Participant Information 2009

We’re delighted that you’re registered for this year’s Summer Institute at Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, New Hampshire! We’ve created a program that we hope will be inspiring, fun, and relaxing, and we look forward to seeing all of you very soon!

There is a lot of information here! Read carefully and print out what you need—even if you’ve been to the Institute before. There is important information to review, as well as forms to return by July 10th. We appreciate your careful attention.

Please pay particular attention to information about our wonderful shuk and silent auction included below, our two most important fundraisers at the Institute.

INSTITUTE OVERVIEW: While each day of the Institute features special programming, there is also a set rhythm to the week. The day begins with morning services (either before or after breakfast) in a variety of styles, with additional options for yoga or text study. The two courses you’ve already registered for meet once each day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. There are also morning and afternoon workshops—no registration is required and a complete listing will be available when you arrive. Most workshops consist of a single one-hour session, although some may have a multi-session format. Each day also includes free time to take advantage of the swimming, boating, walking, and hiking (and napping!) opportunities available throughout the beautiful surroundings. Each night there will be community-wide programming followed by a variety of different activities such as singing, games, poetry readings, and night walks.

Shabbat has its own restful rhythm. From candle lighting on Friday evening to havdalah on Saturday night (the short, sensory-loaded service that marks the end of Shabbat), we will have the opportunity to sing, dance, study, pray, hike, swim, rest, and shmooze with friends and family. Please bring a bottle of kosher wine for Shabbat dinner if you like; grape juice will be provided for a communal kiddush. Please note that there will be a special early Shabbat dinner option for families with young children.

TRANSPORTATION: Driving instructions to Franklin Pierce University can found here. If you are able to offer a ride to or from the Institute, or if you are seeking a ride, please visit the ride board.

CHECK-IN: We look forward to seeing you at registration from 1:30-4:30 pm on Monday, August 3. The community-wide opening program will begin at 4:30 pm, but please check the information below to see if there is a special pre-opening orientation that applies to you! Check-in will take place on the third floor of  Cheshire Hall (signs will be posted on campus).

First-time participants (and anyone who’d like to meet new people): Please complete your registration by 3:30 pm. There will be a special orientation program to introduce first-time attendees to one another, to some long-time NHC participants, and to the NHC itself from 3:45-4:30. This program is strongly recommended if this will be your first time at the Institute.

Parents of Kids Camp participants: Kids Camp orientation this year will be held at the same time as Babysitting orientation on Monday evening at 7:00 pm in Cheshire. This is your opportunity to ask questions and receive additional scheduling and classroom information. All parents should plan to attend the Kids’ Camp orientation, even returning Kids Camp families. Additionally, the Kids’ Camp director will be at the camp location between 3:00pm and 3:45pm if you have any individual concerns to discuss.

Teachers: You will get information about Teacher Orientation separately.  At registration, please check the program guide for your classroom location and visit your classroom before orientation so that any concerns you may have about your classroom assignment can be addressed before classes begin on Tuesday. 

Everett Fellows: Please register at 1:30, as Everett Orientation will run from 2:15-4:15 in the Alumni Lounge in Rindge Hall.  If you think you may not be able to arrive on time, please let the Everett Fellows coordinators know ASAP. 

Computer Lab Tour: An overview of how to use the Franklin Pierce computer lab will be offered at 2:30 pm. Please register beforehand if you would like to participate. 

Kids Camp Staff: Please arrive so you can fully participate in the staff orientation and meeting that begins promptly at 1pm.  Contact Kids Camp Director Aileen Heiman for information about your registration and if you have concerns about arriving in time.

All Other Participants: Please register between 1:30 and 4:20 pm. The Summer Institute begins with an opening program at 4:30 pm.

KEY DEPOSIT: A refundable deposit of $25 per room key will be collected from all resident participants at registration. Please have a check or credit card to cover key deposits. We will not be accepting cash for deposits.

CLASSES: Your teacher will contact you if you need to read anything before class begins or bring any special materials.

KIDS CAMP: Families with children enrolled in the Kids Camp need to download and return several documents available at this website. Please read the Children’s welcome and Schedule information and complete the following three forms for each child: Children’s information, Consent form, and Insurance form. Children’s forms need to be returned via fax or mail to the NHC office by July 10.   See above for information on the Kids Camp Open House.

SHABBAT-ONLY REGISTRATION. A limited number of spaces are usually available for people who are able to come to the Institute only for Shabbat. We urge people choosing this option to register as soon as possible, particularly by July 22. The office will make every effort to house Shabbat-only participants with or near family members or friends who are at the Institute for the entire week, but cannot guarantee this will be possible. For additional information, contact the NHC office at institute@havurah.org.

CHECK-OUT: We strongly urge all participants to stay for the Closing program and take place from 9:00-10:00 am on Sunday, August 17.  Check-out will be from 8:30-11:30 am that morning, and all dorms must be vacated no later than 11:30 am.

EMERGENCY TELEPHONE AND COMMUNICATIONS: Before the Institute, please inform a friend or relative of the phone number of the NHC office at Franklin Pierce University: 603-899-4126.  A message will be left for you at the dining hall if you receive a call at this number.

The FPU campus is in the mountains and cell phone reception is spotty. Pay phones that can be used with calling cards are located in most buildings on campus. If you would like to rent a phone for your room, you may do so during registration for a $10 fee. This phone will allow you to make calling card calls from your room.

PAYMENT OF FEES: All outstanding balances are due immediately. If you have any questions about your balance, please call the office at 215-248-1335.

VOLUNTEERING: Volunteering is an essential part of creating community, and the Institute operates on the principle that everyone has something to contribute! We always need volunteers during the week for a variety of tasks. If you haven’t signed up yet to volunteer, please email Joan Vick at joan.vick@havurah.org.

Do you own a business? Are you an artist? Do you have a service you can offer? Think about donating to this year’s silent auction. Contributions might include an offer of Shabbat dinner in your home or a weekend away, a gift certificate to a restaurant in Boston or New York, artwork, Judaica, private tutoring or lessons, massages or pedicures, handcrafts, books, or other interesting items. Contribute items yourself and ask friends who own a business to contribute items or services as well. Potential offerings are limited only by the imagination! Please send an email to leah.staub@havurah.org describing your donation by July 24th.

On Thursday morning, hike up majestic Mt. Monadnock (elevation 3,165 feet)! We will leave campus at approximately 5:30am and carpool to the base of the mountain. We will then set off on a prayerful walk that will include time for morning prayer, rest, meditation, and pictures. We will make every attempt to be back to campus for morning classes. If you are in reasonably good shape and would like to participate in the hike, please sign up at registration. The hike will be canceled in the event of rain.

PETS are not permitted on campus. Service dogs are exempt.

Please call the Institute office at (215) 248-1335 if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you at Franklin Pierce College!

B’havurah/in fellowship,

Yael Levin, Russ Agdern, and Marisa Harford

NHC Managing Director, 2009 Institute Co-Chairs