Rising Fourth and Rising Fifth Grade
Gesher
A Camp Day With More Ways to Engage
By Fourth and Fifth Grade, campers are ready for more ownership over their experience, but they still thrive within structure. Gesher is designed to meet campers right at that moment. The days feel fuller, the activities feel deeper, and for the first time, campers begin making meaningful choices about how they spend parts of their day.
This is where curiosity turns into interest, and interest starts to look like passion. Gesher campers enjoy a full day of varied programming that balances movement, creativity, and connection. Alongside traditional camp activities, this age group begins to experience more depth, spending longer periods immersed in activities and returning to skills over multiple days.
Art, sports, outdoor adventure, and creative projects are led by experienced specialists who know how to challenge this age group while keeping the environment supportive and fun. Campers are encouraged to try new things, stick with something long enough to see improvement, and discover what they enjoy most.
Majors: Time to Go Deeper
A defining part of the Gesher experience is the Majors Program. Each week, campers choose one Major from a small set of options and spend a double period each day fully immersed in that subject.
Majors give campers the chance to slow down, focus, and build real skills over time. Past Majors have included experiences in visual arts, performance, sports, and hands-on exploration. Campers can choose from activities such as sculpture, ceramics, drawing and painting, culinary arts, soccer, basketball, bowling, outdoor adventure, fashion design, and more to focus on throughout the week.
Majors change weekly, allowing campers to explore a variety of interests throughout the summer while still experiencing depth within each one.
Electives & Clubs: More Choices to Explore
Gesher campers experience even more variety through Electives and Clubs.
Electives are specialist-led sessions where campers choose between a small number of hands-on options that fall outside the regular rotation. These activities encourage curiosity and confidence while introducing campers to unique skills and creative tools. Campers will be able to choose from experiences like photography, jewelry making, ecology labs, and more.
Clubs offer a more relaxed way to connect. These camper- or counselor-driven groups are built around shared interests and social fun, while still providing structure to end the day. Clubs may include activities like Gaga championships, capture the flag, board games, dance, bracelet making, and wiffle ball leagues.
Exploration Beyond Camp
Gesher campers take part in one off-site field trip during the summer, designed to challenge them in new ways and offer an experience that feels distinctly “older” than earlier camp years. These trips give campers the chance to step outside the familiar camp environment, try something new, and build confidence alongside their peers.
Past field trips have included high-energy, adventure-based experiences like zip lining and climbing at Treetop Adventure, where campers are encouraged to test their limits, support one another, and celebrate personal accomplishments.
Maker Space: Woodshop & 3D Printing
Gesher campers have the opportunity to work in our Maker Space, where hands-on creativity comes to life through woodshop projects and 3D printing. This space gives campers the chance to build, design, and experiment using real tools and technology, all within a supervised and supportive environment.
In Maker Space, campers may sketch ideas, measure and assemble materials, or bring a digital design to life through 3D printing. Projects evolve through trial and error, encouraging campers to problem-solve, collaborate, and take pride in creating something tangible from start to finish.
Whether working independently or alongside friends, Maker Space helps campers develop confidence, patience, and creative thinking—while experiencing the excitement of making something real with their hands.
Swimming At Camp
For Gesher campers, swimming remains a highlight of the day. Campers swim twice daily (weather permitting) in our lap pool which is the perfect way to stay cool and active all summer long.
Our lifeguards lead daily instructional swim using the Red Cross Learn-to-Swim curriculum, a six-level program that teaches water safety along with progressively building aquatic skills for every age. No matter what level a camper is, lessons are engaging, fun and challenging. For more advanced swimmers who's skills have progressed beyond the level-based classes is our junior lifeguard program where swimming skills are applied in real-life scenarios.
Campers also enjoy a daily free swim period where counselors join in the fun - splashing, playing games, and connecting with campers in the water.
Sample Schedule
Early Care (Optional)
7:30AM-8:30AM
Arrival
8:30AM-9AM
Line Up
9AM-9:15AM
Free Swim & Change
9:15AM-10:30AM
Majors
10:30AM-11:30AM
Activity 1 (Example: Archery)
11:30AM-12PM
Lunch
12PM-12:30PM
Instructional Swim & Change
12:30PM-1:45PM
Activity 2 (Example: Zoom Floom)
1:45-2:15PM
Electives/Clubs (Alternating)
2:15PM-3PM
Clean Up
3PM-3:30PM
Dismissal
3:30PM-4PM
Late Care (Optional)
4PM-6PM
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