This summer, Avondale students didn’t just take a break—they dove into exciting opportunities for learning, exploring, and creating. From preschoolers giggling through water days to middle schoolers tackling real-world challenges and culinary creations, our summer programs provided experiences that were as enriching as they were fun.
Behind the scenes, it took an incredible team of dedicated staff who gave up part of their summer to make this possible. Their commitment to student success was on full display, and for that, the entire Avondale community says a heartfelt thank you.
A full Summer Program Review will be presented at the August 18 Board of Education meeting, but here’s a look back at some of the moments that made this summer unforgettable.
Preschool Adventures
For our youngest learners, summer camp was packed with excitement and joy. From Ice Cream Wednesdays to special water days, every week brought something new to explore. Children enjoyed themed activities, creative crafts, and countless opportunities to learn through play. The program ended with a splash—literally—when the Auburn Hills Fire Department joined in for a special water day visit, creating memories that will last well beyond the summer.
Elementary Fun and Field Trips
Our elementary summer camp successfully blended fun and learning in every activity. Campers engaged in educational experiences while also enjoying plenty of summer adventure. To cap off the season, students went on exciting field trips, including bowling and a visit to the zoo, giving them a perfect mix of enrichment and entertainment before heading back to school.
Innovation in Action: Design Thinking Camp
For middle school students in our Design Thinking Camp, creativity met problem-solving in a big way. Thanks to a partnership with Oakland Schools and Oakland University, students began their journey with a visit to OU’s campus, where they learned the principles of design thinking and were challenged to tackle real-world problems.
Back at Avondale High School, the energy was electric as teams of students worked alongside OU-trained Avondale educators to develop innovative solutions. They collaborated, brainstormed, and refined their ideas before presenting them to an authentic audience of teachers, OU staff, and district leaders—including the superintendent. The experience didn’t just teach design skills—it taught resilience, critical thinking, and the power of teamwork.
Cooking Up Confidence: Culinary & Nutrition Camp
In the kitchens of Avondale High School, another group of students explored a different kind of creativity. Our Cooking and Nutrition Camp, led by the Avondale Food Service team and Chartwells’ Executive Chef, gave students hands-on experience in cooking and food safety while blending in valuable math and science lessons.
Throughout the course, students prepared a variety of recipes, learned to work with precision, and discovered the joy of creating something from scratch. A highlight of the program was a catered lunch collaboration with Design Thinking students, where culinary learners showcased their skills by preparing and serving a meal to their peers.
The camp ended on a sweet note with a Cupcake Bake-Off, where creativity and frosting collided in a fun competition judged by summer school staff. Prizes were awarded, but the biggest reward was the confidence and skills students gained along the way.
Becoming Digital Detectives: IT/Cyber Forensics Camp
While some students were baking, others were diving into the world of cybersecurity. In our IT/Cyber Forensics Camp, participants learned how data can leave behind a trail of evidence and how actions online can protect—or expose—sensitive information.
Using the same tools that professionals use, these digital detectives-in-training explored password security, ethical hacking concepts, and best practices for online safety. The program culminated in formal presentations, where students confidently shared their findings and tips for staying safe online with peers, staff, and administrators. It was a powerful combination of technical learning and public speaking—a skill set that will serve them well in any field.
This summer was proof that learning doesn’t stop when the school year ends—it simply takes new forms. Through camps like these, students gained not only knowledge but also confidence, creativity, and collaboration skills that will last a lifetime.
We are so proud of every student who participated and incredibly grateful to the staff who made these programs possible. For a deeper dive into all the summer offerings, join us at the August 18 Board of Education meeting for the official Summer Program Review.
Here’s to a summer well spent—and to the bright futures these experiences will help shape!
