FAQ
What can I expect in a virtual workshop?
Each cohort of participants will be limited in number to no more than 20 to ensure personalization of instruction. This is the Camp. St. J way.
The ideal virtual experience will consist of participants taking part in all synchronous meetings.
All virtual workshops must meet the 30-hour requirements of the College Board and, for those seeking graduate credits, Southern New Hampshire University.
What technology will I need to access to successfully complete a virtual workshop?
You will need a computer, internet access, and the ability to participate in Zoom meetings and virtual learning modules via our LMS, Canvas. If you have questions about specific technical requirements for your computer, contact Angela Drew at adrew@stjacademy.org.
Most computers/laptops 5 years old or newer will work with our LMS.
How long will I have to complete the course requirements of my virtual workshop?
All virtual workshops must be completed within 10 calendar days. All participants must attend all synchronous meetings (or meet with instructor) and complete all learning modules within this time period.
Workshops for each cohort of participants will commence on Monday mornings 10:00 a.m. EST and complete on Friday. Course work for the workshop must be completed by the following Wednesday 6:00 p.m. EST.
What will synchronous meetings look like?
Synchronous meetings will be used for activities such as full cohort discussions and lesson sharing, rubric and scoring calibration and feedback, module and project feedback, direct content delivery, lab instruction, and support of syllabus-creation and AP Audit preparation, and introduction to and support of AP Classroom and CB online materials.
Synchronous meetings will be scheduled with all continental U.S. time zones in mind. Consultants will tailor the schedule to meets the needs of the participants.
There will be NO synchronous meetings on weekends.
What will asynchronous lessons look like?
Asynchronous lessons will be used for self-paced modules, discussion threads, the delivery of CED and core course materials, introduction to course standards and assessment rubrics, scoring practice sets, specific lesson and unit planning, content delivery, strategies for MC and FRQ preparation, and etc.
Asynchronous lessons and modules may be completed at any time during the 10 calendar days, including weekends.
What can I expect from my virtual workshop consultant?
Consultants will provide whole-group synchronous instruction/feedback/discussion opportunities and be available for one-on-one conferencing during dedicated “office hours” for at least one hour a day as necessary.
Consultants will hold all synchronous meetings in Zoom.
Consultants are not required to hold synchronous meetings or conference hours on weekends.
What can I expect at your in person institute?
You can expect an experience like no other professional development experience you have had. We strive to build a sense of community while you are here. Our participants rave about our instructors, our attention to detail, the food, and the afternoon and evening experiences. You can also expect to be in a beautiful, but rural community. There is no Uber and shopping is limited to small, locally owned businesses. There is, however, abundant beauty and opportunities for recreation and relaxation.
How do I reserve a spot to your in person institute?
Register! and place a $250 deposit on your spot. The balance is due at registration. We take checks, credit cards, and POs!
What should I bring to your in person institute?
The Camper’s Checklist!
No camping experience is complete without a checklist of items to bring to our AP Summer Institute. You may want to bring some (or all!) of the items on the following list:
-
Window Fan (most dorm rooms are not air-conditioned)
- Shower caddy and flip flops
- Swimwear & Beach Towel
- Sunscreen
- Sport Clothing (suitable for Northern New England)
- Tennis Racquet & Balls
- Golf Clubs
- Sturdy footwear (for hiking)
- Running/Walking Shoes
- Bikes
- Camera
- Writing Journal
Why is check-in on Sunday at your in person institute?
Generally participants check-in on Sunday between the hours of 3:00-5:00. We do this to provide you an opportunity to get situated in our dorms (or at a local hotel), to relax at our social hours, to enjoy our opening dinner, and to meet your cohort of participants at an informal class meeting after dinner (and to enjoy an evening of bocce!). If you would like to check-in on Monday, that is fine, but we ask that you arrive at Streeter Hall (the cafeteria) to check-in between 7:15 and 7:55 a.m. Please let us know if you will not be checking in on Sunday evening—we want to ensure you are safe!
What is on-campus housing and what linens are provided?
Many participants choose to stay on-campus in one of our dormitories. Rooms are functional but not luxurious, and are equipped with a desk, chair, bed and chest of drawers for each participant (think of your dorm freshman year in college!). Linens and towels are provided. There are shower stalls in all dorms (sorry, no bathtubs) and rooms do not have bathrooms attached. Most dorms are not air-conditioned; we suggest that participants bring a small window fan if the weather calls for heat or humidity. Additionally, you may want to also bring a small desk lamp as all rooms have overhead, LED or fluorescent lighting. Each dorm has at least one common area in which to relax and laundry facilities for participants to use.
Are rooms air-conditioned?
Some are, but most are not. All classrooms and the library are air-conditioned. We recommend bringing a fan should the weather be warm. Evening temperatures in Northern Vermont are generally quite cool, but check the weather first!
Are the activities included with registration?
Most outdoor activities are included (hiking, kayaking, swimming). We do charge a fee for some activities, such as the tastings at Red Barn Brewing and the St. Johnsbury Distillery, and for yoga. We offer transportation, too!
My school is going to pay for me by purchase order, but their fiscal year begins after July 1. Should I register now?
Yes! We know many schools can’t issue POs until after July 1st. This is not a problem. Please register NOW, though, so we can save you a spot in the workshop. Should you decide not to attend, however, we ask that you contact us and cancel before June 1st. We will bill your school for the deposit fee of $250 if we are not notified by June 1st.
I am flying in to attend your institute. What airport should I fly into? How do I get to your campus?
The two closest airports to our campus are the Burlington International airport in Burlington, VT (which is a 1.5 hour drive from St. Johnsbury), and the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in Manchester, NH (which is about 2.5 hours from St. Johnsbury). We have tentatively scheduled two shuttle pick ups (11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.) at Burlington International Airport and at the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport. Cost is $150 round trip. Please email Courtney McManus at cmcmanus@stjacademy.org as soon as possible to confirm flight arrival and departure times (or if you would like to use this service). The shuttle will take you directly to registration.
Can my spouse and children come?
Yes, although you will need to contact us directly so we can find suitable on-campus lodging to meet your needs. We offer dining plans for friends, spouses, and children as well.
How's the food?
The food is excellent! Each night we offer a social hour with appetizers, wine, Vermont beers, and non-alcoholic drinks. We offer an array of options each night. On Wednesdays we offer a traditional New England lobster bake!
I have special dietary needs, can you accommodate me?
We do our best to accommodate all of our guests and their dietary needs. While we are preparing meals for up to 200 people per session, we will do our best to provide vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian options for our guests. Please be sure to email us about your dietary needs when you register.
When is the last date I can cancel my registration?
We ask that you cancel your registration by June 1st for a full refund of your $250 deposit. If you are paying by PO, we ask that you also notify us prior to June 1st should you decide to cancel.