1-Week Course Offerings

Period 1

Business Advertising

Once a product or service has been created it needs to be marketed.  In this class you will learn the fundamentals of creating a marketing plan that includes both strategic and tactical planning.  You will also explore the various ways to advertise from print ads and TV commercials to YouTube and Twitter.  You will even prepare your own marketing plan for a product of your own choice.

Business Entrepreneurship

If creating and running your own business sounds exciting, this class is for you.  First, you will learn the secrets of successful businesses and entrepreneurs.  You will then use these concepts to create your own unique business.  You will make decisions as part of a team about the company name, how to finance it, what product or service to market or sell and what to do with the profits.

Debate

Learn to be a persuasive speaker.  This class will focus on providing you the tools necessary to "stand up" and effectively present your point of view.  By learning to think critically and to consider issues from different perspectives, you will become more successful at presenting your ideas and understanding others'.

Essay Writing

Begin writing your college essay!  This is an expository writing class that will include help in the organization of ideas, paragraph development, grammar and punctuation review.  We will examine sample essays to uncover what makes a great essay.  Topics are "free choice" but many students select to draft and revise their essay for the common application.  We recommend bringing your laptop with wireless capability to use in class.  Essay Writing will also be offered during Study Hall for students enrolled in SAT Prep.

Public Speaking

This class will help you become a more confident and skillful public speaker.  You will learn effective methods of overcoming your fears as well as fundamental techniques to improve your verbal and non-verbal communication, audience analysis and organizational strategies.

SAT Prep Fast Track

This is a condensed and intensive course offering 16 hours of instruction.  The program's components are based on Cambridge Educational Services, Inc.'s approach to diagnostic and practice testing and assessment.  Students enrolled in this program will complete a diagnostic pre-test prior to their arrival at camp to assess where they stand at the start of the program.  Highly trained and motivated teachers will use the results of these pre-tests to work with each student on the basic skills they require at a pace and depth that best suits their needs.  Each student will also receive a textbook which includes extensive reviews of the math and verbal skills needed to excel on the test as well as several practice tests to reinforce classroom test-taking strategies.  On the last day of the program, you will take a final, official diagnostic exam with review of problem areas.  You will leave with a study plan and work schedule to guide your continued preparation for the actual exam.  There is a supplemental fee of $275 (regularly priced at $395 in your area) required to substitute this superb course for any of the enrichment classes normally offered.  Students taking the SAT Prep Fast Track will not have time for another morning class.  However, they may enroll in the special afternoon Essay Writing class offered during Study Hall at no additional cost.

Period 2

Essay Writing

Begin writing your college essay!  This is an expository writing class that will include help in the organization of ideas, paragraph development, grammar and punctuation review.  We will examine sample essays to uncover what makes a great essay.  Topics are "free choice" but many students select to draft and revise their essay for the common application.  We recommend bringing your laptop with wireless capability to use in class.  Essay Writing will also be offered during Study Hall for students enrolled in SAT Prep.

SAT Prep Fast Track

Continued from period 1.

Speed Reading

Increase your reading speed while improving your comprehension and retention.  You will learn and practice how to maintain proper posture and focus, read groups of words and to skim while eliminating the instinct to mentally pronounce each word.

Study Skills

Improve your academic success in high school and beyond.  Learn about the power of listening, the importance of proper motivation, how to take accurate notes and tips to improve your memory.  This class will help you develop time management strategies and stress reduction techniques to help you prepare for and take crucial exams.

2 & 4-Week Course Offerings

Period 1

Business Entrepreneurship & Advertising

If creating and running your own business sounds exciting, this class is for you.  In the first week, you will learn the secrets of successful entrepreneurs.  You will then use these concepts to create your own unique business.  You will make decisions as part of a team about the company name, how to finance it, what product or service to market or sell and what to do with the profits.  Once a product or service has been created it needs to be marketed.  The second week of this class is devoted to learning the fundamentals of developing a marketing plan that includes both strategic and tactical planning.  You will explore the various ways to advertise from print ads and TV commercials to YouTube and Twitter and other social media, ultimately creating a marketing plan for a product or service you created.

Calculus

The fundamental concepts and techniques of differential and integral calculus will be presented with emphasis on their application in a variety of fields.  This class will introduce students to functions, derivatives, limits and analytic Geometry.  Students should have two years of Algebra and a year of both Geometry and Pre-Calculus.

Creative Writing

Let your imagination flow.  Inspiring writing exercises will help cultivate creativity in your choice of poetry, fiction or drama.  We will focus on the fundamentals of developing character, plot, dialogue and detail in this small group workshop.  By class end you will have drafted a short story, novel chapter or collection of poems.  We recommend bringing your laptop with wireless capability to use in this class.

ESL

Learn more about American culture - and help us learn more about yours - while improving your English.  This ESL style class is designed for students wanting to spend their summer abroad in the U.S.  You will not only learn about American life and culture, but also improve your English skills for speaking, reading and writing with special emphasis placed on conversational English both in a state of the art language lab but most importantly outside of class with the new friends you will meet and the experiences you will share.  You will also practice reading numerous texts and learn the various components of the writing process while achieving control of standard written English.  This class will take up both periods 1 and 2.

