Summer Camps
Whether you're looking for athletic camps, academic enrichment for your son or simply a place where he can go to have fun, explore interests and make new friends, Saint Thomas Academy has a number of unique summer programs designed to fit nearly any need.
Register via the blue button below!
Cadet Summer Program Descriptions
Activities & Arts
Aces: Card Games!
Age Group: Boys & Girls entering grades 5-8
Dates: June 8-11 Times: 1-4 p.m.
Learn the history of cards. We will share stories about the role cards play in our family events. We will look at the role of skill and luck in games like 500, Euchre and other communal games. We will also play card games every day including student choice games to be determined by the class. Fee: $40 Instructor: Joel Loecken, Saint Thomas Academy Theology Teacher
Angling for All, Youth Fishing Camp
Age Group: Boys & Girls entering grades 4-8
Dates: June 15-18. Times: 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Description: If your son or daughter enjoys the sport of fishing, or would like to receive an introduction to the sport, this camp will be a great opportunity for them. As you most likely know, fishing can be a joyful lifelong sport if introduced in the correct manner. This camp will introduce various forms of fishing techniques, tactics, tips and styles, spanning from bait fishing all the way to introductory fly fishing. Activities will include casting clinics, knot tying, tackle-box assembly, fly tying, and much more. The best part of this class is that we have the opportunity to explore one of Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes and wet a line everyday at nearby Rogers Lake. In addition, while out fishing, we will also discuss the other native wildlife unique to our great state. Pack your hiking shoes, fishing rods, and tackle boxes to join us for a week of outdoor adventure. (Please note, campers should bring a fishing pole.) Fee: $125 Instructor: Justin Hager, Saint Thomas Academy English Teacher. New York State certified fishing & hunting guide, specializing in fly fishing instruction.
Register for Angling for All, Youth Fishing Camp
Backyard Battle
Age Group: Boys entering grades 5-8
Dates: July 6-10 Times: 10-11:30 a.m. .
Learn the rules and game play strategy of backyard games such as: kubb, croquet, washer toss, bags, ladder golf, spike ball, bocce ball and more. Fee: $75 Instructor: Justin Larson, Saint Thomas Academy Counselor
Board Lords: Chess
Age Group: Boys & Girls entering grades 3-8
Dates: June 22-25 Times: 1-4 p.m. .
Do you like strategy games? Do you like a little competition? Do you like making new friends? If you said yes then this camp is for you! The Board Lords chess camp will introduce the basics of chess, then give you a chance to try it out with a partner. From beginner to advanced, this camp has a place for anyone who wants to learn or play chess. Fee: $60 Instructor: Elena Schmidt, Saint Thomas Academy Math Teacher
Register for Board Lords: Chess
Cooking Show “Mash-Up”
Age Group: Boys entering grades 4-7
Dates: July 13-16 Times: 9 a.m.-Noon.
A camp featuring elements from popular cooking shows like Chopped, Top Chef and Iron Chef, you will work with the Executive Chef from SAGE to learn essential cooking skills and ideas. You’ll cook in teams with vegetables, starches, proteins and desserts before a final “competition” cook with a “Black Box Mystery Item” that must be used in the meal. Each day will feature guest judges to judge food in taste, appearance and use. Fee: $100 Instructor: Mrs. Tari Tanhoff, SAGE Executive Chef and Le Cordon Bleu Trained Chef and Culinary Instructor
Register for Cooking Show “Mash-Up”
ESports
Age Group: Boys & Girls entering grades 7-9
Dates: June 22-24 Times: 9 a.m.-Noon.
