Class Descriptions
"Live" for 2023! Build your child's schedule with the half day (am or pm or whole day) classes you want from one of our three 2-week sessions. Select from our comprehensive array of Academic, Enrichment And Fitness classes! Academic classes are taught by credentialed teachers using a Project Based Learning (PBL) approach that incorporates interactive learning activities designed to make learning enjoyable, while enrichment & fitness classes are taught by instructors with course appropriate experience and/or credentials
View BAPA 2023 Schedule
Enrichment Course Descriptions
BAPA enrichment classes are taught by instructors with course appropriate experience or credentials. Each one-week session includes a variety of enrichment classes. Content for some enrichment classes varies for each week session, while others reinforce skills. See course descriptions below for details.
Animation & Video with Canva (all grades)
Did you know you can create awesome videos and animated GIFs without having to learn iMovie or Adobe Premiere? Canva, a free online graphic design maker is an easy and FUN tool to make beautiful graphics in minutes. In this session, we'll learn how to create videos that can be used on websites, school presentations, text messages and more!
Technical requirements: Create a free account at Canva.com/signup before the session and bring your login and password.
Debate (all grades)
Debating is still a must-have skill, but today's students no longer have access to the benefits of debate training enjoyed by their parents and grandparents. This class will provide students with a clear understanding of debate strategies, including how to use them and how to defend against them, and the opportunity to practice in-class debating in a safe and supportive environment. Students will develop stronger listening, critical thinking, persuasive, and debate skills.
Creative Writing: Fiction (all grades)
How can you make that character more complicated? How can you make a plot more surprising? How can you use words and sentence structure to make your stories un-put-down-able? This session is designed for fiction writers who have already written fiction. We’ll take a deeper dive into the world of fiction through exercises and workshops of original student writing. A final class session will give details and advice on publishing their writing.
Leadership 101 (all grades)
Truly great leaders understand that leadership is an activity, not just a position. Develop a better understanding of the skills used by influential leaders and learn to use them in your everyday life. Watch your relationships change as you take responsibility for your own actions, learn ethical ways to influence or persuade others, and focus on giving before getting.
Anime Drawing (all grades)
Career Exploration (all grades)
Learn the difference between a job and a career, as well as how to explore careers related to your strengths, skills and talents. You will also learn more about the variety of exciting careers available in the Bay Area.
Sign Language (all grades)
Learn to make and understand basic sign language and communicate using American Sign Language (ASL)! Add sign language to your verbal skills and expand your brainpower and your ability to communicate with deaf or hard-of hearing friends or family members.
Drama Club (all grades)
Enter the ridiculously funny world of improv while building your ability to tell exciting stories, invent interesting characters and act out hilarious scenes. This class will help you develop your improv and performance skills in a safe yet fun environment while you enhance your creativity, learn to focus on what others are saying, increase your risk-taking and overcome shyness. If you’re ready to jump in, have fun, work with others and discover your voice, then this is the class for you!
Nature Connections (all grades)
In this class, we will practice mindfulness with nature by going on walks around the college campus, sketching and identifying plants, and observing insects. We will learn about our various ecosystems and why they are important to us. Weather and climate will also be discussed in this class.
Money Guru (all grades)
Money doesn’t grow on trees, but you can learn to grow your bank account through financial savvy. It has been said that budgeting is telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went. Learn financial principles, budgeting, savings, and investing and start practicing the skills needed to set yourself up for future financial success.
Digital Photography DSLR (all grades)
Have fun learning how to use a DSLR camera, and take amazing photos! In this hands-on course, you will learn how to shoot great digital photos from a professional photographer and photography instructor. Fun activities include outdoor nature and landscape photography, portrait photography using studio lighting, still-life creative photography, live painting, post-processing using Adobe Lightroom, and supportive critiques! This is a great class for beginners who love photography and want to learn how to take beautiful professional images. Bring a digital camera and your manual.
Script Writing
Want to see your story come to life? Learn how to transform your story into a script
by writing engalging dialogue, scene descriptions, and more. In this course we will
explore scriptwring structures in television, movies, and plays, and learn how to
apply these techniques to further our storytelling.
Digital Animation (2D) (all grades)
Want to bring your drawings to life? In this course you will learn how to develop concepts, storyboarding and production of 2D animations. Emphasis will be on the conceptualization, creativity, and foundations of animations. This course will cover the basics of animation using Adobe Animate CC software. If you want to learn how to bring your drawings to life, this project-based learning class is for you!
Spanish (Beginner 1) (all grades)
This beginner Spanish class is for students who are learning Spanish for the first time. Lessons will include pronunciation practice, mastery of basic phrases to communicate with Spanish speakers, and vocabulary building. Build your confidence as you master the beautiful language of Spanish!
