Great Books Summer Program 2026

greatbooks

ng

25

C

summer program ®

bra ele ঞ

YEARS

Exciting & New Programs! on the campuses of

Amherst Haverford Athens Verona & Venice

Stanford Dublin Oxford & Online!

2026

Day and residential programs for middle and high school students!

GreatBooksSummer.com | 203-612-9470

1

WELCOME! JOIN US THIS SUMMER For middle and high school students. One, two, three, or four-week programs.

Great Books & Big Ideas Including a Special Week: Freedom, Government, & Law

Writing Programs

Entrepreneurship Week

Read, discuss, and build critical thinking skills.

Grow as a writer in workshops and experiential programs.

Critical Thinking for Entrepreneurs and Innovators.

NEW!

for 2026

For students entering grades 6-8 and 9-12

For students entering grades 6-8 and 9-12

For students entering grades 9-12

Amherst, Stanford, Haverford, Online

Amherst, Stanford, Online

Stanford

(See also Dublin & Oxford)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Explorers Programs For students entering grades 4-5

LEARN MORE! 2

NEW!

for 2026

Stanford

ABOUT US 25th Anniversary Message...................4 Freedom, Gov, & Law ......................... 4-5 Who We Are ...........................................6-7 Why Great Books ................................ 8-9 Our Faculty ....................................... 10-11

OUR PROGRAMS Great Books & Big Ideas .............. 12-13 Writing Programs ........................... 14-16 Entrepreneurship Week .....................17 Leadership Weeks .......................... 18-19 Literary Travel Programs.............20-21

Leadership Weeks

Literary Travel Programs

Learn to lead Zith conĆdence.

Explore literature and live the experience of iconic literary cities.

For students entering grades 9-12

For students entering grades 9-12

Haverford

Athens, Verona & Venice, Dublin, Oxford

OUR CAMPUSES Amherst Campus............................ 22-23 Stanford Campus............................ 24-25 Haverford Campus ........................ 26-27

OUR TRAVEL CAMPUSES Literary Athens.......................................28 Literary Verona & Venice ...................29 Oxford Writer’s Program ...................30 Literary Oxford ......................................31 Dublin Writer’s Program ....................32

MORE Online Programs....................................33 Calendar....................................................34 Important Information ........................35

LEARN MORE! See all 2026 Programs!

GreatBooksSummer.com | 203-612-9470

3

New Special Week this Summer:

FREEDOM, GOVERNMENT,

Welcome to GBSP’ss unique world d off critical thinking, literature, discussion, writing, leadership, and d summerr fun!

This summerr we are thrilled to be celebratingg ourr 25th yearr with families like yours who have chosen Greatt Books programs forr theirr aspiringg and curious middle and high school students. +RZ WKH WLPH KDV ćRZQ IURP WKDW ĆUVW VXPPHU ZKHQ P\ YHU\ RZQ FKLOGUHQ ZHUH DPRQJ WKH ĆUVW *%63 VWXGHQWV :KLOH RXU programs and campuses have grown, ourr mission remains the same and seems more importantt than ever.

In these challengingg times forr youngg people, Greatt Books continues to be a place where students dream bigg and where lastingg friendships are made. *%63 LV ĆUVW DQG IRUHPRVW D ZHOFRPLQJ DQG LQFOXVLYH FRPPXQLW\ :H YDOXH HDFK DQG HYHU\ VWXGHQW :H YDOXH LGHDV and open discussion. We teach critical thinkingg skillss and respectful listening. We proudlyy practice the artt of civil discourse.

And we have a huge amountt off fun. Reading. Discussion.

'HEDWH (OHFWLYHV LQ 7KHDWHU $UW 0XVLF :ULWLQJ 3RHWU\ 3KLORVRSK\ 3XEOLF 6SHDNLQJ $ORQJ ZLWK *DPHV 3LFN XS 6SRUWV 2SHQ 0LF DQG D 'DQFH 6WXGHQWV KDYH FRPH WR *%63 IURP DOO VWDWHV DQG RYHU countries. Theyy go on to attend some off the top colleges in the 86 DQG WKH ZRUOG 0RVW LPSRUWDQWO\ ZH KHDU IURP VR PDQ\ SDUHQWV DQG VWXGHQWV WKDW *UHDW %RRNV 6XPPHU 3URJUDP KDV EHHQ D VLJQLĆFDQW DQG ODVWLQJ SRVLWLYH LQćXHQFH LQ WKHLU OLYHV both academicallyy and socially. :H ZRXOG EH GHOLJKWHG WR ZHOFRPH \RXU \RXQJ SHUVRQ DQG \RXU IDPLO\ WR *UHDW %RRNV LQ :LWK DOO EHVW ZLVKHV

David D id S. S Ward W d President and Co-Founder

4

ABOUT US

$V WKH WK anniversary of the founding of America approaches, we’re reflecting on the principles that gave birth to our republic.

Celebrating 250 Years You are invited to a very special program honoring our nation’s 250 years and the American tradition of civil discourse.

7RJHWKHU ZHèOO GLYH LQWR WKH ĆHU\ GHEDWHV and bold ideas that forged our democratic republic. What does freedom mean? What is self-government? What makes a just society?

Each and every year at Great Books, we are excited to ignite the same spirit of passionate and productive debate on our own campuses. This summer, we’re thrilled to do so in a powerful, anniversary week of Great Books & Big Ideas – Freedom, Government, & Law. Join us as we strive to honor 250 years of debate, dissent, discovery, and the quest for freedom under law. And be part of carrying that tradition forward into the future.

Experience the Bold Tradition of Oratory, Debate, and Civil Discourse Get ready to step into the heart of history during this once-in-a-lifetime summer celebration on the Amherst campus the week of June 28!

We’ll read and debate the big ideas that launched a nation: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the bold words of thinkers and writers then and later like John Locke, Henry David Thoreau, Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King Jr., and more.

Exciting special electives and guest speakers will bring the themes of freedom, government, and law to life in surprising and inspiring ways.

& LAW

Grow as a Citizen, Leader, and Thinker will learn the following valuable life skills: • Critical Thinking; • Effective Communication; • Active Listening; • Reasoning and Logic; • 6HOI 5HćHFWLRQ • Civic History and Awareness.

NEW!

Most importantly, students learn how to engage thoughtfully in respectful discussion as a path toward the common good.

for 2026

On the campus of Amherst

LEARN MORE!

Noah Rosenblum, JD, PhD Assistant Professor of Law at NYU and Yale Legal History Fellow.

GreatBooksSummer.com | 203-612-9470

5

WHO WE ARE The Great Books Summer Program story EegLQs ZLth our Yery Ćrst sessLoQ EaFk LQ 2002. Three beautiful, sunny days on the hill at Amherst College. There were only 0 students. The Fhildren of the founders, motivated students from their hometowns, and eager kids from around the Fountry on small sFholarshiSs that the founders Srovided.

That Ćrst long weekend was an intelleFtual suFFess. 0inds were Fhallenged. Thinking was stimulated. Fun was had.

Today, we Fall numerous FamSuses home and welFome students from aFross the 8SA and around the globe. We’ve grown in many ways sinFe that Ćrst year. <et, even as our Srograms and Fommunity grow, our roots in family, our small grouS ethos, and our mission remain the same.

Mission Statement The mission of the Great Books Summer Program is to create warm and lively communities of learning where free inquiry, reason, and civil discourse shape critical thinking skills.

We engage with enduring texts of literature and philosophy to discover and explore the great human issues and questions.

We strive for respectful, probing conversation in search of knowledge, insight, and a better understanding of ideas, our neighbors, and ourselves.

