Summer Leadership Programs for Girls
Girls who attend Summer in Farmington develop the vision, determination, character, and capacity to begin to shape a changing world.
Summer in Farmington
The Summer in Farmington programs offer girls an opportunity to live on campus for one week or more, learning and collaborating with their peers in an environment that supports their development as future leaders.
In our inclusive and supportive environment, middle school girls are given individualized attention by world class faculty. Joining us in Farmington, Connecticut, on Miss Porter’s School’s beautiful campus, girls will be inspired to let their curiosity and confidence soar as they connect with each other while learning to lead, collaborate, and become informed, bold, resourceful, ethical global citizens.
Summer Programs for Middle School Girls
Our summer programs for middle school girls are designed to provide girls entering grades 6 through 9 the opportunity to experience Porter’s residential community while learning lifelong leadership skills from the leader in girls’ education.
Girls thrive in our supportive, collaborative environment where curiosity and confidence blossom. They complete their programs with a greater understanding of all they can accomplish as informed, bold, resourceful, ethical global citizens.
Our summer leadership programs for middle school girls will run from Sunday, July 6 - Saturday, July 26, 2025
Session 3: July 21 - 27, 2024
Enrichment Opportunities: July 7 - 27, 2024
Registration for 2025 will open in late 2024.
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 June 15 are non-refundable.
The TOEFL and English language proficiency are required for international students.
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 number of scholarships are available. To be considered for a scholarship, please complete this form by March 1, 2024. Decisions will be communicated by April 1, 2024.
Sarah Porter Leadership Institute (SPLI) Level 1:
Principles and Practice
Sarah Porter Leadership Institute Level 1 offers middle school girls opportunities to learn, practice, and hone the skills necessary to be strong female leaders. Each day, they encounter exciting challenges to facilitate discovery of their personal leadership styles. Activities focus on problem-solving, skill development, teamwork, and trust. Through engaging in service learning at environmental education centers, participating in workshops with guest speakers, and building confidence and a sense of adventure at a ropes course, girls set and exceed their goals and create lifelong connections with one another.
Sunday, July 7 – Saturday, July 13, 2024
COST: $1750 USD
Sarah Porter Leadership Institute (SPLI) Level 2:
Resilience and Risk-taking
Girls gain a more extensive leadership experience in SPLI Level 2, which focuses on resilience and risk-taking. They learn to participate both as team members and as leaders as they resolve conflicts, solve problems, and expand their comfort zones. The program includes off-campus overnight camping, whitewater rafting, service learning in the Hartford area, and a culminating experience on a high ropes course.
Sunday, July 14 – Saturday, July 20, 2024
COST: $1750 USD
Sarah Porter Leadership Institute (SPLI) Level 3:
Leading Well
The Leading Well program introduces middle school girls to a multidimensional understanding of the connection between wellness and leadership, focusing on building self-awareness, confidence, and resilience. The program offers an introduction to fun and creative ways to enhance one’s own well-being through activities like journaling, creative arts, mindful movement, yoga, improv comedy, cooking, gardening, and hiking! Girls reflect on their own leadership journeys as they explore the seven dimensions of wellness: physical, emotional, social, environmental, spiritual, financial, and intellectual.
There is no prerequisite required for SPLI 3.
Sunday, July 21 – Saturday, July 27, 2024
COST: $1750 USD
The Institute for Global Education: Issues to Action
At The Institute for Global Education, girls explore complex contemporary issues and come to understand how global communities and challenges are interconnected. Central to the program is a trip to the United Nations in NYC where the girls are given exclusive access to international women leaders and decision-makers and attend a press conference followed by an intimate discussion with a UN official. Upon their return, girls learn about the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals and take on a collaborative project focused on one of those goals. Additional activities include research and communication skill development and a screening of the film Girl Rising. They complete the program with a deeper understanding of global issues and how to take action in their own lives and communities.
