Students playing in a chess tournament at Baxter Academy.

2026 Baxter Academy Summer Program Schedule

  • June 13 - 17: Chess

  • July 20 - 24: Marine Biology

  • July 27 - 31: Urban Ecology

8:30 drop off; camps run from 9:00am - 2:30pm and are based out of 185 Lancaster Street. Snacks and supplies provided; students should bring lunch and a water bottle.

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July 13 - 17: CHESS - Using Chess to strengthen math, strategy, and focus skills.

Students will be building on the curriculum taught at Baxter Academy designed to teach math, strategy, discipline, and focus.  The days will begin in the classroom with Chess theory and mathematics.  Students will play matches with each other, with volunteers, or upper level students from Baxter Academy.  The week will end with the students participating in a Chess tournament that is held at Baxter Academy and open to the public.

July 20 - 24: MARINE BIOLOGY - Creating a Relevant and Intelligent Understanding of our oceans, the fisheries, and ocean health, through a strong scientific process.

Our Oceans: Students use a science curriculum to understand the changes facing our fisheries and data collection regarding macro/micro pollution. In addition to collecting data from local water sources, they will be dissecting a shark and a perch.  Students  will explore the Back Cove in Portland, taking water samples and collecting water debris.  They will develop a journal recording data from their scientific research and images and propose a solution to a challenge facing our community. They will defend the solution to the group in a presentation at the end of the week.  They will be taking a water testing kit home for further research in local waterways.

July 27 - 31: URBAN ECOLOGY - Big scientific discoveries can start right in your own neighborhood.

Students will investigate local ecosystems, collect real-world data, and discover how nature thrives in unexpected places - from parks and waterways to the spaces right outside our doors. Through hands-on experiments, outdoor exploration, and collaborative projects, campers will build scientific skills while having an unforgettable summer adventure.