InsideEXP Issue 2

INSIDE 2026, Issue 02

MIDWAY UPDATE We are almost at the end of the week, and the EXPerience has been filled with nonstop engagement, learning, deep connections, and pure fun. Our students have settled smoothly into life at Deerfield and are diving into out-of-class activities that encourage them to explore fresh interests and build lasting friendships across the entire program.

We have students attempting activities they wouldn’t normally engage in. One of the best things about EXP is that it is a space for middle school students to challenge themselves and take a risk on something that is interesting.

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We’ve seen our students grow noticeably more confident and open every single day.

That energy is palpable across our Clubs, Co-Curriculars, and Leadership in Community (LinC) sessions—all buzzing with creativity, sportsmanship, and collaboration!

INSIDE THIS ISSUE What’s inside this program update: Creative & Passion Clubs Dynamic Co-Curriculars Leadership in Community Mid-Week Field Trip

EXP at Deerfield Academy, Deerfield, MA

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ADVENTURES & CAMPUS LIFE Beyond the Classroom: Fun, Freedom & Friendship In addition to classes, clubs, and cocurriculars, students engaged in DFG, a midweek field trip, and our high-energy AllCamp Game!

These moments outside the traditional schedule are where campus traditions take root, laughter takes over, and lifelong friendships are forged.

All-Camp Game: "The Great Counselor Hunt"

DFG (Dorm, Field, Greer) With a packed schedule that keeps students engaged, DFG provides them with structured downtime. Whether that’s to run errands, read a book, do a puzzle, or go back to the dorm, students can just decompress for a moment between classes. DFG provides the perfect balance of unstructured play, creativity, and relaxation.

This mid-week epic campus-wide showdown took over the entire Athletic Center for The Great Counselor Hunt—a massive, high-stakes fusion of Hide and Seek and rapid-fire challenges!

The Mission: Students teamed up in groups of four to scour the facility, hunting down stealthy, hiding Activity Assistants (AAs) and even our very own EXP Director!

Minute-to-Win-It Mini-Games: Scattered throughout the building were quick, action-packed mini-challenges.

These fast-paced games were designed to be short and sweet, keeping the momentum high while encouraging teams to explore every incredible court, corner, and space the Athletic Center offers.

The Verdict: Between the frantic searching, the quick-thinking challenges, and the triumph of tracking down the sneakiest hiding spots, the night was an absolute blast of strategy, speed, and endless laughter.

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MID-WEEK FIELD TRIP Exploring the Pioneer Valley!

On Wednesday, our students hit the road in groups to explore the rich natural, historical, and cultural surroundings here in Western Massachusetts! With several different destinations on the itinerary, every student embarked on a unique adventure: Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory: Students stepped into a tropical paradise right here in Deerfield, surrounded by thousands of free-flying, colorful butterflies.

Historic Deerfield Walking Tour: A dive into local history, strolling along Old Main Street to discover colonial architecture and regional stories.

Beneski Museum of Natural History: Located at Amherst College, this group explored world-renowned fossil collections, towering mammoth skeletons, and ancient dinosaur footprints.

Sugarloaf Mountain & Yankee Candle Village: Nature lovers tackled a rewarding hike up Sugarloaf Mountain for panoramic views of the Connecticut River Valley, capped off with a fun visit to the iconic Yankee Candle Village.

Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame: Sports fans headed to Springfield to immerse themselves in interactive games and the legendary history of basketball.

It was an incredible day of discovery, teamwork, and local exploration outside the classroom!

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LEADERSHIP IN COMMUNITY (LINC) Leadership in Community Kicks Off with Energy and Teamwork!

Our first Leadership in Community session challenged students to think deeply about what it means to be a leader and the qualities that strong leaders demonstrate.

Through thoughtful discussion, students recognized that leadership is not reserved for a select few, it is something each of them is capable of demonstrating within the EXP community and beyond.

Following the activity, students reflected on their problem-solving process and identified areas for growth in both leadership and communication. The session concluded with students sharing what they hope to learn throughout the year. Their interests included exploring leadership perspectives different from their own, developing confidence in public speaking, learning how to lead and engage a crowd, and strengthening their After laying the foundation for leadership, ability to communicate effectively with new students jumped into a hands-on problem- teammates. solving challenge. Using the Analyze, Brainstorm, Execute, and Assess This first session set an exciting tone for the framework, teams worked together to safely year ahead, and we look forward to transport “toxic waste” (squash balls) from exploring all of these topics, and many one container to another. The challenge more, as our students continue their demanded creativity, communication, and leadership journeys. collaboration, and the room quickly filled with energy and excitement.