Introduction to Psychology

Better understand yourself and others.  This class focuses on the research concepts, experimental methods and traditional thought of psychology that have been revolutionary in helping us examine the roots of personality and behavior.  Throughout the class, you will be guided in applying this new understanding to analyze case studies in the field.

Law and the Justice System

Students will learn about the fundamental concepts of the American legal system.  Participation in a mock trial will introduce students to the roles of prosecutor, defense attorney, defendant, judge and juror.

Public Speaking and Debate

This is a 2-part class that will focus on your becoming both a more confident and persuasive public speaker.  The emphasis of Part 1 will be on learning proven methods of overcoming your fears as well as fundamental techniques to improve your verbal and non-verbal communication, audience analysis and organizational strategies.  Part 2 of this class will focus on providing you the tools necessary to "stand up" and effectively present your point of view.  By learning to think critically and to consider issues from different perspectives, you will become more successful at presenting your ideas and understanding others'.

SAT Prep

Our SAT Prep program is an intensive course offering 30 hours of instruction.  The program's components are based on Cambridge Educational Services, Inc.'s approach to diagnostic and practice testing and assessment.  Students enrolled in this program will complete a diagnostic pre-test prior to their arrival at camp to assess where they stand at the start of the program.  Highly trained and motivated teachers will use the results of these pre-tests to work with each student on the basic skills they require at a pace and depth that best suits their needs.  Each student will also receive a textbook which includes extensive reviews of the math and verbal skills needed to excel on the test as well as several practice tests to reinforce classroom test-taking strategies.  On the last day of the program, you will take a final, official diagnostic exam with review of problem areas.  You will leave with a study plan and work schedule to guide your continued preparation for the actual exam.  There is a supplemental fee of $495 (regularly priced at $695 in your area) required to substitute this superb course for any of the enrichment classes normally offered.  Students taking the SAT Prep will not have time for another morning class.  However, they may enroll in the special afternoon Essay Writing class offered during Study Hall at no additional cost.

TOEFL Prep

The Test of English as a Foreign Language evaluates the English language proficiency of non-native speakers.  The test is used by North American colleges and universities as part of the admission process.  TOEFL Prep is an intensive 4-part class designed entirely for preparing you for the TOEFL exams.  Parts 1 and 2 cover reading and writing and offer practice reading various texts along with tips on grammar, spelling and other fundamental components of the writing process.  Parts 3 and 4 focus on techniques to improve your speaking and listening comprehension.  You will take an actual timed practice exam to assess where improvement is needed and receive the office Guide to the New TOEFL IBT which includes a CD-ROM that guides you through a comprehensive preparation for the on-screen test.  This class is conducted during both periods 1 and 2.

Period 2

Algebra 2

This course will help prepare you for Honors Algebra 2.  The following core topics will be previewed:  functions and their graphs, real and complex number systems, quadratic and higher polynomial functions, exponential and radical functions, logarithms functions and an introduction to trigonometry.  Graphing and mathematical modeling are used to investigate relationships and solve problems.  A graphing calculator is necessary for this class.

Architecture

Explore the world of architecture.  Find out what it's really like to be an architect as you learn some of the basic principles and skills required for structural architecture, landscape architecture and planning  You will become more aware of the space around you, aesthetics and design issues.  You will create your own design proposal including sketch work and either a 2-D or 3-D model of your design.

ESL

Continued from Period 1.

Essay Writing

Begin writing your college essay!  This is an expository writing class that will include help in the organization of ideas, paragraph development, grammar and punctuation review.  We will examine sample essays to uncover what makes a great essay.  Topics are "free choice" but many students select to draft and revise their essay for the common application.  We recommend bringing your laptop with wireless capability to use in class.  Essay Writing will also be offered during Study Hall for students enrolled in SAT Prep.

Geometry

This class will preview high school Honors Geometry.  You will learn basic polygram attributes, coordinate geometry, logic, writing proofs and inductive and deductive reasoning.  You will apply geometric properties to solve real-life problems.

Journalism

Develop an eye for finding those key stories, learn how to conduct interviews, document sources, write by-lines, research and take notes.  Focus on the skills of editing, headlining and photo essays.  We will also discuss ethics in journalism while you and your fellow students generate a product that engages the audience.  We recommend bringing a laptop computer with wireless capability with you to camp to use in class.

Speed Reading and Study Skills

This is a 2-part class that will provide you with effective techniques to improve your reading speed as well as your critical study skills to maximize your academic potential.  Part 1 will focus on increasing your reading speed while improving your comprehension and retention.  You will learn and practice how to maintain proper posture and focus, read groups of words and to skim while eliminating the instinct to mentally pronounce each word.  In part 2 of this class you will learn about the importance of motivation, the power of listening, how to take effective notes and improve your memory.  You will develop time management strategies and stress reduction techniques to help you prepare for and take crucial exams.  This class will help improve student's grades, test results and college entrance scores.