Most of all, we invite students to embark on the quest to develop one’s own best thinking.

6

ABOUT US

A Community Built on Respect We are educators, youth mentors, and parents ourselves, and we believe that only through building a community based on mutual respect can we challenge our students to reach their full potential and to ignite the life of the mind.

From the very Ćrst day at GBS3, our students have learned the democratic values of reasoning, asserting one’s views, and Ćnding answers that serve the common good. Being open to the views of others.

Listening without judgement. Seeking truth. Looking for the synthesis of ideas that might lead to something better — a breakthrough in thinking.

7hese are the skills that build conĆdent students, compassionate citizens, and able leaders.

A Bright Future It is with enormous pride that we look out at the thousands of Great Books alums.

After graduating GBS3 they have attended Yale, Amherst, Stanford, Worcester 3olytech, St. -ohn’s, 'artmouth, 8Chicago, Bowdoin, Swarthmore, 8C211, +arvard Law, and many more. Great Books alumni are now scientists, teachers, doctors, playwrights, lawyers, and innovators changing lives across public and private sectors.

We feel privileged to have played a part in their success and look forward to the many generations of students to come.

LEARN MORE!

Time for Fun! At Great Books, we balance academic pursuits with play. Choose from lots of fun activities every day. Field games, museum visits, and hanging out with friends on the quad are just some of the possibilities.

Evening events range from foam sword tournaments, movie night, open mic (talent optional!), mixers, guest speakers, student arts galas, and more! Summer is a time to relax and have fun with new friends too!

GreatBooksSummer.com | 203-612-9470

7

WHY GREAT BOOKS? Gain valuable skills in a prestigious university setting: • %XLOG FULWLFDO WKLQNLQJ DQG DQDO\WLFDO VNLOOV • /HDUQ ZLWK ZRUOG FODVV SURIHVVRUV DQG VFKRODUV • ([SORUH FODVVLF DQG FRQWHPSRUDU\ OLWHUDWXUH • (QJDJH LQ OLYHO\ GLVFXVVLRQ • *DLQ QHZ SRZHUV RI SHUFHSWLRQ DQG VHOI H[SUHVVLRQ • *URZ UHDVRQLQJ ZULWLQJ DQG OHDGHUVKLS VNLOOV • 'HYHORS JUHDWHU FRQĆGHQFH • 0DNH IULHQGV IURP DURXQG WKH ZRUOG )RU WZHQW\ ĆYH \HDUV RXWVWDQGLQJ VWXGHQWV KDYH FRPH WRJHWKHU DW VRPH RI WKH ZRUOGèV PRVW SUHVWLJLRXV XQLYHUVLWLHV IRU WKH *UHDW %RRNV 6XPPHU 3URJUDP /HG E\ WRS SURIHVVRUV DQG GLVWLQJXLVKHG HGXFDWRUV DQG VFKRODUV RXU VWXGHQWV VSHQG WKHLU GD\V HQMR\LQJ WKH NLQG RI LQWHOOHFWXDO H[SHULHQFH PRVW FDQ RQO\ GUHDP RI GXULQJ WKH VFKRRO \HDU

$ 8QLTXH ([SHULHQFH $ UHVLGHQWLDO SURJUDP ZLWK VRPH RQOLQH DQG GD\ SURJUDP VHVVLRQV *UHDW %RRNV JLYHV PLGGOH DQG KLJK VFKRRO VWXGHQWV D WDVWH RI WKH XQLYHUVLW\ H[SHULHQFH LQ D VDIH IXQ DQG VXSHUYLVHG HQYLURQPHQW 7KH\èOO EH SDUW RI DQ LQWHUQDWLRQDO OHDUQLQJ FRPPXQLW\ HQMR\LQJ D FKDOOHQJLQJ FXUULFXOXP HOHFWLYHV DQG VRFLDO DFWLYLWLHV

8

ABOUT US

&ORVH 0HQWRULQJ DQG DQ ,QFOXVLYH &RPPXQLW\ 7KH *UHDW %RRNV OHDUQLQJ FRPPXQLW\ LV RSHQ LQTXLVLWLYH LQFOXVLYH DQG ZDUP (YHU\ VWXGHQW LV PHQWRUHG E\ RXU FDULQJ IDFXOW\ DQG VWDII 2XU XQLTXH FRPELQDWLRQ RI DFDGHPLF ULJRU DQG VXSSRUWLYH HQYLURQPHQW JLYHV VWXGHQWV WKH WRROV DQG FRQĆGHQFH WR SXUVXH WKHLU JLIWV QRZ DQG ZHOO DIWHU VXPPHU KDV HQGHG )RU PDQ\ RI RXU VWXGHQWV WKLV LV WKH ĆUVW WLPH WKH\ KDYH FRPH WRJHWKHU ZLWK \RXQJ SHRSOH ZKR DUH HTXDOO\ SDVVLRQDWH DERXW UHDGLQJ DQG WKH GLVFXVVLRQ RI LGHDV $V D

UHVXOW VWXGHQWV SXVK WKHPVHOYHV WR WDNH WKH DFDGHPLF ULVNV WKDW IRVWHU PHDQLQJIXO JURZWK 6WXGHQWV HQFRXUDJH HDFK RWKHU DQG TXLFNO\ ERQG WR IRUP ODVWLQJ IULHQGVKLSV

(YDOXDWLRQ 8SRQ VXFFHVVIXO FRPSOHWLRQ RI WKH SURJUDP VWXGHQWV ZLOO UHFHLYH D &HUWLĆFDWH RI &RPSOHWLRQ DQG DQ (YDOXDWLRQ /HWWHU 7KHVH OHWWHUV SURYLGH GHWDLOHG LQVLJKW LQWR HDFK VWXGHQWèV DFFRPSOLVKPHQWV WKURXJKRXW WKH SURJUDP DQG DUH D JUHDW DGGLWLRQ WR D FROOHJH RU ERDUGLQJ VFKRRO DSSOLFDWLRQ

A Unique Methodology: Teaching by Asking Questions Build Skills through Shared Inquiry Great Books Summer Program students explore important ideas through the time-honored teaching method of Shared Inquiry. Dating back to the days of Socrates, Shared Inquiry is teaching by asking questions. It encourages in each student the habit of close, rećective, analytical reading and critical thinking. It also teaches empathy and communication skills as students engage together in probing dialogue, in civil discourse, about the big ideas that shape our lives and world.

Develop as a Thinker Participants develop the ability to home in on key concepts and more readily understand the subtleties in literature and in life. The Socratic approach makes students stronger and more rigorous thinkers. They learn to reason and build arguments supported by evidence, the foundation of good writing. It makes articulate communicators who are better prepared to thrive in increasingly competitive universities and careers.

Grow as a Leader Whether students aspire to a future in the humanities, STEM, or both, the skills gained at Great Books are excellent preparation for leadership roles across disciplines. In fact, some of our greatest success stories come from Great Books alumni in STEM Ćelds, law, Ćnance, business, and medicine as they embark on exciting careers!

“Great Books has been and continues to be, my first choice for families looking for summer enrichment programs.”

— A. Levia, Educator

LEARN MORE!

GreatBooksSummer.com | 203-612-9470

9

Meet many more renowned faculty on our website!

©

OUR FACULTY Dr. Ilan Stavans, LewisSebring Professor of Humanities, Latin American and Latino Cultures at Amherst. Co-founder of GBSP.

Dr. Steve Volk, Professor of History Emeritus at Oberlin College and Director of Center for Innovation & Excellence.

