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ANNUAL SUMMER CAMP GUIDE: Part Two
US and Overseas Summer Camps & Programs
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1. Bindu's Corner: This week, Bindu brings us a note from the Brahma Kumaris.
2. Holidays: On May 1st every year, Hawaii holds the only holiday that celebrates a Hawaiian tradition: Lei Day. While much of the outside world observes International Workers' Day, or May Day, on May 1st, in Hawaii they say, “May Day is Lei Day.”
3. The Arts: The Kasser Mochary Foundation maintains a collection of great works by renowned artists that it exhibits through regional museums around the world.
4. Marathons: A time that was once thought to be unachievable, was set in last Sunday's London Marathon by Kenyan runner Sabastian Sawe when he broke the two-hour barrier and completed the race in one-hour fifty-nine minutes and 30 seconds.
5. Conservation: A group of swimmers recently braved the cold waters in an 11K open-water swim off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa, to raise money for a Turtle Conservation Center in Granger Bay, South Africa.
6. Bragging Rights: I'm bragging on one of my readers, a Marine named Alex. He's headed for some training in the water next week. I have a preview of just what he's in for.
7. Reaching High: An elite team of sherpas known as Icefall doctors work behind the scenes on Mount Everest, maintaining the route up the mountain so hundreds of climbers and their guides can attempt the summit each year.
8. Kid's Corner: This week's Summer Camp Guide features camps and programs across the US and around the world.
9. Student's Corner: Taking a gap year through a structured program can be abn excellent compliment to a student's personal growth and education.
10. Nature: Recently, in India, a leopard, a tiger, and a cheetah were all spotted unusually close to each other in the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.
11. Hayward M. Fox, Ph.D.: Read the latest post from Dr. Fox's blog.
| | Now, to this week's Flock. | | 1. Bindu's Corner: Brahma Kumaris | | This note comes to us from the Brahma Kumaris, a woman-led spiritual movement founded 90 years ago, dedicated to personal transformation and world renewal through Rajyoga Meditation. | |
2. Holidays: Lei Day, May 1st, 2026
| | In Hawaii, the Lei is a traditional symbol of Aloha, love, friendship, and respect. It is fitting that this year's Lei Day falls on the same date as May's full moon, the Flower Moon I posted about last week. | | |
May 1, celebrated around the world as a workers’ holiday, and in England and parts of Europe as a festival of spring, in the Hawaiian Islands has been known for some four generations as Lei Day.
Don Blanding, fondly known as the “Poet Laureate of Hawai’i,” explained the origin of the Hawaiian holiday in his book, Hula Moons, thus:
Along in the latter part of 1927 I had an idea; not that that gave me a headache, but it seemed such a good one that I had to tell some one about it, so I told the editors of the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, the paper on which I worked. They agreed that it was a good idea and that we ought to present it to the public, which we proceeded to do. It took hold at once and resulted in something decidedly beautiful.
. . . The custom of weaving and wearing flower leis originated with the Hawaiians so long ago that they have no record of its beginning. . . . When tourists discovered Hawaii, they loved the charming gesture and they spread the word of it until the lei became known around the world.
. . . Hawai`i observed all of the mainland holidays as well as those of a number of the immigrant nationalities in the Islands. But there was no day that was peculiarly and completely Hawaii’s own; that is none that included all of the polyglot population there.
Blanding proposed the holiday in his column in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin on February 13, 1928. Two days later the paper printed a letter from Blanding’s co-worker, columnist Grace Tower Warren, who suggested May 1st May Day celebrations as ideal for the holiday, and crafted the slogan, “May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii.”
Lei are an instantly recognizable symbol of Hawai`i. The wreaths of flowers and foliage worn by both men and women add fragrance and beauty to island life.
| | Lei also are more than flowers sewn on a strand. There are lei of seeds, shells, feathers, and even words. A special song composed for a loved one can be a lei. But all of them are a tangible expression of aloha, and as such are given to show love, joy, or sympathy, and as greetings and farewells. In fact, poetically, a child is called a lei, because the child is the weaving together of the love of his or her parents and ancestors. | | 3. The Arts: Kasser Mochary Foundation | | Diego Rivera, Cosecha de'heno | | I'm giving a nod to my sister-in-law, Mary Mochary, and the family foundation she contributes so much to. | | The Kasser Mochary Foundation | | Written by Silvia Sánchez | | |
The Kasser Mochary Foundation is a private nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering a deeper appreciation for the fine arts. Founded in 1968 by Alexander and Elizabeth Kasser along with their family, the foundation has built a significant collection of European and American art, with a particular emphasis on 19th and 20th century sculpture and painting.
