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POSSIBLE COURSE TOPICS
Each weekend program at Silver Bay is different. Below is a list of some of the practical class sessions that you may have the opportunity to take. Several of these will be offered each weekend. The Goal is to offer you programs to educate you about American Culture, assist you as an au pair and provide opportunity for personal development.
Au pairs decide on the evening of their arrival at the Silver Bay Campus, which sessions they will attend during the weekend.
American Political Structure
American History Highlights
American Poetry
American Holidays; Cultural Differences
American Slang in Today’s Society
American Criminal Justice System
Cultural Differences in Parenting
American Social Life and Subcultures
American Literature for Kids
Early Literacy Development in Children
Digital Ph otography – Equipment and Techniques
Activities and Crafts for Children
Cooperation Skills
Communication Skills
Children's Theater
Creative Journaling
Creative Story Telling
Yoga & Everyday Exercise
Native American Story Telling
Songs and Dances for Children
Every Day Safety: Cars, Pools and Lakes
Games for Children
Spontaneous Drama
Time Management for You
Win/Win: Conflict Resolution
FACULTY - Professional and Student
Various qualified and enthusiastic professionals present the class sessions. There is usually a minimum of ten faculty each weekend and usually sixteen or more. We generally also include, as co-instructors, assistants and general participants, college students and recent graduates from both the Silver Bay campus and The College of Saint Rose campus. Small sessions are usually in groups of about 20. All instructors are volunteers.
CONTACT WITH AMERICAN STUDENTS
The Silver Bay campus uses both American and International College students and interns to staff their facilities. The College generally has several current and recent American college students join the weekends. One goal is to encourage communications between the American and International students. We also encourage the attending au pairs and students to communicate with each other after the course and visit each other in the various historic cities in our country.
FORMAL AND INFORMAL DISCUSSIONS
Au pairs have reported that they especially like the opportunity of having current American college students and recent graduates participating in informal discussions, the social events and formal classroom discussions. Most report staying in communication with other au pairs they have met at the course.
COST
The cost of the Silver Bay Program is $250.00 for the entire weekend. (As of July 2008, the cost goes up to $275.00) This covers lodging (generally two to a room with private bath for those signing up early), meals, snacks, beverages, supplies, class instructors and all related fees. This cost does not include transportation to and from the Silver Bay Campus. That is your responsibility. Credit Cards are not accepted. The instructors are volunteers who are donating their time and expertise because they feel these courses are beneficial to you!
A $50.00 late fee applies if you register less than one month in advance.
A $25.00 fee will be charged for any returned checks.
DEPOSITS, DEADLINES AND REFUNDS
Full payment is required to reserve your place in the program. Make checks payable to: Silver Bay Au Pair Course and mail with reservation form to: Mike D'Attilio, Au Pair Course, The College of Saint Rose, 432 Western Ave, Albany NY 12203-1490. We do not accept credit cards. All but $100 is refundable if written cancellation is received 18 days prior to the weekend. If you wish to switch a weekend and give at least 14 days written notice, there is a $50. charge.
WHAT TO BRING
Silver Bay is in the Adirondack Mountains of northeastern New York State, so bring comfortable warm clothing, walking/hiking shoes, toiletries, umbrella, raincoat, flashlight (for night walks), medical insurance card, swim gear if warm weather, ID, alarm clock, pen and paper, camera, etc. Do not bring alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs.
A typical schedule is as follows and can very and change depending on number of students and other related factors. E-mail for an actual recent weekend schedule: aupaircourse@strose.edu
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Friday |
5:00 - 10:00 p.m. |
Check In & Assignment to Welcoming Groups |
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5:00 - 11:55 |
Limited Snacks and Beverages Available |
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6:00 - 10:00 |
Dinner Buffet – Attend in Welcoming Groups |
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7:00 - 9:30 |
Tours, Craft Projects, & Working Groups |
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9:30 - 11:00 |
Opening Session |
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11:30 |
Social |
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Saturday |
8:00 a.m. |
Breakfast |
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9:00 |
Class Session with 4-8 class options |
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10:30 |
Class Session with 4-8 class options |
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12:00 p.m. |
Lunch |
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1:00 |
Class session with 4-8 class options |
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2:30 |
Class session with 4-8 class options |
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4:00 |
Free Time with 2-4 recreational options |
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5:30 |
Dinner |
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6:30 |
Class session in large group |
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8:00 |
Ice cream break |
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8:45 |
Class session in large group |
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11:00 |
Social/Club Disco Night |
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Sunday |
8:00 a.m. |
Breakfast |
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9:00 |
Class Session with 4-8 class options |
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10:15 |
Class Session with 4-8 class options |
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11:30 |
Group Photo and Closing Session |
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12:00 p.m. |
Lunch |
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1:00 |
Departure |
REGISTER NOW!
To download the Course Registration Form to mail, click here.
