The Madeira School

Girls First!summer 2011

Welcome!Greetings from Madeira! It has been over 100 years since Lucy Madeira

began engaging the minds and nurturing the confidence of young women.

Miss Madeira believed it was both a duty and a privilege to help young

women to understand their changing world and have the confidence to

live lives of their own making, their own passions, and their own dreams.

Before she ever comes to us, a girl knows a lot about herself. She knows

she loves to read and to dance. She wishes to be as patient as her father,

as funny as her mother, and as courageous as Anne Frank. She likes being

part of a team or having one very best friend, or maybe both.

She has questions and emotions and opinions galore. She has posters.

She has purple pens. She wants to be a veterinarian. She wants to see the

world. She has already begun to speak her life.

Madeira brings power to her intellect, nuance to her thought, stamina

to her pursuits. Here, she can find the words to speak her mind and her

heart. She finds what she needs whether it is a lectern or Capitol Hill, a

newspaper or canvas, a playing field or laboratory.

In our commitment to the mission of Lucy Madeira, we strive to empower

and encourage girls to explore their interests, develop their abilities, act

with self-confidence and with compassion, and assume responsibility for

their actions in the global community.

Having something to say means nothing if there are no ears to hear it,

minds to oppose it or hands to act upon it. We say to her, tell us, tell us

every day. It is our privilege that she does.

Are you a girl with something to say? If so, then join us this summer for

Girls First! at The Madeira School.

Girls First! 2011 3

Be a Madeira Girl This SummerThe Madeira School’s Girls First! program gives rising 7th–11th grade girls the

chance to supplement their school-year studies with dynamic classroom work,

as well as benefit from experiential learning through interactions with successful

women engaged in careers relating to their course of study. Just like at Madeira

during the school year, you have the option to be either a day girl or a boarder.

Girls pursue a scholastic adventure of their choice while participating in a variety of

enjoyable daily and nightly activities in a beautiful riverside setting twenty minutes

from the nation’s capital.

The experiential program crafted for students at Girls First! mixes personalized

academic endeavors with social activities, games, sports, and field trips.

To learn more, click here.

Session Date: June 26 – July 8, 2011

To apply, click here.

How to Contact Us:

8328 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA 22102 • Phone: 703-556-8323

Fax 703-556-0428 • girlsfirst@madeira.org

Acting and Directing for Film Creative Writing Digital Photography

Equine Management Fashion Design Forensic Science

Interior Design Psychology Veterinary Science

Girls First! 2011 5

Academic Programs At Girls First!, our students benefit from the experience of teachers who are in-

novative, engaging, and best of all, fun in class. The teachers are young, vibrant,

and approachable. They feel equally comfortable discussing modern poetry, blood

splatter experiments or animal behavior, debating contemporary music, or playing

tennis. Our staff’s varied interests reflect our philosophy that courses should be

only the beginning of daily life at Girls First! Small class sizes and the individualized

instruction ensure that every girl’s experience is maximized. Collaborative group

work, field trips and excursions, and inventive projects make every class day lively

and varied. Girls are consistently challenged to participate in discussions, collab-

orative with others, and express themselves creatively.

We feel that an experiential, academic environment in which each student selects

one course as her focus for the entire two week session, allows a girl to engage

with her chosen subject deeply and memorably. Each course features interaction

with female mentors, leaders, and experts in that field.

Girls are expected to complete daily in-class assignments, and present a larger

project at the end of the program. However, this is a summer program so girls are

not assigned homework or graded. To learn more, click here.

Academic Schedule

8:45 – 9:00 am Morning Meeting9:15 – 10:30 am Class I10:30 – 10:45 am Break 10:45 - 12:00 pm Class II12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch

1:15 – 2:30 pm Class III (On Tuesdays and Thursdays this class is replaced by a camp speaker)2:30 – 2:45 pm Break2:45 – 4:00 pm Class IV

CoursesEqUInE MAnAGEMEnTA picturesque riding facility steeped in tradition, this is a program that prepares

girls to be horsewomen, not just riders. This is riding at Madeira.