TOEFL Prep

Continued from Period 1.

College Advantage Program

College admissions is one of the most important events shaping a student's future.  This 2-week program offers an unmatched array of classes, workshops and college tours designed to help you both enhance yourself as a college candidate while better informing your efforts at navigating the college selection process.

Mornings offer a great selection of courses from our Senior Program 2-week offerings.

Eight afternoon seminars focus on key components of the college selection process.  These seminars will take the place of Study Hall.  You will take a Personality Test that will guide you in creating your own criteria for narrowing your college list to include target, reach and safety schools.  Our college counselors will help you create a personal campus visit check list and score card, research and discuss majors and careers and provide tips for the personal interview.  We will also help you evaluate the college admissions process and examine some of the key life skills that allow you to maximize your potential in high school, college and beyond.

Four afternoons will be devoted to actual campus visits including:

• University of Richmond in Richmond, VA
• George Washington University in Washington, DC
• James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA
• University of Virginia

The remaining afternoons are available for your choice of golf, tennis, fitness or all sports.

An additional key ingredient of the 4 Star College Advantage is the first hand experience you will gain living in a college setting.  You will live in university dorms, meet other students from both across the country and around the world while learning to balance your classes and other activities.  We will be there to help you take on your increased independence and responsibility.

This is a truly unique opportunity to begin positioning yourself for admission to the best colleges while enjoying a wide range of other classes and "just for fun" activities.

Afternoon Options

Afternoons at 4 Star are a time to relax, play, try new things and have fun.  Whether you are a varsity athlete, interested in a multitude of recreational activities or want to pursue an artistic path, each week you will find an exciting new focus in our fun-filled lineup of afternoon activities.

1.  ALL SPORTS PROGRAM: Choose from a great variety of fun activities all offered on a rotating basis.  A few are listed below:

• Recreational soccer
• Basketball
• Volleyball
• Bowling
• Ultimate frisbee
• Swimming is offered each afternoon

2.  SPORTS INSTRUCTION: Develop your skills in a particular sport.

• TENNIS OR GOLF CAMP - spend afternoons enjoying and benefiting from the many instructional features of 4 Star's world renowned Tennis Camp or Golf Camp.  These programs are more intensive and require a supplemental fee of $150 per week.
• BASKETBALL CLINIC - directed by St. Anne-Belfield's basketball coach Mark Gearhart.  Specially designed by Coach Gearhart for 4 Star and offers a great combination of formal instruction, drills and actual game situations.  Please see our application for specific session dates.
• SOCCER CLINIC - a fun, carefully designed soccer clinic for players of all levels.  Each day you will first participate in drills to strengthen your fundamentals.  Then you have the opportunity to utilize these skills in game-like competition.  Improve your game while putting your abilities to the test against players from around the world.  Please see our application for specific session dates.

3.  PERSONAL FITNESS:  Our fitness program is built around such workouts as yoga, pilates, fitness walking, circuit training, and plyometrics to improve flexibility, balance, strength, and cardiovascular conditioning.  You will design a personalized fitness plan while at camp which could include workouts in the weight room as well as water aerobics, so be sure to bring your swimsuit. Whether you are already in a fitness program, playing a sport or just starting out,  this outstanding program is designed for you.

4.  FINE ARTS WORKSHOPS: Bring out and develop your creative side.

• FASHION DESIGN - explore your potential as a fashion designer or simply create your own personal style.  Learn the process from the drafting table to runway that designers follow to create and produce apparel.  Then apply these concepts of color, fabric and line to sketch your own design ideas so that by week's end, you will have the beginnings of a fashion portfolio.
• DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY - have fun learning not only how to compose pictures and use light effectively, but also how to use the basic functions of the camera to process, store and retrieve your images.  You will need to bring your own digital camera and communication cables as well as a laptop computer with wireless capability to use in class.
• ACTING - open to both students with experience in acting and to those who just want to see what acting is about.  This class will explore basic acting skills through proven exercises and improvisations to help develop your own acting talents, all leading up to a final production at the end of the program.
• VIDEO PRODUCTION - ever want to make your own movie?  This class will introduce you to all aspects of video production from start to finish.  Learn camera operation, screenwriting, production, directing and editing.  Students will work in small groups using digital technology to create their own short film.
• GUITAR - have you ever wanted to learn to play the guitar?  Or maybe you already play and just want to learn more advanced techniques.  This class is designed for both beginning and more advanced guitar players.  Learn chords, strumming patterns, arpeggios and finger picking.  Put it all together as you learn to play some of your favorite songs.  Students must bring their own guitar.
• STUDIO ART - designed for students of any art background, this class will help you discover and develop your innate artistic talents.  Experiment in a variety of mediums from painting and drawing to sculpture and jewelry making.  Come and discover your inner artist.

Typical Day