The Accord School Summer Program:
aka “Van Camp”
Registration link below goes live on January 16 at 12:00am.
This summer, The Accord School returns to the road for our 8th year of VAN CAMP: A Summer Program on Wheels. In Van Camp, middle schoolers come together as a community to use the entire Boston area and beyond as our classroom and playground to create, learn, and explore.
A South Shore summer provides natural opportunities for kids to work on developing self-awareness, problem solving abilities, and emotional-regulation skills. A small group of students will enjoy a summer of social practice and growth, hands-on academic exploration, risk-taking, mentoring, and real-life executive function opportunities.
We take our program on the road. Every. Single. Day.
Rather than staying cooped up in a facility or doing the same traditional camp activities day in and day out, participants meet up in Norwell, then head out on an enriching adventure of thematic, educational, and fun day trips in a variety of locations- from Boston to Cape Cod to Southern New Hampshire. We watch the weather closely, and send a detailed schedule to families every Sunday, including:
Museums: Participants will visit a variety of museums in the Boston area, spanning a range of enriching topics such as art, technology, local history, and natural sciences. They will learn to work on museum manners, traveling with a group, noticing, listening, and following a group plan.
Swimming: Kids will look forward to a day at the beach- swimming, hunting for rocks and shells, learning about aquatic creatures, building colossal sandcastles as a group, or relaxing in the shade.
Living History: Participants will learn to take the social perspective of others- across nearly 400+ years of Boston and Southern New England history, and we explore questions such as: What were the expectations of a child in 17th century Plimoth? Why is Plymouth spelled “Plimouth?” What were some of Abigail Adams’ concerns as a strong, colonial woman? What was it like to be a shipbuilder during WWII? Who built these rock formations and why? These trips show kids that history is very much alive in our area- and we have plenty to learn.
Fun!: Some days are all about fun, and answering the age-old question: “Are we there yet?” We are not afraid to travel just a bit farther than usual to enjoy amusement park and water park destinations on Cape Cod and in Southern New Hampshire.
The Details.
Most supplies are included.
Your summer mornings are busy enough. We won’t add to your stress. All your student needs to do is show up in Norwell with a book, a lunch, and a bathing suit under their clothes. We’ll cover the rest:
Transportation
Admission to all destinations
Beach towels
Sunblock and bug spray
Plenty of water
Snacks
Life happens.
Because Van Camp takes us on daily adventures, each participant will have some supplies from home that travel with us. On their first day of VanCamp, each participant will need to provide:
A refillable water bottle
A change of clothes
An extra bathing suit
Health, Allergies, & Medications.
Children who have special medical circumstances will make arrangements with our staff. Details will be arranged after students are accepted to our program.
Van Camp Staff
Summer Day Camps are often tricky for some kids because in addition to there being a lot of down time, the programs are often staffed by younger educators-in-training who have boundless energy, but not a ton of experience. Van Camp is different- the program is staffed by a team of creative, cross-disciplinary teachers and social educators (real adults with real experience!) who have been working as a seamless team for years. We also keep our adult:student ratio at 1:6- leaving very little room for things to go sideways.
Katy Boucher, MS (weeks 2-4): Founding Director of The Accord School with over 20 years of experience of teaching social skills in real life settings, Katy is not afraid to challenge kids way outside of their comfort zone while guiding their success.
Greg Roaf, MEd (weeks 1-4): High School math teacher at South Shore Charter School and social educator for 12 years, Greg keeps us thinking flexibly and laughing always.
Aidan Moore, BS (weeks 1-4): Movement teacher at The Accord School for 3 years. Aidan helps us stay optimistic, active and energized!
Sophie Elliott, BS (week 1): Social educator at The Accord School for 3 years. Sophie brings a background perspective in behavior support, but more importantly, positive energy and fun!
Times, Dates, & Rates
Van Camp will run for four weeks:
July 8- August 1, 2024 (note: Katy Boucher will not be present during week 1, July 8-11)
Monday-Thursday
8:30am-4:00pm
2024 Rates:
$725/week, or $2750 for 4 weeks
A 25% deposit is required at registration (deposit will be refunded in full on February 1 if there is not space in Van Camp. After February 1, deposit is non-refundable). Individual arrangements will be made with Amy Feldman to pay the balance. There is no fee to spread out payments, but payment in full is due by July 1, 2024
Application Process
Who is a Good Fit for the Program?
Van Camp is designed for students who attend or might consider attending The Accord School in the future. It is a particularly good fit for social learners who seek to strengthen social skills and benefit from a structured, supportive environment, and can participate safely, independently, and without behavioral supports in place.
We are not able to provide a safe environment for, and therefore can not serve, children who require substantial physical or emotional support, experience behavioral outbursts, are not able to verbally communicate their needs, or have a history of wandering, bolting, or aggression.
Enrollment Process
All families are invited to apply for Van Camp beginning January 16. Enrollment will be offered in phases until we reach maximum capacity. Families will be notified when their student’s space is secure, and Amy Feldman will reach out for a deposit/payment plan.
Enrollment Period
January 16-20: Returning Van Camp students, entering grades 4-8
January 21-24: Current Accord School students
January 25-28 Incoming Accord School students, Siblings (entering grades 4-8) of current, returning Van Campers, Accord School Social Group Participants, entering grades 4-8
After January 29: All other students
Students who are not able to secure a seat will have their deposits fully refunded and will be placed on a waitlist.