Summer Writing Program

2 weeks

open to grades 7-9

Overview

No skill is of greater importance in school—and in life—than the ability to communicate clearly. The Summer Writing Program offers an ideal learning environment—mornings in small classes with an inspiring teacher and afternoons outdoors with two dynamic Overland leaders.

The Summer Writing Program is based on the Williams College campus in Williamstown, Massachusetts. We’ll be in class every morning, writing and revising under the guidance of a master teacher and two Overland leaders. In a supportive setting, students will break writing down into steps: brainstorming, outlining, writing a first draft, reading aloud, editing, revising and producing a finished product. We’ll focus on expository writing, but we’ll have fun with poetry and short stories too.

Every afternoon, we’ll explore the Berkshires by foot and bike. In the evenings, we’ll come together for dinner and dessert, reading, writing and games. Over the weekend, we’ll enjoy camping on Mount Greylock and rafting the Deerfield River. At the end of the program, each student will have had the chance to improve his or her writing while making friends in an enthusiastic Overland group. With caring teachers and a healthy balance of time in the classroom and outside, the Summer Writing Program offers an energized educational experience.

“Ben came out of the program with so much confidence in himself.” Lisa Gershenfeld, Voorhees, New Jersey

Highlights

Learn how to master the essay writing process
Enjoy small classes (12 students) led by a professional master teacher
Two Overland leaders provide assistance with all aspects of coursework.
Live on the Williams College campus
Hike Mount Greylock (3,491 feet) & raft the Deerfield River

Grade

For students who will finish grades 7-9 in June 2012.

Multiple sections will be grouped by grades.

Call us (413-458-9672) to check on current availability.

Start and End Location

Starts and ends in Williamstown, Massachusetts.

“The Summer Writing Program was a great way to improve my writing, meet new people and enjoy some time in the great outdoors.” Andrei Papai, Brooklyn, New York

Accommodations

12 nights total.

11 nights will be spent in a dormitory on the Williams College campus. Linens, towels and pillows are provided and students will have daily access to laundry.

1 night will be spent in a tent shared with group members of the same gender at a local state park campground with access to flush toilets and hot running water. Students need to bring a sleeping bag for this portion of the program.

Dates and Fees

2 Weeks

Sunday, June 24 to Friday, July 6
Sunday, July 8 to Friday, July 20
Sunday, July 22 to Friday, August 3

$3295 (airfare not included)

Itinerary

Day 1 Trip Start

We'll arrive in Williamstown in the afternoon and begin with an easy hike in town to stretch our legs and prepare for the ten days we'll spend in Williamstown. Our master teacher will join us in the evening to introduce the curriculum and work with us on a few pre-writing exercises.

Days 2 - 6 in the Classroom

Each day we'll start out by having breakfast together in a Williams College dining hall before heading to class. Our master teacher, with the support and guidance of our two Overland leaders, will lead us through the process of expository writing—brainstorming, outlining, writing a first draft, reading out loud, editing, revising and producing a final product—in a fun and encouraging environment.

Every day after class, we'll make lunch together and then our leaders will guide the group through various fun activities to get us out and exploring the beautiful Berkshires. We'll swim at local swimming holes, ride our bikes on quiet roads and explore several beautiful hiking trails during our afternoons together.

The evenings will consist of eating dinner together in a Williams College dining hall and dessert circle, a time to reflect on the day's progress and growth. After dessert circle, we'll come together for reading, writing and games.

Days 7 - 8 Hiking, Camping and Rafting

During our weekend, we'll spend a day rafting on the Deerfield River with Zoar Outdoor, enjoy a night of comfortable camping as a group and climb Mount Greylock (3,491 feet).

Days 9 - 12 in the Classroom

We'll return to the classroom for our final four days of writing and revising as we finish we complete and fill our portfolios with two weeks worth of writing.

Day 13 Trip End

At trip's end, we'll celebrate with a dinner out in Williamstown before leaving the Berkshires.

“The perfect mix of productive, encouraging learning experiences and outdoor activity.” Donna Ann Marino, Bedford, New York

Trip Details

Our 2011 Master Teachers

Mallory Tarses has taught high school English for fourteen years, in Los Angeles and Wilmington, NC. In September, she will begin her twelfth year at Cape Fear Academy, teaching American Literature, AP Language, and SAT Preparation courses. She received her B.A. from Brown University, her M.F.A. from The Johns Hopkins Writing Seminars, and her M.A. in Fiction Writing from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Her short stories have appeared in Ploughshares, the North American Review, the Kansas Quarterly/Arkansas Review and other literary magazines.

Rick Berger arrived in the Berkshires two years ago. He teaches English and History at Pine Cobble School and a Winter Study course on counseling at Williams College. He has a B.A. in History from Colgate University, an M.Ed. from the University of Massachusetts, and an M.A. from Hazelden Graduate School. He taught English in South Korea and Japan for a dozen years and at independent schools in New Jersey and Massachusetts.

