WELCOME TO CAMP E. W. YOUNG
Unique among public schools in Virginia, Camp E. W. Young is an actual 30 acre campground in Chesapeake. Camp Young offers Norfolk Public Schools' students unique learning experiences while reconnecting them to the world around them. Partnering with community organizations across the region and classroom teachers across the district, we endeavor to do this by exposing students to engaging hands-on/minds-on investigations and through the use of technology. All while providing opportunities that will enhance the 21st Century Skills that are necessary for success in post-secondary education and the world of work. As a result of this unique camp experience, students leave with a life-long passion for the environment and a dedication to stewardship of our natural resources.
Our Instructional Focus
Second Grade Program
For the 2024-2025 school year, Camp E. W. Young will offer three science programs. Beginning on August 26th, we will continue the Title I second grade program. With this program, second grade students receive 4 days of instruction delivered by Camp Young staff on the science portion of the Grade Two Integrated Curriculum. This program includes Nauticus instructors providing a science lesson on the first day of the 4-day experience.
Fifth Grade Program
The Elizabeth River Project's Shoreline Stabilization project at Camp Young. With this program, Title I fifth grade students receive lessons aligned to the Virginia Science Standards of Learning from Elizabeth River Project instructors on one prescheduled Wednesday. Students learn about the effects of weathering and erosion on the Earth's surface as they plant various wetland plants to help reduce and stop these processes that are negatively affecting the shoreline at Camp E. W. Young.
Sixth Grade Program
The Elizabeth River Project's Watershed and Water Quality Analysis project at Camp Young. With this program, Title I sixth grade students receive lessons aligned to the Virginia Science Standards of Learning from Elizabeth River Project instructors on one prescheduled date. Students will locate and explore wetlands, conduct water quality analysis, and identify common organisms from the Elizabeth River watershed. They will also graph water quality results, investigate trends, and discuss factors that influence the health of the river.
Norfolk Technical Center's Work Based Learning Camp Young Beautification Program
The Norfolk Technical Center's Work Based Learning Beautification Program. With this program, the carpentry and HVAC students of the Norfolk Technical Center are completing various projects to help beautify and maintain the buildings and other areas at Camp Young.
Our Mission and Vision
- To be a model instructional program that supports the teaching of SOL-aligned science and math concepts through unique and innovative classroom experiences.
- To provide opportunities for students that will enhance their use of 21st century skills while becoming college and career ready.
- To involve students in STEM related activities that will allow them to embrace the habits of mind necessary to occupy STEM jobs that are currently non-existent.
- To create increased opportunities for parents to become involved in the educational life of their children while embracing global awareness and environmental stewardship.
Our SMARTe Goal
After a four-day innovative instructional experience, 100% of the second grade students attending Camp Young will demonstrate 15% growth (10% for SPED students) from their pre- to post-tests while at the program.
