Eagles – Grades 7-10
Our Young Teen Program now offers Eagles campers the power of choice in a Choose Your Own Adventure format, allowing them to design their own summer filled with activities that match their passions and interests. Eagles have the flexibility to build their own unique program by selecting from a diverse range of engaging activities.
Our program is designed to foster independence, teamwork, and hands-on learning in a fun, engaging, and screen-free environment. Eagles campers can select from a variety of dynamic activities as described below.
Eagle Programs
- High Ropes Challenges & Wilderness Training – Build confidence, resilience, and leadership skills while navigating our thrilling high ropes course and learning essential outdoor survival techniques. Combined with their challenge course activities, campers will develop practical wilderness skills by engaging in activities like outdoor cooking, orienteering, shelter building, and knot tying.
- Performing Arts – Take center stage with opportunities in theater, music, and dance, where creativity and expression shine. Campers can explore ukulele and songwriting, Broadway song and dance performances, and take part in pop inspired choral arrangements.
- Sports & Field Games – Stay active and engaged with a mix of traditional and non-traditional sports, team-building games, and friendly competitions. Enjoy our brand-new turf field for an enhanced playing experience.
- Engineering & Design – Spark innovation through hands-on problem-solving, creative building challenges, and STEM-based exploration. Campers will engage in design challenges and stretch their innovative thinking.
- Visual Art – Unleash imagination through painting, drawing, sculpture, and other artistic media in a supportive and inspiring environment. Explore mixed media techniques and create unique, gallery-worthy pieces.
Meet Our Instructors
Our Eagles campers are guided by a team of dedicated and experienced educators, mentors, and outdoor enthusiasts. Each instructor brings a passion for their field and a commitment to creating a fun, engaging, and enriching summer experience.
Scott Gimber – Head Eagles Counselor & Sports & Field Games Instructor
Scott currently serves as a learning specialist, advisor, and basketball and lacrosse coach at Cheshire Academy. Prior to his current role, he served as a history teacher, dorm parent, coach, and assistant director of communications at The Rectory School and Marianapolis Preparatory School. A lifelong athlete, avid sports fan, and enthusiastic coach, Scott began his career in studio and live event production at the Major League Baseball Network and, later, at ESPN. With fond memories of his own days as a camper, Scott aims to foster a positive environment for all Eagles campers, dedicated to learning, leading, and growing.
William “Sully” Sullivan – Challenge Course Coordinator
Sully is Renbrook’s year-round Challenge Course Coordinator and Director of RSSA’s professional climbing staff. He comes to camp with over 50 years of experience in experiential education. The region’s foremost expert on low and high ropes challenge courses, Sully has spent his career developing team building strategies and confidence inspiring challenges for all age groups.
Katie Dawson – Performing Arts Instructor
Katie Dawson, Renbrook’s Music Department Chair. Katie began her teaching career in 2011 and has taught preschool through grade twelve chorus, band, general music, and musical theater. She is an outstanding musician and performer in her own right, and a beloved music teacher and theater director at Renbrook.
Sarah Peterson – Performing Arts Instructor
Sarah Petersen Luther is a Renbrook School Alum (Class of 2007) and a Connecticut music educator teaching at The Barkhamsted School in Barkhamsted, CT. In addition to her music teaching, Sarah has over 10 years of experience working with youth theater programs - including past programming at Renbrook School Summer Adventure! She has a passion for the arts, particularly music, theater, and dance, and she is excited about joining the reinvigorated performing arts programming that is returning to camp!
Jen Solomon – Engineering & Design Instructor
Jen is currently the Associate Director of Innovation at The Loomis Chaffee School and has been leading makerspaces for 10 years. She has two children, 5 and 7, and is a Renbrook parent. Jen has worked at camps and summer programs since she was 18 years old and is excited to return to RSSA!
May Stoffer – Visual Arts Instructor
May has been a lead art instructor at Renbrook School for eight years, specializing in fine arts for grades 5-8. A talented artist herself, she holds a degree in fine arts and excels in painting and drawing, guiding campers to explore their artistic potential through various media such as print making, ceramics, paint, and colored pencils.
Woodworking – Position Open
We are currently looking for a lead instructor for woodworking. Stay tuned for more details! Campers will have access to a fully equipped woodworking studio to bring their designs to life.
Chad Self – Rocketry Instructor
Chad is a tenured professor at Anna Maria College with a passion for creativity and design. He merges his artistic expertise with rocketry, teaching campers the fundamentals of rocket design, building, and launching, while also incorporating personalization through painting and creative elements.
Chelsea O’Donnell – Wilderness Training Instructor
Chelsea is currently a freshman studying Psychology at Colorado College. She has been rock climbing for almost 8 years (both competitively and outdoors) and has recently been exploring the various adventure opportunities Colorado has to offer. Chelsea has been coaching young climbers for 5 years and is both belay and Wilderness First Aid certified.
Bryce Blodgett – Wilderness Training Instructor
Bryce is a freshman at UConn with a passion for adventure and outdoor leadership. With experience in challenge courses and climbing, he brings enthusiasm and expertise to camp. Bryce encourages campers to step outside their comfort zones, build confidence, and develop teamwork skills through engaging adventures.
Our team is ready to provide an unforgettable summer, filled with adventure, growth, and discovery!
Leadership Development
Eagles campers entering grades 9 and 10 will have the opportunity to participate in our Leadership in Training (LIT) Program, which prepares them for future employment as a camp counselor. Through hands-on experience, leadership development, and mentorship, Eagles will gain the skills and confidence needed to take on future roles at camp and beyond.