Middle School Camps

  

 

Spartan Summer Banner with Spartan Head logo

Summer. Starts. Here.

Spartan Summer at De Smet Jesuit offers exciting and challenging camp programs for middle school boys at our private Catholic school campus in Creve Coeur.

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Register 2 or more siblings for a special sibling discount.

 

Academic Camps

Click on the name of each camp for more information.

Boy in blue shirt sits at a table working on a clay sculpture of a bust.

Instructor: Emily Ledbetter, De Smet Jesuit Art Teacher

Date: June 26 - 30

Time: 12:30 - 3:00 p.m.

Grades: Entering 5th - 8th

Fee: $130

Contact: eledbetter@desmet.org

Come join us for a week of Art Exploration!  Do you like to create, design, and get your hands dirty?  Then this is the camp for you!  Campers will have fun diving into and exploring a variety of hands-on artistic techniques including sculpting, painting, hydro-dipping and more

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Challenge Chess

Chess camp for boys grades 5 - 8

Instructor: John Merritt, De Smet Jesuit Teacher and Head Football Coach

Dates: June 26 - 30

Time: 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Grades: Entering 5th-8th

Fee: $130

Contact: jmerritt@desmet.org

The game of chess helps build skills in problem solving, critical thinking, and sportsmanship – and it’s fun! Beginners will learn the basics and intermediate level players will discover new strategies in this session.

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Group of boys wearing aprons and chef hats working with chefs to prepare  food on a big steel counter.

Cooking Camp for boys grades 5 - 8

Instructor: Chef D. Scott Phillips '88, Executive Chef of the Inns at St. Albans & De Smet Jesuit High School

Dates: June 26 - 30

Time: 12:30 - 3:00 p.m.

Grades: Entering 5th - 8th

Fee: $130

Contact: sphillips@desmet.org

Executive Chef Scott Phillips '88 teaches all the basics of cooking and guides campers in the preparation of appetizers, salad, an entrée, and dessert. At the end of the week, campers will prepare a four-course meal to serve to their parents. Bon appetit!

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CSI:De Smet

CSI camp for boys grades 5 - 8

Instructor: Dr. Mariette Baxendale, De Smet Jesuit Science Teacher

Dates: June 19 - 23

Time: 8:30 - 11:30 am

Grades: Entering 5th - 8th

Fee: $125 for individual camp ($275 as part of full day camp package)

Contact: mbaxendale@desmet.org

Campers will serve as forensic investigators by utilizing observation and critical thinking skills during the examination of a crime scene.  What does the evidence tell you?  Investigators will use real-world forensic techniques and analyses as they explore forensic composite sketching, crime scene investigation, fingerprints, shoe impressions, hair, handwriting, blood and DNA.  Interested investigators will fulfill all the requirements for their Fingerprinting Merit Badge and can have their Merit Badge card signed by the end of the camp week.  Hurry!  Space is limited to 24 campers.

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Photograph of tornado and lightning bolt striking a green field against a dark gray sky.

Instructor: Chris Higgins, Fox 2 News Extreme Weather Specialist and De Smet Jesuit Alumnus

Date:  June 26 - 30

Time: 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.

From floods to blizzards and hurricanes to hail -- what conditions make extreme weather likely? What goes into building a weather forecast? Why do meteorologists chase storms? Spend a week learning all-things weather with Chris Higgins, Emmy Award-winning Fox 2 News Extreme Weather Specialist. Campers will enjoy hands-on activities plus building and delivering their own weather forecasts.

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Boy in blue shirt and khaki pants gestures and smiles on a stage in front of an audience.

Instructor: Chris Welling, De Smet Jesuit Improv and History Teacher

Dates: June 12 - 16

Time: 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Grades: 7th -8th

Wanna be funny? Like really funny?  Learn the “art” of comedy! Through Improvisational comedy exercises games, comedic story-telling games you will learn what earns a laugh through wit, satire, slapstick and the creation of unique characters on the spot.

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Robotics

Robotics camp for boys grades 5 - 8

Instructor: Dr. Rob Behm, De Smet Jesuit Physics Teacher & Robotics Director

Dates: June 19 - 23

Time: 12:30 - 3:00 p.m.

Grades: Entering 5th-8th

Fee: $130

Contact: rbehm@desmet.org

This hands-on robotics camp is designed as an introduction to engineering, providing opportunities to design, build, and program robots using both the LEGO Mindstorms and TETRIX Prime platforms. Students will compete in several intermediate design challenges that will culminate in a final competition at the end of the week. All levels of experience are welcome! 