If you can not download the registration form, e-mail aupaircourse@strose.edu
Please note: Form and check must be mailed. Do not fax or e-mail form unless requested by e-mail to do such. IF REGISTERING LESS THAN A MONTH BEFORE THE COURSE, e-mail for the late registration process.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Mike D'Attilio
E-mail: aupaircourse@strose.edu (e-mail is much easier than phone calls back and forth)
The College of Saint Rose
432 Western Avenue
Albany, New York 12203-1490
Phone: 518.454.5115 (e-mails preferred)
THE FACILITIES
Silver Bay YMCA of the Adirondacks is located 80 miles north of Albany, New York. It was founded in 1902 and is a Registered National Historic Place. It is host to hundreds of educational and conference groups each year. Its scenic campus stretches over 600 acres and includes one mile of shoreline. It is a modern facility with various hotel and lodge sleeping rooms; dining room with multiple choice menu items; over ten classrooms; a large auditorium; audio visual equipment including power point projectors; wireless internet; and recreational opportunities including tennis courts, a boathouse, two gyms, exercise/fitness center, and a climbing wall. During your course, you will generally share a room with one other au pair. Each room has two beds and a private bath. Usually the au pairs stay in Bayview Lodge and/or the large Victorian Inn. Au pairs who have attended in the past are very pleased with the meals. There is lots of variety, options and plenty of food.
A map of the Silver Bay campus can be found here.
STATEMENT OF GOOD FAITH
Silver Bay, The College of Saint Rose, the program director and the faculty involved with the classes are participating in good faith and reserve the right to change or cancel any or all aspects of the classes as circumstances may require, including low enrollment.
EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBER AND CELL PHONES
In case of emergency, the Silver Bay telephone number is 518.543.8833.
PLEASE NOTE: Cell phones do not work at Silver Bay. Please bring calling cards.
PAPER OR PROJECT REQUIRED
Each student will be required to do a paper and a project. You may do that prior to the weekend or within a month after the weekend. Specifics will be sent with confirmation materials. If you want a copy of the assignment sheet early, you can download a Microsoft Word version of the assignment or e-mail for such aupaircourse@strose.edu
DIRECTIONS FROM ALBANY
(Silver Bay is about 80 miles north of Albany)
Please note that although The College of Saint Rose is located in Albany, NY you are taking these courses at the Silver Bay of the Adirondacks Campus, which is 80 miles (1.5 - 1/75 hours) north of Albany.
* Take Northway (route 87 about 60 miles north to exit 24 and exit
* At end of exit, turn right (east) and go up and over hill to end of road (4.5)
* At the end of road turn left (north) onto route 9N north and go 12.3 miles
* As you enter Silver Bay Township you pass Snug Harbor on the right
* Silver Bay is .6 miles from Snug Harbor
* Bear/turn right onto Silver Bay Road at large sign and drive about .25 miles
* Follow Au Pair signs
* Please note that if you need gas stop at an exit before 23
In Summary: If coming from the south or west, take the NY State Thruway to Exit 24 in Albany and proceed north for over an hour on Route 87 (the Northway) to exit 24 (yes, a second exit 24) and follow the directions above. If coming from the east, take 90 west to 87 north, then directions above.
TRANSPORTATION - GETTING TO SILVER BAY
CAR POOLING: Calling each other & car pooling is how most au pairs get to Silver Bay. By at least 14 days before the weekend, you will be sent a list of the other au pairs registered & their contact information. Sometimes a host parent &/or family is willing to drive & spend the weekend (e-mail Mike for details). Our experience is that many au pairs drive and have space for riders, but no one called or e-mailed them.
WHERE YOU ARE GOING: Silver Bay of the Adirondacks Campus is 80 miles north of Albany (1.5-1.75 hours); you are NOT going to The College of Saint Rose Campus in Albany.
SILVER BAY ADDRESS: 87 Silver Bay Road, Silver Bay, NY 12874-1908
TIMING: PLEASE note that you can not depart from Silver Bay prior to 11:30am on Sunday, so make reservation accordingly. Plan at least one and a half hours to get to the Albany Airport from Silver Bay and one hour and 45 minutes to two hours to get to the Bus Station and Train Stations.
TRAIN, BUS, AIRPLANES:
AMTRAK TRAIN services comes into Albany NY. GREYHOUND, PETER PAN AND
TRAILWAY BUS LINES all come into the same bus station in Albany. ALBANY AIRPORT is the closest airport.
SHUTTLES FROM TRAIN, BUS AND AIRPORT: If you fly, train or bus into Albany, YOU MUST CONTACT the Coxsackie Transportation Company to reserve a space on a shuttle. E-mail them at coxsackie2001@yahoo.com or call 518-731-8242. Here are the times of their shuttle service.
PLAN TO ARRIVE EARLY, THE BUS CAN NOT WAIT FOR YOU.
