Frogwarts School of Wizardry | Great Midwestern Educational Theatre Company

Hi there!
Professor Bumblebone here. I thought I'd start a page with information about Frogwarts Camp since I have received a few phonecalls asking questions about just what the curriculum entails, etc. Click the links to see some questions.

Click HERE to email us with your questions

What exactly is Frogwarts?

Frogwarts is a one week, special project organized by the Great Midwestern Educational Theatre Company. It is an entirely role-play creativity and literature camp, originally based on the Harry Potter books, but over the past 6 years it has developed a life of its own: as the books have gotten darker, Frogwarts camp has gone in the opposite direction and the focus is on self-confidence, creativity, character development, and the arts in general -- within the framework of an imagined, role-play world of wizardry. It is really an expression of joy and creativity. We will play Quidditch every day. The classes vary from year to year, depending on the master classes devised by our professors. The kids take "classes" in same-age groups, but do other activities (like Quidditch) according to mixed-age "houses."

Our Purposes are to:

1. Learn;

2. Have fun;

3. Encourage Creativity; and,

4. Work together.

As such, students will not be graded, but will earn or lose points for their “house,” where cooperation and support is valued and competition is not. Frogwarts is a place where everyone can be successful.

Is Frogwarts just like a one-week summer school?

Aha! Frogwarts kids learn a lot! Much of the curriculum has been inspired by Gifted and Talented curriculum -- which is often more interesting than regular school, unfortunately -- but since students are not graded per se, they are motivated by the FUN of learning rather than traditional "consequences."

What is a "Wizarding name"?

The selection of a wizarding world name is the first step in creating a completely unique, dimensional "character" that your child will play for the whole week of Frogwarts. (It also allows us to post some of the really cool photos of Frogwarts wizards in ACTION during camp, without worrying about identity.)

Most of the time, wizard names are selected from mythical characters or heroes from many different cultures ... or even just a made-up name that reflects some aspect of the student's personality, philosophy, or aspirations. Maybe an animal that has qualities that the student wants to emulate or already possesses. Most wizard campers keep the same name from one year to the next, but not all.

NO one will play the roles of Harry, Ron, or Hermione from the Harry Potter books, so don't choose one of those names.

Can't think of one?

Click here for a suggested list of names!

Are house points like grades?

Well, no. House Points at Frogwarts are reserved for demonstrations of the core objectives of Wizardry camp: Creativity, Compassion, Team "house" Spirit, Kindness, and ... Quidditch.

Does Frogwarts teach witchcraft?

Interesting question! No, it does not. It IS fun crafts and games, originally based on the Harry Potter series, but now focused more on the "magic" of our real universe -- from the wonders of science, to the creation of beauty through words in poetry ... our purposes are to learn, be creative and have fun. The central experience relies on the transformative power of the imagination -- to build self-esteem, comraderie, divergent thinking skills and team-work skills. Kids who come to Frogwarts are from many different religions, probably. (We don't inquire) But there is no class that teaches any kind of religion.

Professors? Who are they?

Frogwarts' professors are muggle teachers and professionals in their fields of expertise, and several have received awards for excellent in teaching! Staff members' references and backgrounds are checked. Quite a few of them contribute to OTHER special projects of the Great Midwestern Educational Theatre Company, but all enjoy having fun in learning, and the challenge of long-form improvisation.

When will I get my information packet?

The packets should be sent out the first or second week of June ... after finals (we're all regular Muggle School teachers, too!) and a couple of details are verified with our host site. Thank you for your patience!

What's the schedule like?

On the first day, your wizard will be "sorted" into one of the houses of Frogwarts: Dragonwing, Morningstar, or Selkieclan. Then there is "house time," which occurs every day after breakfast, when the multi-age groups of wizards get to know each other, determine the strengths of their particular house, play games, discuss the book(s) and Movie(s), practice Quidditch skills, etc. After house time, the students go to the classes -- not by house, but by age-group assignments. There is another short "house time" after lunch, and after that there are more classes. Students report for "Cauldron" (a.k.a. snack) in the afternoon. After Cauldron, there are more classes, followed by dinner and various evening activities. Lights out at 9 p.m!

Can you do an open house so we can preview the camp?