Have you ever had an interest in joining an E-Sports Team or learning how to play videogames on a PC at a competitive level? If so, Saint Thomas Academy’s E-Sports Summer Jumpstart Program can train you on the basics so that you can begin your quest to become an elite gaming legend! Saint Thomas Academy’s Team Saber is an E-Sports team that competes in both state and national level tournaments for PC gaming. If you are interested in learning more about what it takes to be able to compete on a high school E-Sports Team, you can register for this 4-day training camp that could help you develop all the tools you need to become the next member of Team Saber or any other school E-Sports team. Joining up will grant you personalized instruction from STA Team Saber’s head coach, Mr. Meisch, on the teamwork, communication, mechanical, and game-sense skills necessary to become a competitive gamer. No PC gaming experience is necessary. The stateof-the-art STA gaming lab only has a 6-computer set-up, so space is limited. Fee: $130 Instructor: Mr. Patrick Meisch ’10, Saint Thomas Academy Science Instructor and ESports Moderator
Intro to Air Rifle & Range Operations
Age Group: Boys entering grades 5-9
Dates: June 8-12 or June 15-19 Times: 9-11 a.m. .
This introduction to air rifle and range operations is not a Minnesota DNR certification course, however, we will introduce the basics of gun safety and qualification using Saint Thomas Academy’s precision .177 caliber air rifles. Students will learn gun safety, operation, familiarization and Marksmanship Qualifications procedures. All students will implement “hands on” operations in an attempt to earn their qualification badge. No equipment is needed to participate; note taking material is optional; comfortable clothing is recommended (shorts, jeans, t-shirt, gym shoes). Fee: $200 Instructor: CW4 Paul Preblich, Moderator of the Rifle Team *His training includes NRA Certified Instructor/Coach and Civilian Marksmanship Program Master Instructor Intro to Fire Arm Safety Age Group: Boys entering grades 6-12 Dates: July 13-17 or July 20-24 Times: 8a.m.-noon Description: Get ready for clay targets! Pull! This NRA Basic Shotgun course teaches basic knowledge, skills, and attitude for the safe and proper use of a shotgun in shooting a moving target. This course includes classroom and range time. Students learn NRA’s rules for safe handling; shotgun parts and operation; shell components; shell malfunctions; shooting fundamentals; range rules; techniques at straight away and angled targets; cleaning; and continued opportunities for skill development. Students will receive the Basics of Shotgun handbook, NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure, Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet, take a Basics of Shotgun Student Examination, and receive a course completion certificate. Campers will meet in the classroom and three mornings on the range at the South Saint Paul Rod & Gun Club. Fee: $140 Instructor: Sgt. Doug Hurd, Retired Drill Sergeant, Saint Thomas Academy
Register for Intro to Air Rifle & Range Operations
Intro to Digital Arts
Age Group: Boys entering grades 6-8
Dates: June 8-11 Times: 9 a.m.-Noon.
Participants will be shown the endless possibilities of digital art. They will learn how to use programs such as Photoshop and Illustrator to create original masterpieces, be introduced to operating a DSLR Camera, and so much more! At the end of the week students will be coming home with prints of their work to show off their newly found skills. Fee: $125 Instructor: Stephanie Heidorn, Saint Thomas Academy Digital Arts Teacher
Register for Intro to Digital Arts
Jeo-Party!
Age Group: Boys & Girls entering grades 6-8
Dates: July 6-10 Times: 1-4 p.m. .
Have you ever thought you would be a good contestant on Jeopardy? If you answered yes, this is the camp for you. If you answered no, this is also the camp for you. So put on your thinking caps and spend the week playing fun trivia games about sports, pop culture, and everything in between. Fee: $100 Instructor: Jake Ingalls, Saint Thomas Academy Counselor
Snapshot!
Age Group: Boys & Girls entering grades 5-8
Dates: June 22-25 Times: 9 a.m.- Noon.
Participants will learn the basics of digital photography. They will learn how to manually take photographs with a Digital SLR Camera. Once they’ve mastered the camera we will dive into photoshop where limitless possibilities are at the click of a mouse! Participants will leave with printed photographs of their work at the end of camp so save some space on your fridge! Fee: $125 Instructor: Mr. Tyler Maddaus, Saint Thomas Academy Creative Manager
The Great Cadet Baking Show
Age Group: Boys entering grades 4-7
Dates: July 7-9 Times: 9 a.m.- Noon.