Sunday, July 7 – Saturday, July 13, 2024
COST: $1750 USD
Technology, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship:
Idea Lab
Our TIE: Idea Lab allows girls to study and work in the interconnected fields of science and technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The program prepares girls to address social issues in a technologically-driven society through human-centered design thinking. They then use Porter’s Innovation Lab (iLab) to prototype solutions to social issues relevant to their lives using computer coding, laser cutting, and 3D printing. They also learn about virtual and augmented reality, explore social entrepreneurship by visiting women-owned businesses, and use technology to provide solutions to complex problems that contribute positively to their lives. Additional activities include presentation and pitch skills, laser tag, and a field trip to the PEZ factory in Orange, CT.
Sunday, July 14 – Saturday, July 20, 2024
COST: $1750 USD
STEAM Research: Science in Our Backyard
Through Science in Our Backyard, girls are empowered to lead in the interdisciplinary field of STEAM (STEM+Art). They participate in exciting interactive activities in technology, design, and art while exploring the natural history of the greater Farmington area, taking almost daily walking trips to the Farmington River banks and local garden plots. Field trips include the Connecticut Science Center, the Institute for American Indian Studies, and Sub Edge Farm, a biodynamic organic farm. Girls ultimately undertake a project applicable to the local community and complete the program with a better understanding of sustainability and impact.
Sunday, July 21 – Saturday, July 27, 2024
COST: $1750 USD
Enrichment Opportunities
International+ Program
International students participating in all three sessions and seeking cultural immersion and enrichment during Porter’s Summer Programs are encouraged to participate in the International+ Program. The 3-week experience is supplemented with daily check-ins, cultural and English language support, and weekend excursions to Boston and New York.
Sunday, July 7 - Sunday, July 28, 2024
Cost: $2500
Weekend Overnight
Students may elect to remain on campus over the weekend if they are attending multiple weeks of summer programs. Students who choose to stay will be offered laundry services, regular meals, and fun activities on and off campus.
Saturday, July 13 - Sunday July 14, 2024
Saturday, July 20 - Sunday July 21, 2024
Cost: $250
Arts Enrichment
Arts Enrichment will meet five times per week for serious and aspiring artists interested in exploring a variety of media, including painting, drawing, and jewelry making. Over the course of the week, girls will work on individual, self-paced projects that they will take home with them. Missed sessions due to program field trips can be made up during evening blocks on different days.
Cost: $300 per week
Strength and Conditioning
Strength and Conditioning will meet three times per week, and girls who choose to participate will train to outrun, outlift, and outperform their opponents on the sports fields in the fall!
Cost: $100 per week
July 7 - 13, 2024
What
Sarah Porter Leadership Institute (Level 1) offers middle school girls opportunities to learn, practice, and hone the skills necessary to be strong female leaders. Each day, they encounter exciting challenges to facilitate discovery of their personal leadership styles. Activities focus on problem-solving, skill development, teamwork, and trust. Through engaging in service learning at environmental education centers, participating in workshops with guest speakers, and building confidence and a sense of adventure at a ropes course, girls set and exceed their goals and create lifelong connections with one another.
When
Sunday, July 7 – Saturday, July 13, 2024
Cost: $1750 USD
What
At The Institute for Global Education, girls explore complex contemporary issues and come to understand how global communities and challenges are interconnected. Central to the program is a trip to the United Nations in NYC where the girls are given exclusive access to international women leaders and decision-makers and attend a press conference followed by an intimate discussion with a UN official. Upon their return, girls learn about the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals and take on a collaborative project focused on one of those goals. Additional activities include research and communication skill development and a screening of the film Girl Rising. They complete the program with a deeper understanding of global issues and how to take action in their own lives and communities.
When
Sunday, July 7 – Saturday, July 13, 2024
Cost: $1750 USD
July 14 - 20, 2024
What
Girls who have attended the Sarah Porter Leadership Institute (Level 1) gain more extensive leadership experience in SPLI Level 2, which focuses on resilience and risk-taking. They learn to participate both as team members and as leaders as they resolve conflicts, solve problems, and expand their comfort zones. The program includes off-campus overnight camping, whitewater rafting, service learning in the Hartford area, and a culminating experience on a high ropes course.
