Summerscape & Drury Leadership Academy

SUMMERSCAPE MORNING 9:00AM – 12NOON

Podcast Palooza

Welcome to Podcast Palooza, where we will discuss and evaluate the newest sensation that’s sweeping the nation! It seems like podcasts are everywhere we look these days. From Joe Rogan to serial killers to football to Kylie Kelce, lately it feels like there’s a podcast about almost anything. What makes for a successful podcast? Why are podcasts so popular? Is there such a thing as podcast ethics? How do you create your own podcast? Can you get tired of reading the word podcast in a class description?? We will answer these questions, discuss the do’s and don’s of successful podcasting, and talk about how we feel podcasts fit into the increasingly technological world we find ourselves. It’s going to be more than a good time; it’s going to be a palooza!

Instructor: Kyle Rickman, Discovery Garden Montessori School, and co-host of History According to Hollywood Podcast

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Coaster Engineering: Build Your Own Thrills

Become an amusement-park engineer! Roller coasters convert energy stored from height and kinetic energy driven by gravity. You will design and build a tabletop roller coaster using foam tubing, marbles, and creative problem-solving. Each coaster must meet real physics challenges—loops that work, drops that thrill, and smooth stops that keep riders safe. We end the class with a “Thrill Expo” where teams test and show off their creations. Come join us and design, test and ride the physics wave!

Instructor: Jared Durden, OTC Springfield

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Cryptography (Spy Games)

Do you have what it takes to be a spy?  Would you like to improve your cryptology (the science of studying codes and ciphers), cryptography (the science of writing hidden or concealed messages using secret codes and ciphers), cryptoanalysis (the science of analyzing or breaking secret codes or ciphers to reveal hidden messages) skills?  In this class we will learn about famous codes, from the simplest Caesar cipher to the current forms of digital encryption and cyber security.  We will have a chance to get creative with some spy simulations.  Let the espionage begin!

Instructor: Dee Kerr, Phelps Center for Gifted Education, WINGS, SGF

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Summer Medical Detectives: Explore, Diagnose, Heal

How do healthcare professionals get started? They start with themselves. Have you ever wondered what really happens inside your body when you scrape your knee, get sick, or start growing taller? In this hands-on, interactive learning unit, we’ll explore the incredible systems that keep us alive, healthy, and able to recover from injury. You will experience lab investigations and perform hands-on activities and simulations to see how the immune system defends your body, how bones repair themselves, and how cells regenerate. You will use real-world applications through tools and techniques used in actual medical settings. This includes first aid practices and diagnostic tools. While studying disease prevention, you will learn how vaccines work, how hygiene habits prevent infections, and how lifestyle choices support health.

Instructor: Chelsea Sisneros, Springfield R-12, Medical Explorers

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Movie Making

Have you ever wondered how a small idea makes it to the big screen? What goes into making a movie? What do you need? Who needs to be involved? More importantly, how do you do it? In this class, you will learn how to make a movie, starting with the spark of an idea, storyboarding it, casting and crewing it, shooting the film, and even placing the final touches in post-production! There is a magic to the silver screen, and Movie Magic can give you the power to enchant your audience!

Instructor: Mathew Colling, Cedar Rapids Community School District, Cedar Rapids

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Lights, Puppets, Action: Exploring the History, Art, and Performance of Puppetry!

Step into the captivating world of puppetry in this engaging class! You will explore the rich history of puppetry, discovering how this ancient art form has evolved across cultures and time. Through hands-on activities, you will create your own puppets and learn techniques to bring them to life on stage. The class culminates in a group performance, where you can showcase your storytelling and puppeteering skills. Perfect for budding performers, artists, and history buffs alike, this class combines creativity, collaboration, and fun!

Instructor: Dr. Gretchen Teague, Ed.D. Drury University, Springfield

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Master the Odds: The Science of Risk, Strategy, and Probability

Think you can outsmart chance? This class is your playbook. We’ll explore how mathematical principles are the engine behind every roll of the dice, flip of a coin, and move on a board. Through card games, strategy puzzles, and probability experiments, you won’t just learn formulas—you’ll train your brain to think like a winner. Uncover the secrets to luck and fairness by analyzing your favorite games and even designing your own. You’ll master concepts of risk, expected value, and optimal strategy. Part gaming, part logic, and all brainpower—enroll and discover ow to make every move count.