Dr. Noah Rosenblum, JD, Assistant Professor of Law at New York University and Yale Legal History Fellow.

Dr. Amos Rothschild, Associate Professor of English at St. Thomas Aquinas College and graduate of Yale, Fordham, and BU.

Dr. Wes Alcenat, Assistant Professor of History and Africana Studies at Scripps College. Associate Fellow at Harvard.

Dr. Michael Harrington, Assistant Professor in the Dept. of English and Faculty Fellow at New York University.

Dr. Amelia McConville, graduate of Trinity College Dublin’s School of English and the Institute of Neuroscience.

Dr. Irina Troconis, Assistant Dr. Jacob Burg, lecturer Professor of Latin American in the College of Arts and Studies at Cornell and Sciences’ Writing Program graduate of NYU, at Boston University and Cambridge, and Amherst. graduate of Brandeis.

10

ABOUT US

Dr. Eve Houghton, Research Fellow at St. John’s College, Cambridge University and graduate of Yale.

Dr. Margaret Boyle, Associate Professor of Romance Languages and Literatures at Bowdoin College.

Mitchell Pinkowski, Honors Faculty in the Department of English at Merrimack College.

THE GREAT BOOKS DIFFERENCE Distinguished Faculty Every Great Books session, online and on campus, is led by distinguished faculty from the Ćnest educational institutions in the country. Our faculty members are prize-winning authors, scholars, and professors dedicated to sharing their passion for literature and ideas with our students. Imagine your son or daughter participating in a discussion on Don Quixote, led by Professor Ilan Stavans, whom the New York Times described as “The czar of Latino culture in the U.S.” or spending lunch discussing Walt Whitman with a PhD candidate teaching undergraduates at Princeton. At Great Books, we give students a true taste of university life both by living on campus and by gaining valuable learning experience with educators from esteemed universities.

Mentors and Scholars

Program Assistants Each summer we bring together a very select group of outstanding undergrad and graduate students through a competitive nationwide search for Program Assistants (PAs). Counselors are chosen from scores of applicants based upon their academic excellence, intellectual enthusiasm, outgoing personality, maturity, and experience in working with younger people.

Special Guests Every summer, award-winning and passionate intellectual leaders from many Ćelds of endeavor visit us to share their stories and invaluable insights with our community. Great Books students enjoy lectures and talks with writers, including Pulitzer Prize winners and others from the worlds of literature, publishing, Ćlm, the arts, and beyond.

A powerful addition to our core curriculum, these weekly guest speaker events are a unique opportunity for Great Books students to ask questions and get answers from inspiring luminaries. See featured guests on back cover.

Children’s book author-illustrator and character designer, Pearl AuYeung talks with a student about publishing.

The Program Assistants help facilitate discussions, mentor students academically, and organize fun indoor and outdoor activities. Each Program Assistant is assigned to a “pod,” a small group of students on their dorm ćoor. PAs lead informal evening reading sessions, assist their students with daily camp life, supervise, and help ensure that everyone has a wonderful experience.

Our staff hails from universities like Yale, Amherst, Wesleyan, Columbia, UChicago, Tufts, Swarthmore, St. John’s, Brown, Stanford, Oxford, and more. They bring diverse talents and a shared love of literature and intellectual exploration.

Exceptional role models for Great Books students, our Program Assistants have included Rhodes and Fulbright Scholars, Latin translators, philosophy majors, blossoming novelists, rugby stars, guitarists, debate team members, actors, musicians, artists, and entrepreneurs.

“It would be easier to describe the PAs with a string of adjectives: wonderful, fun, inventive, hilarious, helpful, understanding, nice, friendly, supportive…and great in every way!”

— Emily, Lamoine, ME

GreatBooksSummer.com | 203-612-9470

11

GREAT BOOKS & BIG IDEAS Our traditional Great Books & Big Ideas programs are the backbone of summer at Great Books. Day and residential programs for rising grades 6-8 and grades 9-12 are on multiple campuses as well as online.

With literature and philosophy as the catalysts for lively seminars, Great Books students embark on an amazing intellectual journey. It is designed to challenge and support curious minds and prepare them to take command of their own best thinking and powers of expression.

Great Books Summer Program delivers excellent preparation for college classes, for the life skill of thinking well on one’s feet, and for the SAT Reading and Writing section.

12

PROGRAMS

Our Curriculum: New Readings Every Week

Read and Discuss Great Books and Big Ideas Each morning, students gather for two exciting seminars led by our distinguished Academic Directors, who are professors, educators, and scholars. Great Books Academic Directors are typically from top universities like Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Oberlin, Amherst, Cornell, Oxford, Columbia, and others. Seminars focus on short selections of literature that students have read together the prior evening in their pod of 6-8 students. Pods are guided by a dedicated Program Assistant, a carefully chosen college or grad student with a passion for literature, commitment

The Great Books Summer Program curriculum is carefully shaped by our Academic Directors. They choose enduring texts that are superbly suited for scrutiny and analysis, require deep understanding, and inspire lively conversation.

to mentoring, and a desire to foster an intellectual community of middle or high school students.

Every session delivers new academic content — new readings and themes packed with thought-provoking materials.

Discussion invariably raises big questions like, “What does it mean to live a good life?,” “What do I owe my neighbor?,” and, “What must we do in the face of injustice?”.

Questions arise naturally from the close examination of the text at hand. Students learn to use the textual evidence to shape their thoughts. Subsequent smaller breakout groups are open forums for deeper discussion.

Prior weekly themes have included “Books that Changed the World.” From Sun Tzu’s Art of Warr to The American Constitution.

From Samuel Johnson to Pablo Neruda.

From Silent Springg to How the Other Half Lives. In this journey across time, genre, and culture, we examine the power of literature to shape communities, movements, and even nations.

Regardless of which campus and sessions students attend, the themes and selections are sure to foster intriguing questions and rewarding discussions!

Great Books & Big Ideas A typical day in our residential program 8:00 am

Breakfast

8:40 am

Morning Meeting

9:00 am

Seminar: Plato’s Republic

10:00 am Break 10:15 am Seminar: Borges’ The Aleph and Magical Realism 11:15 am Discussion Group 12:15 pm Lunch 1:00 pm

Special Elective: Slam Poetry

The Great Books Summer Program high school program provides students the opportunity to hone their critical thinking, analytical skills, and intellectual risk-taking.

Students take command of their own best thinking and powers of expression.

Advanced reading selections lead to exciting discussions and debates.

2:00 pm

Art Elective (art, music, theater, and creative writing)

This is excellent preparation for seminarstyle college classes, for the life skill of thinking well on one’s feet, and in no small measure, for the evidence-based reading and writing portion of the SAT. Program attendees also meet with professors and students from top universities to discuss college choices and experiences.

Successfully completing a program of this caliber is an honor to note on college applications.

Middle School Program

High School Program

For younger students, the Great Books Summer Program is often a time of intellectual awakening, as their own personal powers of critical thinking and perception blossom. Through expertly led discussions, young minds learn how to make connections between the themes and scenes of great literature and the world.

We help students gain confidence and find their own voices to share their ideas.

In addition to developing reasoning and self-expression skills, students develop their ability to listen carefully and consider the views of others. The result is a more thoughtful young person who is better able to articulate opinions based on evidence and who possesses the confidence to be heard and to lead.

4:00 pm Free Time: Campus Tour, Field Games

On the campuses of Amherst, Stanford, Haverford, and Online.

LEARN MORE!

