One might guess that summer is our favorite season (and one would be right), but that doesn’t mean we don’t have a special place in our hearts for the fall. As the kids head back to school, the air turns crisp and breezy, and some of the best aromas of the year fill our homes—especially during Thanksgiving week!

With this beloved holiday just around the corner, we can’t help but feel the joy of gathering with family and friends, reflecting on what we’re thankful for, and indulging in delicious food. But let’s be real: every memorable gathering starts with some good old-fashioned planning and preparation. That’s where we come in!

To make your Thanksgiving planning a little easier (and a lot more fun), we’ve pulled together four fantastic recipes inspired by our cooking camps. These dishes are perfect for kids to help create and are guaranteed to be family favorites. Let’s make this Thanksgiving one to remember!

• Serves: 12 Deviled Eggs

• Special Equipment: piping bag (a zip top bag will also work)

• Ingredients: 

• 6 large eggs
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 1 tsp yellow mustard
• ⅛ tsp salt
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Smoked paprika and fresh dill weed for garnish

• Instructions: 

• Add each of the eggs to a saucepan, and fill the pot with water (½-inch above the eggs). 
• Over high heat, bring the water to a boil, cover, and remove from heat. Let the eggs remain covered for 15 to 17 minutes.
• Fill a medium bowl with ice water, and transfer the eggs to the ice water for 5 to 10 minutes. Peel the eggs under running cool water.
• Slice the eggs in half (lengthwise). Carefully remove yolks, and place them in a medium bowl, place whites on a platter.
• With a fork, mash the yolks into a fine crumble.
• Add the mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper. 
• Mix until smooth.
• Shortly before serving, fill each egg white with the creamy yolk mixture. A small spoon or piping bag can be used.
• Garnish with a pinch of paprika and fresh dill weed. Enjoy! 

• Serves 6
  

• Ingredients:

• 4 medium carrots, (peeled, cut into ¼” coins)
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp agave (light)
• 1/8 tsp kosher salt
• 4 tsp ginger (freshly peeled and chopped fine)
• ¼ cup orange juice
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tsp parsley (flat leaf, chopped)

• Instructions:

• In a medium sauté pan bring the butter, agave, salt, ginger, orange juice, and water to a boil.
• Add the carrots, cover, and cook for 5 minutes on medium/high heat.
• Remove the lid, lower heat to medium, and cook an additional 3-5 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated and creates a glaze.
• Check the tenderness with a paring knife. They should be tender with a slight crunch.
•  Toss in chopped parsley and serve warm.

• Serves: 6
• Special Equipment: immersion blender ( hand mixer, blender, or whisk can be used as an alternative – caution: contents are hot). 

• Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups cranberries
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1/8 tsp powdered ginger
• 4 tsp vanilla (pure)
• 14 cup orange juice (no pulp)
• ½ cup water
• 1 apple (diced small)
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp light brown sugar

• Instructions: 

• Melt the butter in a heavy-bottom sauce pot over medium heat. Cook until golden brown.
• Add apples, brown sugar, and ginger to the pot. Cook until moisture starts to evaporate and the sauce thickens.
• Remove the apple mixture from the pot and set aside.
• Using the same pot add the orange juice, water, sugar, and cranberries. Cook until the cranberries pop open and the liquid turns pink (approximately 5 min).
• Allow to cool slightly and puree with an immersion blender.
• Add vanilla and caramelized apples to cranberries and chill in the refrigerator.
• Serve chilled.

