Summer STAR Programs

2026 Summer STAR Programs 
June 19th - July 31st 

At Massanutten Academy, our co-ed Summer STAR Programs provide students with an engaging and purposeful summer experience set in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley. Designed for middle and high school students, these programs blend leadership development, academic enrichment, athletics, adventure, and personal growth within a structured and supportive environment.

Throughout the summer, students build confidence, character, discipline, and lifelong friendships through a balance of hands-on learning, outdoor experiences, team-building activities, and daily challenges that encourage growth both inside and outside the classroom.

Program offerings include:
  • Colonels Camp – A middle school leadership and adventure experience focused on confidence-building, teamwork, exploration, and summer fun
  • Elevation Leadership Challenge – An immersive leadership development program designed to challenge and inspire students through real-world leadership experiences
  • JROTC Leadership Program – A hybrid classroom and outdoor leadership course covering topics such as leadership, first aid, land navigation, teamwork, communication, and wilderness-based training
All programs are co-educational and include boarding accommodations.
Program dates, pricing, and additional details are available below.
Optional weekend trips and activities may be offered throughout the summer and are available at the discretion of each family.
Colonels Camp
For grades 6-8
July 5th -July 31st
 
Colonels Camp is an exciting leadership and adventure-based summer experience designed specifically for middle school students. This program combines the structure and confidence-building elements of leadership development with the fun and energy of a traditional summer camp experience.

Each week features a unique theme along with engaging activities, outdoor adventures, team challenges, field trips, and a dedicated swim day. Campers learn the foundations of leadership, teamwork, responsibility, and communication while building friendships and creating lasting memories throughout the beautiful Shenandoah Valley.

With flexible attendance options available, families can choose the schedule that best fits their summer plans.
Elevation Leadership Challenge 
For grades 9-12
June 19th -July 3rd

The Elevation Leadership Challenge is a two-week immersive leadership experience created for high school students who want to grow as leaders, challenge themselves, and build confidence in a supportive environment.

Through a combination of classroom workshops, leadership simulations, public speaking exercises, physical training, and outdoor team-building activities, students develop communication skills, accountability, resilience, and character. Participants are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones while learning how to lead effectively both individually and within a team setting.

The program also includes exciting off-campus experiences and challenges that allow students to apply leadership lessons in real-world environments while building strong connections with their peers.
JROTC Leadership Program 
For grades 8-12
July 5th - July 31st

The Army JROTC Leadership Program is a four-week immersive experience designed for students looking to strengthen their leadership abilities, discipline, confidence, and technical skills through both classroom instruction and hands-on outdoor training.

This unique hybrid program combines traditional leadership education with practical experiences in areas such as first aid, land navigation, teamwork, communication, physical fitness, wilderness skills, and problem-solving. Students participate in engaging activities both on campus and in outdoor environments throughout the program.

Participants who successfully complete the full four-week program earn one transferable high school credit that may be applied toward their existing high school transcript. Attendance for all four weeks is required to receive academic credit.

    • Summer Star Program 2025

    • pricingV7 Final_ELC

Summer STAR FAQs

List of 16 frequently asked questions.

  • Who can attend the Summer STAR programs?

    Summer STAR programs are open to boys and girls in grades 6–12 who are looking to grow in confidence, leadership, independence, and character while enjoying an unforgettable summer experience.

  • What should students expect on the first day?

    Arrival day includes check-in, dorm setup, meeting staff and fellow students, orientation activities, and an introduction to the program schedule and expectations to help students feel comfortable from the very beginning.

  • Can friends or siblings attend together?

    Absolutely. Many students attend with friends or siblings, making the experience even more exciting while still encouraging individual growth and independence. Ask us about our referral program! 

  • Why do families choose Summer STAR?

    Families choose Summer STAR because it provides a safe, structured, encouraging environment where students are challenged to grow, supported by mentors, and inspired to discover their full potential.

  • How do parents communicate with students?