At the heart of the foundation's mission is the belief that art should be accessible and shared. Rather than operating as a traditional museum, the foundation actively lends important works from its collection to regional museums and cultural institutions, allowing broader audiences to experience and engage with these masterpieces.
The collection includes works by re owned artists such as Pablo Picasso, Aguste Rodin, and Edgar Degas, reflecting a rich exploration of artistic movements and the evolution and human figure in art.
With representatives in the United States and Europe, including Tucson, Arizona and Vienna, Austria, the foundation maintains an international presence while supporting local access to world class art.
Through exhibitions, publications, and partnerships with museums, the Kasser Mochary Foundation continues to inspire curiosity, creativity, and cultural appreciation in communities around the world.
| | 4. Marathons: London Marathon | | Kenyan runner Sabastian Sawe became the first runner to complete a World Athletics ratified marathon in under two hours. A feat once thought physically and psychologically impossible until seven years ago, when Eliud Kipchoge broke the two-hour barrier during the Ineos 1:59 Challenge, a non-ratified exhibition that allowed pacing and fueling techniques illegal in World Athletics-ratified races. Throughout the 26.2-mile race, Sawe maintained a blistering 4:30-per-mile pace. | | Sawe smashes two-hour mark to 'move goalposts for marathon running' | | From: BBC Sport, By: Harry Poole, April 26, 2026 | | |
Sabastian Sawe made history at the London Marathon by becoming the first athlete to run a sub-two-hour marathon in a competitive race.
The 31-year-old Kenyan crossed the line to win in one hour 59 minutes 30 seconds, more than one minute faster than the late Kelvin Kiptum's previous record of 2:00:35, set in 2023.
The great Eliud Kipchoge became the first man to run a marathon in under two hours in 2019, but that was not record-eligible as it was held under controlled conditions.
Already on world record pace as he crossed the halfway mark in 1:00:29, Sawe was able to speed up over the second half of the race to run even faster than Kipchoge's time.
Sawe made his decisive move before the final 10km, with only debutant Yomif Kejelcha able to cover his surge off the front.
Remarkably, Kejelcha, making his marathon debut, became the second man to run under two hours in race conditions, finishing runner-up in 1:59:41.
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5. Conservation: South African's Swim for Sea Turtles
| | A new conservation center is being developed in Granger Bay, South Africa torescue, rehabilitate, and release loggerhead and leatherbach sea turtles and their hatchlings. A group of endurance swimmers held an 11K open-water charity Swim from Robben Island to Granger Bay last weekend to raise money for the new facility. | | Swimmers complete 11km ocean crossing to help endangered turtles – and their journey isn’t over | | |
A group of determined open-water swimmers successfully completed an extraordinary 11km ocean crossing from Robben Island to Granger Bay on 25 April 2026, raising vital funds and awareness for endangered sea turtles at our Turtle Conservation Centre.
The symbolic finish at the V&A Waterfront’s Granger Bay development site – the future home of the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Turtle Conservation Centre – marked not only the end of a physically demanding swim, but the continuation of a much larger conservation journey.
“This swim was about more than endurance,” says Martine Viljoen. “Knowing that every stroke contributed to giving these turtles a second chance kept us going, even in the more challenging moments.”
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The symbolic finish at the V&A Waterfront’s Granger Bay development site – the future home of the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Turtle Conservation Centre – marked not only the end of a physically demanding swim, but the continuation of a much larger conservation journey.
“This swim was about more than endurance,” says Martine Viljoen. “Knowing that every stroke contributed to giving these turtles a second chance kept us going, even in the more challenging moments.”