• Serves: 6

• Special Equipment:

• Bundt cake pan
• 1 gallon zip top bag

• Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated (white) sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 cup butter
• 3 cans biscuits
• 2-3 tsp cinnamon

• Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 35o degrees, and grease your bundt cake pan. Set aside. 
• Open all 3 cans of biscuits. Cut each biscuit into fourths, and roll them into tiny balls. 
• Mix ¾ cup of the white sugar and 1-3 teaspoons of cinnamon together in the bowl (3 teaspoons give it a fairly strong cinnamon flavor, adjust the amount to match your preference). Dump this mixture into a 1-gallon zip-top bag and shake to combine. 
• Drop all of the biscuit balls into the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Once all of the balls are in the bag, seal it, and give it a vigorous shake. Once fully coated, drop each of the biscuit quarters into the Bundt cake pan (distributing them as evenly as possible). 
• Mix all of the remaining ingredients into a cooking pot, and melt on the stovetop (medium-high heat), stirring until all of the ingredients are mixed as one. 
• Once the brown sugar butter has become one color, carefully pour it over the top of the biscuits. 
• Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes (until the crust is a deep dark brown on top). Remove it from the oven, and allow it to cool for 20 minutes (as it will be very hot). 
• Once it has cooled, turn it over onto a plate, and serve! Enjoy!  

These recipes are just a taste of the culinary adventures campers experience at Highlander Summer. Our cooking camps are designed to inspire and educate young chefs at every level. Here’s how we make the kitchen come alive for campers of all ages:

Our Kids in The Kitchen (K-3rd) and Culinary Kids (1st-2nd) camps introduce younger campers to different cooking techniques while teaching them fun facts about a wide variety of foods, reinforcing math and reading skills, and expanding their flavor palates.

Intermediate campers can then transition into our Culture of Cooking (3rd-6th) camp to learn more advanced cooking skills and learn how to pair ingredients together. From homemade pasta dough to spring rolls and empanadas, these chefs-in-training are exploring diverse cuisines and developing the confidence to create delicious dishes from scratch.

In Bon Appetit (6th-12th) and Sweet Treats and Mini Bakers (6th-12th), our oldest campers have the opportunity to utilize our middle school commercial-grade kitchen including professional stoves, ovens, and other appliances. From carne asada tacos, gyoza dumplings, and sushi to creme brulee, s’mores cupcakes, and Italian donut zeppoles, these chefs might give the Food Network a run for their money!

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again. If “it takes a village to raise a child”, imagine how much more of a village it would take to run 150+ summer camps full of children! Luckily, at Highlander Summer not only do we have counselors, volunteers, coaches, leadership team members, and instructors to rely on, but we have a wonderful group of outside vendors playing their part on our team as well! Read below to learn more about who they are, what they bring to the table, and what they love most about Highlander Summer!

Board One Chess Academy is a full-service chess coaching organization in Florida that has collaborated with LHP summer camps and academies for the last 4 years. This year, coaches Stephen Crookston, Kiani Walker, and Mishal Ahuja are offering two weeks of Chess camp to rising 2nd-6th graders. Coach Steven and his team provide a daily lesson, opening workshop, and observation and analysis of tournament games. From one-on-one coaching to book and software recommendations, they give campers and their parents the tools that are needed to help campers excel at the game.

These custom lessons are more engaging and relevant to the campers but getting to know your child and giving great consideration to determine which strategies will work best for them, is the priority. Whether a beginner or a novice, the goal is to make the game of chess fun and accessible to campers of all skill levels.

Creative Jane Art Studio started when a homeschooled mother, Becky Jane, decided to turn art play into a profession after her own kids grew old. Her studio, located in Winter Park, offers children and their families classes, workshops, celebration packages and more! Becky and her team, Izzy Henderson and Noelle Chung, share a passion for inspiring young minds to explore, learn, and grow in the process of making art, leading them to become certified in education (from early childhood education to art to science). 

This will be Creative Jane’s second summer season with Highlander Summer and will be

offering two weeks of “Art With Creative Jane” to rising K-1st graders. Each week they will explore art and artists through a different theme. Mixed-media projects will fill their days, including painting, paper mache, polymer clay, and fiber arts! There are SO many fun projects in store with this camp!

Creative Jane Art Studio’s favorite part of Highlander Summer: “We see so many LHPS families at our studio. It is so fun to be a part of the school community and offer classes on campus!”