Spanish (Beginner 2) (all grades)
This intermediate class is aimed at learners who have already learned basic Spanish and are eager to improve their skills. Lessons will include a focus on communicating in whole sentences, mastering useful phrases for a variety of everyday situations, pronunciation practice and more. Take your Spanish to the next level with this fun and enriching class.
Public Speaking (all grades)
Learn to stay calm, capture audience attention and present clearly! Develop your communication
and leadership skills, get tips on overcoming nervousness, learn how to organize and
present your ideas logically and persuasively, practice careful listening, and practice
giving helpful feedback.
Intro to Gardening (all grades)
Do you like plants? Do you want to learn how to make them grow? This class looks at decorative houseplants, herb gardens and patio vegetable gardens. We will explore soil science and methods to creatively keep plants alive.
Pencils & Pastels (all grades)
It's incredible what you can create with pencils and pastels! Develop your skills in both pencil sketching and pastels to create wonderful works of art that reflect your creativity and personal style. Materials not provided. Materials are required to be purchased; details coming soon.
Chess Club (all grades)
Build or grow your chess skills this summer through a combination of instruction and chess playing. Engage in class tournaments and enjoy the fun and excitement of chess. Open to all skill levels.
Session & Period Choices:
Study Strategies (all grades)
How did you learn how to ride your bike? Someone probably gave you a few lessons and
then you practiced a lot. You can learn how to study in much the same way. No one
is born knowing how to study. You need to learn a few study skills and then practice
them. Why work on your study skills? It will make it easier for you to learn and
do well in class, especially as you move up to middle school and high school. Learn
the steps to study smarter and make a study plan that works for you to be successful!
Self Management Using Growth Mindset (all grades)
Develop a growth mindset and overcome the limitations of fixed mindset thinking. Explore the power of the growth mindset and how to build your ability to overcome challenges through insightful strategies that will help you throughout your entire life to succeed. Using a growth mindset will allow you to learn from your failures and mistakes and persevere to accomplish your goals. You will learn to self manage by planning your goals and tasks, executing a goal and reflecting on the goal once completed.
ROBLOX® Makers
Unlocl the power of ROBLOX®, Studio, the world creatoin tool used by real-world ROBLOX developers! Learn how to build 3D models and create an adventure in your ROBLOX world. Bring charactersto life with uniique animations you design. Student-created projects will be available on a password protected Black Rocket website to share with friends and family.
Cyber Spies
With the world's increased reliance on digital data, cyber security is more important than ever! In this class you are all that stands between a group of international hackers launching cyber attacks and world peace. Through a series of challenges, students will learn to apply tools used by professional digital foresnsics teams to crack codes and use encryption. Working in teams you will collect clues, recover lost data, and explore the tools of the trade to become the next great cyber spy!.
Beats & Jams: Digital Music Creators
Begin your rise to the top of the charts with digital music production! Just like today's top artists, you can design your own beats or remix a mashup of your favorite songs to become a digital composer and sound engineer. In this course, students will learn to produce digital music, record sound, make sound effects, and mix thier own tracks. No prior music experience is necessary. Student-created soundtracks will be available on a password protected website to share with friencs and family.
Python Programmers
Want to learn the world's fastest-growing programming language favored by Google, NASA, Youtube, and the CIA? ?Learn how to code with Python to create engaging apps and games. Each lesson takes you step-by-step on a programming path that will let you challenge friends with fun content you create from start to finish!? Students will work in pairs or teams for most of the program. Returning students can create more advanced projects that build on previous years.
Cloud Gamers: Mobile App Development
Cloud gaming is the way of the futrue! Build games you can play everywhere and anywhere
using a web-based development tool. Learn in-demand skills like programming events
and coding controls for a touch screen or keyboard and mouse. Finish by personalizing
levels and characters with your own design. Now you are ready to upload your games
to the Black Rocket cloud arcade and play on any mobile device or comptuter. Games
can easily be shared with friends and family!
YouTubeContent Creators
This class covers two periods. If you register for the morning class, you must register for both periods 3 & 4. If you register for the afternoon class, you must register for both periods 5 & 6.
Find your voice and leave your mark on the world! Whether you are six or sixteen,
it’s time to start a career as the next YouTube star. Explore the variety of content
and personalities that exist on YouTube and how to find your own niche. Learn the
Dos and Don’ts of the platform and how to practice good digital citizenship. Develop
your on-camera presence, your own channel branding, and professional editing skills.
Take home a plan for launching your own channel with the content created in class!