Swimming for survival
On Saturday, 25 April 2026, swimmers and supporters gathered bright and early at the Oceana Power Boat Club. After a safety briefing and a pep talk from the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation and other organisers, the swimmers embarked onto the waiting boats and sailed towards Robben Island, where the challenge would begin.
The sight of Table Mountain in the distance bolstered the swimmers as they prepared to disembark at the shore of Robben Island, abuzz with anticipation. With a resounding call from one of the boat horns, the swimmers were off!
Many of the participants swam the full 11km, while several swimmers split the effort in relays of 30 minutes to an hour; both incredible achievements in aid of our turtles.
Samantha, the Two Oceans Aquarium penguin mascot, was waiting for the swimmers at the Oceana Power Boat Club, surrounded by still more supporters. Overall, the swim was a heartwarming demonstration of the power of community coming together for something bigger than themselves.
Funds raised and ongoing support
Together, the swimmers have raised over R600 000 ($35,951.52) in support of turtle conservation, with funds going directly towards veterinary care, specialised nutrition, and rehabilitation resources at the Turtle Conservation Centre.
“The support we’ve seen has been incredible,” says Talitha Noble-Trull, Conservation Manager. “These funds directly impact our ability to care for each turtle and prepare them for release back into the wild.”
Importantly, the campaign does not end with the swim. Members of the public are encouraged to continue supporting turtle conservation efforts by donating via the GivenGain campaign. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps give endangered turtles a second chance at life.
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6. Bragging Rights: I have the Best Readers
| | I just got word that a Flock reader and standout marine, first name Alex, had passed his screening and been accepted into MCIWS (Marine Corps Instructor of Water Survival) training. His school starts on Monday. The following videos will give you an idea of what he has to look forward to over this weekend. Big breaths, Alex, I know you're going to do great! | | 7. Reaching High: Everest's Icefall Doctors | | April and May are the peak of the Everest climbing season. Hundreds of climbers will attempt to summit the mountain in that two-month window. It takes more than expedition outfitters and guides to get people up and down the mountain safely; special teams made up of highly experienced sherpas called Icefall doctors scout, establish, and maintain routes, especially through the most dangerous section, the Khumbu Icefall. | | The Elite ‘Doctors’ Who Care for Mount Everest | | Glacial ice has sealed the gateway to Everest’s summit, keeping hundreds of climbers from reaching the top. “Icefall doctors” are on the case. | | |
Dawa Jangbu Sherpa is one of 11 elite doctors who monitor the perilous slopes of Mount Everest. But he isn’t there to address medical emergencies — the mountain itself is his patient.
He and a team of other Nepali mountain guides, known as “icefall doctors,” tend to Everest’s ever-shifting landscape. Mr. Sherpa operates on a two-mile stretch of treacherous terrain near the peak, called the Khumbu Icefall, mending routes with ropes and ladders to establish safe paths for the hundreds of climbers who attempt the summit each year…
| | A wall of ice has halted Mount Everest’s climbing season. Mountaineers tasked with maintaining the route, known as icefall doctors, are under pressure to clear a path.Credit...Purnima Shrestha/Reuters | |
Climbers aiming for the summit must first arrive at base camp, a sprawling tent city below the Khumbu Icefall. Above the icefall, there are three other camps where the trekkers stop before reaching the peak.
But none of those camps are accessible until the icefall doctors establish routes through the constantly shifting glaciers of the Khumbu Icefall at the beginning of each climbing season.
Even among the experienced Nepali mountain guides at Everest, icefall doctors are especially capable. They perform what is widely regarded as the most dangerous job on the mountain.
“We are called icefall doctors because we repair the route to the summit,” said Mr. Sherpa, who has worked as a porter and mountain guide on Mount Everest for 10 years.
