Summer Ink at Simmons College
While making masks, playing frisbee, and investigating some of Boston's unique neighborhoods, intense adventures with Summer Ink spark the campers' imaginations and ideas as they write about them. Energetic and curious middle school students (going into grades 5,6,7,8 and 9) who are looking for an adventure worth writing about should apply.
CLICK to see the Summer Ink Summer video.
Summer Ink invites students going into grades 5-9 to participate in the flagship Summer Ink Summer Program at Simmons College. In two or four-week sessions, fun and challenging athletic endeavors-- rock climbing, squash, ultimate frisbee, and canoeing -- will provide the inspiration to write. Campers will also participate in creative and hands-on art projects like glass blowing and mud painting—all of which help inspire students in their writing. Campers will learn new writing, artistic, and athletic skills and refine old ones with the guidance of engaging counselors and experienced teachers.
SAMPLE TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:
Rock climbing in Hammond Reservation
Canoeing on the Charles River
Kung Fu in Boston
Glass Blowing at Diablo Glass in Dorchester
WHO:
Students of all interests and abilities going into grades 5-9.
WHERE:
Simmons College, 300 The Fenway. The camp is easily accessible by public transportation (MBTA Green Line, Orange Line, and a variety of buses) to children from all over the area.
WHEN:
Camp meets daily from 8:30-4:30pm. Parents can drop-off campers starting at 8am.
Session #1 (two weeks): July 12- July 23, 2010
Session #2: (two weeks): July 26 - August 6, 2010
COST:
$1200.00 per two-week session. The fee includes all day trips, writing and art supplies, and sports equipment, for one session (2 wks). Financial Assistance is available to qualified families. Applying early will increase your chance of receiving aid.
STAFF:
The student/teacher ratio is 6:1. The directors hire instructors for their energy, warmth and talents—in writing, in the arts and in athletics. Each group of 25 students is led by a certified teacher, 3-4 student teachers, and three high school students (alumni of Summer Ink).
Patrick Sheridan, Senior Program Manager and Camp Director, oversees the camp.
Patrick received his B.A. in Spanish from UMass Boston and his M.Ed from Boston College. 
His experience in education includes tutoring college students in Spanish and teaching English to adults in El Salvador. In addition, he coordinated Somerville Head Start’s Family Literacy Program for 4 years. Most recently, he taught fifth and first grades in the Boston Public School system for 5 years. At Summer Ink, he currently works as a teacher trainer, assists in developing Summer Ink’s primary curriculum, and directs the Summer Program at Simmons College.
Questions?
Please contact Sheila Pundit, Program Coordinator, or 617 714 0263, ext 2.
Upon request, parents and legal guardians of campers enrolled in our programs may request copies of Summer Inkstaff background check results, The Summer Inkhealthcare and discipline policies, and grievance procedures. The Summer Ink camps must comply with the regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and be licensed by the local board of health.
