Summer Programs

“A good Game Master is critical to the success of this camp – and you have found excellent ones!  [The staff] also does a wonderful job of finding teaching moments so the camp transcends just being a D&D game.”

Parent of Goblins, Orcs & Swords Camper, Summer 2015

“Connecting sword play to the antics inside the game this year was magical. I love that I don’t have to worry about his safety–physically or emotionally–while he is with you. I love the embedded skills of social and emotional development, as well as leadership skills. This camp rocks.”

Parent of Goblins, Orcs & Swords Camper, Summer 2015

“The combination of physical activity with cerebral play is such a welcome change from the usual arts and crafts or athletic camps available.”

Parent of Goblins, Orcs & Swords Camper, Summer 2015

“My son has attended a variety of camps weekly during the summer for the past 3 years, typically signed up with a friend. Although he usually enjoys the camp, he often says that the best thing about camp was spending time with his friend…camp wouldn’t have been fun without (insert friend’s name here). He signs up for your camps, not because a friend is going too, but because he enjoys them. The content, communication, teacher/student ratio and value of your camps exceeds my expectations every time.”

Parent of Goblins, Orcs & Swords Camper, Summer 2014

“Camps fall somewhere along the spectrum of being a place that entertains your kid while you work, to a wearisome educational opportunity broken up by some entertaining games. MCEL camps actually manage to be that holy grail of camps: an entertaining educational opportunity.”

Parent of MaizeMania Camper, Summer 2013

[MaizeMania was] “excellent.  The attention to detail, the daily communication, the excellence of instruction were all superb. Our child has attended sports camps and several nature camps. The MCEL camp was certainly the most singularly focused camp, and stretched him most with learning and applying new skills.”

Parent of MaizeMania Camper, Summer 2013

“The combination of rigorous thinking, creativity and fun for the sake of fun makes this camp not just exceptional, but one of a kind.”

Parent of MaizeMania Camper, Summer 2013

[My child] was more enthusiastic about the week than he ever has been — and there have been many summer programs that he has really enjoyed. This, by far, was his favorite. Ever. And in terms of offering him a balance of activities that he truly enjoyed, I fully concur.”

Parent of Goblins, Orcs and Dragons Camper, Summer 2013

I don’t think [my son] has been as excited about… anything… ever!! He loved the camp, mentioning repeatedly through the evening that he wished it were the next day so he could be back in camp, wishing it were longer than a week…and on and on…  Whatever y’all are doing, you’re doing a GREAT job — Thanks so very much; seeing him so happy is just the best.”

Parent of Goblins, Orcs and Dragons Camper, Summer 2013

“I really liked the way you taught science in a way that is fun for kids. My son really likes science but pretty much hates school. I wish his school taught in such a hands on way-I think he would learn a lot more and also learn to think! Not just memorize facts and figures.  I was really impressed with your instructors.”

Parent of Howtoons Camper, Summer 2012

“(Howtoons was) ‘more fun’, more engaging. This was our child’s favorite camp this summer!”

Parent of Howtoons Camper, Summer 2012

“My son had the opportunity to participate in the Howtoons camp provided by the Madison Center for Engaged Learning this past summer. There are not words to describe adequately his level of engagement in this program. When he got home each evening, he could not stop talking about his day. He had the opportunity to connect science, engineering and art with FUN. My husband and I would both arrive at least an hour early to watch, so saw first-hand all of the amazing things our son was doing. The teachers in the program were nothing short of phenomenal; they somehow managed to be completely absorbed in the fun, while not losing sight of their teacher roles. It may sound odd, but perhaps the most valuable thing my son learned during this week was the importance and value of failing. Most programs for children focus on the end goal of certain success. Howtoons camp taught my son the glory of learning how to learn. Mistakes are part of the path to success and each bump teaches something important. My son loved this program and so did I.”

Parent of Howtoons Camper, Summer 2012

Compared to other camps, “this camp had a better counselor – camper ratio, more activities, more “hands on” activities, and more creative and interesting activities. My child has certainly never attended a camp that combined drawing, physics, construction, and solar energy! It was great.”

Parent of Howtoons Camper, Summer 2012

“My son was excited to go (to Howtoons camp) every day. He enjoyed it and learned something too!”

Parent of Howtoons Camper, Summer 2012

Compared to other camps, Howtoons was “much more enriching and so very well thought out. I have only found this in a few camps. I appreciate the older, more experienced teachers.”

Parent of Howtoons Camper, Summer 2012

“The staff did a remarkable job of getting to know my child, appreciating what she had to offer the group, and encouraging her to try new things. The activities they planned were unique and engaging.”

Parent of Stealth Art Camper, Summer 2012

“I learned that I am a kind and intelligent leader and that I can do hard things, even when they scare me…I learned A LOT and enjoyed learning!”

ActionQuest Student, Summer 2012