Discounted Kids' Summer Programs at Ventfort Hall
LENOX, Mass. - To help parents in these difficult economic times, Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum is offering a new “Kids Cultural Stimulus Package” for the “Ventfort Kids Summer Program.” This includes deep discounts on week-long summer programs and the addition of an affordable Day-Only option both sponsored in part by the Dobbins Foundation.“Times are tough, and we want parents to have an opportunity to expose their kids to all we have to offer,” says Executive Director Jeffrey Folmer. “With our recent expansion onto the 2nd floor, other newly-opened rooms, plus 12 acres of grounds to work with, we’ve got plenty of room to welcome more kids. We’ve also expanded our summer programs this year and our new Coordinators are just terrific!”
“Ventfort Kids Summer Program,” open to boys and girls ages 6 to 13, focuses on outdoor adventures and indoor discoveries within two programs: “American Girl® Sessions” and the new nature and arts-based program “Ventfort Goes Wild!” Located in and around the grounds of the magnificent 1893 mansion and its historic arboretum, “Ventfort Kids Summer Program” features a blend of arts, crafts, forestry, history, architecture, landscape design, games, cooking, and just plain fun.
“Ventfort Goes Wild!” is a brand new program that explores arts and ideas that are rooted in history, but alive today, including many art forms inspired by the interests of the Gilded Age. Designed to be both educational and fun, the program allows children to contribute in a lasting way to Ventfort Hall’s mission; for example, by participating in the creation of the Ventfort Arboretum, helping with the forest garden, and designing and shaping a nature path.
The “American Girl® Sessions foster a love of history and build a sense of community through projects, crafts, cooking, games, friendship activities and more! The week will end with a Victorian Tea put on by the girls and of course their dolls are welcome to join in the fun.
Program choices include a week-long option Monday – Friday, from 9:00 to 3:00, or a new day-only option. The discounted prices under the “Kids Cultural Stimulus Package,” sponsored in part by the Dobbins Foundation, are as follows:
Week-Long Full Day is now available at $175 (discounted from $250) and an affordable Day-Only Full Day option has been added at $50 per day. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
The schedule is as follows:
July 13 – July 17 - “Ventfort Goes Wild!” Light and Shadow
July 20 – July 24 - American Girl®
July 27 – July 31 - “Ventfort Goes Wild!” The Gardening Artist
August 3 – August 7 - American Girl®
August 10 – August 14 - “Ventfort Goes Wild!” Texture and Architecture
August 17 – August 21 - American Girl® Goes Outdoors
For detailed program descriptions and a registration form, please visit www.GildedAge.org or call 413-637-3206 or e-mail Dawn Martin at summerprograms@GildedAge.org.
