Summerspace Camps

Summerspace '25  -Registration will open April 1, 2025.
 
  • Summerspace is open to girls entering grades 5-9 in Fall 2025, except where noted.
  • Summerspace offers both morning and afternoon weeklong camps. Morning camps run from 9 a.m. - 12 noon and afternoon camps run from 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.There are many campers who stay for a full day. 
  • Girls staying for both morning and afternoon camps should bring a lunch and drink. Snacks are included each day.
  • All camps take place at Sacred Heart Academy, except where noted. If off-site, campers will be transported from Sacred Heart Academy to the location.
  • All camps are taught by Sacred Heart faculty & staff members, except where noted.
  • Sacred Heart reserves the right to cancel camps for which there is not sufficient enrollment.
  • Questions?  Call Summerspace Director, Ruth Donner, 834-2101 ext. 310. 
  • REGISTER HERE
 

WEEK OF JUNE 25-27

Hiking Camp

Do you love being outdoors and exploring nature?  Then this camp is for you!  Each day we will hike in a beautiful location in Western New York.  Hikes could include Griffis Sculpture Park, John B. Austin Nature Trail, Hunters Creek County Park, Art Park Gorge Trail, and Erie County ForestThis camp is open to girls entering grades 6-8 only.

June 26-28 (note:  three-day camp), 9 AM – 1 PM

Instructors:  Michelle Georger and Nicole Polino, SHA Faculty

Cost:  $125

 

WEEK OF JUNE 30-JULY 3 (NO CAMP ON 7/4)

Leadership Academy
Sacred Heart’s Leadership Academy, now in its eleventh year, encourages young women to explore and practice skills in the 5 B’s of Leadership: Becoming a young adult leader, Belonging to a community called school, Believing in God and one’s own self, Building relationships and Bettering our world. Throughout the week, participants will develop their abilities to think creatively, to work as a team, to share ideas, and to handle conflicts. Eighth graders will be teamed up with our already trained student leaders. With the assistance of these student leaders, girls will develop the practical skills necessary for effective leadership in the school community. Each participant is eligible for a $250 tuition credit to Sacred Heart Academy upon acceptance and registration at Sacred Heart for the 2026-27 school year. For girls entering grade 8 only.

June 30-July 3, 9 AM – 3:30 PM (full day, no camp on 7/4)

Instructors: Maria Clare ‘95, SHA Religion teacher & campus minister & Katie Gravelle Kittleson ’05, SHA math teacher

Cost: $250

 

Field Hockey
This camp will focus on the fundamentals of the game, emphasizing basic skills, techniques, and concepts. You will learn and practice basic to intermediate stick skills including dribbling, passing, receiving and shooting drills. In addition, you will learn offensive and defensive techniques and engage in daily scrimmages. Equipment needed: mouth guard, goggles, shin guards and stick (SHA has a limited amount of sticks for those who don’t own one). Team play will be highlighted as well as individual play.

June 30-July 3, 9 AM - 12 NOON (no camp on 7/4)

Instructor: Kyle Dillman, SHA varsity field hockey coach

Cost:  $120

 

Baking Camp

From sweet to savory, this kitchen camp will teach you how to make everything from homemade pizza dough (and pizza!) and bagels to butter and cupcakes in a safe, fun and confidence-building environment. In addition, you will learn kitchen etiquette all as you learn how to read recipes, measure and mix as you create your final products to take home. 

June 30-July 3 (no camp on 7/4), 9AM – 12 NOON

Instructor:  Lisa Utz, SHA Science teacher

Cost:  $130

 

Musical Theater
Spend a week learning about live theater and how to become a part of it. You will learn many different aspects of theater, including movement, dance, voice and acting, as well as other technical and creative components such as costumes, set design and make-up. Each day you will participate in a series of activities which will prepare you for a performance piece to be presented on the final day of the camp. Please note:  this camp will also be offered July 7-11.  Please only sign up for one camp.

June 30-July 3 (no camp on 7/4), 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM

Instructor: Jill Anderson, SHA musical theater and dance teacher

Cost:  $120

 

Fun and Games
Spend a week exploring all sorts of games, from pickleball and gaga ball to lawn games and board games. If you like to play games, learn new things and be challenged, this is the camp for you!

