Meet Emily Surprenant ’11, Director of Summer Programs at Miss Porter’s School

Get to know Miss Porter’s Emily Surprenant ’11  | Director of Summer Programs

As the Director of Summer Programs, Emily collaborates with faculty, students, and families to create a welcoming atmosphere that brings the joy of learning and sisterhood to younger girls.

Here are 3 questions to get to know her better:

What inspired you to pursue a leadership role in summer programs at Miss Porter’s, and how do you bring your unique perspective as an alumna (Ancient) to this position?

As a former middle school teacher for eight years, I developed a deep passion for working with students in this age group. They bring incredible energy to everything they do—a mix of self-discovery, curiosity, and open-mindedness as they hone their opinions and passions. Leading summer programs at Miss Porter’s School felt like the perfect opportunity to continue working with this dynamic age group in a new and impactful way.

Since I was 14, I’ve been part of Miss Porter’s community, experiencing firsthand how it shaped me into who I am today. This role is a meaningful way for me to give back to a place that holds such an important place in my life. As an “Ancient,” I strive to replicate the tenets of the Porter experience—rigor, ritual, and relationships—within our summer camp culture.

Our programs are designed to welcome girls into our unique community, exposing them to the world of all-girls education, leadership, and supportive spaces. From thoughtful lesson design and experiential learning to time-honored camp traditions, everything we do is rooted in creating an environment where girls thrive. Building relationships with campers, counselors, and staff members is at the heart of our mission, fostering once-in-a-lifetime friendships and memories that last far beyond the summer.

How does your background in special education for culturally and linguistically diverse learners influence how you design and oversee programs like Summer in Farmington and Daisy Days?

My master’s degree in special education for culturally and linguistically diverse learners was driven by a desire to create inclusive, accessible, and engaging learning spaces. This philosophy directly informs how we approach our summer programs at Miss Porter’s.

Learning should meet the individual needs of every camper, which is why we prioritize building personal relationships through counselor-camper groups. By genuinely getting to know each camper—their interests, personalities, and learning styles—we can design experiences that engage everyone.

Our programming reflects this commitment to inclusivity and purpose. For example:

• Counselor-led sessions and personalized activities ensure campers feel seen and supported.
• Afternoon activity options give campers the freedom to choose experiences that match their interests, from arts and crafts to sports and exploration.
• Our commitment to experiential learning allows campers to step outside the traditional classroom for hands-on activities that inspire creativity and critical thinking.

We also emphasize the importance of camp traditions, such as Color Wars and karaoke nights, which foster a sense of community and camaraderie. While these traditions may seem lighthearted on the surface, their purpose is to unite campers, building friendships and shared experiences that form the foundation of our supportive community culture.

What new ideas or initiatives are you excited to introduce this summer to make the programs even more memorable and impactful for campers?

This summer, we’re thrilled to introduce exciting new elements to both Summer in Farmington and Daisy Days to ensure every camper’s experience is unforgettable!

For Summer in Farmington, we’re expanding afternoon activity options to offer more variety for every camper. We’re also introducing new evening activities while bringing back favorite traditions that our community loves.

For Daisy Days, we’re launching “Glitter Days” to showcase camp spirit. We also have special field trips that take learning and exploration off-campus. Additionally, we’re hosting unique visitors to help campers learn more about the local community and build meaningful connections.

At the heart of these initiatives is our goal to create joyful, transformative experiences. Whether through new activities, fun traditions, or hands-on learning, our programs are designed to leave every camper feeling inspired, connected, and eager to return for more.

Ready to give your camper the summer of a lifetime?

Register today for Summer in Farmington or Daisy Days and join us in creating unforgettable memories, friendships, and learning experiences. Don’t wait—spots are filling fast!