5:30 pm

Dinner

6:15 pm

Reading Time

7:00 pm

Scavenger Hunt

8:00 pm

Guest Speaker: Lois Lowry

9:30 pm

Pod Reading and Discussion

Day Program drop-off is at 8:30 am and pick-up at 5:30 pm.

Lunch is provided.

New! Special Week: Freedom, Government, & Law. See pages 4-5.

GreatBooksSummer.com | 203-612-9470

13

WRITING PROGRAMS Writer’s Workshop A typical day in our residential program 8:00 am

Breakfast

8:40 am

Morning Meeting

9:00 am

Craft Seminar: Time, Voice

10:30 am Break 10:45 am Guided Writing 12:00 pm Lunch

Now in their 11th year, our Writing Programs have grown! We’ve expanded to include day and residential Writer’s Workshops for rising grades 6-8 and grades 9-12 on both coasts and online too. And we’ve also added a brandnew experiential Berkshires Writer’s Adventure for rising grades 9-12.

Emphasizing creativity and skill building, all our Writing Programs place students in small groups led by our expert faculty of professional writers and university writing instructors.

Student writers come away with new ideas, more advanced skills, and a refined sense of their own voice.

See our Dublin and Oxford Writer’s Programs too!

14

PROGRAMS

1:00 pm

Writing Track

3:15 pm

Special Elective: Poe’s Short Stories

4:30 pm Free Time: Campus Tour, Field Games 5:30 pm

Dinner

6:15 pm

Reading/Writing Time

7:30 pm

Guest Speaker: Sarah Kay

9:30 pm

Pod Time

Write with Us in These Exciting Programs Writer’s Workshop A blend of instruction from faculty, writing, and small-group intensive workshopping.

High school students can choose to concentrate on personal essays, Ćction, writing for screen or gaming, basic effective writing, and more.

Berkshires Adventure Focused on creativity, this experiential program combines learning technique, abundant writing time, and visiting the settings that inspired literary greats.

Dublin & Oxford Writer’s Programs The perfect mix of writing instruction and unforgettable cultural exploration in the cities that inspired the likes of Joyce, Wilde, Tolkien, Shakespeare, and more.

Great Books and Big Ideas Electives Afternoon creative writing electives offer additional opportunity to build writing skills.

Berkshires Schedule Mornings and most evenings are spent similarly to our Writer’s Workshop days.

Afternoons in our Berkshires Writer’s Adventure take students out and about to visit and spend dedicated writing time in inspiring literary destinations.

Writer’s Workshop Create, Grow, and Find Your Voice Led by an expert faculty, Writer’s Workshop is a welcoming space for beginners and advanced young writers alike. Days begin with a craft seminar with creative prompts to practice new techniques.

Afternoons feature small-group, intensive workshops led by faculty writers. Students share and critique their work with peers to learn to recognize and implement opportunities for reĆnement.

Evenings include games, guest speakers, free time to connect with new friends, and other special activities. The week culminates with a celebratory “coffeehouse” gathering on Friday evening where students read selections from their work.

The Writer’s Workshop Middle School Program, for rising grades 6-8, gives students the opportunity to try their hand at a variety of genres. Students explore poetry, short stories, creative essays, and more. They learn tips to overcome writer’s block and practice giving and receiving constructive, literary criticism.

In the Writer’s Workshop High School Program, for rising grades 9-12, students choose one of the following program tracks for the afternoon workshop: Fiction: Focuses on key elements of prose Ćction like point of view, the play and pause of time, character and world building, dialogue, and more.

Non-Fiction/Personal Essays: Explores the art of the personal essay, including structure, expression, vivid description, and more. Great for cultivating skills to write a powerful admissions essay.

New! Effective Writing: From correspondence to classroom papers, this new track focuses on writing skills applicable to school and life. Especially useful for becoming a stronger academic writer in preparation for advanced high school classes.

Poetry: Explores poetic language and verse, including but not limited to cadence, rhythm, form, visual texture, and meaning.

Screenwriting: Dives into the world of writing screenplays, including characterbuilding, story development, voice, and dialogue for the screen as well as screenplay form.

New! Journalism: Introduces writing across print, digital, and broadcast media.

Journalistic reporting through research, interviewing, ethics and integrity in journalism, and more.

On the campuses of Amherst, Stanford, and Online.

LEARN MORE!

New! Writing for Video Games: Explores the fundamentals of narrative, dialogue, and world-building speciĆc to the genre such as dynamic dialogue that evolves with player choices, the non-linear narratives often required for game design, and more.

Not all tracks available every session.

GreatBooksSummer.com | 203-612-9470

15

Berkshires Writer’s Adventure Experience Literary Magic Get inspired and write in the serene and majestic Berkshires and surrounding area where so many famous authors created their own literary masterpieces. Anchored at Amherst College, this Writer’s Adventure features visits to iconic literary places along with plenty of dedicated writing time.

The Berkshires Writer’s Adventure includes the study of the technique and key texts of local authors combined with an abundance of focused writing time to create original works. Experiential and fun, this program is crafted to sharpen skills, cultivate imagination, and spur creation. And, of course, there will be time for hang outs with new friends and summer fun too!

On the campus of Amherst

LEARN MORE!

16

PROGRAMS

Inspiring Authors & Destinations In addition to visits to Amherst writers’ haunts, students will travel to and write at places like The Mount, Edith Wharton’s famed estate, and Arrowhead, the home of Herman Melville. Explore the locale where William Cullen Bryant, Robert Frost, W.E.B. Du Bois, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and others lived and worked!

Students get a glimpse into the lives and the creative processes of these literary heroes, sparking inspiration and igniting imagination. The hideaways and homes of famed writers, Ćlled with personal artifacts and stories, create a connection that transcends time.

The tranquil setting and plentiful time for writing each day set the stage perfectly for creativity. As students tour and write in these special spaces, they feel a sense of possibility, realizing that their own stories are waiting to be told.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP & INNOVA ATION

Dr. Peter Temes

Dr. Andrew V. Sanchez

Peter Temes, PhD, Innovation and Thought Leader, is founder and president of ILO Institute. He has led initiatives for NASA, Disney, GM, and small and new businesses too.

Andrew V. Sanchez, PhD, is the cofounder and CEO of AI music platform Udio. He is a GBSP Alumnus as well as a graduate of Harvard and Oxford.

Critical Thinking for Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Each daily seminar is crafted to spark creativity while strengthening the ability to use evidence, logic, insight, and intuition to tackle complex problems. Students will also manage an entrepreneurial project.

And explore seminal ideas of key economic thinkers like Adam Smith, John Locke, and Milton Friedman.

Step into a world of bold ideas, imaginative problem-solving, and groundbreaking possibilities. This immersive program is designed to spark creativity while building the skills that drive visionary thinking.

Through engaging case studies from Harvard Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business, and other sources, students dive into real-world challenges that demand fresh solutions and bold imagination.

Whether students are aiming for biotech breakthroughs, launching a start-up, leading an NGO, or making a difference as a small business, this is the program for those who dream of starting their own enterprise.

Dream big, experiment with ideas, and experience how innovation comes alive.

NEW!

Reimagine Challenges as Possibilities:

for 2026

Entrepreneurship students carry forward a powerful way of thinking that fuels FUHDWLYLW\ FRQĆGHQFH DQG LPSDFW Students learn these skills: • to think creatively; • to problem-solve; • to apply logic and reasoning; • to value hands-on work and resilience; • to strategize solutions; • to visualize a start-up.

On the campus of Stanford

LEARN MORE!

Space is veryy limited!

