This course introduces students to basic bushcraft, outdoor leadership, survival principles, and backpacking. Participants will develop leadership, independence, and self-reliance while gaining practical skills in navigation, wilderness first aid, knot-tying, hiking, camping, and spending time alone in nature. Designed as a girls-only experience for grades 6-8, the course aims to create a safe and inclusive environment where students can push their limits, learn without fear of judgment, and foster a community of empowerment.

Students will immerse themselves in authentic Chinese culture through a dynamic program featuring hands-on activities and enlightening field trips. This experience will offer a blend of traditional Chinese heritage and contemporary culture in a vibrant and interactive manner. Attendees will engage in a Kungfu Tea ceremony, cooking sessions, calligraphy workshops, Chinese brush painting, arts and crafts, as well as Kung Fu/Taiji sessions.

Students will immerse themselves in the daily life of ancient Romans by making shields, tunicas, and Roman recipes in preparation for a Roman banquet on Friday. They will explore what Romans wore, ate, and did, gaining a hands-on understanding of ancient Roman civilization. This project emphasizes the humanity of ancient peoples, offering opportunities to reflect on modern culture through the lens of history. Participants will engage in activities such as shield making, sewing, and cooking, culminating in a celebratory banquet that showcases their creations.

Students will travel to Desert Aire for a week of fun and challenging outdoor activities. Highlights include golfing at Desert Aire Golf Course, hiking through scenic trails with breathtaking views of the Columbia River, and participating in pickleball sessions and tournaments. The trip also includes exploring local attractions such as the Wanapum Heritage Center to learn about the culture and traditions of the Wanapum of Priest Rapids.

Join Adventure Treks for an exhilarating backpacking trip on the Olympic Peninsula! This adventure will take you through lush rainforests, along rugged coastlines, and up to breathtaking mountain vistas. You'll learn essential backpacking skills, navigate diverse terrains, and camp under the stars in one of the most stunning natural settings in the Pacific Northwest. Led by experienced guides, this trip promises a perfect blend of challenge, discovery, and unforgettable memories. Embrace the adventure and explore the wild beauty of the Olympic Peninsula!

Join Adventure Treks for an action-packed adventure in North Carolina, perfect for 5th and 6th graders! Experience the thrill of climbing, the excitement of rafting, and the joy of camping under the stars. Explore beautiful landscapes, learn new outdoor skills, and make lasting memories with friends. Led by experienced guides, this trip promises fun, challenge, and a whole lot of excitement. Don't miss out on this unforgettable journey in the great outdoors!

Your design team has been contracted to engineer an autonomous system that can be launched to record damage in the event of a disaster.  Worldwide, there are over one billion people living in areas that are unreachable by roads.  Delivering aid to these people requires precision and accuracy that your system will locate and record. 

Students will learn to sew step by step, creating items such as pillowcases and flannel pajama pants on their new sewing machines, which they will keep after the project. As their skills progress, they may undertake additional projects for family or friends and explore themes of environmentalism and social justice through sewing. This project emphasizes mastering fundamental sewing skills, collaborative learning, creative expression, and developing a growth mindset. Participants will work diligently, embrace challenges, and support each other throughout the week. This project will be sew fun.

Students will explore the cultural and artistic heart of the United States by visiting museums, historical theatres, and participating in workshops with Broadway actors and educators. The trip includes visits to well-known sites and hidden gems, focusing on performing and visual arts and the city's diverse cultural landscape. Students will analyze works of art, explore cultural and historical contexts, and collaborate in meaningful experiences as performers, audience members, and researchers. This immersive experience emphasizes the importance of group process and planning while navigating a bustling city.

People with independent ideas have been getting their word out since there were printing presses.  A zine is a self-produced book about anything you want because you are the creator, publisher and bookmaker.  All you need is paper and a printer.  And, of course, an idea – that’s where this project comes in!

Students on this project will build a Tiny Home in conjunction with the Low Income Housing Institute https://lihi.org/.  Following their design, we will receive the materials and construct the house which we will then donate to LIHI.  LIHI will then pick up the completed house and install it in one of their low income Tiny House communities.  This project is an opportunity not only to learn about building and carpentry, but also will provide some needed help to low income or homeless individuals or families.   

Experience the stunning beauty of Channel Islands National Park for a week of camping, sea kayaking, hiking and community building! Often called "the North American Galápagos," the Channel Islands are a precious, protected, remote, and lightly trafficked gem just 12 miles off the coast of Santa Barbara.

Ever been to the circus and wondered how they learn to do their breathtaking aerial acts?  Ever wanted to to challenge yourself to be brave and try something you've never tried before?  Then Circus Week is for you!

This project week will challenge your courage and creativity as you learn how to fly through the air on flying trapeze and showcase beautiful tricks on indoor aerial apparatus like silks, lyra and dance trapeze.    