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ALL X Students at EXP have already gathered for two memorable All X meetings, our campwide gatherings inspired by Deerfield’s beloved weekly all-school meetings. These energetic sessions bring the entire community together to learn, reflect, celebrate, and have fun.

In our first All X meeting, students explored the concepts of risk-taking and stepping outside their comfort zones. Through thoughtful discussions and activities, they identified challenges they hope to embrace during EXP and considered the fears or uncertainties that can sometimes hold us back. Together, they brainstormed strategies to overcome those obstacles with support from their peers, AAs, and the Leadership Team. The result was an inspiring conversation about courage, growth, and making the most of every opportunity EXP offers.

Our second meeting focused on the EXP core values of Care, Respect, and Integrity.

Students reflected on how these values shape strong character and explored ways they can embody them in their daily interactions

iThey also discussed how to recognize and celebrate peers who demonstrate exceptional character and make positive contributions to the community.

Of course, no All X meeting would be complete without plenty of laughter and school spirit. Students cheered as their AAs donned hilarious costumes to introduce the many club opportunities available this summer and entertained the crowd with an improv performance. The energy continued with a spirited game of Simon Says and a crowd-favorite round of AA Feud, where students tried to predict the most popular answers from surveys completed by their AAs. By combining meaningful conversations with creativity, humor, and communitybuilding, All X meetings have quickly become a highlight of the EXP experience.

We are excited for our next All X meeting on Monday, July 20, which will focus on the power of reflection. As students enter the final week of EXP, they will explore how taking time to reflect on their experiences can deepen learning, strengthen self-awareness, and help turn great experiences into lasting growth.

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CLUB SPOTLIGHTS As a break from our classes, clubs give students the space to explore new passions, express themselves, and build strong bonds across campus. Here is what our club groups have been up to this week:

Cooking and Baking Club with Haley & Lance What an awesome start to our cooking and baking club this summer! Over our first two sessions, our club members have already jumped headfirst into the culinary world with amazing energy and creativity. On Tuesday, we kicked things off by putting a delicious twist on a classic favorite, whipping up customized Rice Krispies treats using a colorful variety of cereals like Fruit Loops, Cocoa Pebbles, Reese’s Puffs, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch. This allowed them to work over an open flame on the stove and get more comfortable in the kitchen, before advancing on to more advanced items.

On Thursday, we took our culinary adventure to the next level with an exclusive behindthe-scenes tour of the brand-new kitchen in the Brick Dining Hall. It was fascinating to see how the chefs work their magic, and we even got to roll up our sleeves and help the kitchen staff prep food and assemble pizzas for Friday's lunch! Our club members have already shown so much enthusiasm, teamwork, and kitchen talent, and we cannot wait to see what delicious creations we master next!

Film Club with Gavin & Jesse Lights, camera, action! On day one of film club, students discussed their favorite films and television shows. We also watched clips of legendary silent film star Charlie Chaplin and discussed various aspects of the scenes and how the plot is conveyed, including framing, camera angles, and the characters’ physicality and emotional states. We then discussed our final project for the club, a silent short film inspired by Charlie Chaplin about a mysterious box that must be delivered from one location to another. We will spend the next two sessions shooting the film around campus, the third day working on editing, and have it ready to go by the final club session on presentation day.

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CLUB SPOTLIGHTS Instant Engineering with Vicky & Sammy Instant Engineering made a thrilling debut at EXP this summer, giving students the chance to think like engineers while creating like artists! Throughout the week, campers tackled hands-on challenges that blended STEM with creativity, encouraging teamwork, problem-solving, and innovation. Teams transformed random materials into imaginative inventions and pitched how their creations could help solve major global challenges like food or water shortages.

Students also designed and built protective capsules for a single egg before putting their engineering skills to the ultimate test with a dramatic third-floor drop from the Koch.

Every challenge inspired collaboration, creative thinking, and plenty of excitement as teams tested ideas, learned from setbacks, and celebrated successes together. In just a few days, the class built an incredible sense of trust, confidence, and team spirit.