Student projects will be available on a password protected Black Rocket website to share with friends and family.
Academic Course Descriptions
BAPA academic classes are taught by credentialed teachers using a Project Based Learning (PBL) approach that incorporates grade-appropriate content with hands-on, enjoyable learning activities designed to make learning richer for students. Academic classes are labeled by grade, so that you can choose a class that matches the grade level your student will enter in fall 2023. For example, if your child is going to enter 7th grade in the fall, then they are a rising 7th grader and would generally take the Level 7 classes. You may choose a different (higher or lower) grade level for your child if you feel that your student needs to learn content (in Math, for example) that is different than the content for the grade they will be entering in the fall after summer camp.
"It's a great value and a great program. I always feel like my son gets a head start on the upcoming school year from attending."
Math 6
Students will participate in hands-on learning that reinforces core math topics through fun activities designed to make learning enjoyable and memorable. Classes are designed to help students improve and reinforce their math skills while having fun. Students will be assessed on the first day of class to ensure they are in the appropriate math level. Each session will have a specific focus. Topics and level of difficulty will be adjusted for each grade level class.
Session 1 (6/19 to 6/30) Topics will include a review of ratios and rates, how they connect to whole numbers, and using them to solve problems.
Session 2 (7/3 to 7/14) 9 day session-prorated- Topics will include a review of the different types of numbers such as decimals, fractions and negative numbers as well as how they are used to describe applications.
Session 3 (7/17 to 7/28) Topics will include how to write, interpret and use expressions and equations to solve problems.
Math 7
Students will participate in hands-on learning that reinforces core math topics through fun activities designed to make learning enjoyable and memorable. Classes are designed to help students improve and reinforce their math skills while having fun. Students will be assessed on the first day of class to ensure they are in the appropriate math level. Each session will have a specific focus. Topics and level of difficulty will be adjusted for each grade level class.
Session 1 (6/19 to 6/30 Topics will include a review of ratios and rates, how they connect to whole numbers, and using them to solve problems.
Session 2 (7/3 to 7/14) 9 day session-prorated- Topics will include operations with rational numbers and working with expressions and linear equations.
Session 3 (7/17-7/28) Topics will include basic concepts from statistics and using these ideas to draw inferences about populations.
Math 8
Students will participate in hands-on learning that reinforces core math topics through fun activities designed to make learning enjoyable and memorable. Classes are designed to help students improve and reinforce their math skills while having fun. Students will be assessed on the first day of class to ensure they are in the appropriate math level. Each session 0will have a specific focus. Topics and level of difficulty will be adjusted for each grade level class.
Session 1 (6/19 to 6/30 Topics will include formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations.
Session 2 (7/3 to 7/14) 9 day session prorated- Topics will include grasping the concept of a functions and using functions to describe applications.
Session 3 (7/17 to 7/28) Topics will include an introduction to geometry by analyzing two- and three-dimensional figures.
Math 9
Students will participate in hands-on learning that reinforces core math topics through fun activities designed to make learning enjoyable and memorable. Classes are designed to help students improve and reinforce their math skills while having fun. Students will be assessed on the first day of class to ensure they are in the appropriate math level. Each session will have a specific focus. Topics and level of difficulty will be adjusted for each grade level class.
Session 1 (6/19 to 6/30) Topics will include the study of algebraic manipulation and its connection to functions.
Session 2 (7/3 to 7/14) 9 day session prorated- Topics will include the the study of linear relationships, and applying linear models to data that exhibit a linear trend.
Session 3 (7/17 to 7/28) Topics will include the geometry of congruence, measurement, and the Pythagorean Theorem.
Writing Skills 6, 7, 8
Students will participate in hands-on learning that reinforces core writing skills through fun activities designed to make learning enjoyable and memorable. Classes are designed to help students improve and reinforce their writing skills while having fun. Topics and level of difficulty will be adjusted for each grade level class.
Session 1 (6/19 to 6/30) Practice writing arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
Session 2 (7/3 to 7/14) 9 day session prorated- Practice writing informative/explanatory texts to exam a topic and convey ideas, concepts and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.
Session 3 (7/17 to 7/28) Develop topic or thesis statements, organize ideas, concepts, and information using strategies such as definition, classification, comparison/contract, and cause/effect.
Writing Skills 9
Students will participate in hands-on learning that reinforces core writing skills through fun activities designed to make learning enjoyable and memorable. Classes are designed to help students improve and reinforce their writing skills while having fun. Each session will have a specific focus in a grade appropriate manner. Topics and level of difficulty will be adjusted for each grade level class.