Culinary Kids Academy, LLC is a STEM certified hands-on culinary program (located in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties) that explores different types of ingredients, foods, and culinary cultures from around the world in a fun learning environment. They are the only STEM Certified Culinary program worldwide that helps reinforce school-taught math and science with everyday applications through cooking. Through their classes, Chefs Andrea, Tom, Sarah, & Robbie help students develop their knowledge behind the food and have successfully opened minds and pallets to a variety of healthy foods (yes, even vegetables!). 

For children who love to eat, Culinary Kids helps them learn more about the history, culture, and science behind the ingredients in creating amazing healthy dishes. For those who are a bit finicky with food, the chefs help open their minds to tasting new ingredients by exposing them to flavors and creating something tasty and fun with their class. They also reward them with a “Taster Pin” for each new item they try. This simple reward and reinforcement program helps encourage the exploration of food and flavors! Culinary Kids has collaborated with LHP for 3 years, and this summer, they are offering two weeks of “Culinary Kids” to rising K-2nd graders. Don’t be surprised if your child comes home asking for quinoa pancakes!

Special Note: In this program, campers will not make any recipes with beef, pork, chicken, fish, shellfish, nuts and very few seeds so dietary restrictions along with personal and religious beliefs are not impacted.  The chefs also understand allergies and food intolerances which helps students stay safe in class.  Students may not be able to taste something due to an allergy or food intolerance, but they still get to work together as a team to make that recipe.  Whenever possible we always make adjustments to a recipe so that everyone can enjoy it. Lastly, students will not be working with knives or cooking with heat to keep them safe. We leave that to the professional chefs. However, they will participate in all other aspects of the class. 

Exploding Bacon is an internationally recognized high school robotics team that includes students from schools and homeschools across Central Florida. They are a member of the FIRST Robotics Competition Hall of Fame, having won the top award at the World Championship event in 2019. Exploding Bacon members are designers, engineers, electricians, programmers, project managers, teachers, and more.

Exploding Bacon has been a part of Highlander Summer for two years, and this summer they are led by Dominic Canora, one of our beloved LHP teachers. In this camp, Science and coding go hand in hand. Students learn Scratch™️ to code their own interactive stories, animations, and games. In the process, they learn to think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively  — everything leads up to a friendly end-of-week competition. Hands-on science experiments are incorporated into each day and teach campers about Chemistry, Engineering, Physics, and Astronomy. In addition, exciting team-building games and pool time will round out the fun! This camp is offered twice to rising 2md-4th graders.

Exploding Bacon’s favorite part of Highlander Summer: “We love having the opportunity to share our excitement for science and engineering with younger students around Central Florida and hope to ignite and inspire a similar passion for STEM in them.”

FC Highland is a youth soccer club based in Central Orlando led by former pro and international player (2010 World Cup), and professional coach, Jeremy Christie. Their club team offers programs for players 5-19 years old. FC Highland has been a part of Highlander Summer for four years offering coed camps to rising 2nd-5th graders.

Coach Christie, Coach Max Dixon, and additional coaches teach the fundamentals of the game, including dribbling, passing, and shooting, while also promoting team culture, respect, discipline, hard work, honesty, and integrity. Through soccer, they emphasize building a culture where their players learn that no matter what they do, their character defines who they are. This will help them reach their true potential as a soccer player and set them up for success wherever their future may lead them. This camp is open to players of all skill levels and is the perfect opportunity for young players to improve their skills while having fun in a safe and supportive environment.

SPARK Business Academy is the financial literacy partner at 250+ public and private schools, including many of the top schools in the country and internationally. The founder, J. Chuchi Arevalo, earned his MBA with an emphasis in finance from the Georgetown University McDonough School of Business and his BA degree in Economics from the University of West London, England. He is a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder. Chuchi created SPARK Business Academy to educate younger students and campers in business, finance, and entrepreneurship through programs like My First Lemonade Stand, Jr. CEOs, Bulls and Bears, Budding Entrepreneurs, and Sports Management.

Through these programs, participants engage in future-ready learning as they work together to generate business-oriented solutions to real-world problems, identify careers aligned with their personalities and interests, develop a personal brand, and create the assets needed to bring their start-ups to life. This summer, Samantha Wheeler, one of our beloved fifth-grade teachers will be partnering with SPARK Business Academy to lead our Money Math and My First Food Truck camp for rising 3rd-5th graders. This innovative camp on financial literacy and entrepreneurship will empower your camper with essential 21st-century skills!

