From Camp Shamrock to our Counselor in Training program, Saint Patrick Academy provides a variety of options to students of all ages! Most programs are open to the public. Through our programming, we strive to create an environment for students to grow in their faith, explore new opportunities, and make new friends.
Join us this summer for fun, friendship and community! If you have any questions regarding our summer programs, please contact our Director of Student Activities at studentactivities@saintpatrickacademy.org.
Saint Patrick Academy offers 6 weeks of summer programming in the form of a day camp. The daily schedule includes the weekly themed programming, arts and crafts, games and activities, and tons of fun! Each week has a different theme, and focuses on a different virtue.
Camp Shamrock
Camp Shamrock welcomes incoming 1st – 4th graders. Due to space and staffing, registration is limited. Camp Shamrock is open to the public.
Virtue of the week is PATIENCE
Let’s get active! In this class, we’ll review fitness-focused games, activities and team sports. Campers will put their bodies in motion and develop functional movement patterns that will make them more effective and boost their self-esteem for other sports. Along the way, campers will practice teamwork, communication, and emotional self-regulation skills to help them everywhere, not just on the field or court. It is sure to be a great time! Activities include gymnastics, running, stretching, obstacle courses, tag, baseball, soccer, ultimate frisbee and parkour!
*Programming is offered by VAC Enrichment, and Camp Shamrock staff.
Note the shorter week.
Virtue of the week is KINDNESS
Do you love acting and want to learn how to improvise like a pro? This Theater and Improv camp is the perfect place to start! In this camp, campers will explore the fundamentals of improvisational theater and learn how to think on their feet. Campers will develop acting skills through fun exercises and games as well as learn the art of “Yes And” – a technique that encourages collaboration and creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned actor or a beginner, this camp will help you develop your confidence and creativity on stage. Campers will also get to do some stage design. No previous experience is necessary – just bringing a willingness to play and have fun is required!
*Programming is offered by VAC Enrichment, and Camp Shamrock staff.
Campers choose between the two camp options.
Virtue of the week is SELF CONTROL
Forensic Fun: Calling all detectives for this fun exploration of forensic science! We will investigate crime scene as we use different forensic tools; we will test mystery powders, get a closeup on teeth prints and fingerprints, find out what we can learn from the pattern in lips and extract DNA. Explore the world of genes as we learn about dominant and recessive gene relationship and so much more!
Oceanography: Sail the seas and become an oceanographer! Learn about the main predators in the ocean and explore different aquatic habitats. Engineer your own boat and journey to the arctic and the bottom of the ocean. Campers must choose which morning program they want to enjoy by registering for one of the programs.
*Programming offered by HighTouch HighTech of Maine, and Camp Shamrock staff.
Virtue of the week is RESPECT
Each day campers will meet at SPA for a morning meeting. Campers will then load up on the buses for a different adventure each day! Adventures will be announced as camp approaches and reservations can be confirmed. Please sign the permission slip so that your camper is able to join us!
*Programming offered by Camp Shamrock staff.
Virtue of the week is PERSEVERANCE
It’s time to lace up the high-tops and let the sneakers squeak! During the week your aspiring athlete will learn safe stretching routines, go through numerous fundamental skill building drills and compete in fun improvement based competitions. It will also include strengthening exercises and character-building events.
SPA staff will instruct your athlete on many important fundamental aspects of the game. Promoting aggressiveness, enhancing muscle memory, teaching routines and most importantly being a good teammate. We will perform these instructional practices in a confident atmosphere immersing them in the sport.
Right before lunch every day the athletes will be involved in a non-basketball event. This exercise will enhance a young athlete’s ability to work and bond with teammates making them great team players. PLAYERS will receive SPA Summer Camp swag!
We expect all athletes to bring the following to the gym daily.
– Non-marking basketball sneakers
– A healthy lunch or snack (no soda allowed)
– A “can do”, ready to make mistakes, teamwork attitude
*Programming offered by Journeymen Basketball Program.
Virtue of the week is OBEDIENCE
Come ready to get wet! Get ready for a week of water themed crafts and activities. Summer is hot, but a series of fun water games and challenges will help keep you cool, all while practicing the virtue of obedience. The week will end with a giant waterslide!
*Programming offered by Camp Shamrock staff.
Virtue of the week is PATIENCE
Let’s get active! In this class, we’ll review fitness-focused games, activities and team sports. Campers will put their bodies in motion and develop functional movement patterns that will make them more effective and boost their self-esteem for other sports. Along the way, campers will practice teamwork, communication, and emotional self-regulation skills to help them everywhere, not just on the field or court. It is sure to be a great time! Activities include gymnastics, running, stretching, obstacle courses, tag, baseball, soccer, ultimate frisbee and parkour!
*Programming is offered by VAC Enrichment, and Little Shamrock camp staff.
(Note the shorter week)
Virtue of the week is KINDNESS
Does your child have a passion for cooking? Are they ready to experience new foods and expand their little palettes? Campers will be engaged while discovering how to prepare delicious international and American dishes safely and skillfully. Our mini chefs will enjoy exploring diverse recipes from Africa, Asia, Europe and North and South America, while learning food prep tips and tricks they can use throughout their lives. During the sessions, campers will play kids’ games from other countries, learn food terms from around the world, and receive simple recipes they can use at home. This camp is tailored for younger campers and focuses on microwave cooking. Recipes could include Italian Lasagna, Ghanaian Fufu Dumplings, Japanese Rice balls (Onigiri), Mexican Quesadilla and Salsa, American Mug Cake, Chinese Chaofan and French Fondue.
