The Lift Project Summer Camp

Strong Bodies. Open Minds. Kind Hearts.

A picture celebrating our last day of summer camp
The Lift Project Session 2 Summer 2025

About The Lift Project

The Lift Project helps kids build strong bodies, open minds, and kind hearts by pairing movement, shared reading, and service. We create upbeat, phone-free spaces where students gain confidence, practice empathy, and see their impact in the community.

Founded by Andrea Sharp (Good Gaines Fitness) and Chase O’Brien(middle school English teacher), The Lift Project began as a one-week summer camp and—thanks to family enthusiasm—now continues year-round with monthly Mini-Lift days.

What a Lift Project Summer Camp Day Looks Like

We blend reading, movement, and service in a clear, kid-friendly rhythm:

  1. Welcome & Warm-Up (10–15 min) – icebreaker, goals, theme of the day

  2. Movement Session (45–60 min) – all-levels workout led by Andrea
    Snack Break (10–15 min) immediately after the workout

  3. Read & Discuss (35–45 min) – book club style activities

  4. Service (60–75 min) – two formats:
    On-Site Partner Visit: learn who they serve/what they do + complete a hands-on project in the studio
    Travel to Partner Site: complete a project on location (e.g., packing bags, painting mural tiles, assembling educational kits)

  5. Reflection, Share-Out & Next Steps (15–20 min) – journal, gratitude circle, one action to “lift” at home/school

Summer Camp 2026 Sessions

Summer 2026 Camps (Monday-Friday 1-4pm)

  • Session 1: July 6th-10th Our 1 week middle school camp for rising 4th-5th graders ($300) REGISTRATION CLOSED

  • Session 2: July 13th-17th Our 1 week middle school camp for rising 6th-8th graders ($300) STILL ACCEPTING CAMPERS
  • Session 3: July 27th-31st Our 1 week middle school camp for rising 6th-8th graders ($300) STILL ACCEPTING CAMPERS

Cost includes materials for service projects and books. Spots will go fast. We expect a large number of returning campers.

Register Today

2026-27 School-Year Lift Project Sessions

 We host pop-up Lift Projects on Saturdays during the school year.

Each session includes:

  • Workout + Movement Hour

  • Service Project with a local partner

  • Reflection and Connection

Perfect for students who want a boost of strength, confidence, and community.

Who We Are

Andrea Sharp is the owner of Good Gaines Fitness and an ACE-certified personal trainer (20 years) with a B.S. in Human Biology (Michigan State) and Certified Menopause Coaching Specialist.

Chase O’Brien is a middle school English teacher (20 years) with a B.A. from Davidson College and an M.A.T. from American University, now at Cannon School.

Together—and as moms of three—Andrea and Chase share a belief that movement, reading, and service help kids grow in confidence, empathy, and leadership. That shared vision inspired The Lift Project, which began as a one-week summer program and now continues year-round with monthly Mini-Lift days—building strong bodies, open minds, and kind hearts.

Andrea & Chase at Ada Jenkins
Chase & Andrea at Ada Jenkins

Community Partners

We’re proud to collaborate with organizations making a difference. Past projects include:

  • Bags of Hope — packing weekend food bags for children in need
  • Roof Above — preparing sandwiches for neighbors experiencing homelessness
  • Ada Jenkins Center — painting tiles for a community mural
  • Refugee Support Services — purchasing supplies and assembling educational kits for children

We’re always exploring new partnerships to connect students with meaningful service.

Stay Connected

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Follow Us on Social Media

@liftprojectsummercamp

Check out videos from our 2025 summer camps, pop-ups and be in the know for upcoming events. 

Contact Us

liftprojectcamp@gmail.com

We love questions, so feel free to email us. 

Not an Alumni? Join our email list

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The Lift Project is more than one workout or one project—it’s a habit of strength, empathy, and kindness.

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Class schedule