BBA Success Summer Camp 2023
Week 1
Monday - July 24, 2023
First day of camp was, as we like to say, a success! Campers started off the day with name tags and a welcome introductory meeting. We then split into our four main houses for attendance before heading off to the campus scavenger hunt. Groups were introduced to BBA's librarian, Margi Putney. They were given their first assignment as high school students, summer reading! The rest of the day was full of interactive "get to know you" and group norm activities.
Tuesday - July 25, 2023
Today started off with a group meeting going over the daily schedule and explaining the backpack that is awarded to every student who completes 8 days at camp. Campers then split into houses for attendance and the distribution of class schedules. Freshmen mentors divided up the houses and walked kids around campus to show students where their classes are going to be and to give them some pointer on high school life. To end the day campers made reading goals for their summer assignments.
Wednesday - July 26, 2023
Campers began day three by breaking up into two groups (Wickham/Burton house and Henry/Burr house). Once attendance was taken and phones were collected, the two groups rotated through tours of the arts and athletic facilities/programs. In between changing tours the students were given time to read their summer books and to enjoy some lunch before starting a new experience. In traditional success fashion we ended the day with the groups giving their roses and thorns before departing.
Thursday - July 27, 2023
Campers took their first trip off campus. Todays schedule consisted of touring our off campus opportunities. We visited CCV and Southwest tech in Bennington VT to show students the dual enrollment classes they are able to take at BBA. Before switching college tours we made a stop at Bennington college to eat lunch and to enjoy campus and staff during our time there. We ended the day altogether back at BBA for some closing remarks and thank staff to close out week 1!
Week 2
Monday - July 31, 2023
For the start of week 2 campers were split in half for two different adventures. The Burr and Wickham houses accessed the Low Ropes course here at BBA. Henry and Burton houses went to the Hildene Farm and Food Program and got a chance to visit BBA's Mountain Campus for the day. Tomorrow the groups will be switching activities so all campers have a chance on low ropes and at the Mountain Campus. Communication, trust and teamwork were a big part of both groups goals for the day. Go Future Bulldogs!
Tuesday - August 1, 2023
For camp day number five the Burr and Wickham houses went to the Hildene Farm and Food Program and got a tour of BBA's Mountain Campus. The Henry and Burton houses accessed the Low Ropes course back at the main campus. These last two days have given the students insight on the last few big pieces BBA has to offer. The campers have all had the opportunity to tour all of our programs which will help them decide what intensives they would like to sign up for next week.
Wednesday - August 2, 2023
Students had the opportunity today to experience their first FlexBlock as BBA high schoolers. Campers were given different activities to join throughout the day ranging from open art studio, having access to the weight room, and going on a small hike to the Equinox pond. They had two main "Must do's" for the day. These entailed working on their summer reading assignment and spending some time with Rachel going over menu points and signing up for next week's intensive classes. After lunch the students had a chance to listen in on an alumni panel to talk about their time at BBA. We ended the day altogether talking about the big hike tomorrow and sharing roses and thorns.
Thursday - August 3, 2023
To end Week 2, Success Camp went to Bromley Mountain for our annual hike and to enjoy their adventure park. At the end of the hike students had access to the entire park and took turns going up on the high ropes course. Teamwork and connection is one of the important values success likes to express to our campers. This hike adventure is a key staple of camp. At the end of the day kids that have completed a full 8 days at camp received their Success Program backpacks full of school supplies for the year.
Week 3
Monday - August 7, 2023
Last week campers had the option to choose between 5 different intensive opportunities ( Art, P.E, STEM, Mountain campus, and Farm and Food). Today they broke into their intensive groups and will continue to do so for the next two days. Monday August 7 I shared some photos captured with students in the Art, P.E, and STEM intensives. To end the last Monday of camp more campers received their day 8 backpacks.
Tuesday - August 8, 2023
Todays photos capture success students in the mountain campus intensive. The days agenda included a walk around Jones brook, campus chores, a nature reflection/meditation, and summer reading time. Tomorrow these campers will be going on an all day hike through the woods of Peru just as a normal mountain campus attendee would. This week they have had an eye opening deep dive into what the program is all about. These woods show BBA students the meaning of "Vermont Strong"!
Wednesday - August 9, 2023
Hildene farm intensive students are todays highlight. For the past week these campers have had the chance to work in the garden, make flour from scratch, interact with the farms animals, and more. Today for the last day of intensives this group got to visit Hildene and its beautiful grounds. Tomorrow all students will come back together to celebrate there last day of success camp. Welcome the dawn of green and gold!
Thursday - August 10, 2023
Today marked the vary last day of Success camp 2023! To wrap off camp, students helped clean and pick up Founders Hall before they set out to give their friends and family a tour of BBA. To finish the day campers and family got to hear words from staff and enjoy food prepared by BBA's kitchen team. The class of 2027 has goals, habits, and growth to look forward to theses next 4 years. Welcome to the family bulldogs!
