Weekends/Vacation Programs

Outreach Weekends/Vacation programs offer opportunities for travel and adventure that may not otherwise be available to students. Elementary students may travel by public transportation to explore Boston; teens may go on a whale watch during a nature trip to Cape Cod or students of all ages may participate in high-adventure activities such as white water rafting or rock climbing.

Each program is typically planned according to age groupings. In addition to offering basic skills training, physical activities, cooking and creative arts, many weekends have a specific theme or focus.

You can download the 2009 Winter and Spring activities flyer and registration in English.

Our Winter and Spring 2009 activities include:

January 24-25, 2009: Life Skills Overnight Program

Perkins Campus: This one night overnight program is for students who are developmentally at an elementary level.  This program will give them an opportunity to engage in physical and social activities in a supportive environment. (Ages 10-15)

January 30-February 1, 2009: Louis Braille’s Birthday Celebration Weekend

Perkins Campus: Young students will celebrate Louis Braille’s 200th birthday.  Activities both on and off campus will include braille reading and writing activities and games.  This weekend is open to all levels of braille users, from beginner to experienced, or anyone interested in learning about braille.(Grades 1-3)

February 6-8, 2009: Looking Good, Feeling Good Girls Weekend

Perkins Campus: During this positive self-image weekend, students will examine their external and internal beauty and well-being.  Students will learn techniques for maintaining proper hygiene and explore appropriate attire for different settings.  Exploration of healthy nutrition, exercise habits, and dining skills etiquette will also be included.
First choice to female students in Boston, Chelsea, Cambridge, and Somerville, but all are encouraged to apply. (Grades 4-8)

February 18-20, 2009: Winter Vacation Museum of Science Program (Wednesday – Friday)

Perkins Campus & Museum of Science: A Camp-In at Boston’s Museum of Science will be the highlight of this winter vacation program.  Students will discover science through educational activities at the museum as well as science experiments on the Perkins Campus. *First choice to Boston Students, but all are encouraged to apply. (Grades 3-6)

March 6-8, 2009: Survival Skills for College Weekend

Perkins Campus: This weekend is for students who plan to attend college after high school.  College life will be explored and tips for organization, transportation, money management, and advocacy will be presented.  Students will have an opportunity to visit a local college and talk with college students with disabilities. (Grades 9-12)

March 20-22, 2009: Transportation Weekend

Perkins Campus: Various forms of transportation will be experienced in and around the Boston area.  Students will gain an understanding of the public transportation system as well as other travel options such as airplanes and boats. (Grades 4-7)

April 3-5, 2009: Girls Creative Arts Weekend

Perkins Campus: Art, music, and dance will be explored during this creative arts weekend for girls.  Activities both on the Perkins campus and in the community will expose students to these various forms of artistic expression. First choice to female students in Boston, Chelsea, Cambridge, and Somerville, but all are encouraged to apply. (Grades 1-3)

April 20-24, 2009: Spring Vacation Theater Program

Perkins Campus: Please see enclosed flyer on the Theater Program. (Grades 8-12)

May 8-10, 2009: Vocational Exploration Weekend

Perkins Campus: Older teens will take an introductory look into the world of work through completing a career interest inventory, exploring career opportunities, participating in simulated job interviews, and learning to budget. *Students applying for the Outreach Summer Employment Program are expected to attend. Weekend open to others as space allows. (Grades 10-12)

May 15-17, 2009: Weekend for Students with Albinism

Perkins Campus: Students who have albinism will have an opportunity to share experiences and form new friendships as they participate in group activities on and off campus.  Parents will also be given the chance to talk with professionals. (Grades 3-8)

May 29-31, 2009: Space Exploration Weekend

Perkins Campus: Astronauts, planets, and space travel will be explored through activities both on the Perkins campus and at local NASA inspired museums and exhibits. *Students applying for the Space Exploration Program in September are expected to attend.  Weekend open to others as space allows. (Grades 4-12)

For more information, contact Kelly Cote, Outreach Activities Coordinator, at 617-972-7867 or via e-mail at Kelly.Cote@Perkins.org.