SPLI Level 1 is a prerequisite for SPLI Level 2 and/or SPLI Level 3.
When
Sunday, July 14 – Saturday, July 20, 2024
Cost: $1750 USD
What
Our TIE: Idea Lab allows girls to study and work in the interconnected fields of science and technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The program prepares girls to address social issues in a technologically-driven society through human-centered design thinking. They then use Porter’s Innovation Lab (iLab) to prototype solutions to social issues relevant to their lives using computer coding, laser cutting, and 3D printing. They also learn about virtual and augmented reality, explore social entrepreneurship by visiting women-owned businesses, and use technology to provide solutions to complex problems that contribute positively to their lives. Additional activities include presentation and pitch skills, laser tag, and a field trip to the PEZ factory in Orange, CT.
When
Sunday, July 14 – Saturday, July 20, 2024
Cost: $1750 USD
July 21 - 27, 2024
What
The Leading Well program introduces middle school girls to a multidimensional understanding of the connection between wellness and leadership, focusing on building self-awareness, confidence, and resilience. The program offers an introduction to fun and creative ways to enhance one’s own well-being through activities like journaling, creative arts, mindful movement, yoga, improv comedy, cooking, gardening, and hiking! Girls reflect on their own leadership journeys as they explore the seven dimensions of wellness: physical, emotional, social, environmental, spiritual, financial, and intellectual.
SPLI Level 1 is a prerequisite for SPLI Level 2 and/or SPLI Level 3.
When
Sunday, July 21 – Saturday, July 27, 2024
Cost: $1750 USD
What
Through Science in Our Backyard, girls are empowered to lead in the interdisciplinary field of STEAM (STEM+Art). They participate in exciting interactive activities in technology, design, and art while exploring the natural history of the greater Farmington area, taking almost daily walking trips to the Farmington River banks and local garden plots. Field trips include the Connecticut Science Center, the Institute for American Indian Studies, and Sub Edge Farm, a biodynamic organic farm. Girls ultimately undertake a project applicable to the local community and complete the program with a better understanding of sustainability and impact.
When
Sunday, July 21 – Saturday, July 27, 2024
Cost: $1750 USD
Note: you will be taken to our registration website that requires you to create a login to access the Summer in Farmington registration forms.
Enrichment Opportunities
What
International students participating in all three sessions and seeking cultural immersion and enrichment during Porter’s Summer Programs are encouraged to participate in the International+ Program. The 3-week experience is supplemented with daily check-ins, cultural and English language support, and weekend excursions to Boston and New York.
When
Sunday, July 7 – Sunday, July 28, 2024
Cost: $2500 USD
What
Students may elect to remain on campus over the weekend if they are attending multiple weeks of summer programs. Students who choose to stay will be offered laundry services, regular meals, and fun activities on and off campus.
When
Saturday, July 13 – Sunday, July 14, 2024
Saturday, July 20 – Sunday, July 21, 2024
Cost in USD:
$250 per weekend
What
We offer an array of activities to all campers during the daily afternoon activity period, including swimming, crafts, yard and board games, walks to Starbucks, and quiet time. Students seeking to focus more intensively on an arts passion or fitness are encouraged to consider adding one of the following options that will occur 3-5 times per week.
Strength and Conditioning Strength and Conditioning will meet three times per week, and girls who choose to participate will train to outrun, outlift, and outperform their opponents on the sports fields in the fall! COST: $100 per week | Arts Enrichment Arts Enrichment will meet five times per week for serious and aspiring artists interested in exploring a variety of media, including painting, drawing, and jewelry making. Over the course of the week, girls will work on individual, self-paced projects that they will take home with them. Missed sessions due to program field trips can be made up during evening blocks on different days. COST: $300 per week |
Sign up for more information about Summer in Farmington and access to the 2025 early bird registration window. You will also be notified about our NEW day program for girls in grades 3-5!
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