GreatBooksSummer.com | 203-612-9470

17

LEADERSHIP WEEKS For an aspiring leader acTuiring strong strategic thinking reasoning and persuasiYe skills can be a breakthrough in their current education conĆdence leYels Paturity and life-preparation. 6trong leadership skills are an adYantage for life in school career and social life.

Two back-to-back, powerful weeks!

Space is extremely limited. Join us for one or both of two highly efĆcient one-week iPPersiYe leadership prograPs on the caPpus of +aYerford

Week #1: Reasoning and Persuasive Skills for Leaders Following last year’s hit debut and back with all new content to grow and deepen skills ,n this highly eIĆcient iPPersiYe prograP participants learn to take their critical thinking and personal powers of analysis and self-expression to new peaks.

Students will learn and nurture these skills and techniques: • to always project their own best reasoning; • to call on the courage to do so; • to speak persuasiYely and with dynaPisP; • to Ćnd and create consensus; • to understand the techniTues of teaP building; • to eYaluate when to hold their ground and when and how to coPproPise; • to succeed by bringing others along.

By letting others win too. $ uniTue blend of liYely skill-building sePinars actiYe debates and hands-on projects helps participants synthesize new skills. Fun iPproPptu challenges put learning to the test giYing participants real-life practice in probleP solYing and thinking on their feet.

18

PROGRAMS

NEW!

for 2026

Week #2: Strategic Thinking for Leaders Are you able to “Think Big”? To see and “get” the Big Picture? Are you fascinated by strategy in geo-politics, business, sports, games, and more? Can you summon the vision and disciplined thinking to bring a powerful idea to fruition?

In this dynamic week, Professor Schumacher will guide us as we come to deeply understand the challenges, long odds, and ultimate triumphs of real-life heroes and visionaries.

Case studies, compelling historical accounts, and expert guests will inform and inspire participants as they learn what it takes to turn analysis and reason into a long-term strategic win.

Dr. Leslie Rogne Schumacher Led by Leadership Innovator, Leslie Rogne Schumacher, Harvard Kennedy School of Government and previously the UPenn Wharton School of Business Faculties.

Professor Schumacher has innovated the teaching and coaching of leadership skills across multiple disciplines and student and executive groups, most recently with MBA students at the Wharton School. He is an expert in the arts and skills of reasoning, rhetoric, public speaking, and debate.

Students will learn these techniques and skills: • to achieve big-picture thinking; • to marshal the courage to pursue a lofty goal; • to pitch an idea and lead a meeting; • to anticipate obstacles and opportunities; • to design a roadmap to long-term success.

On the campus of Haverford

LEARN MORE!

3DUWLFLSDQWV ZLOO ćH[ WKHLU GHYHORSLQJ critical thinking skills for Strategy in practical applications of strategic decisionmaking in real-world scenarios. Interactive problem-solving exercises and a group project turn learning into action. This is a week not to be missed!

GreatBooksSummer.com | 203-612-9470

19

LITERARY TRAVEL PROGRAMS Open to students in rising grades 9–12.

These intentionally smaller programs combine exploration, adventure, and academics to create a once-ina-lifetime experience. Students take part in two seminars and small group discussions each academic day.

Excursions and outings are planned to ensure that students have a rich experience of the host campus and locale.

Create Your Literary Grand Tour Athens, Verona & Venice, Oxford, Dublin )iYe cities in ĆYe ZeeNs :e are headed to Europe this summer, and you’re invited to Moin us &hoose one, tZo, three, four, or all Ćve ZeeNs and build your literary travel adventure of a lifetime Literary Travel Programs include a dynamic mix of lively seminars, cultural exploration, and lots of fun :e striNe the perfect

20

PROGRAMS

balance Zith time each day devoted to Shared Inquiry seminars and discussions aimed at building critical thinNing, reasoning, and close reading sNills The experience is enhanced by Zell supervised daily excursions into the dazzling local sights, sounds, and iconic cultural landmarNs of the host cities

A :arm &ommunity At *reat %ooNs, Ze are committed to providing a safe, fun, and engaging

environment Zith plenty of opportunity for students to interact outside of classes. *reat %ooNs Travel programs alloZ students the chance to engage Zith the literature and the local landscape to have an enriching learning and cultural experience. :hile some students come Zith a friend, the vast maMority come alone, so Ze give special attention to helping campers connect and build lasting friendships.

Literary Travel Travel & Supervision Students joining our travel programs may arrange their own ćights around recommended itineraries. Chaperoned ground transportation is available to and from the speciĆed airports for all abroad programs. Students attending multiple programs can be chaperoned to the airport, through security and brought to campus on Saturday to enjoy an early taste of the excitement ahead. Meals are included in the Saturday stay. Travel insurance is available and recommended.

Great Books offers the best of summer camp and travel. Students at Great Books are assigned to pods which are comprised of several students and one college-aged Program Assistant. Living in the hall with the students, Program Assistants are involved in every aspect of the students’ day. They accompany students on and off campus and provide academic mentoring. In addition, the dedicated administrative team provides additional supervision, support, and leadership.

Evaluation Letter Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive an Evaluation Letter.

A great addition to college applications, these letters provide information regarding course material covered and detailed insight into each student’s personal and academic accomplishments throughout the program.

A typical day in our program 8:00 am

Breakfast

8:40 am

Morning Meeting

9:00 am

Seminar: Shakespeare’s Sonnets

10:00 am Break 10:15 am Seminar: Tolkien’s The Fellowship of the Ring 11:15 am Discussion Group 12:15 pm Lunch from Taylors 1:00 pm

Punting on the Thames

2:15 pm

Explore Christ Church College and Meadow

4:45 pm Reading Time 6:00 pm

BBQ dinner on the terrace

7:00 pm

Bram Stoker/Dracula Tour

9:30 pm

Pod Time

In Athens, Verona & Venice, Oxford, and Dublin.

LEARN MORE!

GreatBooksSummer.com | 203-612-9470

21

On the campus of

AMHERST COLLEGE

Amherst College, founded in 1821, is widely regarded as one of the finest liberal arts colleges in the world. Home of the nation’s first undergraduate neuroscience program, Amherst is located in western Massachusetts, close to the beautiful Berkshires.

With an endowment of more than $3.5 billion, Amherst’s academic and athletic facilities, including the Mead Art Museum and Robert Frost Library, are among the best in the nation.

Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts Great Books Summer Program is thrilled to return to our inaugural campus for our 25th year. Here, on the paths that Emily Dickinson once walked and on the lawns where Robert Frost once taught, Great Books students are guests at one of the most beautiful campuses in America.

22

CAMPUSES

Academics The Great Books Summer Program at Amherst will include our Great Books & Big Ideas program including our special Freedom, Government, and Law week and both our Writer’s Workshop and Berkshires Writer’s Adventure.

We will revel in the rich literary heritage of New England and look back to the classics and broadly to world literature too.

Discussions at Great Books at Amherst often spring from the writings of Whitman, Hawthorne, Locke, the Greeks, American founding documents, Frederick Douglass, Emily Dickinson, Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, and Ursula Le Guin. Every week’s curriculum is unique, and with Writing Programs too, it is exciting to stay for multiple sessions!

Residential & Day Programs Rising grades 6-8 and 9-12 FREEDOM, GOVERNMENT, & LAW June 28 – July 4 GREAT BOOKS & BIG IDEAS PROGRAM July 5 – July 11 July 12 – July 18 BERKSHIRES WRITER’S ADVENTURE July 5 – July 11 WRITER’S WORKSHOP PROGRAM July 12 – July 18 (high school only) July 19 – July 25 Combine programs for a two, three, or four-week experience!