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8. Kid's Corner: Summer Camp Guide, Part Two
| | In the second part of this year's Summer Camp Guide, I'm focusing on summer camps and programs outside the Tucson area, with an emphasis on study abroad and immersive language programs outside the United States. Revisit last week's Flock for summer camps around the Tucson area. | Summer Programs Across The United States | |
NASA Space Camp
U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville, Alabama
Programs Available for Ages: 9 - Adult
Train Like an Astronaut
Space Camp has been helping inspire the next generation of explorers for more than 42 years. This internationally known program with more than one million alumni is based on NASA astronaut training and focuses on teamwork and leadership skills. Launched in 1982, Space Camp has inspired and motivated young people from around the country, and later the world, with attendees from all 50 states, U.S. territories, and 150 foreign countries. We offer space, aviation and robotics camps to children between the ages of 9 to 18, adults of all ages, families, and educators.
visit website »
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Outward Bound
Outdoor Adventures
Ages 12-Adult
With multiple locations across the U.S. and internationally, our expeditions center around 1-3 key activities such as backpacking, rafting, kayaking, or climbing, designed with challenge levels that are appropriate for each age group. These activities, combined with camp craft and community building, are a catalyst for you to experience profound moments of personal growth and confidence. There's more in you than you know; we'll help you discover it!with Outward Bound
visit website »
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YMCA Camp Programs
Day camps, Ages: 5-15
Overnight Camps, Ages: 6-17
We believe camp is a transformational experience. YMCA’s day, overnight, and specialty camps give kids the chance to make new friends, learn new skills and interact with nature as they engage in physical, social and educational activities––and create memories that will last a lifetime.
visit website »
| | Summer Programs Around the World | | |
Abbey Road Programs
Study Programs across Europe for High School Students
Founded by Stanford alumni in 2000, Abbey Road summer study abroad programs have built a legacy of excellence, offering life-changing experiences for students worldwide. Our mission is to deliver high-quality academic programs that foster cross-cultural understanding, experiential learning, personal development, and academic enrichment. Abbey Road was born from a unique collaboration of top educators and professionals from world-renowned institutions. Our faculty and curriculum developers hail from prestigious organizations and universities such as Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Duke, Cambridge, La Sorbonne, the United Nations, the World Bank, the European Parliament, and the U.S. State Department, among many others.
visit website »
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Education First Summer Camps
50 destinations in 20 countries
Go on a summer camp abroad with EF! Our summer camps include language classes in the mornings and all kinds of sports and cultural activities in the afternoons so you can make the most of your time. If you want to learn a language, play soccer, dance and meet new friends, our summer camps are the best option this year.
visit website »
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Global Leadership Adventures
Summer Travel Programs For Teens
Travel programs and online internships for teens & young adults, inspired by the Peace Corps. Global Leadership Adventures was co-founded by Andrew Motiwalla, a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, and Fred Swaniker, one of Time's 100 Most Influential People of 2019.
It is Global Leadership Adventures’ founding belief that young people – given the opportunity and privilege to embrace different cultures, confront timely challenges and develop their own unique leadership styles – will make this world the kind of place we can all share and explore together.
visit website »
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Lingua Service Worldwide
Summer Language Programs For Children & Teenagers
A great opportunity to spend an academically fulfilling Summer Camp experience: programs that combine language learning with the fun activities inherent to a Summer Camp. Spanish, French and German Summer Language Programs for children and teenagers are offered at the locations listed below. All programs offer an academic component with at least 15 hours of language training each week, complemented by a supervised activity program that is intended to allow students to enjoy their summer while attaining valuable foreign language skills. Each of these programs has been carefully selected for their quality, experience and respectability and they are inspected on a regular basis by our senior staff members. All Language Summer Camps are operated by recognized private language centers, ensuring the quality of the programs and the safety of the participants. Participants can learn Spanish in Spain or in Latin America, learn French in France or Canada and also learn German in Germany or Austria. Click on each link below for complete information on each program, starting dates and pricing. Please do not hesitate to contact us by phone or e-mail if you have any questions.
visit website »
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Nomad Surfers
Teens Language & Adventure Camp - Monte Carlo, Monaco. France
The programme favours intercultural exchanges between young people. A global educational concept to learn French in an international class at your level, choose sports or cultural activities in the afternoons and evening entertainments to have new experiences and form new friendships and share your room with young people from other countries, respecting safety regulations and the rules of living amongst others.