The Great Cadet Baking Class is a three-day camp that mimics the Great British Baking Show. Day 1: Signature Bake. (Hint: practice pie making) Day 2: Technical challenge. (Hint: Practice cakes) Day 3: Show Stopper. (Hint: practice building with baked goods) At 11 a.m. each day, your baked goods will be presented to a panel of judges. Fee: $75 Instructor: Mrs. Tari Tanhoff, SAGE Executive Chef and Le Cordon Bleu Trained Chef and Culinary Instructor
Register for The Great Cadet Baking Show
What’s S.U.P? Introduction to Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Age Group: Boys & Girls entering grades 6-12
Dates: June 15-19 or July 6-10 Times: 12:30-1:30 p.m. .
Enjoy a few warm, sunny days touring beautiful Rogers Lake while learning a new skill in one of the world’s fastest growing water sports. SUP is a cross between kayaking and surfing and it offers a chance to play on top of the water while getting a full body workout. Learn the basics of stand-up paddleboarding such as: board basics, how to launch and get started, paddle strokes, staying balanced, how to fall, and how to get back on! Limited to 4 students. Must bring your own life jacket. Fee: $175 Instructor: Justin Larson, Saint Thomas Academy Counselor
Register for What’s S.U.P? Introduction to Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Young Authors Writing Workshop
Age Group: Boys & Girls entering grades 5-8
Dates: June 22-26 Times: 9 a.m.-Noon.
Students will explore their creative side in the Young Writers Workshop. Through the daily exploration of short stories, poetry, comic books, and more, students will be able to foster their own written pieces in a safe, nonjudgmental setting. Possible activities include: - Imaginative, confidence building activities for creative minds - Journaling, poetry writing, marathon writing - Instruction on specific writing styles - Complementary art projects Young writers will flourish in this innovative, nurturing, and productive environment. Fee: $125 Instructor: Claire Prescott (Vis ’08), Saint Thomas Academy English Teacher
Cadet Athletics
Cadet Baseball
Age Group: Boys entering grades 4-8
Dates: June 22-25 Times: 9-10:30 a.m. (entering grades 4-6) 10:30 a.m.-noon (entering grades 7-8) .
This camp, run by State Championship coaches, offers baseball fundamentals, game knowledge, and individual skill development. Instructors will help you further develop your current skills and introduce you to concepts and techniques that will help you advance as a baseball player. As a beginner or a seasoned veteran, this camp will provide an opportunity for you to learn while having some fun doing it! Fee: $75 Instructor: Head Coach Matthew Kelly, State Champions 2019
Cadet Basketball
Age Group: Boys entering grades 5-8
Dates: June 15-18 Times: 9 a.m.- Noon.
This four-day camp offers boys the opportunity to embrace their strengths while improving weaknesses. Campers will have the opportunity to learn how to compete as we incorporate drills that will improve ball handling, passing, shooting, defense, and decision-making. The camp emphasizes both offense and defense to produce a complete basketball player. Fee: $200 Instructor: Head Coach Jason Birr ’04
Cadet Bowling
Age Group: Boys entering grades 6-12
Dates: July 27-30 Times: 3:30-5:30 p.m. .
This camp offers instruction on bowling for the novice or seasoned bowler. Learn bowling fundamentals, game knowledge, and individual skill development. Instructors will help you further develop your current skills and introduce you to concepts and techniques that will help you advance as an experienced bowler. This camp will meet at Cedarvale Lanes in Apple Valley. Shoe rental is an additional fee. Fee: $50 Instructor: Michael Gurin, Saint Thomas Academy Bowling Moderator
Cadet Football-Middle School
Age Group: Boys entering grades 6-8
Dates: August 4-6 Times: 6-8 p.m. .
This three-day camp offers football fundamentals, game knowledge, and individual skill development. Instructors will help you further develop your current skills and introduce you to concepts and techniques that will help you advance as a football player. As a beginner or a seasoned veteran, this camp will provide an opportunity for you to learn while having some fun doing it! Fee: $40 Instructor: Head Coach Dan O’Brien & STA Football Staff
Register for Cadet Football-Middle School
Cadet Football-Youth
Age Group: Boys entering grades 2-5
Dates: June 29-July 1 Times: 9 a.m.- Noon.