Instructor: Emma Dole (King), Reed Middle School

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SUMMERSCAPE AFTERNOON 1:00PM – 4PM

Bright Minds: Shark Tank Brainstorming in Color

Ever have a brilliant idea for an invention? In Bright Minds, you’ll uncover secrets of colorful brainstorming and creative thinking using Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats method. Each hat has its own colorful “superpower.” White hat thinking helps brainstorm needed facts, the red hat dives into powerful emotions, the green hat grows new ideas…plus 3 more colorful hats! Together we’ll explore how great inventors used similar thinking tools to turn their dreams into discoveries. Then it’s your turn—design, build, and pitch YOUR OWN ideas in a friendly Summerscape competition (Think Shark Tank). Will your invention be crowned the 2026 Bright Minds champion?

Instructor: Luke Janis, Crowder College

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Drumline

In this class, you will be equipped with a bucket and a pair of drumsticks. We will explore the exciting, primal world of rhythm by playing various games and undergoing challenges. A collaborative marching band style drumline performance will also drive this class, as we create a show to perform for an audience at the end of camp! No musical experience necessary, just a desire to have fun.

Instructor: Jake Viele, Pershing School, Springfield

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Give and Take! The Hidden Rules of Human Interaction

Have you ever wondered how to become more successful in social situations—whether in competition or casual interactions? Game theory is the study of strategic decision-making in situations where the outcome depends not just on your choices, but also on the choices of others. By applying the mathematical theory of human behavior, we can better predict outcomes, optimize our own strategies, and understand the motivations behind the actions of those around us. In this class, we’ll dive into the fundamentals of strategic interdependence, explore the concept of Nash Equilibrium, and examine real-world dilemmas like the Tragedy of the Commons. Through interactive games, simulations, and analysis, you’ll not only put your own strategies to the test, but also learn to anticipate and counter the strategies of others. Come ready to compete, collaborate, and think critically. Let the games begin!

Instructor: Dee Kerr, Phelps Center for Gifted Education, WINGS, SGF

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Hunger Games: Archery, Engineering and Literature

Explore archery, use elements from The Hunger Games to design and engineer items, examine Greek mythology and compare dystopian fiction. In the Hunger Games class, districts will compete against each other through archery, reaping probability, engineering/design challenges, and other challenges! We will also take a look at the symbolism within the Hunger Games that items that exist in our everyday lives. Be prepared to shoot a lot of arrows, but also make sure you know your Hunger Games!  ($40 fee)

Instructor: Audra Uzzell, Phelps Center for Gifted Education, Scholars

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Vet Science

As animals play an increasingly important role in our lives, scientists have sought to learn more about their health and well-being.  Studying the animals that live in our homes, on our farms, and in zoos and wildlife sanctuaries, this course examines the common diseases and treatments for domestic animals.  We will discuss disease control in wildlife around us, and how to identify and prevent common issues among domestic and agricultural animals. If you like animals, this class is for you!

Instructor: Elicia Ligon, Phelps Center for Gifted Education, Scholars

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Digital Art

Do you like technology and computers – how about art too? You will be amazed at the unique and fun ways these two come together. While using an Apple iPad and an Apple stylus pencil, you will learn brush, eraser, and wipe finger tools with the application called Procreate. You will explore sketching, painting and animation while building problem solving skills. Come join the fun. ($10 fee) 

Instructor: Gary Strunk, retired Digital Arts teacher at Central HS, SGF

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The Enigma Initiative

The strangest things have been happening… clues are hidden everywhere, and mysterious puzzles wait to be unraveled. Only the sharpest minds will uncover the truth. The Enigma Initiative takes you into a world of mysteries where logic is your greatest tool. From cryptic messages and mysterious puzzles to immersive escape-room missions, each session invites you to explorer and think critically and collaborate with other travelers. Follow the trail to a realm of mystery and unveil hidden secrets. But can you get back in time?

