Summer Programs
BNS offers week-long themed programs each summer. Each week is "theme"-based, providing students an in-depth look at a particular area such as Geology, Theater, Space, etc. Summer Scholars is open to the general K-8 community as well as BNS students. Instruction runs from 9:00 until 3:00, with after-program care available until 5:00 pm, Monday through Thursday. Children need to bring a bag lunch and snack. No candy or soda please.
Summer 2011: We have 4 summer sessions this year, Moving West, Cloudy with a Chance of..., Art Explosion!, and Bugs Rule. All four of these sessions are for children ages 5-12.
Creative Minds Art Camp: In addition we will have an additional Arts camp for middle and high school students.
Download the brochure to get the application form and for other details about our summer program. The cost is $160 for each session. Acceptance is on a first-come basis.
June 20-24, 2011: Session I: Moving West
North America west of the Mississippi River, is a mysterious territory. Explore with us this vast wilderness. Travel in a Conestoga across the western trails, discover new plants and animals, learn of the Native American struggles, and read about various legends of the old west.
June 27-July 1, 2011: Session II: Cloudy with a Chance of...
Take a close look at wild and wacky weather! Do environmental issues play a role? Can weather provide alternative energies? What do meteorologists do? Enjoy this topic through scientific study and hilarious stories.
July 11-15, 2011: Session III: Art Explosion!
This Summer Scholar session is now full!
Young artists will move through art centers to learn new art skills, try new media, learn artist styles and explore their inner creativity. This session will be lead by BNS Art Teacher, Patti Rowland. Come explore a hands on experience with both 2-D and 3-D media, and take home a variety of art pieces.
July 18-22, 2011: Session IV: Bugs Rule!
Come marvel at the metamorphic aspects of insect life. Wonder about the impact of bugs on the rest of the natural world. Enjoy local honey and a walk to the new Community Gardens!
July 18-22, 2011: Creative Minds Art Camp: for Middle and High School Students
Enjoy a fun, relaxed time working in a wide variety of media. Come explore your inner creativity and gain experience working in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional art.
Previous Years
June 21-25, 2010: Session I: Passport to the Pyramids
Join us as we journey back in time to Ancient Egypt. Scholars will navigate the geography, architecture, art, writing, beliefs, and everyday life of Ancient Egyptians. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about pyramids, hieroglyphics, mummies, and more!
June 28 - July 2, 2010: Session II: Canopies to Kapoks
Come and learn about the amazing rain forests of the world. We will investigate the differences between temperate and tropical rain forests and explore the plants and animals of the four stories of the rainforest. And, of course, scholars will have a chance to learn about the origins of chocolate!
June 22-26, 2009: Session I: Go Green!
How can we care for our home, the Earth? Students will explore this question and learn how they can protect our precious planet. We'll have fun reviewing the basics of reduce/reuse/recycle, creating works of art from trash, and exploring environmental issues through thoughtful conversation.
June 29 - July 3, 2009: Session II: Dollars and Sense
Join us as we make economic cents! What is economics? What does it mean to me? What is the difference between a want and a need? Students will explore such questions through literature and hands-on activities.
June 16-20, 2008: How Perceptive!
Take a tour of your sensational senses! We'll explore and investigate how we savor, perceive, touch, sniff, and hear the world around us. Each day will bring a focused study of each sense. The week will be highlighted by visits from an eye doctor, musicians, and a chef!
July 14-18, 2008: Poetry Power
From the beauty and simplicity of the haiku to the expressive stanzas of the lyrical, we will discover the splendor of writing and reading poetry. We will admire and question a wide varioety of styles and enjoy both the silly and the serious. The week will be highlighted by several visiting poets.
June 2007: Under the Big Top
Step into the ring for a week of circus fun!
Scholars explored life under the big top for the performers and the audience. They learned about circus history, animal-friendly events, clowns, acrobats, tight-rope walkers, jugglers, and more.
July 2007: From the ground up
From the roots of a plant to the tips of its leaves, scholars discovered the wonders of plants and their gifts to us. They explored gardening, ranching, and organic farming with the help of our bountiful local resources.
August 2004: Chemistry Cooks
Students observe as VA Tech Chemistry Professor William Ducker
prompts sugar to release its stored
energy in an oxidation reaction.
July 2004: Viva Art
Art teacher Melody Thomas and Spanish teacher Kelly Garcia teamed up to offer VIva Art. Each day, participants explored the culture (music, food and games) of a different Spanish speaking country: Spain, Mexico, Guatemala, Peru and Cuba. In addition, Kelly provided introductory and intermediate Spanish language instruction while Melody guided students in art projects influenced by the art and artists of each country.
July 2003: Geology Rocks!
From caves to crystals, students journeyed into geology. Field trips included Dixie Caverns and the Virginia Tech Geology Museum. Older kids went caving in Giles County! On Friday, our scholars organized their own geology museum and presented their creations and collections to museum visitors.
June 2003: Acting Out!
Participants delved into the various aspects of drama and play production. Virginia Tech Theatre Arts Professor Susanna Rinehart led the students on a tour of Squires Studio Theatre, including the costume area and hidden passageways! At the end of the week, the kids performed their play for family and friends.