May 18th - 23, 2025
REGISTRATION OPENS SOON!
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT OPENS MARCH 13
Join us for our first ever Learner Endeavor Week at Club Getaway with leadership by Coach James and organized and hosted by our Parent Prisma Community! A blend of school, growth and connection - 6 days, 5 nights and a whole lotta fun! This camp is located in Kent, CT - approximately 90 minutes from NYC and 3 hours from Boston. The cost per learner will be $595. Please see FAQs below for all sorts of answers to your questions!
Upcoming Info Session & Registration
Want to learn more at our upcoming info session and have a chance to ask unanswered questions? Join Coach James on Wednesday, March 12th at 6pmEST.
RSVP for INFO SESSION on MIGHTY under “Virtual Events”
REGISTRATION WILL BE POSTED HERE ON THURSDAY, MARCH 13th.
Who is Coach James?
The first time I remember articulating my purpose in life was within a week of starting at The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina: to positively impact as many kids’ lives as possible. I’ve always kept this in mind throughout my career in education, and it was what ultimately led me to find Prisma.
I’ve learned that teaching is very simple (but not easy), as you only have to do two things: care about your learners, and do your absolute best. These principles (combined with my purpose in life) have led me to observe and teach in hundreds of classrooms in the U.S. and Europe, build some seriously engaging lessons for students, and above all to go above and beyond for my learners and families.
I’m always trying to serve others and learn, as my two core values are teamwork and growth. Whether it’s as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in New Jersey, a small business owner, a Red Cross CPR and First Aid instructor, or a Senior City Counselor at American Legion Jersey Boys State, I always endeavor to help everyone around me do their absolute best.
Every learner needs something different, but every single learner benefits from having a caring mentor push them to achieve something they didn’t know was possible. Some of my most formative experiences in life came while at camp, away from my home but surrounded by caring adults and friends. Even though I struggled initially being away from home, it was overcoming those struggles that opened up so many doors in my life; I want to give learners the opportunity to experience the same empowering, life-changing growth in a safe and challenging space.
One of the best lessons I was ever taught was by my entrepreneur dad was that in order to be successful, you had to ask the question, “What can I do next?” I’m so excited to tell you:
Endeavors are what’s next!
Coach James
“Independence and resilience starts at camp, and the lessons they learn are the foundation for adulthood.”
What’s it like at Club Getaway?
Coach James has taken a group of campers to Club Getaway before, and put together this compilation video of their 4-day trip!
FAQs
What is a Learner Endeavor?
Learner Endeavors are new in this 2024/2025 school year and are led by none other than our extraordinary Coach James. In partnership with Prisma Parent Community - we aim to give our Prisma learners ongoing opportunities for in-person connection several times throughout the year. We anticipate all activities to be in the USA in year one and will aim to rotate these activities throughout the continental USA to make local travel possible for as many learners as possible. We also aim to keep these experiences as affordable as possible. Unlike family meetups, these endeavor weeks are designed to allow learners to be with their peers in-person without the need for their parents to be in attendance while they are at camp. Call it a break for us parents, call it growth for the kids - a win win :)
As Endeavors evolve, our hope is to offer opportunities across different interest areas for unique in-person, in-depth learning opportunities as well as the chance to just accelerate joy and connection amongst our Prisma community.
What is “Club Getaway” - the first Endeavors location?
Club Getaway is a 300 acre camp that will host final Learner Endeavor Week of the year May 18th - 23rd, 2025 located 1.5 hours from New York City in Kent, CT. Club Getaway is an experienced, amazing location that is well-versed in the art of hosting school groups and providing exciting activities run by their trained staff. As this is our first year running learner endeavors - we wanted to pick a location that “had it all” with experienced staff and food offerings - and Club Getaway was at the top of the list in a national search. Club Getaway’s outdoor, educational programs for elementary school, middle school, and high school students emphasize community enrichment and promote unity through overcoming challenges. Guided by experienced camp facilitators, school students learn through engaging with over 40 exciting sports and activities, all while enjoying entertaining events and deliciously healthy meals.