Kathleen Igoe has taught English for 14 years; she has taught eighth graders through seniors during her career. After her first position at Emma Willard School in Troy, New York, Kathleen moved to Baltimore, Maryland, to teach at Roland Park Country School. Next, she taught at Packer Collegiate Institute in Brooklyn, New York, and most recently, she taught at Pine Cobble School in Williamstown, Massachusetts. She holds a B.A. in English from Williams College and a M.A. in English from Bread Loaf School of English, Middlebury College.

Our 2012 Master Teachers will be announced in early April.

“Summer Writing Program has the perfect combination of classroom time and outdoor time .” Suzanne Worden, New York, New York

Photos

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Enrollment Forms

Enrollment Forms 2012

Summer Writing Program Release Form 2012 for students over 18

Summer Writing Program Release Form 2012 for students under 18

Prepare & Pack

Request for Writing Samples for 2011 SWP Students

In order to make the most of our two weeks together, we would like to ask each student to submit two writing samples to us by June 13, 2011. These pieces of writing should have been completed within the last two years and can be expository essays, personal essays, creative writing or short stories. These samples will help our summer writing teachers to tailor their preparation for your two weeks of instruction. The writing samples will not be graded or evaluated in any way, nor will they be used to rank or split the class -- they are simply a way for our teachers to become familiar with each student's skill and writing style and be best prepared to help you during your two weeks with Overland.

The writing samples can be a piece of writing done for a class at school or completed independently and may be of any length. The writing sample does not need to be a piece of work that was previously graded by another teacher, though it can be. Please make sure that your first and last name are clearly printed on each writing sample. Writing samples can be submitted to the writing prograsm coordinator directly via email as an attachment or mailed to our office in hard copy.

To email writing samples, please submit them to liz@overlandprograms.com with "SWP Writing Sample" in the subject line with the student's name in the body of the email.

To mail writing samples, please mail them to:

Overland Programs
ATTN: Liz Kantack/Summer Writing Program
PO Box 31
Williamstown, MA 01267

Preparing for Your Program

We'll spend mornings in class, writing individually and with fellow students, under the direction of our writing instructor and Overland leaders. Overland will provide writing materials and laptops for every student's use in class. Afternoons will be active and fun; we will go for bike rides and hikes. During the weekend, we'll spend one night camping outdoors and we'll raft down the Deerfield River.

We encourage you to get out for some walks and rides this spring. The more you prepare, the more you'll enjoy your program and the better able you'll be to hike and ride safely this summer. Once your program starts, commit yourself wholeheartedly to your group and all of its activities.

Packing for Your Program

On Overland trips, we travel light.
Please stick to the following guidelines when packing for your program and bring clothes that are comfortable and suitable for hiking, biking and other outdoor activities.
Your group will have access to laundry daily.
Students are housed in a dormitory on the Williams College campus and Overland provides linens (sheets, pillowcase, towels), a blanket and a pillow.

Luggage

One carry-on size rolling suitcase or small duffel bag.
Dimensions of the carry-on rolling suitcase should not exceed 22"H x 14"W x 9"D.

One small backpack.
Use your backpack to carry essentials on the plane. Your backpack will be used for carrying your materials to class, as well as for afternoon day hikes.

Clothing

Sturdy Sneakers
Comfortable shoes to wear during the day and while on day hikes and bike rides in the afternoon.

Waterproof Raincoat
Must be waterproof, not just wind or water resistant. Gore-Tex is one of the better-known waterproof, breathable fabric brands, but there are many to choose from. Ponchos are not acceptable.

Long Pants
One pair.

Fleece Pullover or Sweatshirt
One only.

Comfortable Shorts
Three pairs; comfortable to hike and bike in.

Shirts
Four short-sleeve shirts or tank tops; two long-sleeve shirts.

Underwear
Seven pairs.

Socks
Six pairs.

Pajamas
One pair.

Bathing Suit
Optional.

Gear & Miscellaneous

Small Backpack
For carrying materials to class and for afternoon day hikes.

Helmet
Overland will provide bicycles for all students; please bring your own helmet. Students will not be allowed to ride a bike without a helmet.

Sleeping Bag and Stuff Sack
Any type is appropriate.

Toiletries
All travel size. Students will have the opportunity to resupply, if necessary.

Beach Towel
Medium size for swimming. Towels for showering will be provided.

Water Bottle
Any kind.

Flashlight
Small with appropriate batteries.

Sunglasses & Hat
With a visor (e.g., a baseball hat).

Sunscreen (SPF 30+), Chapstick & Insect RepellentTo stay comfortable and protected outdoors.

USB Flash Drive
At least 1GB. For saving your writing projects to take home.

Digital Camera & Extra Batteries
Great for documenting the trip. Make sure you bring a large enough memory card (1 to 4 GB).

Spending Money
$25/week in cash or with a debit or ATM card for souvenirs or personal necessities.

Personal Journal or Book
Optional.

Please Note: A laptop is provided for each student to use during the program. If you have old essays or writing samples you'd like to bring with you, please bring those documents on a flash drive or in hard copy. Students will move all documents that they've worked on during the College Essay Program from their Overland laptop to their flash drive to bring home at the end of the program. We ask that students leave their personal laptops at home.