The class exposes girls to a wide variety of topics relating to horses from grooming

to nutrition, body scoring, conformation, wrapping, vital signs, general health care

and emergency first aid, each topic immersing girls in the world of horses. Each

class offers daily hands on experience with one of the horses in our herd. Girls

receive a daily mounted lesson in Hunt Seat equitation, are grouped by skill level

and enjoy lessons in one of our two outdoor riding arenas or indoor riding facility.

To learn more, click here.

DIGITAL PHOTOGrAPHyDigital Photography is a great fit for budding photographers who want to improve

their skills and learn how to use the technology at their fingertips to take their im-

ages even further.

In addition to exploring the basic tenets of powerful photography, girls learn skills

required for making color and black-and-white prints in a ‘digital darkroom.’ This

includes decoding the spectrum of functions on digital cameras, using scanned

images to add to their work, and outputting to high-resolution printers. Girls also

learn how to use digital tools such as Adobe Photoshop to enhance and edit their

images. Last years girls even turned one of their photos into a T-shirt they could

wear! To learn more, click here.

VETErInAry SCIEnCEHave you ever stuck your hand into the stomach of a living cow? Actually walked

through the chambers of the heart – because they were drawn in chalk on the

sidewalk? Written a rap song about an animal parasite you just researched? Do

you know how to bandage and wrap your pet’s leg if they injure it? Looked at real

animal x-rays? These are some of the activities that girls enrolled in Vet Science

have enjoyed in past summers. Our Veterinary Science course introduces girls to

this fascinating, expanding field and its variety of advanced diagnostic and thera-

peutic methods. Learning about these techniques exposes girls to medical study

and treatment methods in general. To learn more, click here.

This year, we are offering TWO levels of Veterinary Science.

Level 1 – Girls entering grades 7 – 9

Level 2 – Girls entering grades 10 – 11 (This level includes more advanced lab

work. Completion of high school biology encouraged for girls in Level 2)

Girls First! 2011 7

ACTInG AnD DIrECTInG FOr FILM Want to make a movie this summer? This course takes girls

through each step of the movie making process from writing the

screenplay to publishing their film to DVD. Girls will write an origi-

nal fictional story, cast it from among the class, rehearse, direct

one another, shoot the film using a High Definition video camera

and edit their footage in i-Movie. To learn more, click here.

FOrEnSIC SCIEnCEMany of us have seen popular programs and movies showcasing forensic science,

but have you ever found yourself staying up late to watch the last episode of a CSI

marathon? Addicted to Bones or Dr. G: Medical Examiner? How is a crime scene

investigation really accomplished? Our Forensic Science teacher will start from

scratch, teaching the science and the skills that, by the end of the course, allow

our students to examine a mock crime scene and solve a realistic case.

Girls learn to process biological evidence, trace evidence and impression evidence

(such as blood splatter, fingerprints, shoe prints, and tool marks), as well as draw

upon ballistics information. To learn more, click here.

PSyCHOLOGyAggression, attraction, discrimination, conformity – what makes us do what we do? This course is perfect for the girl who is looking for the an-swers to these questions and more. Psychology exposes girls to a broad spectrum of topics that encompass the field of Psychology. Beginning with the fundamentals of Psychology as a science, the students delve into four exciting areas of psychology: developmental, social, abnormal, and cognitive. To learn more, click here.

CrEATIVE WrITInGAre you a girl with something to say? With readings in poetry, fiction, and creative

nonfiction, a grammar “tip of the day,” daily writing-related prompts and activities,

and collaborative, individual, and one-on-one workshops, girls will walk away from

the class with a deeper understanding of what good writing is. Activities in the past

have included writing poetry, short stories, fairy tales, and a “This I Believe” essay.

Last year’s final anthology project had the girls create the actual handmade, hand-

stitched book that held a collection of their work. To learn more, click here.

InTErIOr DESIGn Design as a discipline has been growing in popularity with the growth of reality TV.

