Our church is excited to introduce Summer @ First Parish! A fun, faith-filled experience for kids ages 4–14.
These half-day programs are designed to help kids grow in skills, confidence, and community, while enjoying a warm and welcoming environment. With opportunities ranging from STEM challenges to creative arts and hands-on learning, there’s something for every child, whether they are eager to try something new or are looking to enjoy time with friends in a Christ-centered setting.
Class sizes are intentionally small, creating a more personal and meaningful experience for each participant. Because space is limited, we encourage families to enroll early to secure their spots.
For more information, click on the *classes below. If you already know what class(es) you’d like to sign up for, you can register today by filling out our enrollment form!
We look forward to sharing a joyful, enriching summer together!
*Classes are designed for different ages/grade levels, which are specified in the descriptions. Please note that “grade” refers to the grade children will be entering in Fall 2026.
Scrapbooking
Scrapbooking
This hands-on, joy-filled class is designed especially for girls to create a personalized scrapbook that tells their story. Throughout the week, participants will learn beautiful paper-crafting techniques such as inking, embossing, matting, cropping, corner rounding, journaling, and more—building both skill and confidence along the way.
Creative Process
With a blend of guidance and creative freedom, each girl will have the opportunity to celebrate her story in a unique and meaningful way. The class will focus on several key steps:
- Selecting designs and arranging scrapbook pages
- Applying decorative papers, embellishments, and stamps
- Adding journaling and captions to enhance the storytelling
- Including faith-based reflections and Scripture throughout the scrapbook
Who Can Join
This class is open to girls grades 4–7 who are interested in creative, faith-based storytelling. Other than bringing their own photos, all materials needed for the class are provided, and no prior experience is required. A list of photos needed will be provided before the class.
Final Project
By the end of the week, every student will have completed a unique scrapbook that showcases her creativity and personal expression.
Details
Suitable for: children entering Grades 4–7
Dates: July 6, 2026 – July 10, 2026 (Monday – Friday)
Hours: 9:00am–12:00pm
Seats: 10
Cost: $150
Teacher: Beth Rollins
For the past 25 years, scrapbooking has been a meaningful part of Beth’s life, bringing her joy as she creatively preserves memories. For 15 of those years, she has also taught the craft, sharing her passion and helping others discover its possibilities. Beth can often be found in her craft room surrounded by paper, photos, and supplies, happily working on new projects. She looks forward to inspiring others and guiding anyone eager to experience the joy and creativity of scrapbooking.
Creative Writing
Creative Writing
In this program, students will spend time exploring both storytelling and poetry. The first part of each session will focus on the essentials of story—how characters, plots, settings, and themes come together to create meaning. Through reading examples and practicing techniques, students will have the chance to develop a short story of their own.
The second part of each session will turn to poetry. Students will be introduced to a variety of poetic forms and devices, reading samples and experimenting with writing their own pieces. They’ll also learn the basics of revising and editing to strengthen their work.
By the end of the class, each student will take home a portfolio that includes their completed short story, original poems, and notes to support continued growth. Throughout the week, we’ll reflect on the power of story, the beauty of language, and the many ways God uses words to communicate His message to us.
Details
Suitable for: children entering Grades 5–9
Dates: July 13, 2026 – July 17, 2026 (Monday – Friday)
Hours: 9:00am–12:00pm
Seats: 12
Cost: $125
Teacher: Julie Foster
Julie has worked with middle and high school students for nearly a decade, teaching in a variety of school settings and also leading the youth group at First Parish. She seeks to create an environment where students feel known, seen, and challenged to take the next step in their learning and in their faith. Passionate about words and storytelling, she created and taught her own creative writing elective for high schoolers and earned her BA in English Language & Literature from Southern New Hampshire University.
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School
Tropical Trek Vacation Bible School takes kids on an island adventure through God’s Word! Each day, children will explore Bible stories, sing lively songs, create tropical‑themed crafts, and enjoy fun games that bring the lessons to life.
With hands‑on activities and engaging teaching, kids will discover how God guides, protects, and provides. They’ll make new friends, grow in faith, and experience the joy of learning together.
By week’s end, every child will take home special keepsakes and lasting memories of a faith‑filled adventure. Tropical Trek is more than a program—it’s a journey with Jesus at the center!