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image for entrepreneur camp

Young Entrepreneur camp for boys grades 5 - 8

Instructor: Jim Saali, De Smet Jesuit Business & Economics Teacher

Date: June 12 - 16

Time: 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Grades: Entering 5th - 8th

Fee: $130

Contact: jsaali@desmet.org

Are you creative?  Do possess leadership qualities?  Are you ambitious? Do you like teamwork? Do you aspire to be an entrepreneur? Are you a fan of Shark Tank? Yes, no, or maybe?

This is the perfect summer experience for you -- Shark Tank, Spartan Country style.

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Athletic Camps

Click on the name of each camp for more information.

Baseball Camp

Baseball Camp for boys in grades 5-8

Instructor: Tim Canavan, De Smet Jesuit Head Baseball Coach

Dates:

Baseball All Skills Camp - June 5 - 9 (9:00 - 11:30 am) - $130

Hitting & Offensive Skills Camp - June 12 - 16 (9:00 - 10:30 am) - $100

Grades: Entering 5th - 8th

Contact: tcanavan@desmet.org

Designed to improve campers’ baseball knowledge and skills. Participants will receive instruction in hitting, pitching, catching mechanics, base running, and fielding. The camp is structured to help both the casual player and the advanced player. Participants will be grouped according to ability.

Campers should wear pants, belt, turf shoes, cleats, cap. Also required: glove, bat, cup, catchers gear for catchers, and water bottle.

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Basketball Camps

Basketball Camps for boys grades 1-8

Fundamentals of Basketball Camp

Instructor: Kent Williams, De Smet Jesuit Varsity Basketball Coach and Physical Education Teacher

Contact: kwilliams@desmet.org

Dates:

De Smet Basketball Camp I - June 5 - 9

De Smet Basketball Camp II - June 19 - 23

Offensive Skills - June 26 - 30

Shooting Camp - July 10 - 14

Time - 9:00 am - 3:00 p.m.

Grades: Entering 4th-8th

Fee: $250

 

Little Shooters Camp

Dates

Week 1 - June 12 - 16

Week 2 - July 17 - 21

Time - 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Grades - 1st - 3rd

Fee: $125

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Football Camps

Full Day Football Camps for boys grades 4-8

Instructor: John Merritt, De Smet Jesuit Head Football Coach and History Teacher

Time: 9:00 - 11:30 am

Dates: 

WEEK 1 - June 5 - 9

WEEK 2 - June 12 - 16

Grades: Entering 5th- 8th

Fee: $130

Contact: jmerritt@desmet.org

Join coaches for a week of expert introduction to important techniques and skills for the gridiron. Athletes of all levels will be exposed to offensive and defensive fundamentals of speed and agility circuit training, age-appropriate weight lifting introduction, proper tackling techniques that increase player safety, next-level knowledge, and position-specific skills that will give campers an advantage going into the next season.

Please wear t-shirt, athletic shorts and shoes, and bring a water bottle. 

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Hockey Prospect Camp

Ice Hockey Camp for boys grades 7-9

Instructor: Casey Ott, De Smet Jesuit Varsity Ice Hockey Coach

Dates: July 17 - 21

Time: 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Fee: CLICK HERE for more details & registration

Grades: Entering 7th-9th

Contact: 

Location of camp: Creve Coeur Ice Arena, 11400 Olde Cabin Road, St. Louis, MO, 63141

The De Smet Hockey Club prospect camp is open to players of all levels who are looking for skill development, tactical coaching and a high level camp experience.  It will be run by the De Smet Jesuit Varsity coaching staff and alumni.  Current players will serve as camp counselors.  Players will receive high-level coaching, 10-hours of ice, a jersey, t-shirt and drinks/snacks throughout the week. Questions? Please contact desmethockeyclub@gmail.com

Full hockey gear required. Snacks and drinks provided.

REGISTER HERE

 

Lacrosse Camp

Beginning & Intermediate Lacrosse Camps for boys grades 6-8

Instructor: Joseph Douglas '03, Spartan Varsity Lacrosse Coach

Dates: June 19 - 23

Time: 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Grades: Entering 4th-8th

Fee: $130 

     additional fees for equipment if necessary

Contact: joseph.douglas33@gmail.com

Players will be introduced to one of the country’s fastest growing sports -- lacrosse! Varsity coach Joe Douglas, along with De Smet Jesuit alumni NCAA lacrosse players, will teach game positions and fundamentals including stick work, shooting, big-picture game concepts, along with ground balls and unsettled/transition concepts.

Beginner: stick required.

Intermediate: stick, helmet, gloves required. 

