Summer in Farmington, summer leadership programs for girls

Summer in Farmington

Community, Learning, Leadership, and Joy

At Summer in Farmington, community life is rooted in joy, leadership, and learning. Campers thrive in our welcoming environment where they build strong relationships with counselors, staff, and fellow campers from around the world. In addition to engaging, hands-on learning through their programmatic sessions, our afternoon, evening, and residential life programs are designed to explore new curiosities, build connections, and celebrate the personal growth of our campers. Our five tenants of camp culture are:

Programs fill on a first-come, first-served basis. A non-refundable deposit payment must be made to reserve a space at the time of registration in a program by check or credit card. All payments made after May 30 are non-refundable.

International campers are required to submit TOEFL scores and complete a virtual interview to assess English language proficiency.

For more information, please contact summer-programs@missporters.org.

Note: you will be taken to our registration website that requires you to create a login to access the Summer in Farmington registration forms.

A limited amount of financial aid is available.

To be considered for financial aid, please complete this form by March 1, 2025. Decisions will be communicated by April 1, 2025.

Joy

Joy is at the heart of Summer in Farmington, sparking memorable moments that foster lifelong friendships and personal discovery. Our program directors prioritize the joy of learning and the joy of discovery. Our commitment to experiential learning through field trips drives a deeper understanding and fosters excitement through action.

Celebration

Our counselors create community within their groups, celebrating growth and successes and communicating accolades to camp leadership.

Discovery

Through afternoon activities, campers choose from a menu of activity offerings designed to explore new passions and friendships.

Community

Our camp-wide evening programming fosters community. Be it our weekly Talent Show or Color Wars, cheers and laughter ring through campus!

Traditions

Our traditions welcome campers into Porter’s renowned sisterhood, continuing our legacy of developing female leaders ready to shape a changing world.

Growth

Growth is a core element of the summer camp experience, encouraging campers to step outside their comfort zones, build resilience, and develop new skills in a supportive and nurturing environment. Campers are inspired to let their curiosity and confidence grow as they experience the Miss Porter’s School residential community while practicing independence, self-advocacy, and life skills. Campers learn to lead, collaborate, and become informed, bold, resourceful, ethical global citizens.

Leadership

Campers develop a deep understanding of their own leadership abilities and channel these skills into effective collaboration and problem-solving strategies.

Empathy

Campers develop deep friendships with campers from across the globe, recognizing their own and others’ perspectives.

Curiosity

Campers investigate the world beyond their immediate environment and learn to communicate their ideas effectively across a diverse audience.

Problem Solving

Campers practice various tactics, strategies, and frameworks for user-centered problem solving and social change to navigate complex scenarios and real world experiences.

Voice

Campers grow through the discovery of their own voices, practicing how to communicate effectively and respectfully while engaging with different perspectives and ideas.

Partnership

At Summer in Farmington, we work to facilitate and maintain meaningful partnerships – not just within our local communities – but with our campers, their families, and our dedicated staff. Our team is committed to working with you and your family to ensure an exceptional camp experience: from the registration process to check-in, and throughout camp, we are here to support you and your camper’s experience.

Connections

Our commitment to experiential learning leads to meaningful connections within the community, as campers visit local businesses, engage with community leaders, conduct field research, and so much more.

Faculty

Our programming is designed in partnership with the Miss Porter’s School faculty, ensuring that our summer offerings emulate the tenants of the Porter’s mission statement.

Sisterhood

Our counselors welcome campers into the sisterhood of our community, encouraging each camper to embrace their unique strengths, as they develop friendships with girls from across the globe.

Communication

Communication is key to our success. We strive to maintain open lines of communication with campers and families. Daily “Gather and Go” check-ins facilitate moments of reflection and celebration within counselor groups, and nightly dormitory meetings create community and relay announcements.

In addition to fostering communication within our camp community, we pride ourselves on being available to answer questions, provide updates, and offer insights into the camper experience, before and during camp.

Newsletter

Our “Camp Connections” newsletter provides regular updates and announcements to campers and families - both in the weeks leading up to camp and throughout the summer.

Photos

A virtual photo album is updated regularly to provide families with insight into their camper’s daily activities. Our Instagram (@portersglobal) provides daily video and photo updates of the many adventures our campers are embarking on.

