Photo: Weilenmann School of Discovery

PARK CITY, Utah —Weilenmann School of Discovery will ring out summer with trampoline jumps and foam-pit flips at Woodward Park City on Saturday, Aug. 16, during its first “Summer Send-Off Shindig,” a laid-back back-to-school party and fundraiser.

“We want one big throw-down before everybody settles into the structure of school,” Principal Elizabeth Phillips said. “Community is pretty dang important to Weilenmann, and this is a chance for all of our students, families, and neighbors to come together.”

A playground for every age

From 5 to 8 p.m., guests can bounce on indoor trampolines, dive into foam pits, skate mini-ramps and cruise Woodward’s pump tracks. Live music will soundtrack the evening, while current and former Olympians are slated to share stories about grit, creativity and their ties to the school.

Admission is free for Woodward members and $25 for the general public. Tickets unlock full access to Woodward’s legendary indoor Action Sports Hub, along with a buffet dinner featuring brisket, chicken, mac and cheese, salads, and sides. Wasatch Brewery is donating beer, and Top Shelf will run a cash bar for wine and cocktails.

Fundraising with a passport in hand

Guests receive a “passport” listing event booths. Stamps earned by visiting stations — from STEM demonstrations to partner-nonprofit tables — serve as raffle entries for gear, experiences, and gift certificates donated by local businesses. Proceeds support Weilenmann’s liberal-arts curriculum and scholarship fund.

“As a public, tuition-free charter, we rely heavily on fundraising,” said Susannah Barnes, the school’s director of development. “Bringing the broader Park City community under one roof lets us celebrate summer’s end and build excitement for the academic year ahead.”

A school without boxes

Weilenmann draws K-8 students from Summit, Wasatch, and Salt Lake counties. Phillips said the school’s hallmark is an ethos that “there’s not a student here that we put into a box.”

“We teach kids to think critically and apply knowledge in real-world settings — whether that’s a science lab, a mountain trail, or a studio art project,” she said.

Theme for the year: ‘What you do makes a difference’

The faculty’s guiding theme for 2025-26, “What you do makes a difference,” will debut at the Shindig and weave through character-education lessons and service projects all year.

“It’s about showing students — and reminding ourselves — that every choice shapes our community,” Phillips said.

If You Go

What: Weilenmann School of Discovery “Summer Send-Off Shindig”
When: Saturday, Aug. 16, 5–8 p.m.
Where: Woodward Park City, 3863 Kilby Road
Cost: Free for Woodward Members; $25 for everyone else
Includes: Unlimited trampoline, foam-pit and skate-park access; buffet dinner; live music; guest speakers; silent auction
Tickets and details: Summer Send Off Tickets

“When we all gather at Woodward—bounce, play, talk and see old friends—it sets the tone for the whole year,” Director of Development Barnes said. “I’d love this to become the event everyone looks forward to, year after year.