Three reasons why sending your new PreK student to Highlander Summer will ease their transition into the school year.

Attending Highlander Summer allows your child to become familiar with the school’s environment, layout, and facilities before starting class in the Fall. Your child can begin to cultivate a sense of independence and self-assurance in a familiar environment that will serve them well as they transition to formal schooling. This can reduce tears of anxiety and help them feel more comfortable on their first day of school. It also provides an opportunity for parents to learn our carline system and meet many members of the Lake Highland staff before the school year starts!

In addition to our Introduction to PreK camps, Highlander Summer provides two other opportunities for children to socialize with some of their future classmates, who share similar interests and experiences, in a relaxed and fun setting. Our Tiny Tartans Day Camp, taught by a certified teacher, and Bluey’s Adventure, taught by one of our LHP nurses, are the perfect camps for our new PreK students to explore, try new things, and build friendships early, easing the transition into the school year and fostering a sense of belonging within the school community. Children learn to work together towards common goals, share responsibilities, and appreciate the value of collective effort through group games, collaborative play, arts and crafts projects, and water play. Both Tiny Tartans Day Camp and Bluey’s Adventure are open to Lake Highland families and the Orlando community, so grab a friend, and join the fun!

In addition to our Introduction to PreK camps, Highlander Summer provides two other opportunities for children to socialize with some of their future classmates, who share similar interests and experiences, in a relaxed and fun setting. Our Tiny Tartans Day Camp, taught by a certified teacher, and Bluey’s Adventure, taught by one of our LHP nurses, are the perfect camps for our new PreK students to explore, try new things, and build friendships early, easing the transition into the school year and fostering a sense of belonging within the school community. Children learn to work together towards common goals, share responsibilities, and appreciate the value of collective effort through group games, collaborative play, arts and crafts projects, and water play. Both Tiny Tartans Day Camp and Bluey’s Adventure are open to Lake Highland families and the Orlando community, so grab a friend, and join the fun!

Regardless of the camp you choose for your future Highlander, our aim is to ensure their familiarity with our campus and routines, friendships with potential classmates, and an enjoyable, memorable summer. It’s worth noting that PreK students flourish in structured environments and routines, so we highly encourage their participation in multiple camps to facilitate a smooth transition into the upcoming school year.

Take it from one of our amazing families from last summer:

We wanted to say thank you for an amazing summer! Our son was in Highlander Day Camp – Tiny Tartans for all 7 weeks of summer camp, and he had an amazing time! He has learned so much and Mrs. Barrios has created some special memories for him! The leadership and connection the counselors and volunteers have with the kids is so wonderful! The activities were very unique and hands-on. We loved that each week there was a new theme and activities that were geared towards new skill sets for our son to learn for his age! The water play was one of our child’s favorite parts of the day and perfect for the summertime!

-Veer & Amita P., Parents

When it comes to choosing the perfect summer camp for your kids, the deciding factor often isn’t just the activities or the facilities – it’s the people. At Highlander Summer, we believe our camps shine because of our outstanding staff. From the administrative leaders to our dedicated volunteers, every member of our team works together to build an environment that is exciting, memorable, and safe. Follow along as we take you on a virtual meet-and-greet to learn more about the wonderful folks who will be part of your child’s summer adventure!

At the helm of Highlander Summer is our incredible Administration and Leadership team, led by Julie Gomez, the Director of Auxiliary Programs. This team is the backbone of our camp and  and can easily be spotted by their turquoise or pink polo shirts. They are out every morning and afternoon directing carlines, assisting campers in finding their camp rooms, overseeing other staff members, planning weekly activities and special events, and answering all your phone calls and emails.They are out every morning and afternoon directing carlines, assisting campers in finding their camp rooms, overseeing other staff members, planning weekly activities and special events, and answering all your phone calls and emails. They’re on top of it all!

