Summer at Park: A Season of Fun, Learning, and Community

As the days grow longer and the school year winds down, Summer at Park springs to life, offering an enriching and dynamic camp experience for children from PreK to Grade 9. Launching its 2025 season on June 16, this beloved program provides a wide range of opportunities for campers to explore, learn, and grow. With over 35 different camps spanning sports, nature, technology, arts, and STEM on Park’s 34-acre campus, Summer at Park is designed to cater to every child’s interests. Best of all, participation is open to the entire community—families do not need to be Park School students to join the fun!

Summer at Park is led by Director Alexis Platt and Coordinator Will Lyons, both of whom bring a deep passion for education and camp experiences. Will’s connection to the program runs especially deep—he first attended Summer at Park as a five-year-old camper and now has come full circle to help lead it. His firsthand understanding of the program, coupled with Alexis’s vision for growth and innovation, creates a dynamic duo ready to make every Summer at Park experience unforgettable.

What sets Summer at Park apart is its commitment to creating a sense of belonging and exploration for all campers. Whether a child is looking to try a new sport, delve into robotics, or develop artistic talents, there is a program for them. Campers don’t have to choose a single specialty—there are opportunities to explore multiple interests, go on field trips, and participate in a variety of activities. The camp is part of the American Camp Association community, reinforcing the power of summer camp as a place where children feel seen, build lifelong friendships, and gain confidence in a supportive environment. Unlike traditional summer camps that require months-long commitments, Summer at Park offers short two-week sessions that allow children to sample a variety of experiences without long-term pressure.

A key aspect of the program is its alignment with The Park School’s values, emphasizing community, curiosity, and inclusivity. Alexis has made sure the team has been intentional about engaging with current faculty and staff, ensuring that the program reflects the school’s educational philosophy. Over 20 Park faculty members contribute their time and expertise, deepening the connections between the summer and school-year communities. Additionally, many current Park employees first discovered their love for teaching through Summer at Park, making it a meaningful launching pad for educators.

Planning for Summer at Park begins almost immediately after the previous summer concludes. By the time school starts in the fall, discussions are already underway with partners to brainstorm and finalize offerings for the next season. By Thanksgiving, the camp calendar is set, and spaces are reserved, ensuring a seamless launch when registration opens in December. The success of the program relies on collaboration with departments across Park, making it a true team effort.

One of the hallmarks of the program is its ability to attract enthusiastic and dedicated counselors. Many are former campers who return to give back to the program that shaped their own childhoods. Word-of-mouth remains the strongest recruitment tool, as past staff members encourage new generations to join. The ideal counselor is energetic, fun, and passionate about creating a positive experience for campers and Alexis and Will ensure that every counselor brings a sense of joy and purpose to their role.

Summer at Park’s legacy of community and belonging is rooted in the leadership of Mary Russell, who helped shape the program into what it is today. Her dedication to staff development ensured that counselors were well prepared to create an engaging and inclusive experience for campers. That same commitment continues under Alexis Platt, who carries forward the camp’s tradition of fostering connection, growth, and summer fun. 

While Summer at Park provides structured learning through its specialized programs, there is a strong emphasis on free play and exploration. External partners bring in expertly designed curriculums, but they are encouraged to incorporate outdoor play and campus-wide engagement. From swim lessons to sports, campers have ample opportunities to balance hands-on learning with classic summer fun. This year, campers can look forward to community-building events such as movie nights on the field, fostering friendships beyond their daily activities.

As Summer at Park continues to evolve, the leadership team is exploring new ways to enhance the experience. Whether a child is stepping onto campus for the first time or returning for another summer of adventure, Summer at Park is a place where friendships are made, skills are discovered, and fun is always at the forefront. As Alexis, Will, and the entire team prepare for another fantastic season, families can look forward to a summer filled with exploration, growth, and unforgettable memories.