Goodbye, VSA 2008

On Saturday we said goodbye to session 3. It's hard to believe another summer of VSA has come and gone. See you all next year.

Only a few days left here at VSA! Tonight all of the students will have the option of going to a Nashville staple: Wildhorse for line dancing! Last night there was a dance hosted by students with the theme "Blackout" where everyone wore all black to the party. Check back soon for some picture updates!

Last night at VSA the students were given a number of different options for activities including making friendship bracelets while watching movies, boccie ball on the lawn, and even a water war! Friendship bracelets have become all the rage here, and I'll bet that your student will come home with one or many on arms and legs!

It's pretty amazing that there are only 4 days left of session 3, and there is still so much fun in store! There will be dances, another date night among proctor groups, and even a proctor roast and roommate challenge!

Classes are still as exciting as usual. The Med School students got to sit in on different surgeries, Don Quixote is 80 pages from finishing, and Anthropology has been spending time surveying culture in different Nashville coffee houses! I'm sure you are excited to be getting your students back, but many of them might not want to leave! Hope you are well!

Session III, Week 3

It's hard to believe that we are in our final week of summer 2008! 

This weekend was packed full of exciting events including a trip to see The Dark Knight, The Gauntlet, and a Bar-B-Q at Dean Wcislo's house (the dean of The Commons).  On Saturday afternoon the entire camp took a trip to Green Hills mall to see The Dark Knight or Mamma Mia!.  That evening we came back and had pizza and a talent show in the Rotunda.  Check back soon for pictures and videos from the show!  Afterwards everyone came back to Sutherland House and had a luau and tropical drinks. 

Sunday, the students were challenged to The Gauntlet: a two and a half hour activity which involved 7 challenges ranging from tests of physical strength to tests of mental strength.   The students did amazingly well and had a great time.  After The Gauntlet everyone rushed back to Sutherland to shower and get ready for the Bar-B-Q at Dean Wcislo. The Dean shared with us delicious food and showed us endless hospitality. 

Check out some photos from this weekend located below and be sure to come back later this week to see how the summer's wrapping up!

Today at VSA the weather has been beautiful and we are coming off of an exciting Proctor Night.  Last night each proctor group got to pick a restaurant to eat at with their group and a fun activity to do before or after dinner.

Ashley's group went to paint pottery at All Fired Up and then ate dinner at TGI Friday's.  "Proctor night was the best ever. Making pottery was very relaxing and we loved hanging out with our proctor!" - Ashley's girls

The students have been learning a great deal in their classes and it's hard to believe that we are coming close to finishing the second week here at VSA!

Everyone's seems to be having a great time!  Tonight we have a bunch of activities offered including a rec trip, a trip to Borders, and Food for Thought. Check back tomorrow for more updates!

Week Two, Day 9 of Session III

The second week at VA has been off to a smooth start.  Students are enjoying their second week of class and getting very accustomed to dorm life here at Vanderbilt.  Students are starting to build lasting relationships with their proctors.  Tonight we have a number of evening activities including a cooking class, a dance class, and a trip to the rec, and a trip to Fido's a Dragon Park to play TV Tag.

Mary Paige Skinner says, "Anthropology is awesome and I've learned so much already!  S-House is pretty awesome too."

Here's a quote from one of our proctors, Aly about a cooking class she lead as an evening activity. 

Being a proctor is already a fun job, but these kids have made it so much more entertaining with their wit and willingness to try new things.  This proved especially true on Tuesday during our very first Cooking Class, hosted by yours truly. Our blueberry muffins (and chocolate chip for those true choco-holics out there) came out excellent, and we had a blast talking about college cafeteria food, the SAT, and classes. Hey, pretty much any topic is fun when you throw in muffins. Hopefully cooking will continue to be a hit as we delve into more complex recipes each time. 

Hope you are all well back at home! Check back tomorrow for more exciting updates from VSA!

Week Two Begins at Session III!

This past weekend was a blast. Arete classes performed for the entire camp Friday afternoon. We were lucky enough to capture a couple of the performances on video, so check out stage combat and step class performances at the end of the post.

