Monica Wicke, KRQE
Think back to when you were a kid. For many of us, summer camps are what occupied a lot of our time when taking a break from the classroom, and it’s where so many memories were made. That’s why Albuquerque Academy created the Think Summer program more than four decades ago.
“Yeah, so 42 years ago, well before my time here, they opened up a summer program and that it would reflect a lot of what we do during the school year,” said Julianne Puente, the Head of School at Albuquerque Academy, “While we’re 6 through 12, the summer camp goes from really pre-K out through high school doing all different kinds of activities, classes, and different events and for kids to explore. And it really does lead with curiosity.”
Think Summer isn’t one of those summer camps where it’s one size fits all. It’s where kids go to discover their passions, while furthering their academic success in an environment that fosters growth.
“They can create their own schedule, whether they want to focus on sports, the arts, visual arts, science, math,” said Monica Aguilar, the Director of Think Summer Program.
“I also love that you can work with your child and piece together a day that’s meaningful for them. There are the standalone camps and then there are the different kinds of classes that you can take too,” said Puente.
Not only does Think Summer allow kids to be kids while learning and having fun, it also provides employment opportunities for local high school students.
“And our student employment opportunity is growing as well. So, we hire high school kids, starting at the age of 14, to come and work in our camps. And there are also teacher assistants in the classrooms,” said Aguilar.
Think Summer is all about inclusivity as well. You don’t have to be a student at Albuquerque Academy to take part in the fun as a camper or as a staff member.
“Think Summer is open to all students in Albuquerque. And we get about 1,500 students a summer that come from pre-K all the way to high school,” said Aguilar.
“I think I speak to many of the people here that our facility should be used and we’re really blessed with having a beautiful campus and I love that there’s access for kids beyond those who just attend the academy during the school year,” said Puente.
There are 18 camps within Think Summer and regardless of which one your child chooses to enjoy, the goal for Albuquerque Academy is to continue to be that environment that fosters creativity, imagination, and wonder, with students being at the center of it all.
“I have worked at other schools, and they have summer programs, but the depth and variety of programs here and the ability to mix and match, I just don’t see any place else. And we’re able to do it because of the size. And that’s why families keep coming back,” said Puente.
“I think it is important that we provide them with that positive academy experience. Growing up in Albuquerque, everybody talks about how wonderful Albuquerque Academy is, and we want everybody to experience that high-quality education, high-quality programming for the entire community,” said Aguilar.
“Well, it’s not just that kid. It’s any person who comes onto this campus. I want them to have an academy experience. I want them to feel valued. I want them to feel respected. And I want them to feel wanted. And that’s how the academy treats people,” said Puente.
Registration for Think Summer is now open and closes on April 17.
