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The Bolles School Launches Camp College for Seniors

The Bolles School’s Department of College Counseling proudly launched Camp College, a program designed to support seniors as they navigate the college application process.

This full-day event, born from a vision of providing comprehensive support, took place on September 6 on the Bolles Upper School San Jose Campus, with many Bolles upper school faculty and staff rallying behind the initiative.

Camp College kicked off with seniors being warmly welcomed in Cain Gym by Bolles Director of College Counseling Daphne Vagenas and Assistant Directors of College Counseling Genna DeFalco, Danielle Leach, Dari Pedines and Matthew Wilmer.

The seniors then participated in a values exercise, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose, alongside Bolles President and Head of School Tyler Hodges, Associate Head of School Andrew Forrester, Upper School Head Moya Marks, Upper School Assistant Head Piper Moyer-Shad ’91, upper school teachers Daniel Ferrari, Lily Kuonen, Ashley McLeod and Devan Skapetis, and guidance counselors Katie Cussen and Lauren Genduso.  

Next, the Class of 2025 broke into smaller groups to meet with their individual college counselors about the Common App before reconvening for a series of calming exercises and activities across campus, led by the College Counseling team and upper school faculty and staff: Kip Collins, Kim Dividu, Erin DuChanois, Jimmy Lyons, Abby Sander, Adriana Stam, Steve Stam ’00, Carol Deane Williams, Jen Willis ’05 and Jeff Yeakel. The Bulldogs enjoyed attending the Gooding Gallery art reception, coloring, playing card games, gaga ball and Guesstures, participating in rainbow meditation and more.

The seniors gathered on the River Campus for a picnic-style lunch to connect as a class and share their meaningful experiences from the morning. After lunch, the Bulldogs met with their individual college counselors for a two-hour afternoon session focused on supplemental essays, and they were surprised with encouraging notes from Bolles lower school students.

The day concluded back in Cain Gym with a creative and heartfelt activity where students made friendship bracelets. These bracelets, adorned with encouraging words, will be exchanged among students throughout the school year to encourage each other as the Bulldogs continue through their senior year together. View more pictures in our online photo gallery. Keep up the great work, seniors! #BollesSanJose