Applications can be completed online and include a series of short answer questions. A phone call with the Director of the program will happen after you have submitted your application.

When completing the application, please write in “Summer Search” for the question “How did you hear about Putney?” When you get to the payment section, ignore this and DO NOT complete it. When you reach this page, you’re done! Putney will have your application.

Two samples of creative work, performance materials, or creative writing must be uploaded to the application (.jpeg, .pdf, or YouTube links accepted).

One reference is also required for this program. You can ask a teacher, a supervisor, a coach, or you mentor! Work with your mentor to fill out the form here.

Health forms will require a physical within the last year, a well as parent/guardian assistance in some places.

There are no required orientations or workshops prior to attending this Summer Experience, however, the Putney School may host an informational session for parents in May. More details to come.

1-Week Intensive Workshop Offerings: Acting for Stage & Screen, Animation, Audio Arts & Production, Dance, Drawing, Farm & Culinary, Fashion Design, Filmmaking, Graphic Novel & Illustration, Metal Jewelry, Painting, Photography, Poetry Writing, Printmaking, Sculpture, Songwriting, Weaving & Fiber Arts, Writing Intensive.

3-Week Immersive Workshop Offerings: Acting for Stage & Screen, Animation, Audio Arts & Production, Ceramics, Culinary, Dance, Drawing, Farm, Fashion Design, Filmmaking, Graphic Novel & Illustration, Metal Jewelry, Musical Theater Composition, Painting, Photography, Poetry Writing, Printmaking, Sculpture, Songwriting, Storytelling, Weaving & Fiber Arts, Writing Intensive.

Outside of workshops, The Putney School offers students an hour of organized physical activities every afternoon. These can range from team sports and cooperative games, to hiking or pond swimming, as well as our off-campus events and weekend trips which include blueberry picking, hiking the Putney Mountain, and an overnight outback camping trip. The 1-Week Intensive does not include camping or weekend trips.

The Putney School offers comfortable, dorm-style bunks. Rooms are usually doubles and utilize shared bathrooms — be aware — there are no locks or air conditioning. Dormitories will also share a common living room.

The Putney School aims to be a supportive, gender-affirming, conscious community. Students can choose one of three housing options in their bunk area: female-centered, male-centered, and all gender.

Students on the 3-Week Immersive experience will also go camping! All gear will be provided by The Putney School.

Meals are provided in the dining hall. You will be provided three full meals per day plus snacks.

A part-time school counselor will be available for 1-2 optional mental health check-ins throughout the program (M-F, between 4-5:45PM)​. If you are already part of regular therapeutic counseling, you are able to schedule check-in appointments during the program (M-F, between 9:30AM-3:30PM).

This is an open enrollment program, which means non-Summer Searchers will be able to join your group and you’ll meet folks from diverse backgrounds. There may be a couple of other Summer Searchers attending the same program, but most people will probably not know each other!

You will not be able to use your phones or any electronic device that connects to the internet once you arrive at camp with program leaders. However, limited communication with family/friends back home is available.

You will have access to computer labs two nights/week where you can check your email & communicate with your family/friends​.

Transportation to this program will be by train. Putney program leaders will be able to pick you up from the Brattleboro, VT Amtrak station​ and bring you to campus.

We recommend bringing $100 for personal spending. You may want to buy snacks and souvenirs along the way!