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Soccer Camp

Soccer Camp for boys grades 5-8

Instructor: Josh Klein ‘97, De Smet Jesuit Varsity Soccer Coach and Psychology Teacher

Dates: July 10 - 14

Time: 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Grades: Entering 5th-8th

Fee: $130

Contact: jklein@desmet.org

Campers learn shooting, heading, receiving, passing, and ball control techniques. Instruction is designed to meet the needs of players from beginner to advanced, and participants are grouped according to skill. This camp offers dynamic individual training techniques as well as small group and team tactics, plus daily contests in which campers can win prizes! Youth athletes learn from the expertise of the De Smet Jesuit coaching staff, as well as many of our varsity players. Campers will observe and understand expectations of a high school soccer program.

Any appropriate apparel is acceptable; soccer cleats and shin guards are required. Camp meets rain or shine. 

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Large group of boys in soccer uniforms runs on a green turf field.

De Smet Jesuit's soccer staff is excited to offer a new camp  in 2023!

Spartan Kickers, for boys entering grades 1-4

Dates: July 24 – July 27   

Time: 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.     

Camp Gear: Any apparel is acceptable. Cleats and shin guards are required. We will have themed dress days after the first day, so stay tuned for more info!

If you have a size 4 soccer ball, please bring it (make sure your name is on it).

Please wear sunscreen and bring plenty of water!!

If inclement weather is in the forecast we will do our best to notify you ahead of time.  

At Spartan Kickers camp, your son will experience a wide variety of soccer activities emphasizing teamwork, sportsmanship, and most of all, FUN!!!  Members of the De Smet Jesuit Soccer coaching staff, as well as many of the varsity players, will teach dynamic individual training techniques and small group and team tactics. 

PLUS, we'll have daily contests where campers can win prizes!!!  

Players of ALL SKILL LEVELS are invited to attend!

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Ultimate Frisbee Camp

Ultimate Camp for boys grades 5-8

Instructor: Peter Lenzini, De Smet Jesuit Ultimate Frisbee Coach and Dean of Students

Dates: June 26 - 30

Time: 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Grades: Entering 5th-8th

Fee: $130 

Contact: plenzini@desmet.org

Ultimate Frisbee is a 7-on-7 field sport that combines elements of football, soccer, and basketball. Join De Smet Jesuit’s 11-time consecutive state championship coaching staff, along with current and alumni players, to learn more about this burgeoning sport in high school athletics! This camp will introduce participants to the rules, basic strategies, and essential skills of the game. Campers will receive a De Smet Jesuit disc and a practice jersey.

Please bring cleats and a water bottle. 

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Volleyball

Volleyball Camp for boys grades 5-8

Instructor: Tim Haffner, De Smet Jesuit Varsity Volleyball Coach

Dates: June 12 - 16

Time: 12:30 - 3:00 p.m.

Grades: Entering 5th-8th

Fee: $130

Contact: thaffn@yahoo.com

Volleyball camp is designed to meet the needs of players from beginner to advanced levels. Each day will focus on a different skill, starting with passing, and moving into serving, hitting, and blocking. Campers will participate in tournaments to test and work on skills practiced each day.

Please wear appropriate gym shoes. Campers should bring a water bottle and knee pads are optional. 

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Weight Training Camp

Weightlifting Camp for boys grades 7-9

Instructor: Alex Hall - Cross Country Coach, Track & Field Strength & Conditioning Coach, State Champion Power Lifter

Dates:

June 5 - 9 - WEEK 1

June 19 - 23 - WEEK 2

Time: 12:30 - 3:00 p.m.

Grades: Entering 7th-9th

Fee: $130

Contact: ahall2@desmet.org

Meet us in the weight room to build up and lift up! Campers will learn proper techniques for ground-based lifts and spotting, as they develop a working knowledge of which exercises develop specific body parts. General weight room safety will be reviewed as well as proper stretching and warm-up exercises and plyometric training for the development of quick-twitch muscle fibers. Lifts will also be conducted through competitive weight room games and competitions designed to build physical strength and mental endurance.

Please wear t-shirt, athletic shorts and shoes, and bring a water bottle. 

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Wrestling Camp

Wrestling Camp for boys grades 6-8

Instructor: Terrel Wilbourn, De Smet Jesuit Varsity Wrestling Coach and P.E. Teacher

Dates: June 12-16

Time: 12:30 - 3:00 p.m.

Grades: Entering 6th-8th

Fee: $125 for individual camp ($275 as part of the weekly full day camp package)

Contact: twilbourn@desmet.org

Join De Smet Jesuit varsity wrestling coach Terrel Wilbourn for a week of Spartan wrestling! This camp is dedicated to the growth and development of grade school wrestlers. Campers will learn high-level techniques for neutral wrestling, ranging from the basics of positioning to highly effective attacks and defense. This camp is highlighted by 1-on-1 time with coaches in the St. Louis area. Novice and skilled wrestlers are welcome, and appropriate learning tracks will be available for both levels.

Please wear athletic shorts, t-shirt, wrestling shoes. 

Registration