Advanced Mathematics

The advanced mathematics class is open to Upper School students who have completed (minimally) Algebra I and who desire to gain a deeper understanding of math’s more advanced, creative, and practical applications. 

This class provides more than just a way to keep math skills sharp over the summer; it encourages students to take on the role of mathematicians and explore topics such as infinity, cryptography, logic, fractals, higher dimensions, game theory, and the art of mathematical proof. Students gain technical problem-solving skills through puzzles, challenges, and mind-bending problems that encourage them not just to calculate but to think like a mathematician.

The class includes:

• Technical skill building in advanced-level calculating and mathematical thinking
• Access to knowledgeable instructors and resources
• Creative and logical problem-solving skill building 
• Interactive scenarios and real-world problem-solving opportunities

Delphian’s experienced faculty create a supportive learning environment and personalized lesson plans that meet each student at their level while also challenging them to stretch to new heights. Instructors expertly guide students through the process of not only reading formulas and rearranging variables but also expanding their way of thinking to solve tough problems.  Students learn to use advanced math to explain patterns in nature, technology, and the world around us—helping them discover how they can use mathematics to achieve their future goals. 

All supplies, materials, tools, and extensive resources for skill development are provided.

Archery

Archery promotes self-discipline, patience, and persistence while being a fun and exciting challenge that students consistently rate as one of their favorite summer afternoon classes.

Offered to students of all skill levels, the class begins with safety protocols and fundamental techniques. Students learn the value of perseverance as they improve in real time through practice. They master abilities such as holding a bow and hitting a target, with opportunities to complete increasingly complex challenges and target-shooting games as their skills improve. 

The class includes:

• Technical archery skill building
• Fun games and challenges
• Safety training and target practice etiquette

The archery field takes advantage of temperate summer weather, providing students with a chance to get active, enjoy the outdoors, and engage with their surroundings while developing patience and the self-confidence that comes with learning and improving challenging skills.

All equipment, including safety gear, bows, and arrows, is provided, along with instruction from experienced instructors.

 

Art Exploration 

The Delphian art room is a vibrant, engaging, and hands-on space filled with creativity, imagination, and endless possibilities. This class invites artists of all skill levels to become familiar with art materials and techniques. 

The class is a combination of guided instruction on the fundamentals of drawing and the opportunity to put theory into action with self-directed projects. This approach helps students develop technical skills and techniques that allow them to grow as artists and take their projects to the next level.

The class includes:

• Technical skill-building across a variety of fine art mediums
• Guided instruction in the principles of drawing and perspective 
• Self-directed creative projects
• Access to expert-level instruction and resources

Art provides students the opportunity to express themselves through various mediums such as paint, pencil, and mixed media. Students receive instruction on the seven principles of drawing and perspective, learning about surface, size, surface line, overlapping, shading, density, and foreshortening, and are then encouraged to apply what they have learned to create art that challenges their abilities and pushes their skills to the next level.

All art supplies and materials are provided, along with extensive resources for skill development. At the end of the summer, students are encouraged to take home their artwork.

 

Athletics

The summer athletics program offers students the opportunity to train with some of Delphian’s junior and senior-level varsity athletes to improve their skills in sports such as volleyball, soccer, tennis, pickleball, and basketball. The program also focuses on improving overall physical fitness, giving students a competitive edge for their upcoming sports seasons.

The program includes:

• Technical skill-building across a variety of sports
• Physical education and improved personal fitness
• Access to Delphian’s athletic facilities and fields
• Team building and training drills

The instructors of these classes bring knowledge and experience to guide students through personalized training, helping them to improve in strength and proficiency in skills fundamental to each sport. Oregon’s mild summer temperatures mean students can utilize the fields and trails of Delphian’s 720-acre campus for endurance and agility training. Additionally, students have the opportunity to practice teamwork through competitive scrimmages and games, learning to collaborate effectively toward common goals and fostering camaraderie with their peers.

Athletes should come prepared with exercise clothes, shoes, and equipment such as shin guards or knee pads, or be prepared to purchase them locally if they plan to participate in the summer athletics program. 

 

Sports Camps

Sports camps take place in the evening from 6-9 pm and are for students aged 12 and over.

