Inspire a love of reading in your child by joining us on an experiential literary voyage this summer! A Novel Adventure is for students in middle and high school who are longing to connect with kindred spirits, and parents who are searching for a return to traditional education rooted in classics, character, and creativity. We will get lost in the pages of Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, participate in meaningful discussions of the book, and engage in creative pursuits related to the novel/time period. To celebrate the end of our bookish adventure, we will conclude our time together with an unforgettable field trip experience.
Where: Oldfield Society, 206 Worcester Rd., Suite 36, Princeton, MA
What: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
When: Monday, July 20 - Thursday, July 24, 9:ooam - 3:00pm; Friday, July 24, 8:30am-3:30pm
Who: Students in grades 6-12
What to expect:
- Each week is limited to a maximum of 12 students to ensure an intimate experience.
-Each student will receive a “society welcome box” at least one month prior to the event. Contained in the box will be a welcome letter, keepsake edition of the selected novel, reading guide, journal to jot down any thoughts or favorite quotes, and some bookish accessories to make reading merry and prepare for the adventure. Students will benefit most from the program if the novel is read before the start of the retreat. Because this experience is open to all levels of readers, a link to an audio version and chapter summaries will be provided to follow along with the story if needed. When we meet, we will reread important passages together and discuss topics focusing heavily on setting, themes, symbolism, characters, and conflict. We’ll examine how these elements affect the plot and style of the novel, and engage in discussions that encourage critical thinking and personal connection.
-Daily creative activities that compliment the book will include watercolor painting, embroidery, weaving, calligraphy, floral design, candle making, and other expressive crafting.
-Students should pack a lunch for Monday through Thursday; snacks and water will be available daily.
-The field trip will be on the Friday of our last meeting, and include a visit to Orchard House, home of Louisa May Alcott & Little Women. Our private tour is scheduled prior to the opening of the museum at 9:30am to ensure we do not have to worry about other visitors. The tour will be followed by a stop at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery and Author’s Ridge. There, we will visit the graves of the Alcott family, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Henry David Thoreau, and participate in the respectful tradition of leaving pencils on the authors’ gravestones. We will then enjoy lunch at the Colonial Inn, discover its importance during the Revolutionary War, and learn about the ghosts who continue to haunt the historic site .
- Field trip travel to and from Concord will be provided by charter van through AA Transport, and is included in the total cost of the program.
What’s included:
Membership in Oldfield Society (early access to all offerings and events, newsletters, as well as a 10% discount on any studio product purchases)
Keepsake copy of the selected novel and bespoke welcome box items
Creative materials which your student keeps for future inspiration and practice
Field trip, luncheon, and charter van transportation
Tuition: $480
A non-refundable deposit of $200.00 per student is required to secure a reservation and the balance of the tuition ($280.00) is due by July 1, 2026.
Registration is on a first come / first serve basis and space is limited.
Please complete registration and payment by using the link below.