Putney Foundations combines elements of many of the same programs we have offered to older students for six decades. It incorporates the larger-group dynamism and variety of the Excel programs with the smaller-group togetherness, adventure, and active fun of Cultural Exploration programs. Students benefit from the immersion setting of Language Learning programs and the meaningful interaction with local communities that occurs in Community Service programs. Putney Foundations is designed for adventurous, energetic, and engaged 7th and 8th graders looking for alternatives to more traditional camp settings. With this program as a foundation, students often move on to other Putney experiences in future years.
“Putney has a seamless organization, tons of experience, communicates well with parents, has people who answer the phone and know immediately what to do and can answer questions. The leaders were great and the kids had an unbelievable breadth and depth of experience. I can’t say enough great things about it! Thank you so much.”
– Joan & Douglas Hansen, Belvedere, CA
Using a beautiful beachside Costa Rican village as a base, students join in a variety of activities. Enrichment seminars, chosen by students and designed to incorporate Spanish language and Costa Rican culture, range from Spanish music lessons to pottery workshops with local artisans, and from Costa Rican cooking classes to fishing. A typical day might begin with a reforestation project at a nearby national park followed by a refreshing swim in a waterfall, and end with an afternoon soccer game and an evening of salsa dancing lessons. All activities are designed to get students out interacting with Costa Ricans and learning through hands-on experience. Students also spend six days living in a small rural village where they work on service projects.
Our experienced leaders stress the importance of a supportive group dynamic, facilitate positive interactions with local people, and create plentiful opportunities for exploration and discovery. A low student-to-leader ratio insures that students receive the personal attention they need in the context of a 3-week program that is structured, safe, and fun.