We don't own the camp, so we can't offer an open house, but I will take photos of the place next week and post them on our website. We do transform the site with decorations before the kids arrive (we ARE a theatre company, after all!) Camp is only one week. We rent a place for one week every year. Last year, we rented a former school that was being transformed into a retreat center -- but they weren't quite finished with the changeover so we ended up in a country school with no showers or air conditioning in the heat of August. (Funny enough, the kids never complained -- they were having too much fun! -- but the staff was wilted and sort of ... soggy.) The previous year, we rented a very expensive site that was completely unsatisfactory, so we continued in our search for the perfect place. The strengths of Frogwarts are the outstanding staff, the kids who attend (very creative types) and the curriculum. This year, we have rented facilities at the Wapsi River Nature center. It's a BIG improvement over ANY place we have been before, and it is my hope that this will become our regular site in the future. We could even have the occasional camp reunion there, since it's open year-round! Nobody has to sleep outside or in a tent. Of course the dorms are separated by gender. Most of the time the kids are in organized classes, they don't spend much time in the dorm.

What about my child's medication/s?

We will have a nurse on duty for the camp, who will be responsible for distributing medications and recording the distribution, in addition to general overall care. We have had children on anti-depressants in the past, who have done extremely well. One of our counselors is assigned to "float" and track children with special needs; she has LOTS of experience with children who need extra attention. Only the staff knows who needs meds or special attention, treated as confidential.

Is there air-conditioning?

The dormitory and the eco center have climate control -- not sure yet about the Red tail lodge. I will inquire! I think the kids will be comfortable this year, and have a good time. If it gets to be too hot outside, we'll move the activities indoors. Other than quidditch, which is optional, there isn't anything too strenuous. I don't like to ask the kids to endure anything that I wouldn't put up with myself!

Is there swimming/a swimming pool?

There is no accessible swimming pool at the center, (it was made into a frog pond!) but your little wizard should bring a swimming suit anyway in case we can include water activities.

Can my child bring their camera?

Yes, if your child doesn't possess a magic picture rock, a camera is allowed, however, muggle electronics are NOT.
(No cellphones, ipods, MP3 players, handhelds, gameboys, etc.) Please do not send an expensive camera with your child

Can my child bring their pet, like in the Harry Potter books?

Sorry, the answer here is no. Frogwarts doesn't have an owlery, rookery, or any room for pets. Camp is only one week, so hopefully you can find a creature-friendly friend at home to look after them.

Can I request that my child gets put with their friend/s?

While the sorting hat has the final "say" it certainly is open to suggestions, especially when those suggestions come from a parent or guardian. Please note that wizards in the same age group will be in classes together anyway; HOUSE sorting is intentionally mixed-age, for special HOUSE activities. Please keep in mind that wizards who are in the same age group for classes AND the same HOUSE for mixed-age activities will be spending 24 hours a day for the WHOLE week together. Consider that when making a house request of the Sorting Hat ... some times even the best of friends need a break from each other. Switching houses mid-week is not allowed because it messes up the entire balance of groups

Are there books and supplies required, like at Hogwarts?

All books and supplies are included in the registration fee. Bookmaking is sometimes offered as a craft and those books are used for Divination (creative writing). Students are invited to bring Harry Potter books, which are mainly used for reference or for enjoyment. Students are encouraged to bring costume items to assist with character development (like cloaks and hats) and the annual Transfiguration Ball is an occasion that surely warrants a creative get-up! There is no list of required items, except, of sourse, clothing and bedding things. Your wizard will recieve a list of things to pack in the letter that comes after registration.

How do I prepare for camp?

Your child will receive a welcome packet after the 4th of July with all the instructions and information about camp. The idea of taking on a different name for the week is to help the kids "transform" for the role-play aspect of the camp. He might want to select a name in honor of a hero from long ago, or some wise and benevolent person. There is a suggested list on the website, and I'll send him the last "Wart Report" (Frogwarts newsletter) that also has a list of suggested names. How to prepare? Well, if he has read any of the books, great! If not, he might want to view the movies. Really, any one can have a fun and successful time at the camp even with no knowledge of HP at all. There will be get-to-know you games to begin, and theatre-based creativity curricula in science, literature, mathematics, biology, creative writing, strategy, gaming, and even stage combat. We have an excellent faculty of professional educators from many levels -- elementary educators through college professors -- who believe in the importance of imagination as a life-enriching skill, and a divergent way of thinking. All the "Professors" will also teach "in role."