Board Game Club with Izzy & Luca This week in board games, we had two meetings, the first of which students split up and played a variety of games like “Life”, “Monopoly”, “Uno”, and “Jenga”. There were also many puzzles available, and the campers jumped at the opportunity to complete some of those. In our second meeting, it was more of the same, but campers branched out a bit, trying “Harry Potter Trivia” and variations of “Monopoly”, as well as building with blocks and Jenga wood to construct various structures and domino lines. In our next couple of meetings, students will draw on this week's experiences and construct a game of their own, using the aspects they like most from the games we have played thus far. We cannot wait to see the creativity, originality, and curiosity displayed while designing games and thinking about how they could be improved

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CLUB SPOTLIGHTS Wilderness with Melody & Julian

Mindfulneess with Tyler & Lila

For the first day, we’re taking the group down to the lower fields, where we'll play some name games and discuss what we enjoy about the wilderness before handing out nets for bug-catching. Then, as a cool-down activity, we'll head to the bank of the Deerfield River, where we'll build cairns (rock towers) and skip stones. For the second day, we're going on a scavenger hunt, walking past Koch and around the small loop while identifying trees by their leaf shapes (we'll hand out sheets showing the different trees of western Massachusetts) and finding flowers and pinecones.

This week in mindfulness, we spent time reflecting on the very fun, but very hectic, beginning of EXP. In the two club meetings we’ve had, we hosted a yoga session followed by a guided shavasana to release any built-up tension. On the second day, we spent time in the Koch Science and Math building to make slime and fidgets to keep their hands busy as they work hard in their classes.

After we return to campus, we'll count each student's items, and the student with the most will get candy. For the third day, we're collaborating with the Self-Care Club and going to the greenhouse. There, we'll teach the kids about how greenhouses work and their impact on the environment. Then, they'll plant seeds and paint pots. As a cool-down activity, we'll discuss how nature is good for mental health and, therefore, self-care.

On the fourth day, we'll venture into a wooded area (we're still undecided on where —maybe near the Flint Museum) and teach the kids how to build shelters. They'll split up into groups and build the best shelter they can in the allotted time. After the timer's up, Melody and I will spray water on the shelters to see how well they hold up. Afterward, if we have time, we'll build a quick fire and make marshmallows for the cool-down activity. For the final day, we'll be preparing a slideshow for the showcase, so we'll likely just be at the quad, throwing frisbees, playing spike ball, and talking about our favorite Wilderness Club activities.

Looking ahead to the week, we have plenty of collabs! We plan to make cookies with motivational messages alongside Cooking Club, and then take a trip to Deerfield’s gorgeous greenhouse with Wilderness Club to learn about the greenery that surrounds us in the valley!

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CO-CURRICULAR ACTION Whether they are creating in the studio or running on the athletic fields, our co-curriculars get students moving and laughing together. It's the ultimate space to build confidence, try fresh activities, and strengthen our community!

Racquet Sports with Lance & Izzy

Arts and Crafts with Tyler & Lila

This past week in Racquet Sports, our students have had a blast honing their skills with a racket. The students have played tennis, squash, pickleball, and table tennis.

For many, it was their first time trying some of these sports, and everyone went into it with an amazing attitude and spirit, all eager to learn. For some of the first-timers, the day started off with the basics of the sport, learning the techniques of different swings and the rules of the game, while some of the more experienced players would start off with rallies to get warmed up. Each day incorporated some fun and friendly competition, with students playing games and mini-tournaments.

The Art and Crafts Co-curricular kicked off its first Thursday by bringing students together through creativity and collaboration.

Students created colorful vision boards using magazine cutouts that reflected their favorite colors, animals, hobbies, and personal interests. Before the activity, everyone participated in a fun partner drawing game that encouraged teamwork, communication, and creativity. On Friday, students explored different artistic styles by creating their own interpretations of famous works inspired by artists such as Picasso, allowing them to learn about artistic inspiration while adding their own unique twist.

On Day 3, everyone played a mini doubles pickleball tournament, which the AAs excitedly joined, and on Day 5, there was a big King of the Court game in table tennis. On some of the hotter days, the group went inside and played squash, competing in mini matches against each other. Every day, the students got involved and not only played the games but also played with respect and sportsmanship, and most importantly, they had a great time while doing it.

Saturday's activity focused on self-portraits, allowing students to express their personalities through original artwork and creative expression. This Thursday, the cocurricular gathered behind the library for a vibrant tie-dye activity, where students transformed plain white T-shirts into colorful works of art that reflected their unique personalities, artistic styles, and creative vision. Throughout each activity, students celebrated imagination, built confidence in their artistic abilities, and strengthened friendships through creativity and collaboration.

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CO-CURRICULAR ACTION Dance with Ellie & Haley What an incredible, high-energy session we have had at dance cocurricular this summer!

Every time our group meets, we kick things off with a full-body stretching and warm-up routine to get our muscles ready and our energy levels up.

Once we are warm, it is time to bring the hype by turning up the volume for some epic Just Dance battles. The absolute crowd favorites this summer have hands down been dancing along to the legendary "Beat It" by Michael Jackson and bringing all the moves to "Juju on that Beat”.