June 30-July 3 (no camp on 7/4), 12:30 PM-3:30 PM

Instructor: Andrea Waclawek Collins ’12, SHA Faculty

Cost: $120

 

WEEK OF JULY 7-11

Musical Theater
Spend a week learning about live theater and how to become a part of it. You will learn many different aspects of theater, including movement, dance, voice and acting, as well as other technical and creative components such as costumes, set design and make-up. Each day you will participate in a series of activities which will prepare you for a performance piece to be presented on the final day of the camp. Please note:  this camp will also be offered June 30-July 3, sign up for one camp only.

July 7-11, 9 AM -12 NOON

Instructor: Jill Anderson, SHA musical theater and dance teacher

Cost:  $150

 

Lacrosse
This camp will focus on the fundamentals of the game, emphasizing basic skills, techniques and concepts. You will learn and practice basic to intermediate stick skills including cradling, passing, catching and shooting drills. In addition, you will learn offensive and defensive techniques and engage in daily scrimmages. Equipment needed: mouth guard, lacrosse goggles and stick (SHA has a limited amount of sticks for those who don’t own one). Team play will be highlighted as well as individual play.

July 7-11, 9 AM - 12 NOON

Instructor: Emma Fenwick ‘21, SHA junior varsity lacrosse coach

Cost:  $150

 

Service
Spend a week sharing your time and talents by volunteering at a variety of agencies throughout Western New York. Each day we will volunteer at a different service site and learn about each organization. This is a great opportunity to explore our gifts and talents, and to give back and make a difference in the community. This camp is open to girls entering grades 6-8 only.

July 7-11, 9 AM – 12 NOON

Instructor: Maria Clare ‘95, SHA Religion teacher and campus minister

Cost:  $150

 

Improvisation

This camp will teach you the building blocks of basic improv and introduce you to the fundamental aspects of stage craft through both physical expression and verbal communication. 

Throughout the week, you will be led through some basic improv exercises and games. These are meant to be fun and focus on communication and teamwork. We will focus on being a good ensemble member as well as developing your individual skills in a low-pressure environment. No experience necessary!

July 7-11, 12:30 PM-3:30 PM

Instructor: Jill Anderson, SHA musical theater and dance teacher

Cost:  $150

 

SHARK Week:  All Things SHA

Spend a week experiencing all things that make SHA unique.  From creating a dance routine to scavenger hunts, a field trip, community service, and more, this camp will leave you knowing what it means to be a SHARK girl!

July 7-11, 12:30 PM-3:30 PM

Instructor:  Maria Clare ‘95, SHA Religion teacher and campus minister

Cost:  $150

 

Girl Power Art Camp! 

Who runs the world? Girls!  As we learn about the life and artwork of some amazing female artists, students will get to express their own style and creativity, while utilizing a variety of media from watercolor, acrylic paint, sculpture, and more! Complementing our exploration of artwork by Georgia O’Keeffe, Frida Kahlo, Yayoi Kusama, Sandra Silberzweig, and Shantell Martin will be a field trip to the Buffalo AKG Art Museum.  

July 7-11, 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM

Instructor:  Kristen Raimondi ‘96, Art educator

Cost:  $150

 

JULY 14-18

Catholic High School Entrance Exam Prep Course
Prepare yourself for the Catholic High School Entrance Exam in November. Learn strategies for test taking in Math and English along with review in each section. Students will take a full-length practice exam on the final day (This course will also be offered in Fall 2025, dates TBA)

July 14-18, 9 AM - 12 NOON, girls entering grade 8 only

Instructors: Mary Marciniak, SHA English teacher and Angela Harris, SHA Math teacher

Cost:  $120

 

Catholic High School Entrance Exam Practice Test – Friday, July 18
This is a great opportunity to become familiar with the format of the Catholic High School Entrance Exam which will be offered to 8th graders in November 2025. Girls will take all five sections in a test environment and receive detailed written results. The practice test is open to girls entering 8th grade in Fall 2025.  (Do not sign up for the practice test if you are enrolling your daughter in the full week prep course as it is included.)  

July 18, 9 AM - 12 NOON, girls entering grade 8 only

Cost:  FREE

 

Baking Camp

Campers will learn to read and follow recipes, measure liquid and dry ingredients and understand the chemistry behind baking!  Each day we’ll be creating, baking, and decorating fun-to-eat and make treats. We’ll be teaching baking techniques as well as how to work with pastry bags and different icing and piping tips. Our delicious treats will all be made from scratch. We’ll be working in teams to create fun projects including designing your own apron.  July 14-18, 9 AM - 12 NOON

Instructor:  Melissa Rakvica, experienced and passionate cook/caterer and middle school science teacher

Cost:  $170

 

A Cappella Camp

Do you love to sing?  Join us for this unique camp where we will focus on developing healthy vocal technique in a group setting. Warm ups will be designed to learning how to sing in unison and in harmony. This class will incorporate both movement and choreography as well as learning how to use body percussion and beat boxing sounds. The week will conclude with a trip to a recording studio to make a choreographed music video. 