Coach James has also taken a group of students there a few years ago, here’s the compilation video he put together!
Where is “Club Getaway”?
For over 40 years, Club Getaway has welcomed travelers from all over the world to their premier adventure resort, located on a 300-acre, lake-side property in Kent, Connecticut - approximately 1.5 hours from New York City. Club Getaway can be accessed via car and we are currently exploring a secondary option for getting kids to camp by an additional meeting spot at Grand Central Station and train to within 15 minutes of camp where a shuttle can meet our group. Both options will likely be offered but as of July 11th - only in-person drop-off at camp is confirmed as we await shuttle details from Club Getaway.
What is the cost?
The cost for May 18th - 23rd (6 days and 5 nights) is $595. This cost includes lodging, meals, and all activities for one learner.
Will our kids get their school work done while at camp?
Yes! Led by Coach James - our school days will be hosted at the Treetops area on the Club Getaway campus. With the goal of the school week being both productive and inspiring, learners will attend their normal workshops and accomplish their normal weekly workload. This is “camp school” - just like our “home” school at home. We do expect learners to come into the week caught up or ahead of their work - and expect this will be a great motivator for them all. Coach James will also be planning for motivational tools and meetings to help kids stay on track as well in advance of camp. Win. Win.
What is the anticipated daily schedule?
We expect that our days will roughly look like an early morning activity before or after breakfast, school hub during day with lunch, afternoon activities, dinner and then a shared group evening activity like karaoke, campfires, dance parties or trivia, etc. We anticipate that activities during the day will be grouped by age and likely cohort to some extent to accommodate different schedules between HS / MS groups. Lights out at a reasonable time and do it all over again the next day :)
Do you need chaperones?
Yes! We will need a limited number of chaperones and at this time are in good shape to cover this initial group! We always do a mandated online chaperone training (via a certified provider used for all Prisma staff hires) and background checks in advance of camp week. Chaperones will be needed to stay as the parent in the cabin as well as to attend activities provided by Club Getaway with their group as needed. Chaperones will not be required to lead events, cook, clean etc - just be present and a support for our kids if needed or to help them connect to family at home if needed.
What is the food like? What about food allergies?
From Club Getaway’s site: How do you satisfy a bunch of kids at the same time? An all-you-can-eat lunch buffet that’s how. Our chefs develop healthy menus, using fresh ingredients that account for all tastes. Special dietary arrangements are welcome with notice. Club Getaway food info and allergy statement here. If you have a child with severe allergies, we recommend setting up a private time to connect with Coach James to get his input on your specific situation. Since this is our first camp - we are heavily reliant on the Club Getaway staff - and believe parents will know best what is and is not possible for their children.
What kinds of medical care will be available?
Coach James has been a certified Emergency Medical Technician in New Jersey since 2011 and a lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor since 2021. He has extensive experience as a medical director and EMT at day and sleepaway camps (some with as many as 900 campers), an aquatics director, and a first aid and CPR instructor. Whether it’s medication storage/administration or allergy concerns, we will have it covered. After registration we will collect and review medical forms for each learner, and Coach James will happily meet with parents and families to discuss individual medical concerns!
Every learner with an epinephrine autoinjector (Epi-Pen, AuviQ, etc.) or asthma inhaler will have their medication marked with a Medic Mark bag tag and bracelet, provided for free.
What is your policy on phones and computers at camp?
We can’t wait to be at camp and disconnected as much as possible. Phones will not be allowed to be used at camp - however every child attending will have access to call home from their cabin chaperone’s phone and parents will be able to check in with that chaperone so that you know they are succeeding. Kids WILL have access to their computers during school day and will be able to utilize all technology from their computers - so that is certainly another way for them to connect. Our goal is to keep kids safe, present and happy. You can read our phone policy in our learner and parent expectations below.
Can my child fly alone to camp?