GreatBooksSummer.com | 203-612-9470

23

On the campus of

STANFORD UNIVERSITY

With its palm trees, breathtaking views of the Santa Cruz mountains, Spanish architecture and sunny 70-degree days, Stanford University is an idyllic setting. The 8,000-acre campus is one of the most beautiful in the country, and one of the largest in the world, offering carefully crafted residential and academic spaces for study and comfortable California living. Stanford University opened its doors in 1891 and has been considered one of the finest American universities ever since.

It is often cited as the intellectual incubator of Silicon Valley and the tech industry.

NEW!

for 2026

See our new

Explorers Programs For students entering grades 4-5

LEARN MORE!

24

CAMPUSES

Stanford University, Palo Alto, California In 2026, we are pleased to launch our 22nd year as guests on the campus of Stanford University. Here, amongst the majestic California palms, young people from around the world gather to experience reading, discussion, and life on the campus of one of the great universities of the world.

Academics The Great Books Summer Program at Stanford will include our Great Books & Big Ideas program as well as our Writer’s Workshop and exciting new Entrepreneurship Week.

Faculty sponsor, Professor Rob Reich, typically joins us for one of the highlight seminars of the program. And distinguished visiting Academic Directors offer one-

week explorations into literature, critical thinking, and writing skills.

The curriculum at Stanford tends to feature world literature, thus Borges and Murakami might join the Greek and Roman classics, American writers, and the European philosophers. Every week’s curriculum is unique. It is exciting to stay for multiple sessions.

Residential & Day Programs Rising grades 6-8 and 9-12 WRITER’S WORKSHOP PROGRAM June 28 – July 4 GREAT BOOKS & BIG IDEAS PROGRAM July 5 – July 11 July 12 – July 18 ENTREPRENEURSHIP July 12 – July 18 Combine programs for a two or three-week experience!

GreatBooksSummer.com | 203-612-9470

25

On the campus of

HAVERFORD COLLEGE

Founded in 1823, Haverford is one of the country’s top liberal arts colleges.

While now a non-sectarian college, Haverford is deeply rooted in the Quaker values of integrity, truth, peace, and equality. This prestigious school has been ranked 7th among liberal arts colleges in America and 8th of all small colleges in America. Even as a small institution, the college has produced many distinguished alumni including five Nobel Prize laureates, six Pulitzer Prize winners, 85 Fulbright Scholars, 20 Rhodes Scholars, 69 Watson Fellows, five MacArthur Fellows, and 27 Guggenheim Scholars.

Haverford College, Haverford, Pennsylvania

26

CAMPUSES

We are excited to once again be on the campus of Haverford College. At this historic campus, students will enjoy 200 acres of award-winning architecture and landscape, including a nationally recognized arboretum, a 3.5 acre duck pond, and beautiful gardens. Just outside of Philadelphia, this dynamic college is known for its academic rigor.

Academics Our summer at Haverford will include Great Books & Big Ideas and Leadership Weeks.

In our two weeks of Great Books & Big Ideas, we will celebrate the classics and philosophy, including American literature and world literature. John Updike, Rachel Carson, James Baldwin, Aeschylus, Gabriel Mistral, and Albert Camus are just some of the many writers we may read.

Our two back-to-back Leadership Weeks for high school students will kick off with Reasoning & Persuasive Skills for Leaders.

A favorite last year, this week is back with all new content to build and deepen skills.

We will also learn the skills to achieve bigpicture thinking and design a roadmap to success in our brand new dynamic Strategic Thinking for Leaders week. Case studies with real-world scenarios, interactiveproblem solving, and group projects turn learning into action.

Residential & Day Programs Rising grades 6-8 and 9-12 GREAT BOOKS & BIG IDEAS PROGRAM July 26 – August 1 August 2 – August 8 LEADERSHIP WEEKS July 26 – August 1 August 2 – August 8 Combine programs for a two-week experience!

GreatBooksSummer.com | 203-612-9470

27

LITERARY ATHENS Dr. Eleni Fassa Associate Professor at the University of Thrace and Harvard Hellenic Studies Fellow, Eleni Fassa, PhD, lives in Athens and is a researcher, author, and historian.

Athens, Greece We are thrilled to return to Athens, Greece, this summer! Where better to read, explore, and engage in the life of the mind than in the birthplace of Socrates and so many other great thinkers!

Travel & Cultural Exploration Students spend mornings taking part in lively Shared Inquiry seminars and discussions both in the classroom and in the very places renowned philosophers and thinkers challenged themselves and their ancient audiences as they grappled with the formation of a first democracy.

Residential Program Rising grades 9-12 LITERARY TRAVEL ADVENTURE PROGRAM June 28 – July 4 Combine with other Literary Adventures for a multi-week experience!

28

TRAVEL CAMPUSES

Local faculty will bring knowledge and deep expertise in the history and culture of ancient Athens. Our curriculum will be replete with foundational Greek texts and world literature including works by Plato, Aeschylus, Homer, and more. All readings and discussion are in English.

Daily outings will include Greece’s mustsees like the majestic Parthenon. The vast Temple of Zeus, once the grandest sanctuary in the ancient world. And the storied Ancient Agora of Athens. We may wander through the tranquil ruins of Delphi, explore the treasures spanning millennia housed in Athens’ museums, and even escape to watch the sun set at the Temple of Poseidon.

LITERARY VERONA & VENICE Dr. Frank Leahy An expert in Shakespearean literature, Professor Frank Leahy received his PhD from Trinity College Dublin where he now teaches in the School of English.

Verona & Venice, Italy New for Summer 2026, we are heading to beautiful northern Italy! Staying in historic Verona, renowned as the setting for several Shakespearean plays and once home to 'ante we will visit the ćoating city of Venice too!

Culture, Arts, & Academics A delightful blend of excellent literature and the best of Italy and the thriving cultural centers of Verona and Venice. Throughout the program, students will be immersed in the sights, sounds, and history of Italy as they experience Italian culture.

Tales of gladiators, artists, Romeo and Juliet, and the famed canals and gondolas of Venice offer a breathtaking look into the past. Each afternoon, students will take part in Shared Inquiry seminars and discussion inćuenced by the rich history of our locale and the big questions that it inspires us to explore about family, rebellion, and truth.

Mornings and evenings will include exploration of the ancient grandeur of these incredible cities. Outings may include the imposing fortress and rich collection of art of the Castelvecchio. The best-preserved Roman amphitheater in the world, the Arena di Verona. Renaissance garden, Giardino Giusti. And the lively Piazza delle Erbe. All discussion and reading in English.

Residential Program Rising grades 9-12 LITERARY TRAVEL ADVENTURE PROGRAM July 5 – July 11 Combine with other Literary Adventures for a multi-week experience!

GreatBooksSummer.com | 203-612-9470

29

OXFORD WRITER’S PROGRAM Dr. Ilan Stavans

Lewis-Sebring Professor of Humanities, Latin American and Latino Cultures at Amherst College, Publisher of Restless Books, GBSP Co-Founder, renowned author, critic, and more. Dr. Stavans has received many awards including a Guggenheim Fellowship and Latino Literature Prize.

Somerville College, Oxford, England Anchored at Somerville College, one of the constituent colleges of University of Oxford, this one-week program gives students the opportunity to let the extraordinary literary history of Oxford and England inspire their writing.

Writing & Cultural Exploration Oxford Writer’s Program students will explore craft seminars, learning writing techniques and discussing the works of great British writers such as J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Shakespeare, and more.

Residential Program Rising grades 9-12 LITERARY TRAVEL ADVENTURE PROGRAM July 19 – July 25 Combine with other Literary Adventures for a multi-week experience!