July 14-18, 9 AM -12 NOON

Instructor: Christina Santa Maria, music educator and owner, Santa Maria Voice Studio

Cost:  $150

 

Filmmaking
Do you want to learn how to make your own movies? Come to our filmmaking camp where you can learn how to write, film and star in your own movie using iMovie. Tap into your creative side and learn how to be a director as we explore various themes and genres of filmmaking. SHA will provide iPads for all participants.

July 14-18, 12:30 PM-3:30 PM

Instructor: Heather Casseri, SHA faculty and freelance actor

Cost:  $150

 

Glass Fusion
Have fun making art by fusing glass using glass kilns. Make jewelry, frit cast ornaments, glass paintings and so much more! This class for beginners is totally hands on and very creative. You will take home everything you make at the end of the week. Students will be bussed from Sacred Heart to Villa Maria College each day.

July 14-18, 12:30 PM-3:30 PM

Instructor: Sister Ann Therese Kelly, Villa Maria College professor, SHA faculty member, and the Roycroft Artisans

Cost:  $175

 

Basketball Camps

We will offer two distinct camps.  In order for your daughter to maximize her experience, please select the camp that best matches her skill level.

 

Basketball:  Advanced Academy

This camp is designed for girls with prior playing experience, preferably with travel, club or outside of school basketball play.    

 July 14-18, 9 AM – 12 NOON

Coach: Ron Stepien, SHA junior varsity basketball coach

COST:  $150

 

Intro to Basketball

This camp is designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of basketball in a fun and engaging way.  From the rules of the game to passing, dribbling, shooting and learning to play multiple positions, you will engage in daily drills and on-court activities.  This camp will benefit girls with no experience as well as the beginning player who is looking to improve her game at the middle school level.

July 14-18, 12:30 PM-3:30 PM

Coach: Maria McGrath, SHA varsity basketball coach

Cost:  $150

 

JULY 21-25

Sing Like A Pop Star

This camp will focus on vocal technique including developing chest and head voice, techniques for belting, microphone technique, stage presence and aspects of songwriting.  An end-of-week showcase will feature each girl performing a solo featuring her own work (or duet).

July 21-25, 9 AM – 12 Noon

Instructor: Christina Santa Maria, music educator and owner, Santa Maria Voice Studio

Cost:  $150

 

Kitchen Chemistry

This camp combines tasty treats with science. From ice cream to bread to strawberry smoothies, we will talk about the importance of chemistry, biology, and even mathematics in the kitchen. This camp has hands-on experiments and demonstrations that will have any young chef or scientist hungry for more!

July 21-25, 9 AM-12 NOON

Instructor:  Mairead Farrell ’17, Science Educator

Cost:  $150

 

Cheerleading

For both the beginning and experienced cheerleader, we’ll work on the groundwork of building perfect technique for motions in cheer and dance, jumps, and stunting. Throughout the week you will work as a group on a short routine to perform for parents on the last day of camp.

July 21-25, 9 AM – 12 NOON

Instructor: Kennedy Crumish ‘16, SHA varsity cheerleading coach

Cost:  $150

 

Photographic Art: Portraits, Editorial, Nature, Still Life (PENS).

During this week-long camp, you will learn about lighting, compositional techniques, and other photo-making hot tips. We will make self-portraits, go on field trips, and create spiral-bound portfolios of selected images made during the workshop. In addition, you will learn about graphic design and create your own book covers. All of your images will be uploaded via Google Drive so all artwork will be preserved for posterity digitally. Now in its twelfth year, this camp is fun, creative and highly engaging!

July 21-25, 12:30 PM-3:30 PM

Instructor: Nancy J. Parisi, freelance photographer & journalist

Cost:  $150

 

Soccer

If you’re looking for a soccer camp for both the experienced and new soccer player, then this is the camp for you. Throughout the week, we will work on fundamentals of soccer while playing fun side games. Drills will focus on ball control, passing, defense strategies, as well as goalkeeping along with team-building exercises. 