The international meeting contributes to opening the minds of teenagers and preparing them for a global future. All the are compulsory, as is Saturday’s weekly excursion. However, all evening and afternoon activities are optional in order for students to benefit from their independence. Nevertheless, our team leaders’ role is to encourage the students to take part in a maximum number of activities.
visit website »
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Oxford Summer School
Oxford, England
Summer 2026 | Ages: 12-18
We offer exceptional learning experiences on the Oxford University campus, blending immersive academic programmes with practical, real-world challenges.
At our Oxford Summer School, students from around the world can explore their chosen subjects in small, interactive classes with university-style teaching delivered by inspirational tutors.
visit website »
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Silk Mandarin
Chinese Language an cultural immersion camps in Shanghai & Suzhou for KIds & Teens
Camp Programs
Our Day Camp, Full Boarding Camp, and Homestay Camp form a natural progression – each step offering a deeper level of immersion, from daytime learning to full cultural living.
Our Family Camp stands apart as a shared adventure, where parents and children learn and explore together.
visit website »
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World Camps Directory
Searchable and curated camp listing by category and location.
Find Your Dream Camp
A selection of pristine, expertly designed educational camps for youth with high-end amenities, and dedicated supervision.
visit website »
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9. Student's Corner: Taking a Gap Year
| | Taking a Gap Year: A Life Changing Investment in Growth | | Written by Silvia Sánchez | |
In today's fast paced world, more young adults are choosing to pause traditional academic paths and instead invest in something equally valuable: real-world experience. Programs like EF Gap Year are redefining what it means to "take a break", transforming it into an opportunity for growth, exploration, and self-discovery.
A gap year is not about stepping away from responsibilities- it's about stepping into the world with purpose. Participants have the chance to live in different countries, learn new languages, and immerse themselves in diverse cultures.
These experiences help build independence, adaptability, and global awareness- skills that are increasingly essential in both personal and professional life.
One of the unique aspects of structured gap year program is the balance between education and adventure. Students might spend part of their time traveling across multiple cities, then settle into one location for deeper learning, whether through language courses, internships, or cultural immersion.
This combination allows them to not only explore the world, but also to better understand themselves and their future goals.
Beyond academics, a gap year can significantly boost confidence. Navigating unfamiliar environments, meeting new people, and solving real-life challenges fosters resilience and maturity. Many participants return home with a clearer sense of direction and a stronger sense of identity.
There is also a practical advantage. Students who take a gap year often enter college or the workforce with enhanced communication skills, cultural intelligence and a broader perspective- qualities that set them apart in competitive environments.
Ultimately a gap year is not time lost- it's time invested. It's an opportunity to grow, reflect, and gain experiences that shape not only a career path, but a life path.
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10. Nature: Three Big Cats Spotted in India
| | The recent extremely rare sighting of three feline apex predators within a 2-kilometer span along the banks of the Chakal River in India may be the result of India's growth and industrialization, as wild habitat and wildlife corridors are squeezed by human development. | | Tiger, leopard and cheetah spotted together in Ranthambore: Why a conservationist calls it a ‘rare’ wildlife moment | | The rare Ranthambore sighting of three apex predators in one landscape may be less about wildlife wonder and more about habitat pressure, shrinking corridors and survival in crowded forests.sider inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!" | | |
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| | Indian Boy Calmly Exits as Leopard Enters Building | |
11. Hayward M. Fox, Ph.D.: From Dr. Fox’s Blog
| | From: Institute of Personal and Transpersonal Knowledge, Written by Hayward M. Fox | | Texas Sage blooming in Arizona. | | These Flock regulars are always here for you: | | Don't Be Shy: Share Your Stories! | | I'm looking forward to sharing more of your personal stories - oral, written, or otherwise, as we enter our third year. I'd so love to present them to The Flock, hit a mailbox below to share your story. | | Subscriptions & Idea Submissions
Reminder: Your submissions are always welcomed. | | |
Feel free to forward this email to a friend. If this was forwarded to you and you would like to receive your very own Flock Newsletter, you can sign up here. If you have any questions or suggestions for future Flock resources, don't hesitate to contact me.
Your fan and friend,
Beth
| | | The information and materials contained or referenced in this newsletter are for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a physician or other qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before beginning a new health care regimen. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical advice or care based on anything contained in this newsletter. | | | | |