The kids had their first opportunity to sign out and take in a bit of  Nashville on their own. Several students explored Hillsboro Village and ventured to nearby stores such as the Great Escape and Pangea.

Saturday night, the entire camp went to a Nashville Sounds baseball game. It was fun while it lasted, but sadly, in the sixth inning, the sky opened and rain poured as students and proctors alike ran for shelter. With time to kill that night, an impromptu dance party started in Sutherland and lasted until everyone had tired out and happily obeyed curfew.

Sunday afternoon was the proctors' personal favorite activity in all of VSA -- the Goofy Olympics. The three houses competed against one another in field-day-style in a number of events throughout the afternoon. Team events like the hula hoop chain and tug-of-war brought house groups together while individual events like chubby bunny and the water balloon toss were big hits with everyone.

Below are some photos from the goofy olympics. Take a look and check back later this week for another update!

Edward and Moriah showing some skills in Chubby Bunny

Alyssa and Calvin dominating during the Hula Hoop Chain competition. 

A House giving it their all before ultimately falling to V House in Tug-of-War

Kiersten and Lauren showing some muscle during the relay race.

Session III, Day 4

We've had more rain in Nashville today, but the clouds parted and the sun is starting to come out! It cooled off a bit here, and I think all of the students are looking forward to some sunshine this afternoon.

Tonight the students have a number of different activities to choose from including "A Man With a Can."  A cooking class taught by our proctor Hunter geared towards guys.  This class teaches them how to learn basic cooking skills for college while enjoying a delicious (or so is the goal) meal.

Tomorrow night is Date Night.  All of the students will go out on a "date" with another proctor group to restaurants surrounding campus.  After dinner they will all do other off campus activities such as line dancing and laser tag!

Students are all heading back around now to start their homework and relax before dinner and evening activities!  

Day 3 at VSA!

Welcome to day three here at VSA!  It’s been a dark and stormy one with the Nashville rain pouring down.  Last night the students enjoyed their first taste of college life and I was pleased and excited to hear the deep and thought-provoking conversations that were happening on all of the different floors of Sutherland House.  Students are truly thriving in this environment with their newfound autonomy and similarity to the other students here.

Student Updates:

Alan Fan

"Many children will recall fond memories of learning to swim by being dropped into a pool by their parents. I’ve learned how to brave the “VSA Pty’s Medical School 101” program after being dumped in Nashville all alone on July 6, 10:00a.m. After all, I had to since my return flight to Chicago (and civilization!) is on the 2b. 

Upon arrival, there was some slight chaos as the proctors had not yet arrived to pick me up leaving me dazed and confused (and somewhat panicky, but I won’t admit that in person).  However, it’s been (relatively) smooth sailing from that point on.  My greatest challenge now is obtaining toothpaste as I misplaced mine into my carryon bag and had it confiscated.  Nevertheless, I will face this challenge head on (applied directly to the forehead). 

Sunday afternoon, we had a “tour” of Vanderbilt University.  Before a some-what appealing dinner yet after the tour, the staff gave an opening ceremony.  Dinner was followed by icebreaker games which were cute.

Monday was our first day of class, although first days are always introductory so that they can’t really be counted as full days of studying.  In “Med School” we obtained photo IDs, went on a tour of the medical center, and received this weeks work load.  Most everyone else in the course out of us 21 had our hearts set on being a doctor and at least once student a doctor with training from Vanderbilt!  Myself, I decided to attend this program to get firsthand experience in the medical field, not just television fairytales of McDreamys and McSteamys, to determine if it is a field worth pursuing and whether Vanderbilt is a potential candidate for my undergraduate school. 

Today in class, Caitlin a rising senior from a village near Cambridge and I shadowed Dr. Hood, a cardiologist at the Vanderbilt Medical Hospital, as he worked in the hospital seeing patients who had follow up appointments.  All in all, things are proceeding very smoothly here in Tennessee." 

Tonight the students will have game night at Sutherland where they can play a range of games from Twister to Poker.  There will also be movies playing in different floor lounges for a low-key option as well as a quiet floor reserved for studying.  It’s sure to be a good time. Hope you are all well and thanks for checking today!

