Boys have many opportunities to have fun this summer at Canisius, and get a jump start on their futures.

For rising 6th and 7th grade boys, Canisius is hosting a series of one-week "Wonder Week Workshops." Boys can sign up for just one week or multiple weeks.

In the Video Game Design and Animation Workshop rising 6th and 7th grade boys can learn to use basic computer programming and art skills to design, build, demonstrate, and play simple video games. They'll work in Stencyl, and will learn basic gameplay design, computer programming, and use computer applications to create game graphics, interface art, and simple animation. This workshop is offered twice this summer -- July 12-16 or July 19-23.

A Robotics Wonder Week Workshop will also be offered twice this summer. Rising 6th and 7th graders will delve into concepts of robotics, engineering and programming, and build robots using the LEGO Mindstorm platform. They'll work in two-person teams and experiment with building plans with a goal of competing against each other at the end of the course. Boys can choose the week of July 5-9 or July 19-23

For boys who love the great outdoors, the Outdoor Adventure Wonder Week Workshop is July 26-30. Rising 6th and 7th grade boys can build friendships and learn about the importance of respecting our natural resources. The places they'll visit may include Ellicottville's Sky High Adventure Park, Chestnut Ridge, and the Buffalo River for activities such as hiking, climbing, kayaking and exploring. 

Sign up for any of the workshops at canisiushigh.org/bestsummerever.

For boys who will be starting 8th grade in the fall, the Higher Achievement Program (HAP) offers preparation for the high school entrance exam along with lots of fun activities. The four-week program also helps boys build friendships that can carry over into the high school years. The program runs July 5 - July 30. 

“HAP is where young men get a first taste of what Jesuit education is about. Learning to be a good teammate and look out for one another is a part of it,” explains Tom Coppola ’01 who is the director of summer programs at Canisius and a former HAP participant himself. “It’s amazing to see their growth over the few weeks of the program. Some of them are nervous at the beginning, but as they meet new people and get into the activities, they start loving it.”

Learn more about the Higher Achievement Program and sign up at canisiushigh.org/hap.

Rising 6th-8th grade boys, as well as those registered to attend Canisius as freshmen in the fall, can also sign up for sports camps in rowing, soccer, hockey, lacrosse, volleyball, or basketball. For dates and times, go to canisiushigh.org/camps.