Whether exploring nature, building rockets or riding in canoes, participants in the summer camps at Friends Academy displayed a “really positive energy’’ this year, said Susan Yao, director of summer programs at the academy.

“They were happy to be back together in person’’ after last summer’s session was canceled because of Covid-19 restrictions. 

The academy’s offerings include core programs that resemble a traditional day camp and specialty weeks on focused subjects, which include cardboard canoe creations, songwriting, digital photography and wizardry.

“We want them to have a really positive meaningful experience,’’ Yao said. 

The camp experience is designed to augment the lessons students learn during the school year, she said.

They also hope to build their social skills while allowing them to further explore their interests, she said. 

“Our camps really round out what students are getting in school the rest of the year,’’ she said. “We see a real difference when kids do these camps.’’