Through shows like Top Design and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, the fields of

interior design and architecture are being exposed and celebrated. Interior Design

is intended to foster the beginning eye for design and style and introduce students

to the exciting world of the design professions and ground students in the design

process.

Girls work with color wheels, tint and shade charts, color schemes, models and

floor plans of homes. Armed with their sketchbooks, girls learn how to seek out

design solutions in their own everyday spaces and come up with creative and

functional ways to improve or dress up their world.

New For

2011!!

Last year’s final projects had the girls interviewing “clients” and designing a one-

room living/work space based on their client’s needs, preferences and interests.

Final design boards included a completed floor plan, illustration, and elevations of

their design for portfolio use. To learn more, click here.

FASHIOn DESIGnFashion Design is an exciting, fast-paced field in which some of America’s most

intelligent artists are working. From the start, our course is hands-on and project-

based. The course will give girls a working knowledge of the four stages of the

design process including: basic tools (sketching and sewing skills), inspiration

(concept boards, and assimilating different types of sources to develop a concept

for a garment), creation, and production.

Last year’s field trip included a chat with the Editor-in-Chief of D.C. Magazine, a

visit to relish Boutique, a visit to the sewing lab of Lululemon and attendance at

the Teen Design Conference in Washington, D.C. hosted by Tim Gunn (who now

has his very own Girls First! t-shirt!) To learn more, click here.

Girls First! 2011 9

Your HomeTHE MADEIrA CAMPUSMadeira’s 100-year history educating girls in grades 9–12 in the Washington, D.C.

area has enabled us to develop strong relationships with some of the capital’s

most influential professionals in order to provide girls with fresh intellectual

possibilities. The campus boasts as much space and student resources as many

colleges, including a 25,000 volume library, a sports center with pool, fitness

center and strength training room, playing fields, a natural amphitheater, and

an indoor and outdoor equestrian facility. The 376-acre campus is just twelve

miles outside Washington, D.C., and the world-class array of cultural and historic

destinations the United States’ capital city has to offer. Students visit Washington,

D.C. on their weekday academic field trip and resident students visit additional

D.C. locations on the weekend.

rESIDEnT ADVISOrSAt Girls First!, resident Advisors (rAs) live in the dorms with girls and are

responsible for the social and residential components of the program. These

women, many of whom are Madeira alumni, plans and supervises afternoon

and evening activities. All staff attend group training before Girls First! begins to

prepare them to welcome students upon their arrival. By the time the girls arrive,

the staff is ready to offer an integrated, sympathetic, safe and fun environment,

where individual girls can approach them at any time, whether they’re feeling shy,

homesick, or just want to hang out.

Girls First! 2011 11

rAs also make sure that program rules are being followed and the halls and

common areas are kept clean, they’ll even help girls learn to do their laundry…

after all, their parents won’t be at camp with them! Our staff can identify with

teens’ concerns; they build a caring community, serving as mentors to our girls in

personal and life skills, as well as their academic endeavors.

DOrMSGirls live in double rooms in Madeira’s six dormitories which combine modern

conveniences with turn of the century architectural charm. There are two resident

Advisors and at least one teacher and 25- 30 girls in each dorm providing a

welcoming environment where adults and girls get to know one another quickly

through organized dorm activities as well as informal chats each evening. Students

eat thoughtfully prepared, healthy, gourmet meals in a spacious, air conditioned

dining hall. Vegetarian options are available at every meal.

HEALTH & SAFETyStudent health and safety are our first

concern. Our campus features 24-hour

staffed, gated security as well as a 14

bed health center staffed by 3 full time

nurses who are available on-call 24 hours

a day when the health center is closed.

ActivitiesAt Girls First! we take advantage of the long summer days and Madeira’s expansive campus by offering exciting activities for the afternoons and evenings. While during the day each girl focuses on her chosen course of study, in free time and at night, the entire camp hangs out together regardless of program track. Each day offers new adventures! Popular afternoon options include taking a dip in our indoor swimming pool, a tennis match, one dorm ambushing another with water guns or a visit to the barn. After dinner, girls participate in another round of activities that in past summers have included yoga, jewelry making, “dive-in” movies, folding origami leis, Maori painting, carnivals and cookie decorating. At the end of the evening, girls gather in their dorms for dorm games and crafts, writing letters home, planning the dorm sponsored activity for later that week….oh yeah, and sometimes just chatting and hanging out with new friends!