Details
Suitable for: children currently Ages 4–12
Dates: July 27, 2026 – July 31, 2026 (Monday-Friday)
Hours: 9:00am–12:00pm
Seats: 50
**Cost: $40
** We want every child to be able to participate in VBS. If the cost is a concern, scholarships are available. Just reach out-confidentially-and we’ll take care of it. Contact Courtney at children@fpccwakefield.org **
Teacher: Courtney Hatheway
Along with a wonderful team of volunteers, Courtney will coordinate our Vacation Bible School (VBS) Week this summer. She is the Children’s Ministry Leader at First Parish, dedicated to teaching children about God in ways that connect with their age and stage of life. Courtney lives in Wakefield with her husband and four children, and teaches at Grace Prep Academy.
Beginners Chess
Beginners Chess
This 5‑Day Beginner Chess Course is designed for kids ages 8 to 13 who are curious about learning chess. Each day combines short lessons, hands‑on practice, and fun group activities so students can quickly understand the basics—how the pieces move, the rules of the game, and how to enjoy playing with others. The focus is on making chess easy to learn and exciting to explore.
As the week continues, students build confidence by playing mini‑games and friendly matches that help them think ahead and make good decisions. The course ends with a celebration and small awards, encouraging kids to keep playing and growing in their skills. With its mix of learning, practice, and social fun, this program gives children a strong start in the world of chess.
Details
Suitable for: children entering Grades 4–8
Dates: July 27, 2026 – July 31, 2026 (Monday – Friday)
Hours: 1:00pm–4:00pm
Cost: $75
Seats: 10
Teacher: Bob Blaser
Bob has lived his entire life in the greater Boston area and has called Wakefield home for forty years. He spent his career in pharmacy, retiring in 2023 after thirty years as a faculty member at Northeastern University, where he taught and mentored both domestic and international students. A devoted father and grandfather, Bob, enjoys time with his family. He brings a steady, encouraging presence to every learning environment. As an active member of First Parish Congregational Church and chair of the Diaconate, Bob is a patient, clear, and supportive teacher, he creates a warm and welcoming space where children who are brand new to chess can learn the fundamentals with confidence.
Coding & Robotics
Coding & Robotics
Interested in Robotics, Engineering, and Coding? In this half-day one week camp, using Legos, simple motor & sensors, and coding with simple drag and drop block coding language (based on Scratch), students will create moving robotic projects to perform simple tasks. Topics of engineering, math, and coding will be discussed and explored by the students through each project. This camp is a great first step for anyone interested in robotics. Also, as time allows and for students that are able and interested in coding, they may explore more creative design possibilities with their robots using the text-based coding with Python.
Working in pairs, each day your child will work on a robot building project, engage in discussions related to an engineering/math/coding concept, edit their build or code to complete a challenge, and have opportunities to explore and elaborate their design if desired. On the last day in the last 30 minutes of class, each team will be given an opportunity to present their favorite project to everyone and what concepts it demonstrates, what creative extensions were added to it and why, and what they learned from the project. Parents are welcome to come to this 30 minute presentation.
By the end of the week, students gain confidence in STEM and coding skills, experience the joy of collaboration, and leave with a sense of accomplishment from building robots that come to life.
Details
Suitable for: children entering Grades 4–7
Dates: July 27, 2026 – July 31, 2026 (Monday- Friday)
Hours: 1:00pm–4:00pm
Seats: 6
Cost: $250
Teacher: Winnie Carpenter
Coding since she was in 4th grade, Winnie Carpenter is an MIT graduate in computer science, a wife, a mom, VP of Engineering and co-owner of telecom testing company Valid8.com. Known to have the gift of making the complex simple, she loves using this gift to teach youth computer technology. She was a member of the Wakefield STEAM task force of the Wakefield Public schools whose purpose was to enrich the STEAM (science technology engineering arts math) learning of the public schools and where the annual Wakefield STEAM night event was founded. She spearheaded starting the middle school and high school internship program at Valid8, helping Wakefield students get exposure to and grow in technology, coding, computer hardware knowledge and in organizational and life skills.
Stamping
Stamping
Unleash creativity in our Stamping Class for Kids, designed especially for grades 4–8. Children will discover the joy of stamping while learning hands-on techniques to design and craft custom cards for every occasion—birthdays, holidays, thank-yous, and more!
