Summer @ SA

Week 1: June 8 through June 12, 2026

List of 6 frequently asked questions.

  • Basketball

    Dates: June 8-12, 2026
    Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
    Ages: Current 5th - 8th graders
    Cost: $500
     
    Basketball Camp will provide an enjoyable and rewarding experience for players of all ability levels. Campers will learn how to become well-rounded basketball players through instruction and competition, which will include Basketball Fundamentals: shooting, ball handling, passing, footwork, rebounding, and defensive principles. Campers will participate in 1-on-1, 3-on-3, and 5-on-5 competitions designed to allow each player the opportunity to apply the skills they will be learning. Campers will enjoy free throw, three-point, and one-on-one contests, as well as various shooting and dribbling games, all in a fun, positive, and challenging environment.
     
    Teacher: Mike Washington
    Coach Washington is a familiar and respected presence in Sonoma County basketball, and we are excited to have him directing our basketball camp. He brings extensive experience at every level of the game, with a proven ability to develop players’ skills, fundamentals, and basketball IQ. He has significant experience running youth basketball programs, including YMCA leagues, Golden State Warriors, Sonoma State University, and NBBA summer camps. Coach Washington has also coached at Sonoma State University (assistant men’s coach), Rancho Cotati (JV and varsity), and is currently part of the Sonoma Academy program. In addition, he has long-standing involvement with North Bay Basketball Academy, where he has served as Associate Director, Director of Tournaments, and Director of Social Media.

    Register Here

  • Cooking Around the World

    Dates: June 8-12, 2026
    Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
    Ages: Current 5th - 8th graders
    Cost: $500
     
    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
     
    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

  • Intro to Debate

    Dates: June 8-12, 2026
    Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
    Ages: Current 5th - 8th graders
    Cost: $500
     
    Do you like to argue? Come hone your skills by spending a week with Sonoma Academy's nationally competitive debate team. During this week, you will engage in a series of fun activities designed to improve your public speaking and critical thinking. You will work closely with our varsity debaters, all leading up to a winner-takes-all tournament.
     
    Teacher: Ian Beier, Debate Faculty at College Prep
    Ian has coached full-time at College Prep in Oakland since 2018, following a decade of coaching at both the high school and collegiate levels beginning in 2008. At CPS, he has coached multiple teams in both Cross-Examination and Public Forum to qualify for the Tournament of Champions. His teams have advanced to deep elimination rounds at national invitationals such as Presentation, Bronx, Damus, Alta, Arizona State, Golden Desert, Stanford, and Cal. Most recently, a CPS Policy team reached the quarterfinals at the Barkley Forum at Emory, while Public Forum teams reached the semifinals at Arizona State and the finals at Golden Desert.

    Register Here

  • Lego Robotics

    Dates: June 8-12, 2026
    Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
    Ages: Current 5th - 8th graders
    Cost: $500
     
    Build, code, and bring your ideas to life with LEGO Robotics! In this hands-on camp, students use LEGO robotics kits to design, construct, and program moving creations while learning the basics of engineering, coding, and logical thinking. Through fun challenges and collaborative teamwork, campers develop problem-solving skills, creativity, and confidence as they test, iterate, and improve their designs. No prior experience needed—just curiosity, imagination, and a love of building.
     
    Teacher: Andres Figueroa Hernandez ‘26
    Andres will graduate from Sonoma Academy this June, and throughout his time at SA, he has been a critically important member of the award-winning Robotics team, Ellipse 6814. Andres also brings his technical skills to the theater program, where he has been behind the scenes for nearly every show produced during his four years of high school.

    Register Here

  • Musical Theatre Intensive: Mean Girls Jr. (3 weeks)

    Dates: June 8-27, 2026
    Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
    Ages: Current 5th - 8th graders
    Cost: $1,500
     
    Join us this summer as we bring Mean Girls, Jr. to life on stage at Sonoma Academy! This 3-week camp will culminate in a production of the classic tale of friendship, revenge, and redemption. Professionally produced and directed, this program will combine the fun and excitement of learning advanced musical theater skills with meeting other young people, while performing in the beautiful new state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center at Sonoma Academy.
     
