Grades 9-12
Join us for a fun and relaxing house party at the Episcopal conference center in Ivoryton, Connecticut. Enjoy sports and classic FOCUS games in the indoor heated gym. Chill out with hot chocolate and friends by the fire. If you like, participate in hikes and other outdoor winter activities. Enjoy interesting discussions and talks about the Christian faith each night. We will offer daily excursions to activities such as laser tag, bowling, and snow tubing. The week will be topped off with a New Year's Eve party and dance you won't want to miss!
What is the program fee and what does it include?
The program fee includes:
- Travel to and from the program by bus/van (from select FOCUS areas) or pick up at the Old Saybrook AMTRAK station or Bradley Intl. Airport (Hartford, CT),
- Daily travel to and from excursions
- Costs for most daily activities (Some optional activities on the daily excursions may have an additional cost)
- Afternoon and evening programs
- Meals and lodging for the duration of the program beginning with dinner on the night of arrival and ending with breakfast on the day of departure.
How do I get there?
FOCUS organized bus transportation may be available from Boston, Greenwich, Philadelphia & New York City. Students from Baltimore, Richmond, Washington DC, and Raleigh should contact their area staff for transportation options. In addition to bus transportation, pickup for the program will be available at the Old SayBrook AMTRAK station and Bradley International Airport. Please inquire about appropriate time parameters before you purchase your tickets.
What is the program leadership and supervision?
What about safety? Ivoryton has a leadership team made up of full time FOCUS staff and volunteer leaders. Our staff work in FOCUS regions and schools with students throughout the year. Our volunteer leaders are college students and professionals; most were involved with FOCUS as middle and high school students, and enjoy the opportunity to come back and give their time as a program leader. Every FOCUS program has a ratio of at least 1 leader for every 3 students. These small leader-student ratios are an important part of the community fostered at FOCUS programs. Safety of the students is a top priority. Safety guidelines and emergency procedures are reviewed by the leadership team at the beginning of every program. A dedicated staff at every program is in charge of keeping track of and dispensing student medications, reviewing any injury, and following up on feelings of illness or malaise. Students with injury or illness that cannot be treated by FOCUS staff will be taken to the local medical clinic or hospital. If a student does fall ill or get injured, their parents will be immediately contacted and kept up to date about the situation.