New this summer, the Discovery Series invites rising 7th and 8th graders to explore big ideas, real-world problems, and creative disciplines through hands-on, project-based workshops taught by talented Parish faculty and staff.
Designed to feel like a favorite college class, each camp blends academic exploration with active learning. Students don’t just study concepts, they use them to design, investigate, create, and build!
Discovery Series Workshops
June 1-5, 2026 (12:30 – 3:30 pm)
Step into the role of a forensic investigator and crack the case using real science. In this hands-on workshop, students analyze mock crime scenes, collect and examine evidence, and explore techniques like fingerprinting, chromatography, and handwriting analysis. Through daily mystery challenges, campers sharpen observation, reasoning, and scientific thinking while applying concepts from chemistry, biology, and physics.
Instructor: Lauren Peal
June 8-12, 2026 (12:30 – 3:30 pm)
Design, build, and launch a spacecraft powered by math and imagination. In this immersive engineering workshop, students use geometry and design principles to draft blueprints, construct custom spacecraft models, and troubleshoot real engineering challenges. Along the way, campers explore how math and engineering shape structure, stability, and function in space exploration. Perfect for those who love building and designing.
Instructor: Lauren Peal
June 15-18, 2026 (12:30 – 3:30 pm)
Explore a world of clues, suspects, and clever twists. In this mystery workshop, students analyze classic and original cases while learning how strong mysteries are built through plot, pacing, and point of view. Students sharpen close reading, logical reasoning, and creative writing skills as they design and solve mysteries of their own. They will collaborate, share ideas, and bring their stories to life through discussion and writing.
Instructor: Madeline Warthan
June 22-26, 2026 (12:30 – 3:30 p.m.)
Nature is powerful – and sometimes dangerous. In this investigative science workshop, students explore how biological, chemical, and environmental hazards affect the human body through real-world case studies and hands-on experiments. Campers analyze data, test hypotheses, and practice scientific reasoning as they work through “mystery symptom” scenarios. Perfect for students curious about science, medicine, and environmental problem-solving.
Instructor: Elizabeth Kelley
July 6-10, 2026 (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
Lights, camera, imagination! In this filmmaking workshop, students explore how stories move from script to screen, such as the basics of screenwriting and visual storytelling. Campers develop characters, plan scenes, and work in small teams to film original scripted moments and experiment with camera angles, lighting, and sound to enhance mood and meaning. Designed for those who love movies, storytelling and writing.
Instructor: Madeline Warthan
July 6-10, 2026 (12:30-3:30 p.m.)
Design your dream room – where creativity meets real-world math. In this hands-on design workshop, students transform imaginative ideas into functional spaces using geometry, budgeting, and design thinking. Campers measure dimensions, create scaled floor plans, and make thoughtful layout and décor choices that balance style and practicality. Perfect for students who love creativity, design, and problem-solving.
Instructor: Lauren Peal
July 13-17, 2026 (12:30-3:30 p.m.)
What makes a product unforgettable? In this creative, team-based workshop, students explore how brands capture attention and influence consumers. Campers brainstorm and develop an original product while learning how color, storytelling, and visuals shape brand identity. They design logos, taglines, and a digital campaign, then pitch their final product using peer feedback. Perfect for students who enjoy creativity, collaboration, and entrepreneurial thinking.
Instructor: James Wright
July 20-24, 2026 (12:30-3:30 p.m.)
You’ve got a great product – now make it a business. In this hands-on entrepreneurship workshop, students learn what it takes to launch a product, from budgeting and pricing to pitching investors. Campers analyze costs, suppliers, inventory, production expenses, make data-driven decisions, and refine a complete business plan with their team before presenting a final pitch. Perfect for students interested in business, leadership, problem-solving, and collaborative challenges.
Instructor: James Wright
Discovery Series Instructors
Elizabeth Kelley – Middle School Science Teacher
Elizabeth Kelley is passionate about showing students how scientific knowledge applies directly to the real world, especially when it comes to understanding risk, resilience, and survival. Through experiential learning, Elizabeth encourages students to ask big questions, investigate evidence, and grow as curious, confident scientific thinkers.
Lauren Peal – Middle School Math Teacher
Lauren Peal brings creativity, energy, and real-world relevance into every classroom experience. A science major in college, Mrs. Peal develops opportunities for students to apply interdisciplinary learning in meaningful ways. She fosters curiosity and confidence as students explore, investigate, and solve problems creatively.
Madeline Warthan – Assistant to Parish Arts
Madeline Warthan is a published author, also pursuing an MA in English. Mrs. Warthan believes storytelling is a powerful way for students to express themselves, build confidence, and strengthen communication skills. She cultivates a creative environment where middle school students can unleash their imaginations and bring their ideas to life.
James Wright – Upper School Social Studies Teacher
James Wright has developed quite the fandom in his short Parish tenure, as one who is deeply committed to project-based learning and bad puns. Mr. Wright brings real-world applications and creativity into his teaching, encouraging students to explore how ideas move from concept to action. He creates a dynamic classroom for students to test ideas, collaborate, and demonstrate their thinking.