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Students on the One-Week California Great Books Program raced from their classrooms after Tuesday’s final class to change and get ready for an afternoon of recreation and relaxation!

With the second day of the Summer Program already in full swing, students jumped right into a variety of fun activities. Many put their watercolor and sketching skills to the test at the art table, while others played a rousing game of volleyball nearby. Down by the soccer field, many of the programmers gathered to practice for Friday evening’s prefect-versus-student soccer championship. The weather was warm and sunny, and many relaxed by the pool, swimming laps and soaking up the sun, while others challenged each other on the rock wall, belaying each other on the bouldering course. 

After a few hours of free time, students wandered up to St. Joseph Commons for a nourishing meal of barbeque beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, steamed veggies, and warm bread. Then it was off to study hall to read up on Wednesday’s academic material, after which students made their way to Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity Chapel to pray the evening Rosary before the first swing-dance practice in St. Cecelia Auditorium! 

Admissions counselors Max Alvarez (’26) and Rose Anderson (’26) awaited programmers on the stage, ready to guide them through different swing-dance moves and waltz steps. Lively conversation and peppy music abounded as students rotated partners and practiced the different steps. On Saturday, students will get the chance to show off their new skills at the dance celebrating the end of the program.

After dancing to their heart’s content, all made their way back to the residence halls for an early curfew and the night’s main event: dorm games! Bonfires raged in the courtyards, and students chatted around the fires, toasting marshmallows and devouring s’mores. A dance party broke out in the women’s dorm, subsequently followed by an intense game of dodgeball, where each wing faced off against the other. Then, a surprise delivery of taquitos and salsa arrived, and all munched victoriously on their late-night snack.

For many, the highlight of the night was the piñata. After an intense round of attempting to break open a piñata while blindfolded, the programmers were shocked to discover that, instead of a delicious feast of candy, their bounty was filled with carrots! A surprise piñata was quickly displayed and cracked open, and an abundance of candy rained down on the programmers to excited cheers. 

Following this success, many programmers stayed up by the fires, chatting and winding down after a successful, but tiring, second day. Then, it was time to get some rest to be ready for all of today’s activities. Come back to the Summer Program Blog this afternoon to hear all about day two of Euclid demonstrations, as well as students’ discussions on the pre-Socratic philosophers!

More photos from the High School Summer Program

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