July 21-25, 12:30 PM-3:30 PM

Coaches: David Tredo, SHA varsity soccer coach and Seth Andrews, SHA varsity soccer assistant

Cost:  $150

 

Movie Magic Camp

Unleash your creativity and learn the art of movie-making at our Movie Magic camp! This camp will introduce you to the exciting world of video editing using iMovie. Dive into the essentials of film editing, from cutting and trimming footage to adding special effects, transitions, and titles.

You’ll also learn how to enhance your movies with sound effects and visual effects, creating the perfect atmosphere for your story. Whether you want to make a funny video, a dramatic scene, or an action-packed movie, we’ll teach you the tools and techniques to bring your vision to life! By the end of the week, you'll have created your own movie masterpiece that you can share with family and friends.

July 21-25, 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM

Instructor:  Heather Casseri, SHA faculty and freelance actor

Cost:  $150

 

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math)

Taking the phrase "you learn something new every day" as a challenge, this camp invites you to hone in on a different letter of STEAM each day of the week. From science labs to coding, art to engineering, we will show off all the fun that STEAM can offer!

July 21-25, 12:30 PM-3:30 PM

Instructor:  Mairead Farrell ’17, Science Educator

Cost:  $150

 

JULY 28-AUGUST 1

The Art of Science Camp

Science and art unite as we use science to create works of art during this innovative camp. From taking photographs on nature walks, making paint out of algae or writing poems about a summer day, the tether between the two subjects is much closer than it appears. Each day we will explore a different art form and connect it to science and the natural world.

July 28-August 1, 9 AM-12 NOON

Instructor:  Mairead Farrell ’17, Science Educator

Cost:  $150

 

D.I. Y. (Do It Yourself!)

Spend a week exploring your creative side and learning new skills while creating a variety of arts and crafts! You will complete a number of Pinterest-worthy projects to bring home and leave with skills to continue crafting. 

July 28-August 1, 9 AM-12 NOON

Instructors:  Various

Cost: $150

 

Volleyball Camps

We will offer two distinct camps.  In order for your daughter to maximize her experience, please select the camp that best matches her skill level.

Intro to Volleyball

This camp is designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of volleyball in a fun and engaging way.  From the rules of the game to passing, setting and learning to play multiple positions, you will engage in daily drills and on-court activities.  This camp will benefit girls with no experience as well as the beginning player who is looking to improve her game at the middle school level.

July 28-August 1, 9 AM - 12 NOON

Coaches: J.T. Ripper and Ron Stepien, SHA volleyball coaches

COST:  $150

 

Volleyball:  Advanced Academy

This camp is designed for girls with prior playing experience, preferably with travel, club or outside of school volleyball play.   Students will work on improving their skill set in passing, setting, hitting and blocking. Students will be introduced to serve receive formation, along with 6 - 2 and 5 - 1 offense formation.   

July 28- August 1, 12:30 PM-3:30 PM

Coaches: J.T. Ripper and Ron Stepien, SHA volleyball coaches

Cost:  $150

 

Painting FUNdamentals

If you’re interested in painting, this camp is a great way to “brush up” on your brushwork! Throughout the week, we’ll use acrylic paint to explore the fundamentals of painting in a fun way. Each day, we’ll be working on a different project to utilize concepts such as value, color, composition, form & space and brushwork.  You will create a variety of paintings ranging from simpler still life objects and abstract designs, to more involved subjects like landscapes, plants, and animals. Whether you have some experience in painting or none at all, this camp is for anyone who would like to explore this art medium.

July 28-August 1, 12:30 PM-3:30 PM 

Instructor: Tia Federice ‘06, SHA faculty and freelance artist

Cost: $150

 

Dungeons and Dragons

Ever wanted to fight monsters, crawl through dungeons, and cast spells? Welcome to the world of Dungeons and Dragons, where your dreams can become reality. With a little bit of luck, and a lot of creativity, you can traverse magical lands and become the hero you were always meant to be! No previous DnD experience is necessary as together we will create characters, paint miniatures and solve challenges through teamwork and imagination.  Join us on this week-long adventure!

July 28-August 1, 12:30 PM-3:30 PM

Instructor:  Mairead Farrell ’17, Science Educator

Cost:  $150

 

 

Financial assistance is available to students who meet the criteria for the Free or Reduced Federal Lunch program. For more information, call the Admissions Office, 834-2101 ext. 311.
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