Announcing new summer camp leadership

Stuart Country Day School will launch the 2024 summer camp season under new leadership and with a refreshed look and name. As we gear up for another year of fun, learning, and growth, we are thrilled to announce the appointment of Dominique Kucharczuk as Summer Program Director and Keith Schoch as Summer Programs Coordinator, who will lead us in introducing The Stuart Summer Experience.

For nearly 40 years, Stuart summer camps have provided families with a unique extension of a Stuart education.

Rooted in the Stuart mission and guided by the Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria, Stuart summer camps have been a source of joy and excitement and represent the school’s commitment to holistic education. Under new leadership, the Stuart Summer Experience will still provide daily programming in arts, academics, sports, STEM and leadership to girls in grades K-12 while adding new offerings to an already impressive roster of innovative and inspirational programs. 

About the New Director and Program Coordinator 

Dominique Kucharczuk brings nearly 15 years experience as a Stuart faculty member and Stuart summer camp instructor to her role as director. Currently in her seventh year as a first grade teacher at Stuart, Ms. Kucharczuk has taught Lower School music and second grade and has designed and directed numerous summer programs at the Lower, Middle, and Upper school levels. Ms. Kucharczuk currently serves as the Stuart representative in the Sacred Heart Network's Aspiring Leaders Program, a two-year cohort for which she was nominated for her commitment to Sacred Heart education and leadership. Ms. Kucharczuk received her New Jersey Principal's Certificate and Master in Academic Leadership and Supervision from The College of New Jersey in 2016. She formerly co-directed Upper School social activities and the Stuart Summer Academy. Dominique has served on the Executive Boards of the Westrick Music Academy and Princeton Nursery School. 

“I am honored to inspire the next generation of leaders who had their start at Stuart’s summer programs. I believe a successful summer and school experience captures joy and authentic engagement and demonstrates a deep understanding of each child. I look forward to continuing the stellar programming that has inspired children for many years. I know how transformational a Stuart education can be for young girls. I am excited to introduce new programs and expand on existing leadership opportunities to ensure more girls receive a quality Stuart summer experience.” 

Joining Ms. Kucharczuk this year in a new role for Stuart summer program is Keith Schoch, who will serve as the Summer Programs Coordinator. Mr. Schoch joined Stuart in 2022 after 31 years in the public school sector. He was a third grade teacher for nine years, a fourth grade teacher for eleven years, and a middle school ELA teacher ever since. During his career, he was recognized as the Somerset County Educator of the Year and a State of New Jersey Department of Education Exemplary Educator and was twice named Governor’s Educator of the Year at the district level. Keith Schoch has been involved with summer day and resident camping for the last thirty-five years and most recently provided leadership for the teen travel program at LakeView Day Camp. He has presented regionally and nationally on camp-related topics, including staff recruitment, staff training, and camp programming.

"Camp programs, whether held in the woods or the classrooms, can be truly transformative. All children are passionate about something, whether it be art, music, acting, or athletics, and quality summer experiences allow them to explore these passions in an authentic and meaningful way. At the same time, camp allows children to branch out and try new endeavors that are somewhat outside of their comfort zone. Interactions with peers at summer camp also develop emotional and social skills, which are so important in every child's development. My own two daughters attended camp from an early age, and the memories of those days spent with new friends are some of their fondest."

Over 20 new camps for a total of 60 sessions!

The Stuart Summer Experience will maintain traditions that have made Stuart summer camps so beloved while embracing new and exciting opportunities for growth. For Summer 2024, Stuart is offering 22 new programs for a total of 60 sessions over 11 weeks. There is a camp offered every week of the summer at the preschool, Lower, and Middle School levels, giving families an opportunity for their daughters or sons to spend their entire summer at Stuart. We also have exciting new offerings for high school students. New camps include a Sacred Heart Network Service Project, a songwriting workshop, a “Nature Girls” STEM camp, SAT Prep, a teen leadership retreat, a personal development camp and internship opportunities in partnership with the Stuart alumnae office. All camps and workshops will be led by dedicated Stuart faculty members, and valued camp partner VineyardApp Camps will return with a number of offerings through the end of the summer. 

As we embark on this new chapter, we celebrate the rich history of our summer camps and the countless campers who have become part of the Stuart family. We look forward to another summer filled with shared laughter, growth, and unforgettable experiences. We would also like to thank Anne Pierpont for her years of service as director of Stuart's summer programs. Anne will remain the Director of Auxiliary Programming, managing the facility rentals and After Care programs.