Instructor: Marc Allie, Willard Gifted Education

Tuition & Fees

The cost for each Summerscape/DLA class is $125 if registered by May 1. The cost schedule after May 1 is $135 per class May 2-31; $150 per class June 1- July 8.

Classes with additional fees for materials or field trips are noted on the course selection form. This additional fee will be collected when the student is notified of placement in the class. Total class cost (or scholarship application) must accompany application. 

The cost for residential living is $425.  This covers dorm living and all meals from Sunday to Sunday (one week). There is a withdrawal fee of $75. Refunds must be requested in writing. No refunds within two weeks of start of camp. 

Please make checks payable to:        Pre-College Programs – Drury University

                                                                 900 North Benton Ave, Lay Hall 103

                                                                 Springfield, Missouri 65802

Credit card payments have a 2.75% processing fee. To pay with a credit card, click “PAY ONLINE”.

Pay Online

Please Note:

• Your application will not be considered for enrollment until the office has received your tuition check, money order, or scholarship application information and deposit. No exceptions will be made.
• APPLY EARLY! Many courses fill quickly.
• Checks or money orders will not be cashed until the student has been accepted.
• If your child has a specific physical or medical need or condition, please attach a separate letter to the director so that needed accommodations can be made.
• If a student is operating with an IEP, a copy of the IEP should be attached.

View Rules & Regulations

View Packing List

Scholarships

A limited number of financial need scholarships are available. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship, you must enclose the following:

1. Photocopies of the first two pages of the parents’ or guardians’ most recent federal income tax return AND any attachments of schedules if applicable;
2. A letter explaining any extenuating circumstances pertinent to existing financial status, including what efforts have been made to obtain money locally;
3. A $30 registration fee (refundable if no scholarship is awarded) is required to ensure that registration for classes can be completed; AND
4. A letter from the student outlining why he/she wants to attend the program.

Scholarships are awarded solely on the basis of financial need. We encourage parents to contact local businesses, employers, schools, and civic organizations to help fund scholarships. All information is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

DLA MORNING 9:15AM – 12:15PM

Pathfinders: Medical Adventures

Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to work in medicine—or how someone becomes a physician assistant (PA) or physician? In this course, you’ll step into the world of healthcare and explore the PA and medical profession from the inside. We’ll talk about the path to a medical profession and lean on the Drury University PA program knowledge. The medical team will be explored and we will dissect how they all work together to diagnose and care for patients. You’ll also get to try some hands-on medical skills to see how clinical thinking and teamwork intersect. Whether you already know you want a career in healthcare or you’re just curious about medical adventures, this experience will help you imagine yourself in the role.

Instructor: Dr. Kelsey Cozby, Drury PA Program

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May the Farce Be With You!

Monty Python. Saturday Night Live. Family Guy. Check any catalog of the world’s great works of genius, and you will not find any of these among them; instead War and Peace, Hamlet, and Citizen Kane, to name but a few, make up the accepted list of classics. And while there is no debating that these are all noble and significant works, one might ask — why doesn’t everyone just lighten up?! Why is it that comic works of the stage, screen, and page are all too often viewed as second rate works? Is laughter important? What is comedy? These and other questions will be asked and answered as you investigate comic theory and the most renowned examples of comedy in literature, theatre, and film, from ancient Greece to the twenty-first century, in May the Farce Be with You. You will learn once and for all whether or not a Trojan Bunny Rabbit (from Monty Python and the Holy Grail) is funny — or not! 

Instructor:  Scott Henderson, Columbia Independent School in Columbia, Missouri.

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Engineered Gliders

Ever thought about a career in Engineering or a career in Aerodynamics?  This class involves designing, building, and testing small gliders to apply principles of aerodynamics and the engineering design process. You will brainstorm, design, create models, and test all while using computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D printing to bring your designs to life!

