Course Descriptions

Summer at SEM 2017

ARTS & CRAFTS

BEADING AROUND
Design jewelry made of crystals and stones to create one-of-kind necklaces, earrings, and pins.

CALLIGRAPHY
Use calligraphy pens to learn how to write elegantly. Impress your friends with your newfound skills!

CAMP CRAFTS
Create a special frame for a favorite photo. Decorate a box to hold your treasures. We’ll help you turn the ordinary into the unique!

DIY Tie-Dye
Ever wonder how to tie-dye? Feelin' groovy? If you're looking for something fun and fresh to do this summer, tie-dye is your answer.

GARDEN CRAFTERS
Experience nature up close! Hands-on gardening is the perfect way for girls to get outside and get their hands dirty!

KNIT 1 PURL 1
Discover the warm and wonderful world of knitting when you learn the basic knitting stitches and how to read a simple pattern.

PAINT LIKE PICASSO
Always wanted to paint? Learn different painting techniques, as well as explore different movements in art history. Bring an art smock or clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.

MASQUERADE
It’s Mardi Gras time at SEM! Create your own designs and make a mask using various 3-dimensional drawing and painting techniques.

PUPPET MASTER
Make a puppet using papier mache, paint, fabric, and other goodies. Mix with your imagination and produce a masterpiece!

SCRAPBOOKING
Whether or not you've done scapbooking before, you'll have fun with this great way to save special memories.

STRINGS ‘N’ THINGS
Get those fingers moving by doing boondoggle, embroidering, and making bracelets and other string/yarn masterpieces.

WHAT A DOLL
Make your own doll in this fun sewing class. (Stay for a second week and make clothes for your doll.)

ACADEMICS

BOOKWORMS
Bookworms unite! Join the Summer at SEM book club where you’ll read some exciting new books, discuss them with your peers, and learn some basic analytical skills. Take a field trip to the nearby Talking Leaves bookstore!

COOL CODING - APPS AND GAMES
Learn the basics of computer programming and create fun games and apps to share with your friends. We will use some great online coding websites including SCRATCH, MIT App Inventor and more. Students will also get a chance to work with SEM's robot GHERTY.

CREATIVE CHEMISTRY
Learn how to make your own lip gloss, create slime, and grow crystals. You’ll also create a pictorial periodic table in this hands-on class.

CREATIVE WRITING
Unleash your inner bestselling author! In this writing workshop you will journal, write short stories, and share your work.

FUN WITH PHYSICS
Can you figure out how to pop a balloon without touching it? Could you do it in ten or more easy steps? In this workshop we’ll explore Rube Goldberg contraptions and then complete our own simple tasks in the most complicated of ways. Start saving your paper towel tubes, and join the fun!

SEM in the City (7th or 8th graders only)
One week at a time, Monday-Thursday in the afternoons, SEM in the City puts girls at nonprofits in Buffalo so they can be a part of the city's renaissance. Community service for girls entering 7th and 8th grade asks girls to think beyond the classroom and experience what they can offer others.

SIGN OF THE TIMES
To learn American Sign Language is a valuable and worthwhile activity, and it will impress your friends and family. You’ll learn the basic ABC’s, and even learn to sign along with favorite songs.

FINE ARTS

ACTING 101
Channel your inner drama queen! Learn the basics of acting: projecting your voice, positioning yourself on stage, memorizing lines, and expressing yourself using body language and facial expressions.

DANCE FEVER
If you love to move to the beat of the music, this class is for you! Jazz, hiphop, ballet, and more. Impress your family and friends with your new moves!

IN BLACK & WHITE
Make photograms and take pictures using a 35mm camera, and then learn to develop and print them yourself. Please bring your own camera if you have one.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! 2-WEEK CLASS
Do you dream of becoming the next Sofia Coppola? Learn to use iMovie in our Mac Lab to create, film, and edit your own short movies. Bring your smartphone if you have one. Finished products will be viewed by the entire camp during Fantastic Fridays' “showcase” time. (2 week course)

PITCH PERFECT
Do you like to sing a capella (without instrumental accompaniment)? Our experienced counselor/signers will teach you basic techniques and the class will perform a song during Fantastic Fridays' “showcase” time.

PROJECT RUNWAY
Bring your imagination to this fun-filled design class and get ready to sketch-out tops, bottoms, and dresses. Spend the week bringing your drawings to life. Model your creation at Friday’s fashion show!

REEL DEAL
Watch, discuss, and critique age-appropriate movies. Maybe someday you'll be a professional with reviews on Rotten Tomatoes!

THE VOICE
Ever dream of becoming a singer? You’ll play singing games and sing your favorite popular songs. Karaoke machine and microphone provided – just bring your voice and get ready to be discovered!

FITNESS

HAVIN’ A BALL
All your favorite sports and backyard activities rolled into one-- kickball, flag football, frisbee, Kan-Jam, croquet, basketball, soccer, etc. Bring your sneakers and join in the fun!

ROUND ROBIN RACQUET
It’s a carousel of racquet sports! In each class you’ll learn some squash basics on SEM’s wonderful courts and play badminton doubles! Please note that white-soled shoes are required for this courts.

NEW! Sail away with SEM!
Summer at SEM offers sailing in cooperation with the Buffalo Yacht Club! No experience is required for this half day program for girls entering grades 5-8 which builds skills, nurtures leadership and confidence, and will be lot's of fun!

SEM Sport
Be a Red-Tailed Hawk for the summer! You will have a chance to play, to improve, and to be excellent. Sports include: basketball, soccer, squash, field hockey, and lacrosse.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS
If you can’t get enough of being outdoors, this is the class for you! Campers will take nature walks/hikes in Delaware Park, learn camping and wilderness skills, and learn about eco-friendly and sustainability practices.

JUST FOR FUN!

CULINARY CAPERS
Whip up some fun in the kitchen. Learn cooking techniques and new spins on your favorite recipes!

GAME ON!
Enjoy playing classic board games like Monopoly and Life, but also experience newer games like Apples to Apples and Hedbanz. Good old-fashioned, non-electronic human interaction!

GIRL TIME
Transform yourself and your friends when you learn to apply makeup and do hair for any occasion. Go superheroine glam or go casual!

I LOVE A MYSTERY
Become a character in a mystery party game and dress the part! See if you can guess ”Who done it.” It might even be you!

JUST DESSERTS
The sweetest class at Summer at SEM! Bake cakes, cookies, and other delicious treats. Warning: this class might make you suddenly much more popular with your friends and family.