Week 1 - Volleyball

Volleyball skill training drills from our varsity coach, with team building activities and get in great physical shape.

Week 2 - Basketball Camp

Learn and drill basketball skills such as shooting form, ball handling and passing, plus team building activities, taught by our varsity coach and Athletic Director.

Week 3 - Soccer Camp

Practice your touch, dribbling, juggling, passing, and more. Get competitive with your friends during scrimmages. Whether you’re an experienced player or a beginner, this is a great opportunity to improve and have a blast out on the field.

 

Auto Mechanics

This class invites Upper School students out of the back seat and under the hood for a hands-on, practical understanding of a vehicle's inner workings. From understanding how the various engine components work together to diagnosing problems, students gain valuable vehicle maintenance knowledge and the practical maintenance skills important for building confidence and ensuring road safety.  

The class includes:

• Practical, hands-on understanding of standard automotive maintenance
• Practice executing a practical roadside readiness routine
• Creative and logical problem-solving skill building 
• Access to knowledgeable instructors and Delphian’s automotive shop

Auto Mechanics is designed for students who aren’t afraid of a real-world, grease-under-the-fingernails educational experience that will prepare them to be knowledgeable vehicle owners. Working in Delphian’s automotive shop with experienced instructors, students learn how to keep vehicles safe and efficient through basic maintenance and routine care. They participate in activities such as changing the oil, checking tire pressure, replacing a battery, and refilling fluids. Additionally, students will learn the basics of roadside readiness, including which supplies to keep in vehicles at all times and how to change a tire. 

Project vehicles, safety gear, tools, and replacement parts are all provided. Students should come prepared to work on vehicles, wearing sturdy work shoes and clothing they don’t mind getting dirty.

Ceramics

The ceramics studio is a fun and relaxed environment where students enjoy the freedom to experiment, take risks, learn from failures, and try again as they work to master the art of ceramics.  They have the opportunity to hand-sculpt, model, use a pottery wheel, etch, glaze, and even to kiln-fire their creations. resulting in truly unique ceramic pieces.

The class includes:

• Clay sculpting using traditional tools
• Pottery wheel technique and training
• Access to skilled instruction and resources

These classes are open to all skill levels and give students a chance to get their hands dirty while cultivating patience, confidence, and skill. Delphian’s on-site kiln allows students to see and participate in the entire process from soft clay to treasured art, including selecting and applying professional-quality glazes.

Materials, including clay, sculpting tools, pottery wheels, glazes, and aprons, are provided, along with fun, encouraging instruction and resources. 

Culinary Arts

This class offers Upper School students an introduction to the world of cooking. Beginning with planning and meal preparation, students will learn how to use kitchen tools with skill, the importance of quality produce, and the art and science of combining flavors and textures to create delicious dishes.  

The class includes:

• Practical, hands-on understanding of the culinary arts
• Increased understanding of nutrition and ingredient selection
• Creative and logical problem-solving skills
• Access to individualized instruction from knowledgeable staff 

The class is designed to take students from the basics of kitchen tools and safety to the sophisticated art of plating. With assistance and instruction from knowledgeable staff, students will learn the basics of food safety, preparing their cooking area, kitchen etiquette, selecting high-quality ingredients, and the importance of time management. Students will gain confidence in their ability to work together as a team and get lots of practice creating delicious, high-quality dishes. 

Fresh local ingredients, kitchen space, cooking equipment, and safety gear are all provided. Students should come prepared to cook with hair tied back and appetites primed for tasting.

Digital Art

The digital art class invites students of all skill levels to explore the unlimited world of technology-based art, such as digital illustration, photography, photo editing, animation, and more.  They dive into technical skill-building and design principles, unlocking the power of precision-based software to create digital illustrations, colorful graphics, and animation. 

This class gives students the opportunity to develop a practical understanding of professional-grade software such as Adobe Creative Suite. By balancing technical instruction with hands-on projects in areas of interest, students have the opportunity to apply their newly acquired skills to develop beautiful and functional works of art.  

The class includes:

• Technical skill building in computer-based design software 
• Access to knowledgeable instructors, digital design tools, and resources
• Self-directed creative projects

Supportive and knowledgeable instructors help students as they embrace the role of creator, take design risks, experiment with new techniques, expand technical skill sets, and refine their art style. By the end of the summer, students will have created colorful works of art, learned new skills, and developed a foundation in digital design techniques to support their future creative endeavors. 