    Adapted from Tina Fey's hit 2004 film, Mean Girls was nominated for a staggering 12 Tony Awards. This queen-bee took Broadway by storm and has joined the musical in-crowd! Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. How will this naïve newbie rise to the top of the popularity pecking order? By taking on The Plastics, a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady and her friends devise a "Revenge Party" to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a Queen Bee without getting stung.
     
    All campers will perform in 4 shows, rehearse daily, participate in musical theater classes and workshops, and have an opportunity to perform in an optional weekly talent show for the camp. Stagecraft apprentice camp opportunities will also be available including set/prop design and build, lighting, costumes, sound, and more.
     
    This camp includes:
    Professional Training: Students will receive instruction in acting, singing, and dancing from professional teaching artists.
    Full Production Experience: Every participant is cast in the show and performs in both casts for all four performances.
    Audition Support: Audition materials will be provided in advance, and casting takes place after the first day of camp.
    Ensemble Learning: Students will work in a supportive ensemble environment that encourages collaboration and growth.
    Extra Fun: Weekly lunchtime “cabarets” give students an opportunity to perform for their peers.
     
    Teacher: Elizabeth McKoy (Mom to Eliott Choate ‘25) 
    Elizabeth McKoy is the Founding Artistic Director of the award-winning Berkeley Playhouse. She has directed numerous professional productions including Peter Pan, Cinderella, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, The Sound of Music, A Little Princess, Tarzan, A Christmas Story, and James and the Giant Peach. Elizabeth has directed over 40 youth productions such as The Drowsy Chaperone, Freaky Friday, Hello, Dolly!, Pirates of Penzance, Zombie Prom, Narnia, Into the Woods, and 13. She has also commissioned eight new musicals, including Bridges, which premiered at Berkeley Playhouse in 2016 and was later produced in New York. Elizabeth is the proud mother of five, including her 18-year-old recent SA graduate who is now studying Musical Theatre in college.

    Register Here

  • Photography

    Dates: June 8-12, 2026
    Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
    Ages: Current 5th - 8th graders
    Cost: $500
     
    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.
     
    Teacher: Samara Zepeda ‘18
    Samara is an SA alumna from the class of ’18 and a lifelong artist. As a child, she loved turning everyday objects into creative works of art—a passion that grew with her in high school and through formal training in university. She graduated with a degree in Studio Art and now has three years of experience teaching art camps to children ages 5–13. She is thrilled to return to SA this summer and looks forward to guiding students in exploring their own creativity.

    Register Here

Week 2: June 15 through June 19, 2026

List of 6 frequently asked questions.

  • Art in 5 Days

    Dates: June 15-19, 2026
    Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
    Ages: Current 5th - 8th graders
    Cost: $500
     
    Get ready for a fun and creative art camp! In five days, we'll dive into a variety of art techniques including drawing, painting, collaging, and even building with clay. We’ll explore themes of identity and self-expression as well as fantasy and nature. Come join us if you want to meet other like-minded artists, talk to alumni pursuing a career in the arts, and get to listen to awesome music all day while doing what you love. Campers will get plenty of guidance and encouragement with step-by-step tips to build skills along the way. We’ll also play games each day to keep things energetic and fun. At the end of camp, we’ll celebrate with a showcase party where everyone can celebrate their artwork!
     
    Teacher: Samara Zepeda ‘18
    Samara is an SA alumna from the class of ’18 and a lifelong artist. As a child, she loved turning everyday objects into creative works of art—a passion that grew with her in high school and through formal training in university. She graduated with a degree in Studio Art and now has three years of experience teaching art camps to children ages 5–13. She is thrilled to return to SA this summer and looks forward to guiding students in exploring their own creativity.

