Summer Programs: ELAC

Mission
Bement’s English Language and American Culture Program is a three and a half-week boarding adventure for boys and girls ages 8 through 12 years old. Our goal is to provide a blend of cultural activities, language projects, travel, and recreational athletics. Each experience immerses the student in English and provides multiple opportunities for language acquisition. We offer a unique opportunity for each individual to grow both socially and academically.

The Bement School English Language and American Culture Summer Program will run for three and a half weeks from July 7 to July 31, 2010. Students from all over the world ages 8-12 are invited to apply.  This program is co-ed and will be limited to 20 participants. Request our English Language and American Culture Program Brochure for more detailed information. If you have any questions, please email Jennifer Hayes, Summer Programs Director at: jhayes@bement.org

We provide an opportunity to gain cross-cultural experience and practice the English language in a relaxed and friendly summer environment. Students and adults at Bement work together to create a climate of acceptance, kindness and challenge.

"We go to Bement Adventure camp every day after morning classes. I made many American friends. I like meeting American kids. I have already made many new friends. We go on hikes, play basketball, and go swimming.”

"We went to Barton’s Cove. I like canoeing. I have never been before. We got wet and then we went fishing.”

Our summer program is a blend of academics, cultural interaction, language projects, travel experiences, summer camp activities and total language immersion.

"My host family is funny, happy and always active. So, while I stayed there, I was happy too."

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

1. Who may apply?
Our English Language and American Culture (ELAC) program is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen individual English skills and then take advantage of outdoor activities. Our program is an even blend of academic practice in the areas of reading, writing, grammar, reading comprehension, and oral communication with summertime fun! We welcome applications from girls and boys ages 8-12 from all over the world!

2. What is dormitory life like?
We have two dorms on campus that look more like large houses. The kids live in doubles and triples in either the boys dorm (Stebbins House) or the girls dorm (Wright House). There is one dorm parent on duty in each building for each night. There is a kitchen for night-time snacks, a computer for an evening email, and a common room for rest, television, and socializing.

3. Who will look after me during my stay at Bement?
We have a team of teachers, dorm parents, and activities instructors eager to get to know our ELAC students. They will help with homework, take you on field trips, help you feel settled in the dormitories, and make you feel at home.

4. What should I wear?
Dress is always casual and New England summers can be humid so shorts, sneakers or sandals, and lightweight shirts are all that is necessary. And don’t forget your bathing suit!

5. What if I am homesick?
Especially if this is your first time away from home, adjustments to new environments can be hard. Our staff is prepared to do their best at making you feel comfortable and safe. We also have a very busy schedule at Bement so that we can keep your mind on having fun!

6. Will I have access to a telephone and email?
There are dormitory telephones and computers available for internet service. You may bring a cell phone with you, but please know that cell phones can not be with you during your camp day. Your free time in the evening is the best time to get in touch with friends and family.

7. Can my family visit me?
Families are welcome to visit during a student’s stay at Bement. Please understand in advance that our schedule is very busy and therefore it might be difficult to get in touch with and/or visit students. Perhaps the best time to visit is during the afternoons before dinner so that kids have returned from their activities with Adventure Camp.

8. Will I earn grades in my courses?
Written assessments of each student’s performance while attending Bement’s ELAC program will be sent via email to parents and consultants at the end of the session. No letter or numerical grade is assigned to a student’s achievement.
 

Sample Daily Schedule

8:00 Continental Breakfast
8:30 Morning Meeting
9:00 Speaking and Listening
10:30 Snack and Break
10:45 Writing
11:45 Reading
12:30 Lunch outside
1:00 Activities with Adventure Camp
4:00 Study Time
5:00 Dinner
5:30 Evening Activities
8:30 Dorm Time
9:15 Quiet time then lights out!

Location
Bement is located on Main Street in the center of Historic Deerfield, MA. The campus is surrounded by mountains, farms, a river, and neighboring schools. Our location provides an easy walk to stroll in the area on sidewalks and we are a short drive to Northampton and Greenfield.

Admission
Bement’s English Language and American Culture Program welcomes students ages 8 through 12 from all over the world. There is an application fee of $60.00. Candidates must fill out the application, submit a hand-written writing sample, and provide a copy of their transcript. They must also provide an English teacher recommendation. Our enrollment is limited to twenty students.

Program
Bement’s English Language and American Culture Program is a well-rounded experience for children to develop their English language skills, to enjoy our local surroundings, and to interact with local students.

Staff
There are four dormitory staff, two academic teachers, and one activities teacher. The activities teacher joins the Adventure Camp staff each afternoon.

Courses
We cover the four major components of study of the English Language: speaking,
listening, reading, and writing. Each student takes all four subject areas. Classes are small with some homework.

Sample Afternoon & Evening Activities
*Swimming at nearby pools, lakes, rivers
*Soccer, basketball, hiking, kickball, baseball, capture-the-flag, canoeing, and fishing
*Trips to Barton’s Cove, Mt. Monadnock, Laurel Lake, Look Park, Tri-town Beach, Sugarloaf Mountain, Forest Park Zoo, Historic Deerfield Village, Magic Wings, Indoor Action, Wendell State Park, Nourse Farms, Yankee Candle, and Poet’s Seat Tower
*Two on-campus campouts in tents
*Crafts include tye dye, gimp, fimo clay, water rockets, painting, and daily journals
 

Sample Weekend Activities
Professional baseball games, theater performances, movies, concerts, shopping, barbeques, bowling, roller skating, boat tour of Connecticut River, make-your-own-pizza night, The New England Aquarium, Quincy Market, Faneuil Hall, weekend homestay with local Bement families, and beach trips.

Dormitories
Students reside in two dormitories located on campus: one for boys and one for girls. There is one dorm parent for each dorm on duty each night. Students have one or two roommates.

Travel to Bement
Airports:
New York, JFK: 3.5 hours
Hartford, Bradley: 1 hour
Boston, Logan: 2.5 hours
Driving Time:
From Boston: 2 hours
From Hartford, CT: 1 hour
From New York: 3 hours

Travel Information
A tourist visa is required for your stay at The Bement School. A school vehicle will provide transportation to Bradley International Airport and Logan Airport on both the arrival day as well as the departure day between the hours of 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. Transportation beyond these airports and/or times is available by arrangement at an individual’s expense.

Reports
Parents will receive weekly progress reports from the Director as well as the teachers via email. Teachers will also prepare a thorough assessment of students’ work throughout their experience at the end-of-the term.
.
Tuition
Summer 2010: $4,500
Estimated Incidental Expenses: $250.00
All admission to destinations is covered by the program.
 

Program Dates

July 7- July 31, 2010

Downloadable forms, including Application, Program Overview, Packing List

 

Deadline: We have a rolling admission policy, and we will accept applications until we are full.

 

Contact info:
Bement Admission Office
94 Main Street
Deerfield, MA 01342

Phone: 413-475-3044
Fax: 413-774-7862
Email: jhayes@bement.org