Frequently Asked

Frequently Asked Questions for Students, Parents, Administrators

1. How many students can participate in Confluence?

A: 2-4 per school, max total of 15

2. How many adult mentors or coordinators are needed?

A: 1-2 per school/organization

3. What fees will students and families be responsible for?

A: We will strive to provide this experience free of charge to all families.

4. What is the expectation for each school or organization?

A: Everyone involved is an equal partner and bears the same ownership of and responsibility for the program; in terms of resources, each partner school or organization will contribute equitably based on its own set of circumstances--i.e. transportation of its students, time, energy, creativity, funding for supplies necessary for its students’ activities, philosophical and administrative support, etc.

5. What preparation will students need in order to participate in Confluence?

A: Students must demonstrate interest in Confluence via an application and letter of recommendation; a sense of adventure and willingness to collaborate and engage are must-haves.

6. What is the expectation for each student after the August immersion?

A: Each student will be engaged in a project, work-study, or internship related to Confluence themes throughout the entire school year. This is likely a weekly commitment that will be essential to the program. The student and the supporting mentor will agree on the specific schedule, which will be mutually convenient. Additionally, each student will agree to monthly check-ins, either virtually or in person, depending on the month.

6. Will a waiver be required during the August immersion?

A: Yes. See question 12.

7. Will food be provided during the August immersion?

A: Yes. We will be self-sufficient during that time, cooking for ourselves and dining at local establishments with cultural relevance within the community.

8. Will lodging be provided during the August immersion?

A: All participants will commute back home for the first two nights; we will camp out for the next two nights.

9. Will equipment be provided for our outdoor adventures throughout the year?

A: Yes.

10. What transportation will be provided for the various excursions in August and throughout the year?

A: Professional bus service and/or vehicles owned by the schools with trained drivers.

11. Will adults need to have background checks (CORI and SORI)?

A: Yes.

12. Who will oversee liability for the program?

A: Recognizing that student safety is the priority for partner schools, Phillips Academy will coordinate risk management of all activities surrounding the August Immersion portion of the Confluence program. Parental permission forms, necessary health information, and liability waivers will be obtained from all participating students. Program chaperones will be experienced in leading group experiential learning programs and will also be certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR. Throughout the yearlong collaboration, each partner school will manage these matters according to its own standards and needs.

13. What are the behavioral expectations for students throughout the Confluence experience, both the August Immersion and the yearlong program?

A: Students at all times will act as model citizens and will abide by the Rules of Confluence--modeled on the Blue Book rules for Phillips Academy students--as well as uphold values set forth by the Crew at the outset of our program together.