This Friday, we are excited to launch our second annual after-school Diploma Camp at Shrub Oak International School. Designed to celebrate summer and support our students in the Diploma cohort, the camp offers a blend of fun, learning, and personal development. At the heart of the experience are our beloved lake trips to the small, serene park on Lake Mohegan—a picturesque setting for afternoons of swimming, lawn games, outdoor meals, and connection.
The Diploma Camp provides a unique opportunity for students to experience the joys of a traditional summer camp while fostering meaningful social engagement and community building. These trips are not only about recreation—they are designed with intentionality. Students will be developing social skills, teamwork, and communication on these trips. The lake outings offer a natural environment for those skills to flourish. Whether it’s organizing a game of kickball, swimming with peers, or simply sharing a meal under the trees, every activity is structured to support connection and confidence.
Last summer marked the inaugural launch of this program, and it quickly became a highlight of the season. Students bonded over shared experiences, embraced new challenges, and built lasting friendships. Staff observed how the relaxed atmosphere of the lake allowed students to open up, step out of their comfort zones, and actively participate in group life. The feedback from both students and staff was overwhelmingly positive, making the decision to continue and expand Diploma Camp an easy one.
This year, we are continuing to emphasize the elements that made the program successful: nature, movement, play, and friendship. Each outing includes a combination of structured and unstructured time, allowing students to engage in activities at their own pace. From classic lawn games like cornhole and frisbee to group swimming and nature walks, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Staff members are on hand not only to ensure safety, but also to encourage students to try new things, make decisions, and navigate social interactions in real time.
The simple joy of being outdoors in the summer—sunshine, water, green grass, and laughter—is something we believe all students deserve to experience. Diploma Camp is one of the ways Shrub Oak provides that, while still remaining grounded in our transdisciplinary model. Even while playing or floating in the lake, our students are learning. They are learning the power and fun of community, how to support one another, and how to find comfort and joy in shared experiences.
We are proud to bring back this quintessential summer program that blends therapeutic intent with classic fun, and we can’t wait to watch our students dive back into the season, soak up the sun, and build more of the memories that make summer at Shrub Oak International School so special.