Upon arrival, you’ll meet our vigilant safety and security team. Their #1 job is ensuring your child’s safety by monitoring the campus and its boundaries and controlling access to the site. They maintain real-time communication with all directors to respond swiftly and effectively to any situation.

Should your child feel under the weather, get a scratch while playing, or need medication, our health office is ready to help. Staffed by a registered nurse from 8:30 a.m to 4:00 p.m, we ensure quick care to keep your camper feeling their best.

Our Lead Specialists and Coaches are the creative forces behind the wide variety of camps we offer. Many are current or retired teachers from LHP, bringing both passion and a wealth of expertise to the programs they lead. Look for You can find them in their red T-shirts guiding the fun and learning all summer long!

Our Day Camp is a whirlwind of excitement, led by our Activity Specialists and our Senior and Junior Counselors. Our Activity Specialists are creative, qualified professionals in their area of expertise most of whom are current or retired LHP teachers and staff and are responsible for running every aspect of their camp. 

Senior Counselors, in their lime green T-shirts, and Junior Counselors, donned in yellow, are at the forefront of our “cabin” groups and support our Activity Specialists. Senior Counselors are young adults who have completed their freshman year of college and lead cabins through their daily activities. Our Junior Counselors, who are recent high-school graduates, assist the Senior Counselors in supervising and leading the cabin groups. These young adults are more than just supervisors—they are mentors who lead by example infusing each day with fun and enthusiasm.

One of the biggest highlights at Highlander Summer is getting to cool down in our pools, which is made possible by our fantastic team of certified lifeguards. All of our lifeguards are at least 16 years old and fully certified in CPR, first aid, and lifeguarding techniques. They facilitate swim testing for every camper on their first day of camp and constantly keep a watchful eye during swim time. They can easily be spotted in their red and white uniforms and are always available to offer help.

Lastly, our Athletes-in-Service (AISs) and Counselors-in-Service (CISs) are spirited high school volunteers who donate their time in exchange for community service hours. Our AISs volunteer in our sports camps,  assisting our coaches in organizing drills and offering one-on-one attention to help campers strengthen their skills. CISs are assigned to help lend a hand in our specialty camps and Day Camp. They can be found doing everything from opening car doors and walking kids to their camp classrooms to searching for the one sock left behind at the pool. CISs rotate camps each week to maximize their exposure to various leadership styles and make a broad impact on as many campers as possible. 

Whether they’re assisting coaches, managing activities, or simply offering a high-five, our Athletes and Counselors-in-Service play a crucial role in enriching the camp experience. Spot them in their light blue shirts—they’re often the campers’ favorites!

At Highlander Summer, we’re not just a camp; we’re a community committed to providing your child with the best summer experience. That’s why each year our entire staff completes mandatory training before the camp season begins where they are refreshed in safety protocols, how to engage and inspire children, and the importance of being a positive role model. 

Stay tuned for our May Blog post where we’ll introduce you to our fantastic local vendors, who add even more flair to our camp offerings. At Highlander Summer Camp, we’re excited to be a part of your child’s adventure of growth, learning, and unforgettable fun! See you this summer!

Summer is coming fast, and we could not be more excited! If you are still on the hunt for enriching and engaging activities to keep your child entertained this summer, then look no further! Our brand new 2024 camp offerings are here. From “Discovering Disney” and “ Swifty Summer” to our Middle School “Inspire Innovative Institute”, you are sure to find a program that fits your kid’s interests and expands their abilities. Take a peek below at some of our favorite new programs.

Does your middle schooler exhibit a propensity for creativity or an inclination toward entrepreneurship? Do they demonstrate innovation and a thirst for knowledge? As part of our latest summer programs, we present a series of camps tailored to cultivate your child’s professional competencies aligned with their academic passions. Among these camps, some entail intensive week-long projects*, while others offer daily encounters with fresh challenges. Regardless of the format, rest assured that your child will experience intellectual stimulation, acquire novel skills, and emerge with heightened confidence in their chosen field of interest.