Students will bring a picture of a pet or favorite animal to create a unique collage using magazines and other paper. This project teaches the collage process from start to finish, encouraging creative and abstract thinking to capture the animal's personality. Students will develop dexterity, precision, and patience while constructing their collages. The project also emphasizes sharing and listening to observations as part of the daily group process. This hands-on experience is ideal for students who enjoy detailed, focused work and want to explore their creativity in a new way.

This week-long service project offers students the chance to support various community needs around the Seattle metropolitan area. Activities may include serving meals to people experiencing homelessness, cleaning up parks or beaches, working with elders in senior centers, assisting in special needs classrooms, fixing up shelters, or helping out at local farms. The project aims to educate students about community needs and the impact of collective efforts, fostering teamwork and a sense of responsibility.

This week provides an opportunity to work with elementary school children and their teachers at two local schools in Kirkland, WA. We will be working with John Muir Elementary School, a diverse, Title 1 public school and Franklin Elementary.  We will be working with a secondary school this year to host two groups of 10 for the week.

OVERVIEW

Students will travel to Costa Rica’s Pacuare Reserve—a working field research station stewarded by Ecology Project International (EPI). Founded in 2001, EPI is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to “inspire youth with nature and empower them with science.” 

Creative Paper provides an opportunity to use your ideas and learn how to use paper to make a project that will beautify your room, become a beautiful gift, or help you use your creativity to make something interesting to show or share. 

Death Valley Rocks! explores the extreme landscapes of the hottest place in the world. Also known for being the driest and lowest place in the continental U.S., Death Valley National Park offers amazing, austere and beautiful scenery. This trip will test your limits through hiking and backpacking explorations into the canyons, up the peaks and across the vast salt flats that make up the park. Love the rainforests of Western Washington and want to experience the other extreme? This trip is for you! Want to get out of the winter rains and dry off in the desert? Death Valley is calling!

This awesome trip will guarantee you an increase in outdoor education and experience, improve your knowledge of our planet's environmental diversity, better your understanding of teamwork and group dynamics and push your limits both physically and mentally. Are you up to the challenge?

Strap on your hiking boots, rub in the sunscreen, cinch your pack straps and check the map, Death Valley Rocks!

Embark on a 5-day adventure in Yellowstone National Park, featuring camping, dogsledding, and snowshoeing. Led by experienced guides and Overlake faculty, this project offers hands-on learning with rescue huskies, wilderness survival skills, and wildlife conservation. Students will set up camp, cook meals, and engage in daily reflections, fostering personal and team growth. This unique experience combines adventure-based learning with environmental education, making it an unforgettable journey into the heart of Yellowstone.

Students will explore the environmental impact of plastics and the importance of sustainability through engaging, hands-on activities. They will learn about different types of plastics, recycling codes, and processes, and gain practical insights from a visit to a local recycling center. The project includes creating and experimenting with bioplastics as sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics. Students will also interview faculty and staff to understand the current recycling process at Overlake and brainstorm ways to promote sustainability.

We will spend the week camping out, hiking, and rock climbing in a world-class climbing destination and National Park.  Students will learn about the park's history, flora and fauna in the Mohave Desert, the park's extensive trail system, rock climbing gear and techniques, and camping and cooking skills with a group.  Students will also be able to learn and practice leadership skills through different activities, evening discussions, and by being leader of the day.  No rock climbing experience is necessary!

Have you ever noticed some of the sounds around you at home, outside, or in a forest? Birdcalls, car horns, construction sites can sound interesting and almost musical. Sometimes sounds that people find are used  to add an unusual percussive element to a piece of music.

In “Found Sound Club” we will each collect our own found sounds and share them with each other. As we collect our sounds, we can put our favorites together using Garage Band to make a “found sound collage”.

Students will explore the landscapes, communities, nature, and local history that defines Sedona, Arizona through camping, hiking, trail running, and researching/visiting several archaeological sites.

Outdoor Education: Students will experience challenge through camping and be responsible for cooking their own meals and keeping the site clean. While exploring Sedona's beautiful red rock scenery on the trails, we will discuss the principles of Leave No Trace and recognize indigenous peoples as the traditional stewards of the land.

Ever wondered how to create those cool water bottle stickers or eye-catching advertisements? Join us for an introduction to graphic design where you'll learn to use ProCreate and Cricut machines to create stunning tee shirts, stickers, posters, and more. You'll meet local design experts, explore brand representation, and develop skills that could even kickstart a small business. Unleash your creative visions and bring them to life!

Dive into the world of climbing with a 5-day introductory course in the Seattle area! This adventure includes rope climbing at Edgeworks, bouldering at the Bouldering Project, and climbing sessions at Overlake. The highlight of the week will be a day of outdoor climbing at a local crag, where you'll apply your skills in a natural setting. Led by experienced instructors, this program is designed to build your climbing techniques, strength, and confidence. Whether you're a beginner or looking to improve, this climbing experience promises excitement, challenge, and personal growth.