    Register Here

  • Anatomy of a Trial

    Dates: June 15-19, 2026
    Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
    Ages: Current 5th - 8th graders
    Cost: $500
     
    Calling all future lawyers! Join us for a fun-filled week of learning the basics of what it takes to be a trial attorney. We'll spend the week learning about the different elements of a trial through some lecturing, video clips, lots of class discussion, perhaps some simulation exercises to practice your new skills, and potentially visits from some of the top trial attorneys in Sonoma County as guest speakers. At the end of the week you'll have the opportunity to test your skills when we conduct a trial from opening to closing arguments, and everything in between. Additionally, there will be opportunities to talk about the law more broadly, as well as about law school, the practice of law, and anything else students are curious about.
     
    Teacher: Tylor Nowell, SA Class of 2017
    Tylor is a law student at the University of Michigan, graduating in May 2026. Prior to attending law school, she studied Anthropology and Political Science as an undergraduate student and worked as a paralegal while studying for the LSAT and applying to law school. After graduation, she will be joining a law firm in Santa Rosa and practicing family law. In her final semester at law school, she is taking the opportunity to explore the law through a different lens and will be doing research on legal philosophy, focusing on questions such as what do we owe each other? And what should happen when we wrong each other, whether we did so intentionally or not?

    Register Here

  • Athletic Adventures

    Dates: June 15-19, 2026
    Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
    Ages: Current 5th - 8th graders
    Cost: $500
     
    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.
     
    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

  • Baking Basics: Exploring Food, Nutrition, and Baking Techniques

    Dates: June 15-19, 2026
    Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
    Ages: Current 5th - 8th graders
    Cost: $500
     
    Have you ever wanted to learn baking secrets directly from a pastry chef? Baking Basics is the course for you! In this week long session, you will have the opportunity to learn all the baking tips and tricks from nutrition perspective. Each day will focus on a specific baked good, its history, an exploration of its nutritional content, and finally, the change to recreate it yourself. If you have any interest in food science, food history, nutrition, or even just want to learn the basics of baking, make sure to sign up!
     
    Teacher: Lily Overstreet, SA Class of 2024
    Lily Overstreet is a Sonoma Academy graduate (class of 2024) and current sophomore at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. She is currently studying public health and nutrition on a pre-dietetics track with the plan to become a registered dietitian. She worked as a pastry chef for the bakery Quail & Condor for 3 years and as a private caterer for 1.5 years, all throughout her  time at SA. She can’t wait to share all of my baking and nutrition knowledge with you!

    Register Here

  • FIRST Robotics (2 weeks)

    Dates: June 15-26, 2026
    Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
    Ages: Current 5th - 8th graders
    Cost: $1,000
     
    This two-week camp introduces students to FIRST Robotics, which participates in FRC(FIRST Robotics Competition). Instead of building an entire robot, students will explore the foundations that make robots function, including real mechanisms, sensors, wiring, and programming logic. Through hands-on activities, demonstrations, and interactive challenges, students will learn how engineers design, test, and improve robotics systems as a team. The camp focuses on problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration, giving students a fun and realistic introduction to robotics and engineering at a high-school level!
     
    Teacher: Andres Figueroa Hernandez ‘26
    Andres will graduate from Sonoma Academy this June, and throughout his time at SA, he has been a critically important member of the award-winning Robotics team, Ellipse 6814. Andres also brings his technical skills to the theater program, where he has been behind the scenes for nearly every show produced during his four years of high school. 

    Register Here

  • Spooky Story Podcasting

    Dates: June 15-19, 2026
    Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
    Ages: Current 5th - 8th graders
    Cost: $500

    It was a dark and stormy night…
    How do you tell a great spooky story? In this camp, we will use our imaginations together, using the latest audio technology to write, record, produce, and edit original scary stories, turning them into podcasts to share with family and friends. Campers will work individually and/or in teams to record their voices, create sound effects, and compose background music. They'll then edit all the parts together to create one or more episodes of an original podcast. We'll end the week with a listening party for campers and their families!