Unfortunately, we do not offer any unaccompanied minor travel services or airport pickups. Parents are responsible for getting their learners to camp. Parents have and will continue to support each other in this - so buddying up is encouraged in making things work!
Will my child get to room with their friends?
Each cabin is anticipated to be grouped by age and sex and will not be more than 2 years apart in age at the elementary and middle school level. We want kids to succeed and therefore will make every effort to try to make sure that every child has at least ONE friend in their cabin with them so that they feel supported by a peer in addition to their chaperones. We want everyone to succeed and we want to have an inclusive cabin culture for all. We will ask you to list 4 fellow Prismarians that you child knows to help make this happen. If your child is new to Prisma or does not have a close friend coming to camp - our goal is to make sure that every cabin is a team that is supportive of all in their cabin! :)
When can we officially sign up?
Registration will open Thursday, March 13th. A non-refundable $300 deposit is due within a week of registering. Our parent volunteers will circle back with how to make your final payment on or before May 1, 2025. Because we need to pay for kids in advance, no refunds can be given if your child is not able to attend.
When will payment be due?
By registering your child for camp - you agree to pay 100% of the amount due of $595 for your child to attend camp when billed on or before May 1, 2025. No deposit or pre-payment will be needed at this time but we do expect and need FIRM commitments. No exceptions can be made if your schedule changes and you are not able to attend camp.
Are there any meetings prior to camp for parents?
There will be a pre-camp mandatory meeting for parents and campers approximately two weeks prior to camp. More details and invites to follow for those registered.
How many kids can sign up?
At this time we can support up to approximately 75 campers for our this session. If you can’t make this trip - don’t worry there are many more to come and you should not feel as though you have to make this work! This is one of many opportunities that kids can take advantage of to meet their Prisma peers in person and virtually.
I have more questions - who can I talk to?
Please contact Jenna Walker at jennawalkerandfam@gmail.com on additional questions, etc. regarding camp logistics, schedules, etc. If you have specific medical questions or concerns about your camper’s individual needs and whether camp will be a good fit this fall - please reach out to Coach James at james@joinprisma.org.
Expectations for Learners and Parents
Learners:
We will live by our core values (Teamwork and Growth) for the whole trip, and will apply them in our daily lives.
We will treat each other as teammates at all times. We will help each other grow together.
We are here to grow in each of the Prisma Powers: applied curiosity, initiative & follow through, communication & collaboration, innovator’s mindset.
We will reflect on our growth and progress daily.
We will build good habits and mindsets that we can use for the rest of our lives.
We will use the buddy system at all times.
We will be present and take every opportunity! Therefore we will not have our cell phones with us throughout the week. Here’s why. Phones will be collected upon boarding the bus, then stored in a safe, secure location until it’s time for us to travel home.
The goal of this policy is to ensure that learners will be able to fully engage with the experience and fellow Prismarians in front of them, and grow in their independence. All chaperones and coordinators will have cell phones on them in case of emergencies. All parent communication should go through the lead chaperone or coordinator. Of course learners will be allowed to use an adult chaperone’s phone to call home when needed!
Exceptions will obviously be made for learners with phones tied to medical monitoring devices (such as Type 1 Diabetes).
Learners will have access to their computers during school hours so they can attend workshops, check emails, and complete asynchronous work.
Parents:
We are committed to helping our child grow in independence and the Prisma Powers.
We are committed to providing our child with the space and time to grow.
Many parents’ most formative, memorable experiences in their own childhood took place away from electronic devices. We are endeavoring to provide those same types of experiences to today’s Prismarians in a safe, supportive environment.
We know that this experience may be a significant opportunity for us to grow as well.
If you’ve never done it before, it is challenging to give your child the opportunity to grow independently on their own. But it is in their best interest!
We are ready for our child to have independent experiences in a safe, supportive environment without our direct supervision.
We will attend all pre-trip calls as a family, so we will all be prepared for the amazing experience!
There will be several pre-trip Zoom orientations where questions will be answered and concerns assuaged.