Summer Programs
Saber Summer Spectacular
A summer built for curious minds
2026 Session 1: June 15 – 26 | 2026 Session 2: July 6 -17
Questions? Email the Saber Summer Spectacular Coordinator, Tobin Herringshaw. Phone: 804.266.2494
Quick Facts
Saber Summer Spectacular is a flexible summer program for rising 5th–12th grade students that blends academic skill-building, hands-on learning, and enrichment courses in a structured, confidence-building environment.
- Dates:
- 2026 Session 1 – June 15–26
- 2026 Session 2 – July 6–17
- Ages/Grades: Rising 5th through 12th
- Day Format: À la Carte / Half Day / Full Day
- Hours: 8:00–3:00 (Drop off starts at 7:30am, Pick up ends at 3:30pm)
- Location: The New Community School, Richmond, VA
- Lunch: Bring a packed lunch
- Extended Care: No extended care
Schedule
- 7:30-7:55 - Drop Off
- 8:00–8:50 - First Course
- 9:00–9:50 - Second Course
- 10:00–10:50 - Third Course
- 11:00–11:30 - Community Activity and Drop Off for Afternoon Classes/Pick Up for Morning Classes
- 11:30–11:55 - Lunch and Drop Off for Afternoon Classes/Pick Up for Morning Classes
- 12:00–12:50 Fourth Course
- 1:00–1:50 - Fifth Course
- 2:00–2:50 - Sixth Course
- 3:00–3:30 - Pick Up
Logistics & Policies
- DROP OFF/PICK UP: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Drop off starts at 7:30 AM and Pick up ends at 3:30 PM)
- WHAT TO BRING: water bottle, lunch sunscreen, close-toe shoes
- BEHAVIOR POLICY: We expect all students to abide by The New Community School values while on our campus. Students will act with respect for themselves, their peers, their leaders, and their surroundings. Should there be concerns about student behavior, parents will be informed and the student may be asked to leave. No refunds will be given for individuals who are asked to leave a program because of behavior.
- MEDICATION: In order for your child to receive prescription medicine during the summer program, the parent and physician must complete the Parent and Physician form for the Administration of Medication. All medical forms are located at tncs.org/academics/summer. The New Community School may reach out with additional medical questions.
- ALLERGIES AND DIETARY RESTRICTIONS: Parents must fill out relevant forms provided for any allergies or dietary restrictions. If medication is needed for the allergies or allergic reactions, the Medical Administration form must also be filled out.
- INSURANCE INFORMATION: Parents must agree to provide health and accident insurance for the student and to indemnify the school and its personnel against any liability for student accident or health problems.
- CANCELLATION OF CLASSES: There are minimum and maximum class sizes for all courses. The New Community School reserves the right to cancel any course as necessary. In such cases, a full refund will be made. Tuition is refundable after May 8, 2026 only if The New Community School cancels a course or program. In the event of extreme weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances, we reserve the right to cancel or postpone any part of a class for the safety of the students and cannot provide a refund for any cancellation or postponement.
- PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY: Unless we receive a written communication to the contrary, The New Community School exercises the right to use any photographs and/or video taken of individuals participating in SABER SUMMER spectacular in its promotional publications and online.
Required Forms for Saber Summer Spectacular
To ensure a safe, organized, and smooth experience for every camper, several forms must be completed before your child’s first day of camp.
Forms are given in two formats:
- Complete online via Google Form for general information
- Downloadable PDF for continued medical information that may need a doctor’s signature
Please review the requirements carefully below
Important Reminder:
- Camper Information and Camper Medical Information must be completed separately for each child.
- Medicine Administration must be completed for every child.
- Immunization Form is required for all campers.
- Athletic Participation Form is required only for campers enrolled in designated physical activity courses.
- Action Plans are only required if your child has that specific medical condition.
- All required forms must be submitted before your child’s first day of camp.
Forms Required for All Families
Family Information Form
Camper Information Form
Camper Information Form
Complete one form for each child attending.
This form gathers:
- Camper identification details
- Grade level
- T-shirt size
- Friend requests
- Camp-specific pickup information
If you are registering more than one child, please submit a separate Camper Information form for each child
Medicine Administration Form
Medicine Administration Form
Required for every camper, even if your child does not take medication.
Complete one form per child.
This form:
- Grants permission for routine and over-the-counter care (if needed)
- Documents any medication that may be administered during camp hours
- Ensures consistent medical procedures for all campers
All families must complete this form for each child enrolled.