Technology Policy

Campers are not permitted to bring cell phones, smart watches, laptops, or other personal electronic devices to camp, in an intentional effort to prioritize being present and in the moment throughout their time in Farmington.

Postcards Home

Campers have access to pre-paid postcards that can be used to write home to family and friends throughout the duration of camp; families are also encouraged to send letters to their campers.

Safety

Safety remains our number one priority at Summer in Farmington. Our staff works tirelessly to ensure the wellbeing of all of our campers, on and off campus. Adult staff and counselors are with campers at all times to ensure their safety and wellbeing throughout the day. All members of the Summer in Farmington team have undergone training on first aid, social-emotional skills, residential life, and have experience working with campers in their respective age range.

Campus Safety Staff

Campus Safety officers are present on campus during the day and are on call through the evening to respond to safety and security concerns.

First Aid

Our Director of First Aid is on-call 24/7 and is present on campus daily to support the wellbeing of all campers.

Keycards

Campers are given keycards, which grant them access to meeting spaces, classrooms, their dormitories, and their dorm rooms.

Residential Life Staff

Our residential life team is present in the dorms throughout the evening and the night to support campers’ boarding experience.

Registration details

Programs fill on a first-come, first-served basis. A non-refundable deposit payment must be made to reserve a space at the time of registration in a program by check or credit card. All payments made after May 30 are non-refundable.

International campers are required to submit TOEFL scores and complete a virtual interview to assess English language proficiency.

For more information, please contact summer-programs@missporters.org

Note: you will be taken to our registration website that requires you to create a login to access the Summer in Farmington registration forms.

A limited amount of financial aid is available.

To be considered for financial aid, please complete this form by March 1, 2025. Decisions will be communicated by April 1, 2025.

Sign up for more information about Summer in Farmington.

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Technology, Arts, and AI: Future Creator's Lab

Sample schedule, subject to change

8:00 a.m. – Wake up

8:30 a.m. – Breakfast and 1-on-1 check-ins for International+ campers

9:30 a.m. – Tech Meets Art: Exploring the Digital Canvas

12:30 p.m. – Lunch

1:30 p.m. – AI Artistry: Redfining Creativity

3:00 p.m. – Camper free time (down time in dorm, snacks at the Daisy, change for afternoon activities)

3:45 p.m. – Gather & Go

4:00 p.m. – Afternoon activities

5:30 p.m. – Dinner

6:30 p.m. – Evening activity (kickball tournament)

8:30 p.m. – Dorm meeting and games

9:30 p.m. – Relax and prepare for bed

10:00 p.m. – Lights out

Idea Lab

Sample schedule, subject to change

8:00 a.m. – Wake up

8:30 a.m. – Breakfast and 1-on-1 check-ins for International+ campers

9:30 a.m. – Unpacking Human-centered Design

12:30 p.m. – Lunch

1:30 p.m. – Idea to Impact: Prototyping for Change

3:00 p.m. – Camper free time (down time in dorm, snacks at the Daisy, change for afternoon activities)

3:45 p.m. – Gather & Go

4:00 p.m. – Afternoon activities

5:30 p.m. – Dinner

6:30 p.m. – Evening activity (Color Wars)

8:30 p.m. – Dorm meeting and games

9:30 p.m. – Relax and prepare for bed

10:00 p.m. – Lights out

Global Discourse: A Leadership Exploration

Sample schedule, subject to change

8:00 a.m. – Wake up

8:30 a.m. – Breakfast and 1-on-1 check-ins for International+ campers

9:30 a.m. – The Politics of Peacekeeping

12:30 p.m. – Lunch

1:30 p.m. – Speak Up! Engaging in Respectful Conversations

3:00 p.m. – Camper free time (down time in dorm, snacks at the Daisy, change for afternoon activities)

3:45 p.m. – Gather & Go

4:00 p.m. – Afternoon activities

5:30 p.m. – Dinner

6:30 p.m. – Evening activity (movie night)

8:30 p.m. – Dorm meeting and games

9:30 p.m. – Relax and prepare for bed

10:00 p.m. – Lights out

Issues to Action

Sample schedule, subject to change

8:00 a.m. – Wake up

8:30 a.m. – Breakfast and 1-on-1 check-ins for International+ campers

9:30 a.m. – Opportunities and Challenges of Globalization

12:30 p.m. – Lunch

1:30 p.m. – Global Goals in Action: Understanding the UN’s Path to Sustainability