30

TRAVEL CAMPUSES

Oxford was the first university in the English-speaking world, established around 1096. Founded in 1879, Somerville is one of the newer constituent colleges of the 38 which make up Oxford. Its alumnae include two prime ministers, Indira Gandhi and Margaret Thatcher, and Nobel Prize winner Dorothy Hodgkin. Somerville is situated close to the city center.

Afternoons and evenings, students tour the landmarks that inspired the memorable characters and fanciful worlds of British literature. Creative writing sessions in these magical settings give students the opportunity to put pen to paper to create works of their own.

Great Books writers will travel to Stratfordupon-Avon to see a play performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company, marvel at the Ashmolean Museum’s extensive collection of artifacts from around the globe, and spend time punting on the Thames just as Lewis Carroll did with Alice when he first imagined Wonderland!

LITERARY OXFORD Dr. Amelia McConville Amelia McConville received her PhD from Trinity College Dublin’s School of English and the Institute of Neuroscience. Her interdisciplinary research in science, art, and culture helps students see the connection between humanities and modern life.

Somerville College, Oxford, England This one-week program anchored at Somerville College offers a Great Books experience rich with British literature, history, and storytelling.

Culture, Arts, & Academics

Students at Literary Oxford will spend the mornings in Shared Inquiry seminars and discussions focused on the works of W.H. Auden, T.S. Eliot, Oscar Wilde, C.S. Lewis, and more. These lively sessions, inspired by our historic locale, focus on building critical thinking skills as students engage deeply in discussion on the big questions of humanity.

During the afternoon, students will walk in the footsteps of literary greats who called Oxford home and explore the places and spaces that inspired their literary masterpieces. Highlights may include visits to Christ Church and New College, which were featured in the Harry Potter movies.

Students will also take in the magniĆcent treasures of the Pitt Rivers Museum, laugh along the hilarious and bone-chilling Oxford ghost tour, and enjoy other points of literary and historical signiĆcance. And, course, no trip to England is complete without enjoying a traditional cream tea!

Literary Oxford is wonderful by itself and even better when combined with our Oxford Writer’s Program for two weeks in Oxford!

Residential Program Rising grades 9-12 LITERARY TRAVEL ADVENTURE PROGRAM July 26 – August 1 Combine with other Literary Adventures for a multi-week experience!

GreatBooksSummer.com | 203-612-9470

31

DUBLIN WRITER’S PROGRAM Dr. Eve Houghton & Dr. Matthew Sperling Eve Houghton, PhD, is a Research Fellow in English at Cambridge and received her PhD from Yale. Matthew Sperling, PhD, is Associate Professor of Creative and Critical Writing at University College London.

Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland Hosted by Trinity College, this is a Great Books experience rich with Irish literature, history, and storytelling. Write with us in Ireland!

Writing & Cultural Exploration Literary Dublin students will spend the mornings in Shared Inquiry seminars and discussions focused on the works of great Irish writers such as Joyce, Yeats, Swift, Shaw, and Wilde.

Residential Program Rising grades 9-12 LITERARY TRAVEL ADVENTURE PROGRAM July 12 – July 18 Combine with other Literary Adventures for a multi-week experience!

32

TRAVEL CAMPUSES

As Ireland’s university on the world stage, Trinity is recognized for academic excellence. Founded in 1592, it is Ireland’s oldest university and home to the beautiful Book of Kells. The historic campus is located in the heart of Dublin. With a tradition of scholarship spanning more than four centuries, Trinity College is the alma mater of Bram Stoker, Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift, and Anne Enright.

A unique feature of our Dublin program is special workshops and clinics with notable Dublin authors and theater artists where students can learn more about the history and tradition of writing and storytelling on the Emerald Isle.

We spend the afternoons and most evenings touring the lively streets of Dublin and exploring the haunts of famed authors and the cultural riches of the city that inspired them.

Outings will include Trinity College, its library and the Book of Kells, Kilmainham Gaol, James Joyce Tower, Dublin Castle, and other points of literary and historical significance.

Multiple Time Zones!

JOIN US ONLINE!

Great Books Online is back for summer 2026. With the same distinguished faculty and scholars as our on-campus programs, these live online classes bring all of Great Books’ core academics to you. Students experience college-style seminars, engage in lively discussion, and enjoy summer camp fun with other literary-minded students.

Academics Online programs include both our traditional Great Books & Big Ideas programs and our Writer’s Workshop.

We will explore world literature, the classics, philosophy, and more. Writers like Sophocles, Homer, Shakespeare, Italo Calvino, Elizabeth Bishop, Alice Walker, and Derek Walcott are just some of the many who are likely to be included in this summer’s readings.

This is nothing like “online school.” The medium may be digital but that’s where the similarities end. This is world-class enrichment — interactive and full of opportunities for social connections and fun! Amazing guest speakers too!

Multiple Time Zones And Convenient Schedules Daily classes will run from 12:30pm – 5:00pm Eastern (New York) and 9:30am – 2:00pm 3aciĆc (California). Two weeks will be timed for Asia and will run from 9:00am – 2:00pm Beijing and 10:00am – 3:00pm Seoul. Every day balances time for academics, mentoring, friendship, and activity breaks to snack, stretch, and move.

“Katie had an awesome first day and was texting…with her pod to prepare for their talent show. It far exceeded my expectations for how a remote camp could create a social experience.”

— Ann, Menlo Park, CA

Online Programs Rising grades 6-8 and 9-12 GREAT BOOKS & BIG IDEAS PROGRAM July 19 – July 24 (ASIA) WRITER’S WORKSHOP PROGRAM July 5 – July 10 (USA) July 26 – July 31 (ASIA) Combine programs for a two-week session in your time zone.

GreatBooksSummer.com | 203-612-9470

33

PROGRAM CALENDAR On the Campus of

Select a Program

Camp Dates

Airport Transportation

High School

Middle School

Residential Tuition

Day Tuition

See Page

Airport transportation can be arranged to and from select airports. This service is $150 each way and includes a staff chaperone.

Amherst

Freedom, Government, & Law

June 28 – July 4

•

•

$2765

$1565

4 - 5, 23

Amherst

Great Books & Big Ideas

July 5 – July 11

•

•

$2765

$1565

22 - 23

Amherst

Berkshires Writer’s Adventure

July 5 – July 11

•

$3095

—

16 - 23

Amherst

Great Books & Big Ideas

July 12 – July 18

•

$2765

$1565

22 - 23

Amherst

Writer’s Workshop

July 12 – July 18

•

$2765

$1565

15 & 23

Amherst

Writer’s Workshop

July 19 – July 25

•

•

$2765

$1565

15 & 23

Stanford

Writer’s Workshop

June 28 – July 4

•

•

$3575

$2175

15 & 25

Stanford

Great Books & Big Ideas

July 5 – July 11

•

•

$3575

$2175

24 - 25

Stanford

Great Books & Big Ideas

July 12 – July 18

•

•

$3575

$2175

24 - 25

Stanford

Entrepreneurship

July 12 – July 18

•

$3575

$2175

17, 25

Haverford

Great Books & Big Ideas

July 26 – Aug 1

•

•

$2765

$1565

26 - 27

Haverford

Great Books & Big Ideas

Aug 2 – Aug 8

•

•

$2765

$1565

26 - 27

Haverford

Leadership—Reasoning

July 26 – Aug 1

•

$3265

—

18 - 19, 27

Haverford

Leadership—Strategy

Aug 2 – Aug 8

•

$3265

—

18 - 19, 27

Athens

Literary Travel

June 28 – July 4

•

$3575

—

20 - 21, 28

Verona & Venice

Literary Travel

July 5 – July 11

•

$3575

—

20 - 21, 29

Dublin

Literary Travel Writers

July 12 – July 18

•

$3575

—

20 - 21, 32

Oxford

Literary Travel Writers

July 19 – July 25

•

$3575

—

20 - 21, 30

Oxford

Literary Travel

July 26 – Aug 1

•

$3575

—

20 - 21, 31

Online - USA

Writer’s Workshop

July 5 – July 10

•

•

—

$895

33

Payment Schedule

Online - USA

Great Books & Big Ideas

July 12 – July 17

•

•

—

$895

33

Online - Asia

Great Books & Big Ideas

July 19 – July 24

•

•

—

$895

33

Online - Asia

Writer’s Workshop

July 26 – July 31

•

•

—

$895

33

Register Today!