This three-day camp offers football fundamentals, game knowledge, and individual skill development. Instructors will help you further develop your current skills and introduce you to concepts and techniques that will help you advance as a football player. As a beginner or a seasoned veteran, this camp will provide an opportunity for you to learn while having some fun doing it! Fee: $50 Instructor: Head Coach Dan O’Brien & STA Football Staff
Register for Cadet Football-Youth
Cadet Golf
Age group: Boys & Girls entering grades 4-8
Dates: June 17, 24, July 8, 15, 22, 29 (6 total sessions) Times: 9 a.m.-Noon.
Learn the fundamentals of golf while working on your swing and mastering key shots to improve your scores. Led by University of Wisconsin - Stout Assistant Men’s Golf Coach, Eric Holen, campers will learn about the mental side of the game while being challenged to focus on the process of perfecting and shaping a variety of shots. Fee: $125 Instructor: Eric Holen, UW-Stout Assistant Men’s Golf Coach
Cadet Lacrosse
Age Group: Boys entering grades 5-8
Dates: July 27-30 Times: 9 a.m.-Noon.
Join the Saint Thomas Academy Lacrosse Team for a week of the fastest sport on two feet. Whether you are a beginner or a veteran, Cadet Lacrosse coaches, players, and alumni will be on hand to teach you in-game concepts and skills that will set you apart this coming season. Fee: $75 Instructor: Head Coach Luke Marks ’11
Cadet Soccer
Age Group: Boys entering grades 1-8
Dates: June 15-18 and July 20-23 Times: 10 a.m.-Noon.
This four-day camp will work with players on their fundamentals and tactics of the game. Fee: $125 Instructor: Head Coach Brian Kallman
Cadet Soccer - Middle School
Age Group: Boys entering grades 6-8
Dates: August 17-20 Times: 12:30-2 p.m. .
This program is open to all Middle School players both from STA and friends/teammates from other schools. Staying sharp and improving technically, tactically, and physically is crucial for standing out this upcoming 2020 season. By focusing on individual skills while working in pairs and small groups, players will improve their technique and confidence on the ball. Players are here to push themselves and improve their game so we ask you to show up ready to work and push yourself out of your comfort zone. Fee: $75 Instructor: Head Coach Brian Kallman
Register for Cadet Soccer - Middle School
Cadet Soccer - High School Prep
Age Group: Boys entering grades 9-12
Dates: July 20-23 Times: 12:15-2:15 p.m. .
This program is open to all High School players both from STA and friends/teammates from other schools. Staying sharp and improving technically, tactically, and physically is crucial for standing out this upcoming 2020 season. By focusing on individual skills while working in pairs and small groups, players will improve their technique and confidence on the ball. Players are here to push themselves and improve their game so we ask you to show up ready to work and push yourself out of your comfort zone. Fee: $50 Instructor: Head Coach Brian Kallman
Register for Cadet Soccer - High School Prep
Cadet Tennis
Age Group: Boys & Girls entering grades 7-9
Dates: June 8-11 Times: 9-10:30 a.m. (entering grades 7-9) .
Participants will be taught the fundamental techniques of tennis, including: ground strokes, volley, serve and return, lob and overhead, and the serve. Instruction will be done via individual direction, drills, and fun games (with prizes!). Friday is reserved as a “rain day” make-up. Campers should bring their own racquet. Fee: $125 Instructor: Head Coach Erick Westerback
Speed and Strength
Group: Boys entering grades 5-10
Dates: June 15-17 and July 20-22 Times: 9-10:30 a.m. (entering grades 5-7) 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. (entering grades 8-10) .
The focus of this camp is to develop and hone the necessary skills to unlock and unleash ballistic movements. This will be done with enhanced form, hip mobility and reaction drills. Grades 5-7: Teach and learn simple running mechanics and how to respond more quickly to auditory and visual cues. Grades 8-10: Develop techniques to limit movements and to be more efficient with lateral and straight-line speed. Conduct drills to increase reaction timing. Fee: $75 Instructor: Rick Stevson, Former Junior Olympic Club Track and Field Coach and Current Northstar United Track Club Board Member