Several times a session we bring guest speakers to campus to discuss issues that we feel are relevant to all Girls First! girls. Past topics have included internet safety, public speaking, and nutrition and healthy eating. Girls will also have the opportunity to “try out” another class during our class demonstration sessions. Additionally, each teacher sponsors at least one class-related evening activity during camp which is open to all girls. At the end of the first week, girls are both exhausted and energized!

Washington, D.C.ACADEMIC FIELD TrIPS Madeira is located on a safe, beautiful, wooded campus nestled along the Potomac river. We are fortunate to be surrounded by such natural beauty, yet still be close to the many major cultural and social resources Washington, D.C has to offer this combination makes for exciting opportu-nities for our girls. We make Washington, D.C. and its depth of resources are an integral part of the program.

At least once during the session girls travel to Washington, D.C. for program-specific, academic field trips that are educationally relevant and culturally enriching. Teachers prepare course-related itineraries that make use of Madeira’s relationships and illustrate real-world applications of girls’ chosen subjects. The Veterinary Science girls might visit the offices of a local veterinarian to see how a vet clinic and animal spa operates, while girls in Fashion Design might visit Urban Chic, a women’s boutique.To learn more, click here.

Girls First! 2011 13

The Weekend

SATUrDAyAfter the first full week of classes, our resident students are ready for off-campus

fun. On Saturday, the residential component of the camp heads into the heart of

our nation’s capital for a day of exploration, friendships and fun.

Our resident Advisors, and teachers, lead the groups on a Washington, D.C.

scavenger hunt that takes the girls to a variety of locations where they take photos

to help answer questions. “Where would you visit to get a picture in Einstein’s lap?

Who is the Baby ruth candy bar named for?” Find out during this race to the fin-

ish! Girls and staff eat both lunch and dinner downtown and usually also manage

to fit in a little shopping along the way as well!

One goal of this trip is to offer cultural content in addition to the educational op-

portunities created at Madeira. Often, the girls have their most memorable experi-

ences just observing and participating in the fascinating, energetic environment of

the capital.

SUnDAyWe encourage girls to sleep in on Sunday and choose from a variety of activities

during the day. One of the most popular activities is the ropes course right on the

Madeira campus which is operated by Inner quest staff. Girls have the option

of signing up for this program (for a small additional cost) that usually runs 9:00

am – 1:30 pm and includes an exciting, not-to-be-missed zip wire experience that

allows you to fly through the treetops!

not ready for flying? Then sleep in and enjoy a leisurely brunch in the Dining Hall

and spend some of the day relaxing with friends and participating in such activities

that may include a nature hike to Black Pond, picture frame making, yoga, arts and

crafts, pool time, a BBq dinner, ice cream sundae bar and free time!

Frequently Asked Questions1. WHAT kInD OF GIrL ATTEnDS GIrLS FIrST!? WILL I MAkE FrIEnDS?Girls First! is open to girls entering grades 7 – 11 in the fall. Girls from all over the

world attend Girls First! The girls have different hobbies, interests and backgrounds.

The one thing they do have in common is that they have an interest in learning more

about their chosen subject…and of course the fact that they are girls! With so many

new faces from different backgrounds, it’s hard not to make friends!

2. CAn I TAkE TWO CLASSES? THEy ALL SOUnD SO InTErESTInG!Unfortunately, no. We know it’s hard to choose between all of the neat classes but

we really want you to be able to accomplish lots in whatever course you choose and

two weeks isn’t much time. That’s why you can only take one class per summer.

However, there will be an opportunity for you to attend two mini classes in two other

courses we offer, so you will be able to explore other classes in this way.