Session III, Day 2

Last night at VSA all of the students engaged in a camp-wide scavenger hunt in their proctor groups. I heard a number of them chatting about how much fun they all had. The hunt took them to an assortment of Vanderbilt places including the mound on the baseball stadium and alumni lawn.

On a different note, as part of the Food for Thought lecture series, four representatives from Vanderbilt's admissions office, including Director of Admissions John Gaines, will conduct a mock admissions discussion. It will begin with an introduction and overview of selective admissions, continue with students gathering in mock admissions committees to evaluate applications, and conclude with each group presenting their decisions. This is an outstanding opportunity for VSA students to acquaint themselves with the college admissions process. Parents, please encourage your students to sign up for this event!

Tonight, students will have a number of options for their evening activity including watching a movie on one of the big screens on campus, take a trip with a proctor to Borders or Starbucks, and even take a cooking class! Check back for more updates tomorrow!

Session III Begins!

VSA session III started out with a tremendous kick off last night! The students were taken on a tour of the campus by their proctors and taken to the opening ceremony where there were all inducted into their own houses: Vision House, Spirit House, and Ability House. Then we all ate our first meals in The Commons Dining Center. We spent the evening playing icebreaker games, getting to know the proctors, and learning about their new House. The pictures below are from Gun, Bear, Ninja - a human version of Rock, Paper, Scissors. Also, check out this link to a video of what the kids who lost the Nonverbal Birthday Line-up had to do!

The students are in class right now and everyone seemed very excited this morning about their first day! Hope you parents aren't missing your kids too much! Check back tomorrow for more exciting updates!

Session II, Winding Down

I can't believe that Session II will be over this Saturday.  The time has just flown by!  The students don't seem ready to leave!

Last night some students went to see Shrek the Third in Centennial Park.  Others went swimming at the rec center, and a group also went to Starbucks and Borders.  There was also an exciting lecture on Globalization offered by the Head of Sutherland House, Chalene Helmuth.

Tonight we have a camp-wide activity called "The Roommate Challenge" where 1 set of roommates from each proctor group is challenged to see how well they know each other.  This game is played in the style of The Newlywed Game.  Whichever pair wins will get points for their house!

Check back tomorrow for another update!

Session II, Day 8

Session 2 is just going by so quickly!!! There are only 2 more days of classes left.  Here are a few class photos:

Digital Storytelling

Novel Writing

The Session 2 group photo is amazing!

Second Tuesday of Session II

Last night your students participated in Game Night at Sutherland - all sorts of stations were set up including a big soccer game outside, board games, charades, and even karaoke.  Some students even played Cricket outside until the sprinklers came on and soaked them!

The students in Astronomy went to Dyer Observatory last night to look out of the huge telescope at everything they had been studying in class.  The room with the telescope has a ceiling that moves to acquire the best view of all the stars and planets!

This afternoon we will take our big group photo outside on the steps of Wyatt.  Then, this evening is date night!  We'll have a big pizza party outside on the Sutherland Quad and then each proctor group with out with another proctor group for their date!  Students are doing all different kinds of things including laser tag and ice skating.  Check back tomorrow for pictures and more exciting updates!

So much has happened this weekend at VSA!

Thursday Night, Proctor Night Out

On Thursday night all of the students got an opportunity to spend time with their proctor and pick what they wanted to do!  Here's an bit from Aly Tribbet, one of our proctor's from Arizona!

Here's an update from Aly Tribbit, a VSA Proctor from Arizona:

"Proctor's Night Out was an absolute blast this week. After several long, packed days of class and activities, we decided to let the kids decide what THEY wanted to do for an evening. My proctor group wanted a meal out, and lucky for me they are really adventurous! We decided to go to Cafe Calypso for some home cooked Caribbean food, which was absolutely delicious. The cafe is pretty small, but we still managed to all 11 of us around a table so we could all talk over our black bean salads and cornmeal muffins. Afterwards, we headed to the bookstore to just browse, read magazines in the coffee shop, and relax.  Overall, it was a great evening; one of my favorite yet." 

Girls in Aly's Group!

Yay, VSA Kids!

Friday Afternoon, Arete Performances

Friday afternoon all of the Arete classes gathered together on the Sutherland House Patio to show off their new skills.  The students enjoyed performing as much as they enjoyed watching what the other classes had learned!  Check out the Capoeira, Song Writing, and Step performances here!