All computers, design software, digital drawing tablets, and resources are provided.

Gardening

The gardening class provides a fun and relaxed approach to learning the essentials of sustainability and environmental stewardship. It provides students with the opportunity to step out of the classroom and get real-world experience working with the land. 

The class turns Delphian’s campus into a living laboratory where students gain practical experience with horticulture as they help with planting, weeding, and harvesting.  Students will get their hands into the soil and learn what it means to steward the natural environment.

The class includes:

• Hands-on experience planting and caring for plants
• Access to knowledgeable instructors and Delphian’s campus as a living lab
• Environmental appreciation and stewardship 

With knowledgeable instructors and ample resources, students learn about various soil types and their relative nutrient values, and learn to identify and sustainably control weeds and pests. Through this class, students help create thriving habitats for pollinators, plants, and young trees and discover the vital role forests play in our local ecosystem.

All supplies, materials, tools, sunscreen, bug repellent, water, and resources are provided. Students should come prepared with study shoes and appropriate gardening clothing.

Horse Camp 

Horse camp provides a unique opportunity for students of all skill levels to connect with nature and animals on Delphian’s beautiful 720-acre campus. Offered weeks 2-5 of the summer, this one-week intensive camp provides Elementary, Middle, and Upper School students with two hours of daily instruction and hands-on activities.

This camp introduces students to the essentials of equestrian science, including information about different breeds, markings, and coloring.  Students participate in hands-on care, grooming, and trust-building exercises to foster mutual confidence and respect between rider and horse. These activities not only improve riding skills but also help to promote a sense of responsibility toward animals.

The class includes:

• Horsemanship and riding skills in the arena and on trails
• Individualized instruction from experienced trainers and instructors
• Safety training and confidence-building in working with large animals
• Fun and interactive challenges, games, and activities 

With the guidance of experienced trainers and instructors, students learn about safety, develop a deep appreciation for the equestrian arts, and gain practical skills and values along the way.  

All gear, safety equipment, and learning resources are all provided. Students should come prepared to ride wearing close-toed shoes and long pants.

Music

The summer music program provides students of all skill levels with the opportunity for individualized instruction to build their musical skills.   This class helps students focus on the joy of music and learning new instruments or improving upon their existing skills. 

Students build confidence in their abilities through music studies, jam sessions, and personalized instructions. Students can work on vocals or instruments such as guitar, bass, drums, piano, and more.

This class includes:

• Chance to learn a new musical instrument
• Opportunity to perform at the summer talent showcase
• Technical skill building through learning music theory

Students begin with an assessment of their skill level, followed by practice with songs that challenge them and help them improve their reading of music, rhythm, and pitch. Towards the end of the summer, students have the chance to audition and perform individually or as part of a group at the summer talent showcase, where the entire community comes out to support and celebrate the hard work and practice of Delphian’s performers. 

Most instruments, music, equipment, and resources are provided for students to use while attending this class, though students can bring their own instrument if they wish.

Outdoor Engineering Camp

The outdoor engineering camp provides students ages 11 and older, of all skill levels, with the opportunity to develop practical, hands-on engineering skills. Utilizing Delphian’s 720-acre campus and facilities, students engineer exciting, large-scale projects such as boats, trebuchets, and gravity-powered go karts. 

In this project-oriented class, students will have the opportunity to take advantage of the wood and metal shops where they can learn to use hand and power tools, including hammers, saws, sanders, clamps, and drills, to engineer raw materials into fun and functional projects. Throughout this process, they will build confidence in their craftsmanship and develop skills that will benefit them in future DIY projects.

The class includes:

• Safety training and workbench etiquette
• Practice using hand and power tools properly
• Opportunity to create, complete, and test exciting projects
• Practical problem-solving skills

With the help of our knowledgeable instructors, students learn how to bring their ideas to life and solve problems while seeing the importance of math, geometry, and physics through real hands-on applications.  

All tools, fastenings, hardware, wood, metal, and supplies are provided, and students have the opportunity to test out their inventions, including floating their completed boats on the pond and riding their go-carts on paths around campus.