• Inspire Innovation Institute*

This summer learning program equips participants with foundational entrepreneurial and business skills as they work as a team to develop solutions to real-world problems and bring their startups to life. Throughout the program, participants will learn how to use critical business technologies (like Canva and Google Suite), develop a personal brand, strengthen leadership skills, and create their own digital portfolio. The Inspire Innovation Institute concludes with a Business Pitch Presentation (similar to the TV show Shark Tank) where participants present to a live audience made up of parents, LHP teachers and staff, and local community members.

• Robotics Camp: FIRST Lego League

Join us for a week full of LEGO robotics challenges! This camp is a great opportunity for any student who is interested in joining a competitive robotics team for the first time this upcoming school year or any current robotics student who would like to learn some new skills for the new season.

• Theme Park Design

Living in Orlando, we are surrounded by some of the world’s greatest Theme Parks, but do you know what goes into creating them? Join us for a week-long workshop in which you can learn from and be inspired by Disney Imagineers and then ultimately step into the role yourself. Tasked with “imagineering” your own Theme Park, you will have the chance to implement what you have learned to create something that will amaze and inspire guests just as Walt would have liked.

• Digital Design & Editing: Photoshop & AI

In this week-long experience, campers will explore the realms of design, artistry, and marketing through  hands-on experience with industry-standard tools like Photoshop and cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence technologies. They’ll walk away with a strong foundation in design tooling and new creative energy.

• Digital Marketing for Entrepreneurs

Unlock the secrets of the digital world, and discover how to turn your passion into profit! In this engaging four-day summer program, middle school students will embark on an exciting journey into the realm of digital marketing, equipping them with essential skills to become the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.

 At Highlander Summer, sports camps have always been a fan favorite to improve athletic skills or learn a new sport. While beloved camps like Football, Cheer, and Volleyball will be making a return this summer, we have added a couple of new camps to the catalog. At Highlander Summer, our sports camps have consistently garnered acclaim, serving as a favored choice for enhancing athletic abilities or acquainting oneself with a new sport. While favorites such as Football, Cheer, and Volleyball are set to make a comeback this summer, we are excited to introduce a couple of fresh additions to our camp roster.

• Girls Flag Football

Come join us for an unforgettable summer experience at our girl’s flag football camp! Designed to empower young athletes, our camp offers a unique opportunity for girls to hone their football skills in a supportive and inclusive environment. Participants will engage in a variety of techniques and drills aimed at improving speed, agility, strength, catching, and throwing abilities. Beyond the field, our camp provides a range of engaging activities to encourage personal growth and camaraderie. Whether your daughter is an experienced player or new to the game, our camp caters to all skill levels and emphasizes confidence-building and sportsmanship. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to be a part of something special – register now and gear up for a week of fun, friendship, and football!

• Golf at Rio Pinar

Rio Golf Academy offers a wide array of golf instruction and performance opportunities, no matter your junior golfer’s experience level. Located at the beautiful and historic Rio Pinar Golf and Country Club, PGA professional Tom Jackson (Rio Pinar’s Camp Director) and his team take pride in developing a wide range of junior, amateur, and professional talents. This action-packed camp includes hands-on instruction with a curriculum focused on developing golf skills (full swing, short game, rules, and etiquette) while keeping the experience fun and engaging (games and activities) in a safe and educational environment designed with your child’s well-being in mind.

Finally, we present our new Character/Theme camps. These camps offer your child the opportunity to delve deeply into the realms of their cherished characters, artists, and subjects. Here, participants can forge connections with like-minded campers who share their passions. Over the course of a week, campers will have the chance to delve into their chosen theme through engaging activities such as games, crafting, and music sessions alongside their newfound friends.

• Barbie’s Summer Adventure

• Bluey’s Adventure

• Discovering Disney

• Squishmallow

• Swiftie Summer: All Things Taylor

Share in our excitement for Highlander Summer 2024! Remember, these highlighted programs are just a glimpse of what’s in store. Explore our comprehensive 2024 program lineup to discover offerings that align perfectly with your summer timetable and your child’s passions.