Friday Night, The Wacky Dance

On Friday night the students had a wacky dance out in the Sutherland Quad where they enjoyed ice cream sundaes, dancing, and -of course - wacky attire!  Check out the pictures below!

The Sutherland Patio

Kids getting Wacky!

Some amazing outfits!

Saturday Afternoon, The Goofy Olympics

Saturday we had a huge inter-House competition in the form of the Goofy Olympics.  We had events such as Chubby Bunny, Water Balloon Toss, and Tug of War!  The students had an amazing time and A House dominated in the end!

Emmy and Hayley playing Chubby Bunny

Water Balloon Toss

Tug of War: Go S-House

Proctor Tug of War Team!  Unfortunately we lost...

Saturday Night, The Nashville Sounds Game

The students were treated to an awesome night at the Nashville Sounds game against the Memphis Redbirds.  The home team won!  We all enjoyed classic baseball food (hot dogs and soda) and picked up some treats too!

Baseball!

We even stayed for the fireworks!

Sunday, School Days and Sunday Night at Sutherland

During the day the students participated in "School Days" where they had a blast from the past and got to enjoy games from elementary school such as dodge ball, musical chairs, show and tell, and playdough sculptures.  They also got to watch cartoons and eat kiddie snacks!  During this time some of our students did their inaugural load of laundry.  (There were also some laundry veterans in the bunch too...)

In the evening they enjoyed a some low-key "at home time" including a coffee house, mafia, and movies.

Everyone is finishing up study hall right now, but will be heading back to Sutherland House for dinner in The Commons and Game Night.  Check back tomorrow for more exciting updates!

Session II, Day 5

Your kids have been going to class- not just doing fun evening activities! Here are a few pictures from the Astronomy, Anthropology, and Comic Book Adaptations classes:



They've also been enjoying some time on campus:


Tonight is the Wacky dance and tomorrow's is the Wacky Olympics- check back for pictures from these events!!!!!

Session II, Day 3

Last night was full of crazy activities. We hosted our second marshmallow auction of the summer and after a few intense bidding wars, several kids went home with some pretty awesome prizes. Before the auction, they were given the chance to win more marshmallows with which to bid by winning individual and team games. Christopher Cummins won the "Chubby Bunny" contest while Tierra Jones took down the competition in the hula hoop contest.

Tonight we're hosting a variety of activities here at Sutherland. Students will be able to choose from ultimate frisbee, a movie showing, or a trip to Fido, a local coffee shop. Finally Professor Frank Wcislo, Dean of the Commons here at Vandy, will be giving a lecture called "Why Bother Studying History?" which students will be able to attend to earn points for their respective houses.

We've got some really great events coming up in the next few days (anyone for Proctor Group Nights or Wacky Dances?) so se sure to check back soon for more updates! 

Session II, Day 2

Last night we had an AWESOME camp-wide photo scavenger hunt! The students and proctors alike had quite the adventure as they traipsed around campus looking for over 50 different picture perfect Vandy landmarks. Each proctor group was given a camera with 27 exposures and had an hour and a half to collect points for their houses. Photo options ranged from rocking out on Alumni Lawn for 5 points to sitting in the bleachers at Hawkins Field for 30!

The second day of classes has gone swimmingly. Students are really enjoying the material and getting into the swing of things here on campus. Tonight we have a variety of activities ranging from crafting friendship bracelets to a trip to Ben & Jerry's that should be a ton of fun. That's all for today - be sure to check back tomorrow for more updates!

Session 2 Kick Off

Welcome to the VSA blog for Session II!  With 65% of the students in this session being returners, the ice-breaker games went better than we ever expected.  The students seem very happy to see old friends, but to also be welcoming new friends into the VSA family.  The students were all inducted into their respective houses last night - Vision House, Spirit House, and Ability House.  There will be an inter-house competition with lots of exciting and fun ways for the students to earn house points!  But only one house can win in the end...

The first day of class is well under way and the students will be having the mid-afternoon break very soon.  Those I talked to at lunch said that they were having a great time, but that the classes were more challenging than they expected (which is good!).  Our Vanderbilt professors are so passionate about their respective subjects, and have so many things to impart to your students.  

