The Higher Achievement Program at Canisius High School is a five-week program that blends academics, athletics and other fun activities. (Courtesy of Canisius High School)

The transition from middle school to high school can be a big adjustment for some students, but there is a way to ease the transition during the summer between grades seven and eight. Camps such as the Higher Achievement Program (HAP) at Canisius High School offer boys heading into eighth grade a glimpse ahead to high school life.

"Using the classrooms, the auditorium, the fields and gym helps familiarize you with the school and that makes you more comfortable when you start freshman year," says Noah Spiesz, who attended HAP in 2014 and is now a junior at Canisius High School.

HAP is a five-week program that blends academics, athletics and other fun activities each day. "I loved the sports, but even the classroom sessions didn't feel like school," said Noah. "It was a genuine, fun experience."

Developing friendships that continue into high school is another benefit of a program such as HAP. "The majority of the kids I went to HAP with are still my friends today," Noah said. "By the end of the five weeks we all knew each other well and had bonded. That was my first real sample of what Canisius is all about and the community you are immersed in when you come to this school. Whether or not you are considering Canisius for high school, HAP is a super experience."

Canisius has other options for boys who will be entering grades six or seven in the fall and are interested in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math). They can explore video game design and animation concepts at a workshop that runs July 9-13. There's also a Robotics and Science Olympics workshop offered July 16-20. Students can do one or both of the workshops.

This year's HAP runs from June 25 to July 26. Space is limited. Learn more at canisiushigh.org/hap and canisiushigh.org/bestsummerever.