Unique Summer Camp Combines Fantasy Role-Play and STEM Classes

STURBRIDGE, MA -- When wizards demonstrate the chemistry behind potion-brewing, and warriors train their swordsmen to battle using the principles of physics, the lessons are sure to endure. At the unique Wizards & Warriors Summer Camp in Sturbridge, campers not only master a wide variety of science, math, engineering and technology skills, but they do so while portraying brave heroes in a camp-wide fantasy story as well.

Under the auspices of The Story School, Wizards & Warriors Camp will transform the historic Publick House Inn in Sturbridge, MA, into the enchanted world of Sidleterra this summer, a land where monsters reside and magic is real.

Campers aged 8 - 18 create characters for themselves, complete with legendary backstories, mythical powers, and valiant skills, then suit up in costume and use said skills to parry challenges from goblins, cyclopes, ice zombies, and various other dubious adversaries. Over the course of their 2-week overnight adventures, campers learn teamwork, develop leadership skills, and build self-confidence as they solve mysteries, explore innovative solutions, and work together to balance the forces of chaos at work in their enchanted fantasy world.

“Every child is a hero,” declares The Story School Executive Director, Chris Wiley. “We just give them a chance to prove it to themselves.”

Story-based learning has been shown to be more compelling than traditional classroom instruction. This method, the basis of all of The Story School’s camps, classes and events, utilizes an emotional connection to the narrative to produce better recall and retention. Sometimes known as “gamification,” the live action role playing incorporated in these activities transforms learning into a thrilling adventure.

Camp life at Wizards & Warriors begins each morning with an update from the story team regarding the overnight intrigue and schemes of various foes. Campers then meet with their chosen Houses (each of which represents a different heroic ideal) to determine the best course of action to respond to the day’s challenge. The summer’s underlying goal is to bring peace and harmony to a world suffused with untamed power, and storylines often incorporate historic myths and legends from around the world. Campers acting as warriors, mages, healers or alchemists may encounter a mercenary pirate commander, a farmer who lost his home to Baba Yaga, a marauding band of forest spirits, or an emissary from the court of the Goblin King.

Throughout each day, campers are challenged to learn new STEM skills, which they then use to solve the story-based issue at hand. Certain lessons also earn “points” and “power” for campers, which translate loosely to “extra lives” (somewhat like a live video game) and special abilities to vanquish certain enemies.

This summer, Wizards & Warriors camp will take place at the historic Publick House Inn in Sturbridge, MA. The Story School has reserved two buildings exclusively for its use, including the original circa 1771 historic inn featuring wide-planked wooden floors, period antiques and reproductions, a working fireplace, and even a ballroom. Campers will spend their days adventuring through the adjacent forests, meadows, barns, and even a historic cemetery (where the story team plans to incorporate encounters with fascinating notable figures).

In previous years, Wizards & Warriors camp was held at various locations in the Boston MetroWest area. Prior to the Covid pandemic, The Story School was located at a castle-like building in Burlington, MA. This summer, much has changed, and The Story School is thrilled to have located a safe and virus-free new home for its Wizards & Warriors camp in Sturbridge.

For children aged 8 - 18, the Wizards & Warriors camp is an extraordinary opportunity to become a heroic character in a captivating and stimulating real-life tale. Campers can put their months of isolation and computer screens behind them, and spend their summer outdoors in a fantasy world come to life. Beyond the obvious benefits of fresh air and exercise, and the practical application of STEM knowledge, this immersive adventure from The Story School will offer campers the unique opportunity to find the hero inside themselves -- the one they always knew was there.

For more information about Wizards & Warriors Summer Camp and The Story School, please visit https://thestoryschool.org. Camp will run in three 2-week sessions from July 18 - August 27, and registration is open until May 1st. Scholarships and limited virtual day camp options are available. Questions may be directed to Camp Director Haley Mosher at (781) 214-1174.