the 2022 National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee. Recently, he had the honor of performing and presenting a workshop titled "Bringing Characters to Life" at FEAST 4th Storytellers' Conference in Suwon, South Korea.

    Brandon will be joined by guest teachers, including his son, Byron Spars ‘19!

    Register Here

Summer @ SA is Back!

Our fun and educational week-long camps for current 5th-8th graders, taught by Sonoma Academy staffulty and alumni, explore a huge range of topics to suit all sorts of interests. Each camp includes a full day of fun and learning, plus a healthy and freshly cooked hot lunch! 

The price for each one-week camp is $495, with aftercare (3:00 pm to 5:00 pm) available for an additional fee of $95 for the week. 

We would love to have you join us for a fun Summer @ SA!
Coming from Petaluma, Marin, or Windsor? Skip the car commute and have your student take the train! We will provide a FREE shuttle bus to/from the downtown Santa Rosa SMART train station before and after camp. 

Frequently Asked Questions

List of 9 frequently asked questions.

  • What is included in the camp fee?

    • All supplies and materials
    • Transportation for field trips off campus (when applicable)
    • Freshly cooked, nutritious hot lunch in the Commons
    • Snacks throughout the day
    • Tee shirt and bag  
    • Lots of learning and fun!

  • What is a typical day at camp like?

    Camp runs Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. After drop off, campers will spend the morning learning with their teacher and student TA’s. There will be a mid-morning snack and stretch break with time to get some fresh air on our beautiful campus at the base of Taylor Mountain. All campers will eat a provided hot lunch together in the Commons, then return to their camp groups for the rest of the day. 

  • How many campers are in each camp?

    Most camps will have a maximum of 16 campers (register early!) 

    Athletic Adventures camp will be open to a maximum of 30 campers.

  • What should I wear? What should I bring?

    Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that allow for movement and are suitable for the weather (all camps go outside during breaks and lunch!)

    Please bring a water bottle (labeled with your name) and sunscreen and/or hat for outdoor time.

  • Who staffs the camps?

    All of our camps are taught by fun and engaging Sonoma Academy teachers, staff, and alumni. Campers will also spend time throughout the day with Teaching Assistants, current Sonoma Academy students who have been selected for their leadership and responsibility. 

  • What happens during Coyote Club aftercare?

    For a fee of $95/week, campers can stay on campus from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm for supervised activities (in the gym playing active games, board games, drawing, and more). 

    All campers must be enrolled in Coyote Club for the full week, and must be picked up by 5:00 pm. Late pick-ups will incur a $20 fee per occurrance. 

  • My favorite camp is sold out! Is there a wait list?

    We hope you will consider another one of our awesome camps! But if you would like to be added to a wait list for a sold-out camp, please email us.

  • What is the refund policy?

    Families who decide to cancel their Summer Camp registration will receive a full refund if done 14 days prior to the start of camp. No refund will be granted if withdrawn after that period, however, you may receive a camp credit (in the amount of your camp registration fee) towards any of our 2025 Summer Camps.

Summer Camps

2500 Farmers Lane 
Santa Rosa, CA 95404 
(707) 545-1770 
inbox@sonomaacademy.org
 

Sonoma Academy Is...

...the only private, independent, college preparatory high school in Sonoma County. On our beautiful campus nestled at the base of Taylor Mountain in Southeastern Santa Rosa, our students are able to explore their interests and passions in a rigorous and inspiring environment that develops a lifelong love of learning and prepares them for college and beyond.
Sonoma Academy admits students of any race, color, religion, ethnicity or national origin, citizenship, gender or gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, or disability, to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity or national origin, citizenship, gender or gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and tuition assistance programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.