Session 1 (6/19 to 6/30 Practice writing arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
Session 2 (7/3 to 7/14) 9 day session prorated- Practice writing informative/explanatory texts to exam a topic and convey ideas, concepts and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.
Session 3 (7/17 to 7/28) Develop topic or thesis statements, organize ideas, concepts, and information using strategies such as definition, classification, comparison/contract, and cause/effect.
Science 6: Earth Science
Students will participate in hands-on learning that reinforces core science topics from the Next Generation Science Standardsthrough fun activities designed to make learning enjoyable and memorable. Classes are designed to help students improve and reinforce their science skills while having fun. Each week session will have a specific focus as described below.
Session 1 (6/19 to 6/30) Topics will include modeling earth’s cycles and energy flow.
Session 2 (7/3 to 7/14) 9 day session prorated- Topics will include investigating geoscience processes involving fossils and rocksTopics will include modeling earth’s cycles and energy flow.
Session 3 (7/17 to 7/28) Topics will be include applying models to analyze and predict climate patterns.
Science 7: Life Science
Students will participate in hands-on learning that reinforces core science topics from the Next Generation Science Standardsthrough fun activities designed to make learning enjoyable and memorable. Classes are designed to help students improve and reinforce their science skills while having fun. Each session will have a specific focus as described below.
Session 1 (6/19 to 6/30 Topics will include cell biology and evolutionary ideas.
Session 2 (7/3 to 7/14) 9 day session prorated- Topics will include body systems (circulatory, respiratory, etc.) and their interactions.
Session 3 (7/17 to 7/28) Topics will include energy flow and how food is rearranged through chemical reactions.
Science 8: Physical Science 1
Students will participate in hands-on learning that reinforces core science topics from the Next Generation Science Standardsthrough fun activities designed to make learning enjoyable and memorable. Classes are designed to help students improve and reinforce their science skills while having fun. Each session will have a specific focus as described below.
Session 1 (6/19 to 6/30 Topics will include an introduction to Newton’s Laws.
Session 2 (7/3 to 7/14) 9 day session prorated- Topics will include analyzing Magnetic and Electric Forces.
Session 3 (7/17 to 7/28) Topics will include investigating gravitational attraction and kinetics.
Science 9: Physical Science 2
Students will participate in hands-on learning that reinforces core science topics from the Next Generation Science Standardsthrough fun activities designed to make learning enjoyable and memorable. Classes are designed to help students improve and reinforce their science skills while having fun. Each session will have a specific focus as described below.
Session 1 (6/19 to 6/30) Topics will include identifying periodic table trends and chemical properties..
Session 2 (7/3 to 7/14) 9 day session prorated- Topics will include investigating chemical bonding and chemical reactions..
Session 3 (7/17 to 7/28) Topics and activities will include investigating reaction rates and modeling nuclear reactions.
Fitness
BAPA fitness classes are taught by instructors with course appropriate experience or credentials. Each two-week session includes a variety of fitness classes. See course descriptions below for details.
Girls Basketball (all grades)
Learn key basketball fundamentals such as dribbling, passing, shooting, and teamwork.
You will also enjoy opportunities to play and put your skills into practice! This
class is girls only and open to all grade levels.
Boys Basketball (all grades)
Learn key basketball fundamentals such as dribbling, passing, shooting, and teamwork. You will also enjoy opportunities to play and put your skills into practice! This class is for boys only and open to all grade levels.
X-Fit Bootcamp (all grades)
This group session will consist of fun obstacle courses and circuits to help you move more efficiently. Problem solving, teamwork, and maneuvering will allow you to be more effective in everyday settings.
Yoga (all grades)
Are you looking to relax and become more focused? This class will encourage a deeper sense of self-awareness and interpersonal skills. Complete with balancing poses, breathing exercises, and creative relaxation techniques.
Jazz and or Modern Dance (all grades)-2 seperate Dance Class Choices
This exciting class is the perfect opportunity to learn Jazz or Modern dance techniques and build confidence while you brush up on your skills and make new friends! This is one class you won't want to miss!
Hoop Dance Class (all grades)
Hoop Dance is an expressive and playful form of movement. Hooping is for everyone! Come explore and find meditation through movement while having fune learning waist hooping and off body tricks!
Tennis
Love tennis and want to improve your game? Wimbledon is just around the corner and it’s time to get back on the courts. Are you the next tennis superstar? Learn the basics and improve your tennis skills while having fun with friends new and old. You must bring your own tennis racket.
Swimming - Stroke Instruction (all grades)*
"My child felt very safe. It was a great way for him to establish independence."
"Fun experience, good location, and the time/schedule are great for parents that work."
"My son really enjoyed the class and learned Photoshop skills he will use in the future