GOING TO SILVERBAY FROM ALBANY ON FRIDAY
Albany Train Pick Up Albany Bus Pick Up Albany Airport Pick Up Arrive Silver Bay
5:30 pm 6:00 pm 6:30 pm 8:00 pm
GOING TO ALBANY FROM SILVER BAYON SUNDAY
Leave Silver Bay Arrive Albany Airport Arrive Albany Bus Arrive Albany Train
11:30 am 1:15 pm 1:45 pm 2:15 pm
COST OF THE SHUTTLE: You will need to pay for the shuttle service.
Round trip (both ways) cost is $100 each person plus 15% gratuity. (Total $115.00 per person.)
IDENITIFICATION: It is your responsibility to go outside and look for the van or bus that says:
Coxsackie Transportation.
PAYMENT: they do NOT take credit cards. You will need cash or check payable to Wayne Parks
OTHER SHUTTLE COMPANIES IF YOU CAN NOT MAKE THIS AU PAIR ONE:
Airport Trasnsportation 518-374-4840 or 518-441-1523 or Adirondack Cab Company 518-585-2222 or Northeast Shuttle Service 518-235-8100 northeastshuttle@aol.com or Capitaland 518-793-0000 or City Cab 518-793-6666 or Consolidated 518-747-5000 or Lake George Taxi 518-668-9600 or Glens Falls Transportation 518-747-9000
REVISED March 11, 2008
WHAT AU PAIRS THINK!
EXCERPTS ABOUT SILVER BAY FROM AU PAIR EVALUATIONS:
"I think that Silver Bay is a wonderful place." "This weekend in Silver Bay was my second and I am very happy that I can say I have been there a second time." --- Sylvia
“I really enjoyed the Silver Bay weekend, the instructors, the food, the place and even the nice hotel room." ---Hans
"My first experience at Silver Bay was great, and so I figured that the second time would have to be just as good. I knew that I'd be in for a weekend packed full of activities, led by a staff of excellent instructors." "I found my weekend in Silver Bay to be really, really excellent. I had such a good time. I enjoyed the course more the second time around!" "We all had a blast!" --- Natalie
"It was great! I couldn't imagine a better weekend!" "I have learned more about people. I have also learned new games for kids, new ideas and new customs from different countries." "I would recommend Silver Bay to everybody. I think it is worth it. Everybody should go up there and check this out!" --- Manta
"I think that it was the greatest weekend course I have ever taken." "I am going home with a smile that says, 'I have done it! I have done my one year of au-pairing and I am proud of myself.'" --- Chrisna
"Have to say that the Silver Bay weekend was great!!" --- Elisabeth
"I have to admit that it was a very fruitful time for me." --- Katarzyna
"My experience at Silver Bay has been one of the best things I have done since I arrived in America." "I found Silver Bay to be a relaxing place with beautiful scenery." --- Jodie
"I was quite impressed by the setting of our weekend course and admired its peacefulness." " We had so much fun, so many nice experiences [the first weekend] that it made me decide to come back to this beautiful place." "I just loved the international atmosphere." --- Judith
"I learned a lot of things I can use in everyday life with my kids here in the U.S. and later on as well." "All in all I just have to say that I had a great time in Silver Bay." --- Damaris
"I learned something from every class. From meeting all the other au pairs I got more strength, and a supportive feeling that I am not alone here and that there are hundreds of other people here in the same situation as me. It will help me to finish my year in the U.S. successfully." --- Anne
"I liked it from the first moment I arrived!" "I had a really great time at Silver Bay. I got to know many interesting things which I can use in the future when I work with children." --- Elwira
"I would like to say that it was a great weekend with a lot of fun. I really enjoyed it very much and I am looking forward to the weekend in June. Those weekend courses are a great idea." --- Susan
"I really enjoyed my weekends at Silver Bay and feel that this is a good thing for the au pairs to do because it helps people to meet others with common interests." --- Andreas
"I really liked Silver Bay a lot. You have so much fun there and you meet so many new people." --- Katlin
"All in all I can say the weekend course was really great like a little mini-vacation." "I came home with more energy and I got more patience and I felt very happy that it made it easier for me to work with my children." --- Alexandra
I won't lie if I say that doing the Silver Bay courses was one of the best decisions of my life. I was and still am very impressed." "If I could say only one thing about the Silver Bay weekend courses, I would say that it is like a breath of fresh spring air." --- Aleksandra
"When I arrived at the Silver Bay area I was surprised how nice the place was. The lake and the forest seemed to be the perfect spot to spend the weekend." "I really would tell other au-pairs to attend a Silver Bay weekend or even two. It is worth it and the food is very good." --- Anna
"I cannot imagine that anybody could not fall in love with that place. I thought and still think that it is so wonderful." "I went there again and I was stronger than the first time. I realized that I'd changed after comparing the first and second time at Silver Bay." "I love Silver Bay." --- Marie
"I think Silver Bay is the best place to meet people in your situation - other au-pairs who are always friendly and understand all your problems." --- Marta
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