34

MORE INFORMATION

•

Refund Policy Tuition and fees are refundable through March 10, 2026. The registration fee is nonrefundable. Cancellations received after March 10, 2026 forfeit full tuition and all fees. Cancellation requests must be made in writing. Trip insurance is encouraged and available.

Discounts Sibling & Referral Savings Siblings each receive a savings of $100 on tuition for on-campus programs and $50 for online programs. Refer a Ćrst-time 2026 on-campus attendee and receive a $100 savings on your 2026 tuition.

Financial Aid Limited Ćnancial aid may be available based on demonstrated need. Financial aid forms and student applications are due by April 2, 2026. To contribute to the scholarship fund visit: OpenBooksFoundation.org.

On-Campus Tuition and Fees

Materials and Events Fee

Application Deposit $625, which includes a $250 nonrefundable registration fee, is due with application for on-campus programs. A $95 registration fee is due with application to online programs.

Tuition includes all instruction and supervision, three meals per day, and housing. There is a $250 registration fee per student. Tuition variance rećects differing costs of room, board, and facilities at host campuses.

Fee of $295 per week for residential on-campus programs and $125 for day programs. Materials and Event Fees for Berkshires and Literary Travel Programs are $575 per week and include all day trips and other organized special events.

Saturday stays between weeks are $150.

Payment Options Three family-friendly payment options, including installments and an option to reserve a spot with only a deposit upon registration. See details on the website.

Enrollments are accepted as long as space is available.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION How to Apply

Supervision Trained and experienced Program Assistants supervise students for their entire stay and are each assigned to lead a “pod” usually made up of 6-8 students.

In addition, adult faculty and staff reside in the dorms and are present for all activities. Students are required to stay within the safety of the supervised group.

All employees clear a rigorous personal background check.

Admission to the Great Books Summer Program is open to all students entering grades 6-8 and 9-12 (in September 2026) as well as graduating seniors whose completed application is supported by a teacher, counselor, or head of school. We strongly suggest applications be sent in early to reserve your spot. Acceptance may be granted or denied at the sole discretion of the program administrators.

Medical Care Prescriptions and over-the-counter treatments will be administered by our adult staff with a signed parental permission notice. Our campuses either have on-site health facilities, nearby clinics, or community-based physicians who are on-call. A completed medical form and standard childhood vaccinations are required to attend.

Accommodations and Meals Students are assigned to single, double, or triple rooms and housed by gender and age in the dorms. While many come to the program by themselves, we will do our best to meet any roommate requests.

Most meals are provided by the college dining services. They offer a wide selection of nutritious foods and can accommodate dietary needs if notiĆed in advance. We may also have barbecues, picnics, and ice cream sundae parties.

Step 1: Visit Our Website Go to www.GreatBooksSummer.com and click the orange “Register Now” button at the top of the homepage.

Step 2: Secure Your Spot

Admissions Office Have questions? Call, text, or email: 203-612-9470 info@GreatBooksSummer.com

Your space will be reserved once you complete the application and provide the $625 Application Deposit by Visa or MasterCard, or ACH. A $95 deposit is due with application to online programs.

We will typically conĆrm receipt within 48 hours via email.

Step 3: Teacher Nomination As part of registration, you will be asked to provide contact information for a teacher, counselor, or head of school to endorse your application. We will seek the recommendation on your student’s behalf.

Educators can also endorse applications by visiting our website.

The Great Books Summer Program is independent of Amherst College, Stanford University, Haverford College, University of Oxford, College Year in Athens, University of Athens, and Trinity College of Dublin. All names are trademarks of their respective owners. Great Books Summer Program and Great Books Global Forum are trademarks of Great Books Summer Program. Shared Inquiry is a trademark of the Great Books Foundation. The information contained herein is accurate at the time of printing. We reserve the right to change any part of the program. This program does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national or ethnic origin, or disability. Admission to the program is limited and shall be granted or denied at the sole discretion of the program administrators. For the program on the campus of Amherst; the camp must comply with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and be licensed by the local board of health. ©2026 Great Books Summer Program. Images of Amherst College courtesy of Amherst College Public Affairs office.

GreatBooksSummer.com | 203-612-9470

35

MEET AUTHORS, greatbooks THINKERS, AND LEADERS summer program

®

32 %R[ )DLUĆHOG &7

$V ZH FHOHEUDWH \HDUV ZH DUH JUDWHIXO WR WKH PDQ\ LQFUHGLEOH OXPLQDULHV ZKR KDYH MRLQHG XV 6WXGHQWV KDYH HQMR\HG WDONV ZLWK YLVLWLQJ ZULWHUV LQFOXGLQJ 3XOLW]HU 3UL]H ZLQQHUV DQG RWKHU WKRXJKW OHDGHUV IURP WKH ZRUOGV RI SXEOLVKLQJ ĆOP DQG WKH DUWV

Esteemed guests who have visited us:

/RLV /RZU\

:HVOH\ 0RUULV

-RVHSK (OOLV 3K'

Professor of Political Science at Stanford

Award-winning Author

Pulitzer Prize-winning Author

Pulitzer Prize-winning Author

'RULV .HDUQV *RRGZLQ 3K'

&KULV &ROXPEXV

-RGL 3LFRXOW

$QLWD 'LDPRQW

Filmmaker, Director, & Producer

Bestselling Author

Bestselling Author

Pulitzer Prize-winning Author

Maile Meloy

Cynthia Tong

Sarah Kay

Bestselling Author

Tony-nominated Broadway Producer

Award-winning Poet

Novelist & Filmmaker

Chantel Pratt, PhD

Award-winning Poet

John Rocco

Award-winning author & Neuroscientist

Peter Hedges

Author & Illustrator

Tom Barbash Bestselling Author

Nell Scovell Writer, Producer, & Director

Jane Smiley Pulitzer Prize-winning Author

Yiyun Li Author and Professor

k *UHDW %RRNV 6XPPHU 3URJUDP

5RE 5HLFK 3K'

Martín Espada Andre Dubus III Bestselling Author

Denis Lehane Bestselling Author

Piper Huguley Author and Professor

ê(DFK VXPPHU VWXGHQWV DJHV WR JDWKHUð7KH\ DWWHQG OHFWXUHV SDUWLFLSDWH LQ GLVFXVVLRQV HDW PHDOV DQG OLYH WRJHWKHU DV D FRPPXQLW\ RI SUHFRFLRXV WKLQNHUV ë

EPLO\ \ EVIDKDQL SPLWK The Wall Street Journal

GreatBooksSummer.com $ PLVVLRQ SDUWQHU RI WKH *UHDW %RRNV )RXQGDWLRQ