5 Reasons to attend EMMS Summer Camp

April 15, 2026 / Abigail Cook

5 Reasons Why Your Middle School Student Should Attend an Eastern Mennonite School Summer Camp!

Summer is a time for exploration, growth, and making memories, and Eastern Mennonite School offers the perfect opportunity for middle school students to do just that. Here are five compelling reasons why your child should consider joining an EMS summer camp:

New Friendships and Acquire New Skills
EMS summer camps are an excellent way for students to form new friendships while learning new skills. Whether your child is interested in art, theater, or sports, our camps provide a supportive environment where they can learn alongside peers who share similar interests.
Experience Our Community
By attending an EMS summer camp, your student can get a taste of the vibrant EMS community. This experience can help them decide if an EMS education might be the right fit for them, either now or in the future. Even if they aren’t considering EMS for their schooling, the camp is a great way to enjoy time with EMS friends.
Learn from Passionate Instructors
Our dedicated teachers and staff volunteer to lead these camps, driven by a genuine desire to inspire and hang out with your middle school students.
Try Something New Without Long-Term Commitment
Summer camps offer a unique opportunity for students to explore new interests without a long-term commitment. It’s a chance to try tennis, for instance, in a relaxed and supportive setting.
Develop Independence and Executive Function Skills
With a focus on hands-on, experiential learning, EMS camps help students grow in independence and enhance their executive function skills. At a time when parents are eager for their children to engage in meaningful, screen-free activities, these camps provide in-person interactions and valuable learning experiences during the summer!

Ready to learn more?

Eastern Mennonite School is thrilled to offer summer camps in Harrisonburg, designed for curious and energetic middle schoolers. Open to all students in the Shenandoah Valley, these camps promise a summer filled with fun and learning.

Who: Students entering 6th, 7th, or 8th grade
What: Half-day or full-day camps, Monday to Thursday
When:

June 29 – July 2, 2026
July 13 – July 16, 2026

Where: EMS campus, with some exciting field experiences
Cost: $150 per class per week (Bring a non-EMS friend, and both receive 50% off!)

Schedule:

8:45 – 9:00 am: Drop-Off
9:00 – 11:45 am: Morning Camp
11:45 – 12:15 pm: Lunch & Pick-Up/Drop-Off
12:15 – 3:00 pm: Afternoon Camp
3:00 pm: Pick-Up

With limited spots available and last year’s camps selling out, be sure to register soon to ensure your child doesn’t miss out on this amazing summer adventure.

Join us for a season of learning, laughter, and lasting friendships!