Immunization Form
Immunization Form - This form verifies your child’s immunization record in accordance with school health requirements and must be submitted before attendance.
Required for all campers.
Complete one form per child.
Additional Forms (Only If Applicable)
These forms are only required if they apply to your child’s activities or medical needs. These action plans allow our staff to respond appropriately and safely if a medical situation arises.
Athletic Participation Form
This form confirms that your child is medically cleared to participate in physical activity.
Athletic Participation Form
Required only if your child is enrolled in any of the following courses:
- Basketball Bootcamp
- Rock Climbing
- Summer Strength
- Play With Purpose
Asthma Action Plan Form
Complete this form only if your child has asthma.
Diabetic Action Plan
Complete this form only if your child has diabetes.
Seizure Action Plan
Complete this form only if your child has a history of seizures.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Question.
What is Saber Summer Spectacular?
Saber Summer Spectacular is a flexible summer program for rising 5th–12th grade students that blends academic skill-building, hands-on learning, and enrichment courses so students can strengthen skills, explore interests, and build confidence in a supportive environment.
What makes this different from a traditional summer camp?
Unlike a traditional camp, students enroll in specific courses—such as Literacy Patterns, Robotics, Filmmaking, or Study Skills—so their day is intentional, structured, and personalized rather than rotational.
Who can attend? Do you have to be a TNCS student?
The program is open to both TNCS and non-TNCS students. Many families join specifically for the school’s expertise in supporting students with dyslexia and related learning differences.
What ages/grades are eligible?
Courses are offered for rising 5th–8th grade (Middle School) and rising 9th–12th grade (Upper School) students.
What is LiftSabers?
LiftSabers is a special transition program designed for new TNCS 5th and 6th graders to build confidence, friendships, and familiarity with routines before the school year begins.
Do students attend all day or can they mix and match classes?
Families may enroll à la carte (single classes), half-day (three consecutive classes), or full-day (six classes), allowing schedules to be customized to each student’s needs.
What are camp hours?
Courses run in structured blocks throughout the day, Monday–Friday, across two sessions:
- Session 1: June 15 – 26
- Session 2: July 6 – 17
What does a typical day look like?
Students attend their selected classes in scheduled blocks, participate in a whole-camp community activity late morning, and then continue with afternoon courses depending on their enrollment level.
What happens during Community Time?
From 11:00–11:30, students gather for a whole-camp activity focused on connection, collaboration, and fun. Lunch follows from 11:30–12:00.
Are lunch and snacks provided?
Students bring a packed lunch each day. Lunch is scheduled as part of the daily program.
What should my child bring each day?
Students should bring:
- A packed lunch
- A water bottle
- Any materials requested by their specific course (communicated in advance)
Are the courses academic, enrichment-based, or both?
Both. Offerings range from literacy and math support to creative studios, makerspace design, fitness, and certification courses like CPR.
How are campers grouped?
Students are grouped by course enrollment and grade level, allowing them to work with peers who share similar interests and developmental stages.
Will my child move between classrooms independently?
Yes, students transition between classes similarly to a school day, with staff guidance and clear supervision throughout.
Are there opportunities for movement and outdoor activity?
Yes. Many courses incorporate hands-on or active experiences, and the schedule intentionally balances focus-based learning with collaborative and physical engagement.
What is the camper-to-staff ratio?
Classes run with small-group instruction consistent with TNCS’s student-centered model.
What safety measures are in place?
All programs are conducted on the TNCS campus under school supervision, and students are expected to follow TNCS community expectations for respectful and safe behavior.
How do you handle allergies or dietary restrictions?
Families provide food from home and may communicate any medical or dietary needs through required health forms.
How do you handle medication administration?
Prescription medication requires completion of a Parent and Physician Authorization form prior to participation.
What happens if a class doesn’t have enough enrollment?
Courses have minimum enrollment requirements, and TNCS reserves the right to cancel a class if needed; families receive a full refund in that case.
Is financial aid available?
Limited financial aid is available; families may contact the TNCS Finance Office for information.
When does registration open/close?
Registration requires submission of an online form and a $100 non-refundable deposit by May 1, 2026, with remaining balances charged May 8, 2026.
What is your refund/cancellation policy?
Tuition is refundable after May 8 only if TNCS cancels a course or program.
Can I switch weeks or courses after registering?
Schedule changes may be possible depending on availability; families should contact the Summer Programs Coordinator.
How do I know which classes are right for my child?
Families are encouraged to choose courses aligned with their child’s interests, goals, or skill-building needs. Staff are happy to help guide selections.