*Programming is offered by VAC Enrichment, and Little Shamrock camp staff.
Virtue of the week is SELF CONTROL
Get ready to groove and move in our exciting Kids Dance Camp! If your child loves to dance and wants to explore various dance styles, this enrichment camp is the perfect fit. Designed for young kids, our curriculum introduces them to the world of dance through a fun and creative experience. In this camp, your child will have the opportunity to discover different types of dance, from ballet and hip-hop to creative movement. They’ll develop coordination, rhythm, and self-expression while having a blast. Our experienced instructors will guide them in learning basic dance techniques, all while promoting physical fitness and fostering a love for dance. No prior dance experience is needed – just bring your child’s enthusiasm and energy! This camp is a fantastic way for your little one to express themselves and develop a lifelong love for dance. So, put on those dancing shoes and get ready for an amazing dance journey!
*Programming is offered by VAC Enrichment, and Little Shamrock camp staff.
Virtue of the week is RESPECT
We are going to explore together what scientists do as we explore different scientific areas! We will be ecologists who discover many amazing things about the natural world, from animals to plants. Look up and check what is in the sky just like astrophysicists do. We will get our hands busy mixing materials and doing some fun chemical reactions and so much more with this week of hands-on, fun, science camp.
*Programming is offered by HighTouch HighTech of Maine, and Little Shamrock camp staff.
Virtue of the week is PERSEVERANCE
High Touch High Tech of Maine is engaging kids with hands-on science! Through guided-play kids will journey around the world and discover how planet Earth works. They will learn how everything on Earth is interconnected from the living organisms to the water and minerals in the ground. They will explore extreme habitats, learn about weather, examine the layers of the Earth and so much more!
*Programming is offered by HighTouch HighTech of Maine, and Little Shamrock camp staff.
Virtue of the week is OBEDIENCE
Come ready to get wet! Get ready for a week of water themed crafts and activities. Summer is hot, but a series of fun water games and challenges will help keep you cool, all while practicing the virtue of obedience. The week will end with a giant waterslide!
*Programming offered by Little Shamrock camp staff.
This program is designed with our youngest students in mind. Campers entering PreK 4 and Kindergarten are invited to join us for one week of camp, or all six weeks! Little Shamrocks is structured like our school year with an afternoon rest time, outdoor play, arts and crafts, stories, developmental games and more!
Little Shamrocks is open to Saint Patrick Academy families only. Due to space and staffing, registration is limited.
All Little Shamrocks MUST be fully potty trained to attend camp.
Ages: Rising 5th – 8th graders
Dates : Week 6: July 28 – August 1
Hours: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Fee: $385
Camp registration is open to the public.
Virtue of the week is OBEDIENCE
During the week your aspiring athlete will learn safe stretching routines, go through numerous fundamental skill building drills. These will include shot selection and ball movement drills, shooting form and footwork drills. It will also include short rule reviews, official interpretations and they will take part in individual and group competitions. It will also include strengthening exercises and character-building events. Camp staff will instruct your athlete on many important fundamental aspects of the game. Promoting aggressiveness, enhancing muscle memory, teaching routines and most importantly being a good teammate. We will perform these instructional practices in a confident atmosphere immersing them in the sport.
This group will also take part in many 3 v 3 and 5 on 5 scrimmages.
Right before lunch every day the athletes will be involved in a short non-basketball event. This exercise will enhance a young athlete’s ability to work and bond with teammates making them great team players. PLAYERS will receive SPA Summer Camp swag!
We expect all athletes to bring the following to the gym daily.
– Non-marking basketball sneakers
– A healthy lunch or snack (no soda allowed)
– A “can do”, ready to make mistakes, teamwork attitude
*Programming offered by Journeymen Basketball Program.
We are seeking energetic high school and college-aged individuals to staff our summer programs!
Working at camp is a summer job like no other. It is a difficult job, but also a highly rewarding one that will build your resume, teach you life skills, and open opportunities. Apply today for the chance to work with children at one of Saint Patrick Academy’s summer programs.
To apply to join our summer staff, please email a resume to studentactivities@saintpatrickacademy.org
Registration is open February 1st, 2025
Registration for all programs operated by Saint Patrick Academy is conducted through the registration system CampBrain. CampBrain is a secure camper management platform where families will have access to their children’s information, communication preferences, documents, and important details.
Payment plan options are available.
Saint Patrick Academy
315 Banfield Road
Portsmouth, NH 03801
Saint Patrick Academy is an independent, Catholic school in the New Hampshire seacoast serving students from PreK through 8th grade.
Saint Patrick Academy is committed to equal opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, or gender in its educational programs and activities. Employees and students of any race, color, national origin, or gender are entitled to all rights, privileges, programs, activities, and services generally made available in the programs and activities. It does not discriminate in its educational policies, admission policies, athletics or other school-administered programs.