3. WHAT IF I HAVE nEVEr BEEn AWAy FrOM HOME BEFOrE?The good news is you aren’t alone! For many of our campers, this will be their first

time away from home. Our caring teachers and rAs will keep you very busy in and

out of class so you will meet other girls quickly and have a lot of fun. Homesickness

is completely normal and common and keeping busy keeps homesickness feelings

to a minimum. If you do feel homesick while at camp, we encourage you to find

someone to talk to about it. Most of our teachers and all of our rAs have been to

camp or boarding school and they are good at helping you find ways to keep busy.

Talking about homesickness can also help you feel better. What we have found is

that while your first stay in a residential program is a big step and may start out as a

bit of a bumpy road, by the end it is smooth sailing and a wonderful source of pride

and self-confidence.

4. WILL I HAVE A rOOMMATE?yes! Almost all of our dorm rooms are doubles; we have some singles but reserve

them mostly for staff, so you will have one roommate. She will be someone who

is your age but most likely in a different class. On our online registration there is a

roommate questionnaire so you can tell us whether you like your music soft or loud,

your room messy or neat, etc. We use this information to assist us when we do

roommate assignments.

5. CAn My FrIEnD AnD I COME TO CAMP TOGETHEr? CAn WE rOOM TOGETHEr?Sure, your friend can attend along with you. If you wish to request her as a

roommate then be sure that BOTH of you request this on your camp application.

If only one girl makes a request, we cannot pair you together. However, we

STrOnGLy suggest that girls who come to camp together, do not room together.

Typically, we would put you in the same dorm as your friend, perhaps even down

the hall. To learn more, click here.

Girls First! 2011 15

Staff BiosCATHy CLEVELAnD-HIrSCH: PrOGrAM DIrECTOr/ACADEMIC DIrECTOrCathy has been associated with The Madeira School for over 15 years, spending

10 of those years as an integral part of The Madeira School’s residential Program.

As the Assistant Dean of Students for residential Life, she managed and trained

the residential Life staff, working diligently with our 165 boarding students to

make sure they were safe, comfortable and cared for in their home away from

home. She brings her Dean of Student’s experience to our Girls First! program.

While at Madeira, Cathy also taught and worked with international students for

many years and is the founder of the Ambassador program and the school’s

International Week. She is a mom, a wife, and a former Peace Corps Volunteer,

international traveler, history buff, and is returning to Girls First! for her fourth

year as Program Director and Academic Director. During the summer she lives on

campus and can often be seen visiting classrooms and chatting with girls between

classes.

TrACIE EPES: DIrECTOr OF rESIDEnTIAL LIFETracie is in her third year as the Director of Counseling at The Madeira School. In

addition to providing support services for students and families, Tracie plans and

facilitates the Health and Wellness curriculum, a series of workshops for each

grade level on topics such as stress management and relaxation, healthy eating

and nutrition, and self care and personal safety. For the past two summers, Tracie

has been the Director of residential Life for Girls First! She lives on the Madeira

campus with her dog, Howard, who also enjoys being a part of the Girls First!

camp experience! Tracie enjoys playing soccer and tennis, scrapbooking, and

creating new flavors of cupcakes!

Tuition and ApplicationResidential Student Tuition: $2495 + $100 field trip account

Tuition includes room, all on – campus meals and activities, instruction, most

supplies, and field-trip transportation. Field trip money covers off-campus meals

and some personal spending.

Day Student Tuition: $1695 + $50 field trip account

Day students attend Opening Sunday 1:30 – 8:00 pm; weekdays 8:45 am – 4:15

pm (or 5:15 pm if they choose to stay for the afternoon activity); and Closing

Friday 8:45 am – 12:00pm. Tuition includes lunch, afternoon activities, instruction

and most supplies. Field trip money covers the weekday academic field trip meals

and some personal spending.

Equine Management - $800 additional class fee applies.

Tuition Deposit

A $500 non-refundable deposit is required upon registration. This is applied

toward tuition balance. The online student profile must also be completed upon

registration. Final payment and all forms are due May 1, 2011.

registration is completed online by visiting http://www.madeira.org/girlsfirst