    Teacher: Spencer Nilsen
    Spencer has a long history in music production and composition, media arts and education. Before coming to work as our Media Arts Specialist, Spencer helped to found Ex'pression College, in Emeryville. As the Program Director, he oversaw curriculum and taught in several subject areas, including Sound Arts, Media Design, Video and Filmmaking. In 2006, he became President of the college, and he guided it through significant growth until 2011. The following year, Spencer started a 3D animation and motion graphics company, Illumina Studios, which specialized in visual storytelling for cutting-edge scientific research firms, universities, government organizations, and entertainment companies such as Amyris, California Department of Public Health, Disney/Pixar, Old Navy, UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, and many others.

    Spencer also has a deep catalog of music compositions, including scores for film, tv, and video games. 

    Register Here

Week 3: June 23-27, 2025

List of 5 frequently asked questions.

  • Art in 5 Days

    Dates: June 22-26, 2026
    Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
    Ages: Current 5th - 8th graders
    Cost: $500
     
    Get ready for a fun and creative art camp! In five days, we'll dive into a variety of art techniques including drawing, painting, collaging, and even building with clay. We’ll explore themes of identity and self-expression as well as fantasy and nature. Come join us if you want to meet other like-minded artists, talk to alumni pursuing a career in the arts, and get to listen to awesome music all day while doing what you love. Campers will get plenty of guidance and encouragement with step-by-step tips to build skills along the way. We’ll also play games each day to keep things energetic and fun. At the end of camp, we’ll celebrate with a showcase party where everyone can celebrate their artwork!
     
    Teacher: Rowena Mielock ‘22
    Rowena graduated from SA in 2022 and is now at UC San Diego studying Psychology with a minor in Studio Art. She spent most of her time at SA neck-deep in art classes, and a few of her installations are still hanging around campus.

    Register Here

  • Athletic Adventures

    Dates: June 22-26, 2026
    Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
    Ages: Current 5th - 8th graders
    Cost: $500
     
    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.
     
    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

    Dates: June 22-26, 2026
    Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
    Ages: Current 5th - 8th graders
    Cost: $500
     
    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.
     
    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

  • Lights, Camera, Action! Intro to Filmmaking

    Dates: June 22-26
    Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
    Ages: Current 5th - 8th graders
    Cost: $500
     
    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!
     
    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,” a feature-length film that premiered this year. Chris is a working filmmaker and a student in the film program at Chapman University.

    Register Here

  • Sustainable Fashion: Upcycling & Mending

    Dates: June 22-26
    Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
    Ages: Current 5th - 8th graders
    Cost: $500
     
    Do you love thrifting, crafting, or giving old clothes new life? In this hands-on and creativity-filled week, campers will explore the art of upcycling through visible mending, embroidery, patchwork, and clothing customization. Students are encouraged to bring in clothing pieces that need repair or that they’d like to transform into something new and uniquely their own. Throughout the week, campers will learn essential hand-sewing techniques, experiment with color and texture, and turn everyday garments into personalized, wearable works of art. They will build confidence in their creative skills, have fun collaborating with peers, and leave the week with finished pieces they designed themselves!
     
    Teacher: Stacey Olson, SA Class of 2016
    Stacey is a middle school math teacher, theatre director, and costume designer who brings her love of creativity and craftsmanship to the classroom and stage. She has extensive experience sewing and teaching students how to design, construct, and personalize garments. Her upcycling and design projects empower students to express themselves while building real-world skills in sustainability, artistry, and handcrafting.

    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 $500.

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. 

High School Debate Camp

Sonoma Academy’s Flex Debate Camp offers a flexible, personalized experience for both novice and advanced high school debaters grades to sharpen their public speaking, research, and argumentation skills over the summer. Whether you’re prepping for a competitive season or just getting started, we’ve got you covered with beginner and advanced tracks.

Learn more 

Frequently Asked Questions

List of 8 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 18 campers (register early!) 

    Athletic Adventures and Musical Theatre Intensive will have capacity for many 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. 

  • 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 2026 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.