Cell Phones, Electronics and Personal Property

Please note the following important policies:

Our programs offer the opportunity to strengthen independence and self-reliance. To maximize these benefits, we do not permit phone calls to or from our students (except in the case of emergency).

If it is important for your son or daughter to be able to call you while en route to Overland, we recommend that you purchase an inexpensive phone card that your son or daughter can use at any airport pay phone.

If you feel that it is necessary to send your son or daughter with a phone, please do not send an expensive smart phone like an iPhone or BlackBerry. Send an inexpensive prepaid cell phone instead. On arrival we will collect all phones but we have found that safeguarding these phones is problematic given that our programs move from place to place. Despite our best efforts over $25,000 in phones have been lost, damaged or stolen in the last two years alone. We regret that due to the expense involved in replacing these items, we take absolutely no responsibility whatsoever for phones, electronics or personal property brought by students and we will not make any reimbursements for lost, damaged or stolen phones, electronics or personal property.

Communications

To maximize independence and self-reliance, we do not permit phone calls, emails or text messages to or from our students (except in the case of an emergency).
Your child will call home with our phones and assistance on arrival and departure if he/she flies to his/her program.
In the case of an emergency, we will make sure you are in touch with your child as soon as possible.

Cell Phones

Cell phone use is prohibited on all Overland programs.
Any phone brought by a student will be collected by us on arrival and returned at departure.
If you decide to bring a phone, do not bring an expensive smartphone (e.g., iPhone or BlackBerry); instead bring an inexpensive prepaid cell phone (better yet, bring an inexpensive prepaid calling card).

Personal Electronics

We do not permit personal electronics (e.g., iPods, Kindles or iPads) except for digital cameras.
We do not permit emergency response or GPS tracking electronics.
Any electronics brought by a student will be collected by us on arrival and mailed home or returned at departure.

Personal Property

Overland is not responsible for any student’s personal property—including but not limited to: phones, electronics, cameras, equipment, bicycles and clothing. Please schedule all expensive items on your homeowners insurance policy to ensure that your child/ward’s personal property and equipment is covered against loss, damage or theft.

No Reimbursements for Lost, Damaged or Stolen Phone, Electronics and Personal Property

Despite taking precautions, some phones, electronics and personal property brought by students (and collected by us) have been lost, damaged or stolen. We regret that due to the expense involved in replacing these items, we take absolutely no responsibility whatsoever for phones, electronics or personal property brought by students and we will not make any reimbursements for lost, damaged or stolen phones, electronics or personal property.

Questions or concerns? Please call us. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated.

Travel Information

Drop Off: Cole Field House, 85 Stetson Rd., Williams College, Williamstown, Mass. at 2:00 p.m. Sunday
Pick Up: Cole Field House, 85 Stetson Rd., Williams College, Williamstown, Mass. at 11:00 a.m. Friday
Flight Arrival: Albany International Airport, NY (ALB) between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Sunday
Flight Departure: Albany International Airport, NY (ALB) between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Friday

For any special cases, please contact Overland to make arrangements, if you have not already done so.

For students who drive to the start of the trip, we’ll meet on the Williams College campus at the address above. Students who fly to the trip start should fly into the Albany, New York airport where Overland staff will be on hand to meet you, help you collect your baggage and transport you by 15-passenger van the 42 miles to Williamstown.

At the end of the trip, students can either fly home from Albany or be picked up in Williamstown. Overland staff will be on hand to assist all students with flights or pick-ups.

Flight & Travel Information 2012

Program Start & End Information 2012

For Parents Driving to Williamstown 2012

Mail Stops

Throughout the week, students may receive mail sent to our Williamstown office, addressed as follows:

Student’s Name
c/o Overland Group SWP __ (please fill in student's section number here)
PO Box 31
Williamstown, MA 01267

Note: If you will send mail or packages vis UPS or FedEx, please use our street address--63 Spring St--instead of the PO Box.

Please write the student's name and SWP section number on the envelope/package and make sure it arrives prior to the date listed below to ensure delivery to the group:

SWP 1 - mail must arrive prior to July 7

SWP 2 - mail must arrive prior to July 21

SWP 3A & 3B - mail must arrive prior to August 4

Helpful Reminders

Checklist and Reminders 2011

Apply Now

HOW TO APPLY

You have two choices. You can apply online with a credit card by clicking the link below.

Apply Online

Or you can download the 2012 Overland Application as a PDF (you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader).

Then mail your completed one-page application and $795 deposit check to:

Overland
P.O. Box 31
Williamstown, MA 01267

For overnight mail via UPS or FedEx, please use our street address:

Overland
63 Spring Street
Williamstown, MA 01267

Applications are reviewed in the order in which they arrive at our office and we cannot hold spots over the phone.

Learn about our admissions process.

James Plunkett

Hometown: Guilford, Connecticut
School: Kenyon College
Leadership: New England Adventure, Summer Writing Program
More about James »

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