Instructor: Dr. Seth Pearl, Drury University

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Sociology of Drug Use in America

Drug use patterns and policy are constantly in flux, but concerns about “drugs” persist for people in the U.S. We’re witnessing an uptick in the non-medical use of Adderall and Ritalin, sometimes dubbed “study drugs”, and a major transformation in attitudes and policy surrounding use of marijuana. There are deep concerns about use of drugs like Heroin, Fentanyl, and prescription opioids. Widely used drugs like alcohol account for the most significant and widespread drug-related economic and health problems in the country. Addiction and drug-related crimes have real impacts, but efforts to create more effective responses are often hamstrung by a disconnect between perceptions of a drug problem and actual individual, group, and societal harm. This course is designed to introduce you to the social realities of drug use in America and key factors that shape drug-related attitudes and policies.

Instructor: Dr. David Derossett, Drury University

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DLA AFTERNOON 1:15PM – 4:15PM

DLA Improv Throwdown

What you can expect from the DLA COMMUNITY IMPROV: First, you will become “experts” at what it means to improvise, both in performance and in life.  Most people think of the popular television show, Whose Line is It Anyway, when they think of improvisation. However, there is so much more to learn. We will, of course, explore the games made famous by Drew Carey and his cast, but we will also look at the historical references to improvisation. In addition, we will explore how improvisation enhances life skills of spontaneity, collaboration, communication, and confidence.  Finally, we will use improvisation not only for entertainment, but as a technique to address social issues in our society. We will most of all have fun and learn through building a community and laughter. 

Instructor: Dr. Gretchen Teague, Drury University

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It’s All in Your Head: Philosophy

Why study philosophy, you may be second-guessing yourself? To put it simply, you don’t want to be at the mercy of accident (“Fate” the ancient Greeks would call it) when it comes to your opinions. You want to believe what you believe for “good” reasons, right? This course is intended to help you with just that. Fortunately, we have a long tradition of smart people who have been thinking about the same questions we all ask and the opinions humans have formed for centuries. We shall call these people “philosophers” and sift through their answers to the timeless questions like: “Where did it all come from?” “What’s it all about?” “How are we to live?” “What is the ideal form of government?” “What is Truth?” “What is “Beauty?” and “Does life end with death?” If you seek to fine-tune your opinions, there is no better way than to engage in a “conversation” with these best minds’ history has produced.

Instructor:  Scott Henderson, Columbia Indp. School, Columbia, Missouri

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The Movement Lab

Step back in time and waltz into the fascinating world of social dance and leisure! This course combines the elegance of ballroom dancing with an exploration of how people have played, socialized, and entertained themselves throughout history. From the grand ballrooms of Vienna to the swing dance halls of the 1940s, you will learn ballroom dance styles while discovering how leisure activities have shaped culture, class, and social movements across centuries. No dance experience required—just curiosity, enthusiasm, and comfortable shoes!

Instructor: Dr. Verbanaz, Central Scholars Program

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The Making of Americana Through Music

We will examine the influence of music on American history, politics, economics, law, and psychology. Through this exploration, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the profound role music plays in shaping your culture and life. This class is a powerful way to appreciate the diverse and melodic history of Americana. 

Instructor: Mathew Colling, Cedar Rapids Community School District, Cedar Rapids

 

Tuition & Fees

Credit card payments have a 2.75% processing fee. To pay with a credit card, click “PAY ONLINE”.

Please Note:

• Your application will not be considered for enrollment until the office has received your tuition check, money order, or scholarship application information and deposit. No exceptions will be made.
• APPLY EARLY! Many courses fill quickly.
• Checks or money orders will not be cashed until the student has been accepted.
• If your child has a specific physical or medical need or condition, please attach a separate letter to the director so that needed accommodations can be made.
• If a student is operating with an IEP, a copy of the IEP should be attached.

View Rules & Regulations

View Packing List

Scholarships

A limited number of financial need scholarships are available. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship, you must enclose the following:

1. Photocopies of the first two pages of the parents’ or guardians’ most recent federal income tax return AND any attachments of schedules if applicable;
2. A letter explaining any extenuating circumstances pertinent to existing financial status, including what efforts have been made to obtain money locally;
3. A $30 registration fee (refundable if no scholarship is awarded) is required to ensure that registration for classes can be completed; AND
4. A letter from the student outlining why he/she wants to attend the program.

Scholarships are awarded solely on the basis of financial need. We encourage parents to contact local businesses, employers, schools, and civic organizations to help fund scholarships. All information is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.