- Learn stamping basics in a fun, guided environment
- Create personalized cards to share with family and friends
- Build confidence and creativity through colorful, hands-on projects
- Take home unique keepsakes that celebrate their imagination
All supplies are provided, and no experience is needed. This class blends art, fellowship, and fun—perfect for kids who love to make and give something special.
Details
Suitable for: children entering Grades 4–8
Dates: August 3, 2026 – August 7, 2026 (Monday – Friday)
Hours: 9:00am–12:00pm
Seats: 10
Cost: $150
Teacher: Jeannie Nielsen
Jeannie Nielsen has been stamping and teaching cardmaking and paper crafting classes for almost 18 years. She teaches people how to stamp and create beautiful projects perfect for sharing and for sending to others! Her classes are designed to inspire creativity, build confidence, and help crafters of all levels (even those that think they are NOT creative!) to create beautiful handmade cards and little gifts.
Biblical Money Management
Biblical Money Management
Biblical Money Management is a fun, hands‑on program, designed to teach God’s wisdom for earning, saving, giving, and spending wisely. Each day helps children see money as something God entrusts to us—and invites us to use with gratitude and purpose.
Kids will enjoy interactive lessons, crafts, songs, and practical activities that make biblical principles easy to understand and apply. Throughout the week, they’ll learn how to work diligently, plan ahead, be generous, and trust God with all He provides.
A highlight of the program is our lemonade stand fundraiser, where students put their learning into action by running a real micro‑business together. All proceeds will support a meaningful community need, helping kids experience the joy of giving.
Details
Suitable for: children entering Grades 3–7
Dates: August 10, 2026 – August 14, 2026 (Monday–Friday)
Hours: 9:00am–12:00pm daily, except Thursday, which runs until 2:00pm
Seats: 12
Cost: $150
Teacher: Ken Hodgson
Ken has taught Sunday school to elementary and middle school students for many years and loves helping young children learn and grow. After retiring in 2019 from a long career in finance and procurement, he now serves as Director of the Summer Program at First Parish Congregational Church, creating a warm, safe, and engaging experience for every child. Ken enjoys spending time with his family when he’s not planning activities for the program.
Music
Music
Come join in the fun. Children from grade K -8. Each age group will receive a dedicated 45 minute period with the instructor daily. The balance of the time will be spent in story telling, individual practice with instruments, song writing, and other age appropriate activities. The week long activities with culminate with a concert for the parents on the last day at 11:00am, all age groups will participate.
Sound Splash – “Sing, Play, Move, Create!” (K–Grade 2)
Young musicians dive into the joy of music through singing, playful movement, simple instruments, and creative arts. Each day blends rhythm games, hands‑on exploration, and expressive activities that help children discover the fun of making music together. Perfect for energetic learners who love to sing, dance, and create.
Joy Jammers – “Make a Joyful Noise in Harmony” (Grades 3–5)
This class helps growing musicians learn how to sing and play in harmony with others. Students explore vocal skills, rhythm patterns, and ensemble playing using a variety of instruments. Children are encouraged to bring their own instruments if they have them. Together, they’ll build confidence, teamwork, and a joyful sense of musical community.
Psalm Makers – “Create Your Song of Praise” (Grades 6–8)
Middle‑school musicians step into the creative process of songwriting and musical expression. Students learn how to craft original songs or re‑imagine familiar worship songs in fresh styles. Through guided instruction, group collaboration, and hands‑on music‑making, participants discover how to express their faith and creativity in meaningful ways.
Details
Suitable for: children entering Grades K–8
Dates: August 17, 2026 – August 21, 2026 (Monday – Friday)
Hours: 9:00am–12:00pm
Seats: 8 children per age group
Cost: $175
Teacher: Dr. Joo Hye Kim
Dr. Joo Hye Kim, originally from South Korea, began studying piano at age three with her mother. She attended Yewon School and Seoul Arts High School and earned a Bachelor of Music in Piano from Ewha Womans University. She later completed both her Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance at the University of Missouri–Kansas City. She also holds a Master of Theology and a Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. With nearly three decades of teaching experience in private studios and college settings, she currently teaches at Covenant Christian Academy in Peabody, Massachusetts. She serves as Music Minister at First Parish Congregational Church of Wakefield.
Forms & Policies
Forms & Policies
To see our policies, procedures, and waiver requirements, please click on the forms below. These documents are also found in the Summer Program Enrollment Form.
For any questions about summer programming, please email: sp@fpccwakefield.org