The leaders of the cocurricular are Ellie and Haley, who were both involved in dance during their time at Deerfield and have been teaching the group original Deerfield dance choreography they learned in class and from different showcases. It has been an absolute blast watching them learn the dynamic hip-hop pieces to tracks like "Imma Be" by The Black Eyed Peas, "Low" by T-Pain, and "Trophies" by Young Money.

Watching everyone support each other, catch the beat, and perform these routines with pure confidence has been so rewarding. From the first warm-up to the final performance, these dancers have brought nothing but passion, talent, and unforgettable energy to every single session!

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CO-CURRICULAR ACTION Athletic Conditioning with Luca & Julian Athletic conditioning hit the ground running this week, quite literally. Our first day was a circuit held in the Fieldhouse, where students trained in agility, vertical jumps, and speed, and ended with a fun game of tug-ofwar. The campers challenged each other in events like the 40-yard dash and line sprints, all while maintaining a fun, playful spirit and great enthusiasm. On the second day, we had a track workout planned, but were only able to get through the first couple of drills involving hurdles and cones before the 90° weather took a toll on us. We pivoted quickly, with some members choosing to run various distances, while others jogged over to a nearby field and frolicked under a large sprinkler.

The next day, we trained in the Kravis Wrestling Gym with various weights and calisthenics movements. Kids learned how to control their body weight and handle the stress of small dumbbells and kettlebells.

The next two days consisted of cycling indoors, due to the heat on one day and storms on the other. Students biked anywhere from 6 to 30 miles, and on the second day, they even crafted a fun game around a World Cup semifinal, where various moments of the match were tied to the intensity of the training. With only one session left in the first rotation, we are sad to see the first group go, but know that they have made many great improvements and have shown effort, grit, determination, and a willingness to better themselves.

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CO-CURRICULAR ACTION Team Sports with Vicky, Jesse & Sammy In Team Sports this past week, our students brought plenty of enthusiasm and determination as they rotated through a wide range of activities, including capture the flag, soccer, basketball, volleyball, ga ga ball, hacky sack, and tug-of-war. Each sport introduced a different challenge, giving students opportunities to build skills, stay active, and work together. Whether they were racing across the field for the flag or practicing their basketball shots, they approached every game with effort, teamwork, and positive camp spirit. What stood out most throughout the week was the way students encouraged one another.

Teammates celebrated great plays with high fives, cheered each other on from the sidelines, and shared plenty of laughs during the occasional tumble or missed play. Every day was filled with movement, excitement, and strong sportsmanship. Soccer quickly became a favorite for many students, who asked to play it whenever they could. At the same time, they enjoyed discovering unfamiliar games and were excited to learn new rules and strategies. Other students especially liked the passing and volleying involved in volleyball, and also embraced activities such as gaga ball. Looking back on the week, we are proud of the effort, teamwork, and positive attitude the group demonstrated in every activity.

Swimming with Gavin & Melody In the swimming co-curricular, EXP students have played numerous pool games, as well as enjoyed free swim time with balls and floaties, a welcome escape from the typical Deerfield summer heat. Some of the games have included, What Time is it Mr. Fox?, Marco Polo, Sharks and Minnows, Categories, and Strike a Pose, the latter two of which are played off the diving boards. A couple of our more experienced swimmers have engaged in some more intense swimming exercises on their own, honing their skills and preparing to dominate on their swim teams or on their future triathlons.

We look forward to a few more refreshing days in the pool ahead!

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IMPORTANT DATES & REMINDERS

📸 Daily Photo Updates

📅

Don't miss a single moment! We post fresh photos daily. Check out Big Green Photos and follow us on Instagram to follow the action in real-time!

🔮 Next Week’s Issue

🌐EXP Summer Portal

The EXP Summer Portal is your central hub for accessing all the need-to-know information and important program links without digging through your email inbox or logging into CampDoc.

🗓️ EXP Showcase

Mark your calendars! We are thrilled to invite families to campus for the EXP Showcase on Saturday, July 26th, starting at 1:00 PM! This is your front-row seat to celebrate the incredible products of your students' hard work, creativity, and dedication over these three weeks. From interactive design displays and scientific demonstrations to live performances and creative projects, prepare to be absolutely amazed by what our students have built. We can't wait to share their achievements with you!

On Monday, our next issue will go back to what’s been happening in class. And give you a taste of what to expect for the Showcase.

📞Call Home Schedule

Students will have access to their phones (or campus phones) on Tuesdays at 8:45 PM EST and Fridays at 6:15 PM EST,

📫Want to send a care package?

Mailing Address: Please use this exact format: [Student’s Name] EXP at Deerfield Academy 7 Boyden Ln Deerfield, MA 01342

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