Summer Newsletter | Jul 1, 2023

What's New With U? Week 1, 2023

We Welcome U!

The bubbles! The excitement! This week we welcomed students to campus! The first day of camp is a mix of emotions that settles as the week goes on and students relax into the creative freedom and energy that defines a summer at Usdan.

At the heart of that creative freedom is Imagination.

The New U!

Every year students buzz with anticipation waiting to find out what the new “U” design is for the summer. This year’s “U” was revealed at Friday’s Festival to great fanfare as you can see in the video below. This year’s Sunglasses U was designed by Vadym, one of our amazing Sunflower Scholars! Great job Vadym!

I Scream, U Scream!

Usdan is all about traditions. We have our beloved festival performances, our green sign, and most importantly to many of our students – we have ice cream! At the end of a hot summer day spent creating, learning and playing – no matter what - our students know that a cold, delicious afternoon snack is waiting for them. While so many things have changed both at Usdan and in the world over the years, it is always the simple and most comforting things that matter the most, and at the end of the day, there will always be ice cream (unless it’s a popsicle day).

Troupe

The Musical Theater Troupe was all set to perform selections from Le Misérables for the first day Festival, but in a dramatic twist, their music director was unavailable the morning of the show! Ben Boecker, the creator of our newly commissioned musical, Camp U stepped in and two hours before the show they helped the troupe to completely change course and prepare two new songs. As they say, the show must go on, and the troupe gave two fantastic Festival performances for their fellow campers.

WEEK 1 IN MEDIA

Festival Livestream

We are now livestreaming our Festivals on YouTube! Every day you can tune in on 12:10 or 12:35 to watch the same Festival performance as your children. We have amazing guest artists on the schedule as well as our talented teachers and student performers. It’s the next best thing to being at Usdan!

CAMP SHOTS

Our photographer, Jacklyn Breitfeller travels around the campus daily capturing photos of our students and the joys of Usdan. In addition to photos shared in our Newsletter and on Instagram, you can view photos in Flickr.

Calendar Highlights: Week 2

Here is what's coming up next week!

Monday, July 3

First Day: Week 2 Recreational Camp

Festival Guest Artist: La Manga

Families of students are welcome to attend. The performances will also be recorded and posted to our YouTube channel.

Tuesday, July 4

Usdan closed

Wednesday, July 5

Festival Guest Artist: Superhero Clubhouse
12:10pm & 12:35pm

Families of students are welcome to attend. The performances will also be recorded and posted to our YouTube Channel.

Thursday, July 6

Festival Guest Artist: The Red Trouser Show
12:10pm & 12:35pm

Families of students are welcome to attend. The performances will also be recorded and posted to our YouTube Channel.

Friday, July 7

Sprit Day: Decade Day

Last Day: Week 2 Recreational Camp

Festival Guest Artist: IMGE Dance
12:10pm & 12:35pm