Upper School Summer Enrichments
Location: Westminster Upper School
Cost: $300 per class (unless otherwise noted)
Dates: June 2–12 or June 16–26 (multiple sessions available for some classes)
Times: 9:00–11:00 a.m. or 1:00–3:00 p.m. (unless otherwise noted)
Algebra I Refresher (Prep for Algebra 2 and PreCalculus)
Session 1: June 2 –12, 9:00–11:00 a.m.
This non-graded course provides a targeted review of Algebra. Intended for the student who has studied Algebra 1 level topics but seeks a solid review to proceed with higher math courses or to prepare for standardized testing. Successful completion of this course will not substitute for Algebra I credit for transcript purposes. This would be a great course for students about to enter Algebra II.
This class is open to students in grades 9 through 12 who have completed Algebra 1
Teacher - Jeff Chambless
The Art of Problem Solving
Session 1: June 2–12, 1:00–3:00 p.m.
This course is designed to help the student develop the ability to think critically and solve problems creatively. Students will reason, model, and draw conclusions or make decisions with quantitative information. This class will not focus solely on the "correct" solution but also on the defense of the student's arrival at that solution. It will emphasize learning and understanding methods rather than memorizing formulas, enabling students to solve large classes of problems.
This class is open to students in grades 9 through 12 who have completed Algebra 1
Teacher - Jeff Chambless
Introduction to Computer Programming
June 16–26, 9:00–11:00 a.m.
This course is designed to help both programming beginners and those with some basic programming experience. Students will learn the basics of how a computer actually works and then get their hands into learning how to do the basics of programming in Python.
This class is open to students in grades 9 through 12.
Teacher - Professor Greg Kawell of Samford University
Introduction to Outdoor Skills
June 2–June 6, 8:00 a.m.–12 p.m.
Cost is $330, includes cost of food
This course focuses on the basic skills pertaining to backpacking, ending with an overnight backpacking trip to Sipsey Wilderness. At a minimum, students should expect to walk away with the ability build a shelter out of a tarp in a variety of settings; build a fire from gathered materials; collect and treat water; plan and prepare menus specifically for backpacking; read a topographical trail map; and plan, pack for, and embark on an overnight backpacking trip. This course puts responsibility on students to learn and apply their knowledge, as well as to assume leadership responsibilities when assigned.
This course is open to rising 8th through 12th grade boys.
Teacher - Nicholas Ireland
Intermediate Outdoor Skills
June 9–June 13, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Cost is $375, includes cost of food and gear rental
This course builds on skills taught in the introductory course. Students will spend two days on campus reviewing and developing skills necessary for a multi-day backpacking trip. We will consult maps to plot a course, plan for campsites, settle on a menu, create a gear list, and refresh on skills taught in the introductory course. Then we will embark on a two-night trip in the southern Appalachians that will require about 20 miles of total hiking.
This course is open to rising 8th through 12th grade boys who have been through the introductory course (or who have equivalent experience as approved).
This course is open to rising 8th through 12th grade boys.
Teacher - Nicholas Ireland
VEX IQ Robotics for rising 6th-8th Grades
June 2–12, 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
The "VEX IQ Summer Camp" will focus on the new game for Fall 2025. It will include:
- hands-on building of a "VEX IQ Robot" in teams of 2-3 kids
- driving the robots they build through various challenges, including this years "game"
- modifying their robots to better tackle the challenges
- and a camp end "Challenge Tournament" to decide who built the best robot!
This course is a great opportunity to get a jump on the upcoming Robotics VEX IQ season! If your child is new to robotics, it is a great opportunity to find out if the Robotics program is a good fit for your child!
Teachers - TBD
The World of Sherlock Holmes
Dates: June 16-26
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
In this class, we will read some of the best and most important Sherlock Holmes stories: A Study in Scarlet, “A Scandal in Bohemia,” “The Speckled Band,” and more. We will use these stories as a “Time Machine” to explore the Victorian era, piecing together biographical clues about Holmes and his friend Dr. Watson along the way.
- Daily Reading Load: Moderate to Light; most readings are short stories
This class is open to all Upper School students.
Cost: $300
Teacher - Dr. Grubbs
Let’s Make an Adventure Game!
Dates: June 16-26
Time: 1:00–3:00 p.m.
In this class, we will learn about table-top adventure game design: rules, settings, maps, scenarios, and refereeing the game. This class has a bit of everything: creative writing, drawing, drama, even a little math! If you enjoy adventure games (like WSOM's Game Club) and wonder how to make and play your own, this class is for you.
- Note: This is not a video game programming course! We are making games you play with pencil, paper, and dice.
This class is open to all Upper School students.
Cost: $300
Teacher - Dr. Grubbs
History of Baseball
Dates: June 2-5
Time: 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. (including a lunch break)
Baseball savants and beginners alike will dive into key historical highlights, classic games, and a project where they will draft their own team from all past players as a hypothetical General Manager. Students will enjoy watching the famed Ken Burns documentary on Baseball for part of each day and cap off the week with an outing to a Barons game on Friday night, June 6 (families welcome, cost of the ticket is extra). Bring your baseball glove for a post-lunch catch!
This class is open to all Upper School students.
Teacher - Rev. Canavan
Introduction to Biblical Hebrew
Dates: June 9-12
Times: 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. (including a lunch break)
If you love learning languages and love the Bible, why wouldn't you try reading the Old Testament right to left? Explore the language of the Old Testament in an introductory course that will focus on basic grammar and some Ancient Near Eastern history and archaeology. No additional textbook purchase is required.
This class is open to all High School Students.
Teacher - Rev. Canavan