Improve your patience, fine motor skills, and attention to detail by building scale versions of classic and modern automobiles, military aircraft and war ships, and space craft. We'll also visit America's Car Museum in Tacoma and Flying Heritage Museum in Everett for inspiration.

Students will dive into the world of Latin rhythms and percussion instruments, exploring their history and influence on other music genres. They will learn to play authentic instruments such as maracas, clave, guagua, and drums, developing their inner music sense and improvisation skills. The program includes hands-on practice, appreciation of Bembe and Salsa music, and a recording studio session to record their own music. This immersive experience aims to deepen students' understanding of Latin percussion and enhance their musical abilities.

Discover the East Side through the new Link light rail! This project offers a unique opportunity to explore local neighborhoods, learn about sustainable transportation, and contribute to a community mural. Students will visit various stations, enjoy diverse dining experiences, and create a teen guide to the area. Join us for an exciting week of exploration, creativity, and community connection!

This week-long adventure in Washington, DC, offers 8th graders an immersive experience in American history. Utilizing the metro system, students will tour iconic monuments, explore the Smithsonian museums, attend a production at Ford’s Theater, and meet with WA state senator, Patty Murray. The trip aims to foster independence, responsibility, and a critical appreciation of history, while also providing opportunities for students to bond and grow through the unique experiences of traveling away from home.

"Blow us All Away" as you sing, dance, and rock out with the very latest Broadway has to offer. From the enormously popular Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, or Hadestown to perennial favorites like Wicked, or Les Miserables. Taught by instructors from Village Theatre's Kidstage, students will learn contemporary Broadway songs, singing styles, and choreography while collaborating on a unique musical revue performed for friends and family.

Come ready to move, collaborate with your peers, and take artistic risks. Do not throw away your shot!

Middle school students (grades 5-6) are invited to explore the northwest environment through a sustainability lens. This 5-day, 4-night experience includes tribal storytelling, ecosystem studies, and hands-on efforts to fortify the Elwha River basin. Students will engage in scientific inquiry, explore old growth forests, and learn about one of the largest restoration projects in history. This program fosters physical challenge, meaningful relationships, and a deep connection with the natural world. Join us for an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Olympic Peninsula!

Students will dive into the art of pyrography, using specialized tools to create intricate designs on wood surfaces. This hands-on project encourages creativity, patience, and precision, as students learn basic techniques, control shading and texture, and handle tools safely. The focused nature of pyrography promotes mindfulness and relaxation, aligning with wellness goals. By the end of the week, students will have crafted personalized pieces, gaining a sense of pride and accomplishment while developing valuable artistic and life skills.

The Heroic Power Fantasy - the idea of being the superhero, saving the innocent and destroying the evil that preys upon them. While this is the core of the fantasy role-playing aka Dungeons and Dragons experience, Teamwork and Tactics to tackle Dungeons of Dragons will be a full week campaign experience in which we take the power fantasy to the next level - how do you assemble and work with a team of others to take your heroics to the next level? We will look at how teams are assembled both in the game and in media to ensure all bases are covered - do you have your heavy hitter?

In a world of increasing uncertainty, creativity is more important than ever. Creativity helps us navigate the unknown and build a better future. 

--James McCrae, The Art of You

Creative expression is essential for every human being. It doesn’t matter if you already see yourself as an artist, or if you erroneously believe that you have no artistic talent or creativity. The truth is, it’s not about being good at creativity. It’s about creativity being good for you! 

This project will be modeled on The Great British Baking Show. The first four days of the project will be theme-based, e.g. cakes, cookies, bread, savory goods. Each of these days will start with a technical challenge designed to introduce students to standard baking techniques, and then move on to a signature bake focused on the theme for the day. The project will end on day five with the group using the skills and techniques acquired to prepare baked goods to be used in a service project targeted to the communities surrounding Overlake.

Students will explore the chemistry behind their favorite foods, learning about the molecules of food, how they behave, and how they interact. Mornings will be dedicated to understanding food chemistry through experiments and skill-building, while afternoons will focus on applying this knowledge to various recipes. By the end of the week, students will use their newfound skills to improve a favorite recipe. This project emphasizes practical cooking skills, scientific understanding, and creative problem-solving, making it perfect for those enthusiastic about both food and science.

Do you enjoy board games, but need a new challenge?  Do you enjoy epic science fiction experiences that incorporate big battles, diplomacy, political intrigue, technological development, trade deals and economic challenges?  Have you ever heard of this behemoth of a game?  Ever ponder playing it, but lack enough players or the time to bring it to the table? 

Ever wanted to create your own furniture or give old pieces a fresh look? Join the UpCycle Furniture Challenge! You'll learn to use power tools, design skills, and reupholstering techniques to transform old or broken furniture into unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. We'll start with a local field trip to gather materials and spend the rest of the week working on campus. Unleash your creativity and see what you can make with minimal materials and a lot of imagination!