There are no students updates for today - I'm sure the buzz of first night activities had them too busy to write for us.  But encourage them to do so!  The VSA staff along with all the other parents really enjoy hearing from your kids!

That's all for today - check back tomorrow for new and exciting updates!

Session I Winding Down

Session 1 is slowing starting to wind down.  The students are getting excited about our being event tonight: Game Night.  We'll have all sorts of games going including karaoke, twister, charades, and many more.  The students and proctors alike are all getting excited about the dance on Friday night after the closing ceremonies!

Last night everyone went to Centennial Park for Movies in the Park - a Nashville summer tradition.  The students enjoyed watching the movie and getting treats from the local vendors.  Everyone is loving there time at VSA and there have been a lot of long faces about going home!

Pictures:

The Step Arete Class

Chita, the Sutherland House mascot, hangs out with her mom, Faculty Head of House Charlene Helmuth with daughter Ella, and VSA students Russell, Anna, and Mia.

Day 3, Session 1

Last night we had a number of activities including an awesome marshmallow auction where a number of items including a proctor night out with Prefect Tinsley Meloy were auctioned off. This event went for 800 marshmallow's to Hunter's group!  There were also trips to the pool, one trip to Ben & Jerry's, and a huge kickball tournament. 

Tonight most of the students will be taking a trip to Centennial Park to spend some time lounging off campus.  Kids are having an amazing time and a lot of them are already getting sad about leaving.  Check back tomorrow for more exciting updates!

Student Updates:

Clayton Riggs

It is great here at VSA! I can play cricket now. Plus, the food isn't stale.

Photos:

Kids playing Cricket

Marshmallow Auction

Hula Hooping!

Day 2, Session 1

Last night we had an amazing camp wide photo scavenger hunt with 52 different picture options!  The students and proctors alike had an amazing time on their adventures.  Each proctor group was given a camera with 27 exposures and an hour and a half to get the most points.  Photo opts ranged from building a pyramid in front of the Cornelius Vanderbilt statue for 5 points to taking a picture with one of Vanderbilt's many squirrels for 30!  Some of the girls in Lisa's proctor group said that last night was one of the best nights of their lives!

The second day of classes has gone extremely well.  The students are truly getting "into the swing of things" here and most of them feel like they have been here for much longer than two nights. This evening we have a variety of activities ranging from Picture Frame Making to a Marshmallow Auction for awesome prizes.  That's all for today - be sure to check back tomorrow for more updates!

Student Updates:

Hannah Niles

After only a few days here at Vanderbilt, I feel very comfortable with the staff and within the campus.  I have thoroughly enjoyed the various activities we have taken part in.  These include a full campus photography scavenger hunt,  Arete classes (Juggling, Tai Chi, Yoga), and in my class (Shouts and Whispers) collage making and free hand writing. I feel VSA has and will continue to be an important step on an educational level for all who have and will attend.

Marisa Nunez

Today we had an awesome scavenger hunt!  We got a list of crazy things to do, for example: bathe in a fountain, go to the top of the parking garage, and pose like the weirdest statue on campus (while taking a picture for proof).  It was so much fun going to places of campus too, don't you worry parents, we went everywhere with our proctors.  I can't wait to see what we're doing tomorrow!

Day One at VSA Session 1

Day one here at VSA had a great kickoff.  Last night we had an awesome opening ceremony with all of the students being inducted into their Houses: Vision House, Spirit House, and Ability House.  The first day of classes and Arete went splendidly and everyone seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves.  Tonight we have a campus wide photo scavenger hunt with our proctor groups, and we are all very excited!  Thanks for checking the blog, and be sure to check back tomorrow for more updates!

Here are the student updates for today:

Aditya Gudibanda

Sunday, June 8th

"Today was really fun.  My proctor, Hunter, did a really great job of helping us get to know each other better.  I'm looking forward to having a great time at VSA this week!"

Photos!

VSA Today! This is a copy of our daily session newsletter - this is today's edition.

VSA 2008

The VSA staff is gearing up for another exciting summer at Vanderbilt!