Linden Hill Summer Program

Morning Academics, Traditional Camp Activities, and Weekend Overnights
Northfield, Massachusetts


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For More Information, Contact
Admissions Office
Linden Hill Summer Program
154 South Mountain Road
Northfield, Massachusetts 01360
413-498-2906
888-254-6336 (toll-free)
Fax: 413-498-2908
http://www.lindenhs.org

Type of Program: Morning academics with afternoon/evening traditional camp activities and weekend overnight trips
Participants: Coeducational, ages 7–17
Enrollment: 45
Program Dates: June 26 to July 26
Head of Program: James A. McDaniel, Headmaster

Location

Linden Hill’s rural campus is set on the side of a mountain overlooking the Connecticut River Valley, in the town of Northfield. The rural setting, with breathtaking scenery, is ideal for exploring on foot or mountain bike. The surrounding towns offer many diverse and exciting cultural and historical opportunities for all ages.

Background and Philosophy

Since 1961, Linden Hill School has served the needs of boys ages 9–16 with language-based learning differences in a traditional boarding school with a family setting. Linden Hill has developed a highly successful multisensory teaching program, which utilizes a child’s senses to reinforce learning. Building upon the school’s successful year-round formula, the Linden Hill Summer Program combines challenging, stimulating academic classes with exciting and extensive recreational opportunities. In a structured, supportive environment, participants are encouraged to grow in confidence and self-esteem, to make lasting friendships, and to develop as individuals. Linden Hill is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. It holds membership in the National Association of Independent Schools, the Association of Independent Schools in New England, and the New England League of Middle Schools.

Program Offerings

A balanced program offers students solid academics and strong athletic, social, cultural, and recreational activities. The weekly program combines structure and focus with flexibility and choice. Linden Hill develops the skills and natural abilities of each person while encouraging a sense of enthusiasm and positive self-image. Campers go home feeling confident, relaxed, and ready for the coming school year.
Academic Program Since all of the students have experienced past academic difficulties or learning differences, the democracy of common problems begins to erase self-consciousness, and self-esteem increases. Classes have an enrollment of 1 to 6 students and meet five days per week during the morning hours. Daily drills and written work are stressed, and all classes focus on motivation, a positive mental attitude, organization, study skills, social growth, confidence, and self-esteem.
Traditional Camp Program Camping can contribute to a young person’s life in a way that few other experiences can. The program goals are for each camper to have a pleasant, fun-filled summer; improve skills; and develop confidence, self-control, inner discipline, good sportsmanship, and self-esteem. Campers who are unskilled in particular activities are channeled into special instruction so that they may become more proficient and develop a feeling of self-confidence. As they continue to grow in confidence, they are able to take their place with their peers and contribute successfully. Character development and citizenship are stressed at all times. In addition to daily activities, campers take advantage of the rich geographical setting with overnight trips on weekends, including educational, cultural, pioneering, and rafting trips.

Enrollment

The Linden Hill Summer Program attracts campers from across the United States and from many other countries. Generally, the campers are underachieving and experiencing some academic difficulty, although they have average to above-average intelligence.

Daily Schedule

7:30
8:20
9:15
10:00
12:30
2:00–3:00
3:00
3:10–4:10
4:15–5:00

5:00–6:00
6:00
7:15
8:30

Wake-up
Breakfast
Morning meeting
Academic focus periods
Lunch and rest period
First activity instruction clinic
Break and snack
Second activity instruction clinic
Optional period (hobby, creative arts, technology,
special activity)
Showers and relaxation
Flagpole honors assembly, followed by dinner
Special evening activity
Snack, return to dorm

Extra Opportunities and Activities

Weekend trips have included a Red Sox baseball game, Boston’s Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, and overnight camping trips. Talent shows, plays, and special guests are just a few of the many exciting events. There is also a counselor-in-training (CIT) program for older campers.

Facilities

The buildings include Bennett House, Haskell Hall, Hayes Hillside Dormitory, Duplex Dormitory, and the gymnasium. The newly renovated Bennett House, originally a farmhouse, accommodates the kitchen, dining room, reception room, spacious dorm rooms, and student center. Haskell Hall (1964) houses the classrooms, art studio, science laboratory, comprehensive library, computer center, and spacious study hall. Hayes Hillside Dormitory (1961) sleeps 30 students. The full-sized gym, finished in 1998, is a multipurpose facility housing a full-sized basketball court and climbing wall. The school overlooks the Connecticut River and some of the most beautiful landscape in New England. There are nature walks and hikes on-site and at the nearby Northfield Mountain facility; these trails are also great for mountain bikes. A large pond provides entertainment for students. Linden Hill also has its own athletic field. Nearby, Northfield Mount Hermon School has many facilities that are made available to Linden Hill, including a swimming pool and tennis courts.

Staff

The majority of the program’s academic instructors, along with the dorm parents and athletic director, are part of Linden Hill’s regular faculty. Staff members are carefully chosen for their ability to relate to the student body, exceptional talents, warmth, personality, and ability to inspire. The staff-camper ratio is about 1:3. James A. McDaniel is the Headmaster. Jason Russell and Doris Mancini are the Summer Program Directors.

Medical Care

Students are provided with medical services as required. The nurse resides on campus. In case of emergency, Linden Hill is just 10 minutes from the Northfield Mount Hermon Health Clinic and 20 minutes from Franklin Medical Center. Staff members are trained in first aid and CPR.

Costs

Tuition for the 2008 season was $5850. This charge is comprehensive and included the cost of instruction, lodging in dormitories, all meals, course materials, and transportation to and from the airport. It also included day trips and all weekend excursions and tours. The tuition should be paid in full by May 10. An additional $250 should be deposited into the participant’s campus bank account by June 26. This fee covers incidentals and all spending money.

Financial Aid

Tuition loans and scholarships are available on a limited basis. Early payment discounts are available.

Transportation

Linden Hill is located approximately 75 miles from Bradley International Airport in Hartford, Connecticut. Transportation can be provided to the airport.

Application Timetable

The Linden Hill Summer Program has a rolling admissions policy. Students should submit their application with teacher evaluations, an official transcript, and a handwritten letter from the camper. Personal interviews and tours of the campus are encouraged and available year-round. The application form should be completed and returned as soon as possible.