    Families will receive communication guidelines before arrival, including important contact information and designated opportunities for communication during the program.

  • Is Summer STAR only for students interested in the military?

    No. While our programs are built around structure, accountability, and leadership, Summer STAR is designed for any student who wants to grow in confidence, responsibility, teamwork, and personal development.

  • What leadership skills do students develop?

    Students strengthen skills such as communication, teamwork, confidence, accountability, problem-solving, time management, and leadership through hands-on experiences and daily interaction with peers and mentors.

  • What are the dorms and campus like?

    Students stay on our beautiful campus in Woodstock, Virginia, located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. The campus includes dormitories, athletic facilities, classrooms, dining services, recreation spaces, and scenic outdoor areas.

  • Are phones allowed during the program?

    Phone usage is structured and limited to help students stay fully engaged, build friendships, and focus on the experience around them. Families will receive detailed communication guidelines prior to arrival.

  • How does Summer STAR help students grow?

    Students often leave Summer STAR with stronger confidence, improved independence, better daily habits, leadership skills, meaningful friendships, and memories that stay with them long after summer ends.

  • What makes Summer STAR different from a traditional summer camp?

    Summer STAR is more than just a summer camp. Students experience leadership development, teamwork, adventure, structure, mentorship, athletics, and personal growth all within a supportive community that encourages students to become the best version of themselves.

  • What does a typical summer day look like?

    Each Summer STAR program is intentionally designed to create a balance of leadership development, adventure, teamwork, structure, and fun while giving students an experience that helps them grow both personally and socially throughout the summer.

    Our JROTC Summer Program takes a unique hybrid approach that combines hands-on outdoor learning with classroom instruction. Students spend time both in the wilderness and in structured learning environments while exploring topics such as leadership, teamwork, first aid, land navigation, communication, physical fitness, confidence-building, and problem-solving. The program is designed to challenge students in a positive way while helping them build responsibility, resilience, and leadership skills they can carry into school and life beyond the summer.

    Colonels Camp is designed as an exciting introduction to leadership and personal growth for younger students and serves as a great “pre-requisite” experience before future JROTC participation. The program focuses on teaching the fundamentals of leadership, teamwork, confidence, accountability, and independence while still embracing the excitement and energy of a traditional summer camp experience. Students enjoy a variety of activities including field trips, pool outings, team competitions, outdoor adventures, recreational activities, and exploration throughout the beautiful Shenandoah Valley.

    No two days are exactly the same, which keeps students engaged, active, and excited about what comes next. Whether participating in leadership challenges, outdoor experiences, athletics, or team activities, students are constantly encouraged to grow, make new friendships, and discover their full potential in a supportive and structured environment.

  • Will my child be supervised during the program?

    Yes. Student safety and well-being are our highest priorities. Cadets are supervised by trained faculty, staff, coaches, and residential personnel throughout the duration of the program.

  • Do students live on campus?

    Yes. Summer STAR is a residential boarding experience where students live in supervised dormitories on campus. Living together helps students build friendships, independence, responsibility, and lasting memories.

  • What if my child has never been away from home before?

    Many Summer STAR students are experiencing an overnight program for the very first time. Our staff works hard to create a welcoming, supportive environment where students quickly feel comfortable, connected, and confident.

  • What should students bring?

    Once enrolled, families will receive a detailed packing list with recommended clothing, toiletries, athletic items, and other essentials needed for a successful summer experience.
You know your child can do more but is not getting the attention needed in their current environment to reach their full potential. We know that choosing the right school for your child can be difficult because each child is so unique. We believe students should experience school as it should be, a place where children are educated in an environment that leads them to thrive and encourages their maximum potential.
614 South Main Street, Woodstock, VA 22664
540.459.2167 | 1.877.466.6222
Massanutten Academy is a co-educational, non-profit military boarding and day school in Virginia for students in 8th-12th grades with postgraduate studies. We welcome all faiths and live by our motto: Non Nobis Solum (Not For Ourselves Alone).

Massanutten Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.
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