Dear Parents and Campers:

Change. No word has so dominated our lives lately. Politicians and pundits bombard us with it every day. But as we all know, it’s part of the reality we currently live in.

On a local level, change has been an integral part of the St. Mark’s Summer Program for the last two years—not because we sought it, but because it was an inevitable part of St. Mark’s growth as one of the leading independent schools in the nation. Last summer, instead of seeing smiling faces of young campers on our campus, I saw hard hats and fences festooned with “KEEP OUT” signs. I saw Davis Hall, the oldest building on our campus, dismantled—and then saw the spectacular new Centennial Hall rise majestically on the southern side of our campus.

On a broader basis, we also cannot escape the change in our current economy from what it was when we last hosted a full Summer Camp Program here at St. Mark’s. We know that everyone is impacted by what has occurred, and we know that some of you may feel the need to carefully consider your decision to commit your resources to a summer program for your children. Because I very strongly feel that an investment in your child is the single wisest investment any parent can make, I am doing everything possible to deliver the absolute best summer camp experience at the most reasonable cost possible.

Recently, someone said to me, “Your camps certainly aren’t cheap.” I responded, “You’re absolutely right,” and then hastened to explain my answer. I said that when entrusted with young boys and girls in their wonderful formative years, it is absolutely necessary to recruit the very finest people available to help nurture, enlighten, and enthrall them. In the years that I have run these summer programs, I have always said that our staff makes the difference—and I still know that is the truth. I can confidently say this summer’s staff will be among the best we have ever had. In other words, they are not a “cheap” staff—nor would you, as a parent, want them to be.

We have done everything possible to keep our costs reasonable and still bring your child the very best that we can offer. I am confident that no matter where you look, you will find no better value for your summer dollars.

This summer, the hard hats and fences are gone and the smiling faces will be back. The campus will echo again with the sounds of campers growing and learning—and having the times of their lives in the process. Won’t you let us make your child part of that wonderful experience?

I am proud to officially announce that we are back in full operation—and will be better than ever. In every sense, we are “STILL THE ONE.” Join us.

Sincerely yours,
Stephanie Barta
Director of Summer Programs

Click here for the 2009 Summer Camps brochure.




The Brendan Court ’06 Summer Enrichment Camp will still be offered in the summer of 2009. For more information, please visit the Summer Programs – Community Outreach link or click here. A link to the camp's program is available here.