3:00 p.m. – Camper free time (down time in dorm, snacks at the Daisy, change for afternoon activities)

3:45 p.m. – Gather & Go

4:00 p.m. – Afternoon activities

5:30 p.m. – Dinner

6:30 p.m. – Evening activity (campfire, S’mores, and yard games)

8:30 p.m. – Dorm meeting and games

9:30 p.m. – Relax and prepare for bed

10:00 p.m. – Lights out

Our Water Planet

Sample schedule, subject to change

8:00 a.m. – Wake up

8:30 a.m. – Breakfast and 1-on-1 check-ins for International+ campers

9:30 a.m. – Exploring Connecticut’s Ecosystems

12:30 p.m. – Lunch

1:30 p.m. – Farmington River Study

3:00 p.m. – Camper free time (down time in dorm, snacks at the Daisy, change for afternoon activities)

3:45 p.m. – Gather & Go

4:00 p.m. – Afternoon activities

5:30 p.m. – Dinner

6:30 p.m. – Evening activity (Talent Show)

8:30 p.m. – Dorm meeting and games

9:30 p.m. – Relax and prepare for bed

10:00 p.m. – Lights out

Lead With Impact

Sample schedule, subject to change

8:00 a.m. – Wake up

8:30 a.m. – Breakfast and 1-on-1 check-ins for International+ campers

9:30 a.m. – Naming Your Purpose, Knowing Your Path

12:30 p.m. – Lunch

1:30 p.m. – Frameworks for Social Change

3:00 p.m. – Camper free time (down time in dorm, snacks at the Daisy, change for afternoon activities)

3:45 p.m. – Gather & Go

4:00 p.m. – Afternoon activities

5:30 p.m. – Dinner

6:30 p.m. – Evening activity (Guest speaker followed by bonfire and S’mores)

8:30 p.m. – Dorm meeting and games

9:30 p.m. – Relax and prepare for bed

10:00 p.m. – Lights out

Leading Well

Sample schedule, subject to change

8:00 a.m. – Wake up

8:30 a.m. – Breakfast and 1-on-1 check-ins for International+ campers

9:30 a.m. – Life in Balance: Exploring the Seven Elements of Wellness

12:30 p.m. – Lunch

1:30 p.m. – Element 1: Physical – Creative Movement Workshop

3:00 p.m. – Camper free time (down time in dorm, snacks at the Daisy, change for afternoon activities)

3:45 p.m. – Gather & Go

4:00 p.m. – Afternoon activities

5:30 p.m. – Dinner

6:30 p.m. – Evening activity (Talent Show!)

8:30 p.m. – Dorm meeting and games

9:30 p.m. – Relax and prepare for bed

10:00 p.m. – Lights out

Resilience and Risk-taking

Sample schedule, subject to change

8:00 a.m. – Wake up

8:30 a.m. – Breakfast and 1-on-1 check-ins for International+ campers

9:30 a.m. – Lead & Lean: Harnessing Collaborative Strength

12:30 p.m. – Lunch

1:30 p.m. – Trust Tower Challenge

3:00 p.m. – Camper free time (down time in dorm, snacks at the Daisy, change for afternoon activities)

3:45 p.m. – Gather & Go

4:00 p.m. – Afternoon activities

5:30 p.m. – Dinner

6:30 p.m. – Evening activity (Color Wars!)

8:30 p.m. – Dorm meeting and games

9:30 p.m. – Relax and prepare for bed

10:00 p.m. – Lights out

Principles and Practice

Sample schedule, subject to change

8:00 a.m. – Wake up

8:30 a.m. – Breakfast and 1-on-1 check-ins for International+ campers

9:30 a.m. – Leadership Compass: Finding Your Direction

12:30 p.m. – Lunch

1:30 p.m. – Blueprint for Leaders: What Sets them Apart?

3:00 p.m. – Camper free time (down time in dorm, snacks at the Daisy, change for afternoon activities)

3:45 p.m. – Gather & Go

4:00 p.m. – Afternoon activities

5:30 p.m. – Dinner

6:30 p.m. – Evening activity (campfire, S’mores and yard games)

8:30 p.m. – Dorm meeting and games

9:30 p.m. – Relax and prepare for bed

10:00 p.m. – Lights out