PARTICIPANT HANDBOOK

Welcome to Adamant School!

We’re so excited to welcome you to our unique community and want you to have the best possible experience during your stay. Adamant offers a rustic setting full of charm, creativity, and connection with nature. To help you feel prepared and comfortable, we’ve put together this booklet with important information about our facilities, community guidelines, and what to expect.

Please take a few moments to review these details (and take a peek at our campus) as you get ready for your time with us. Our goal is to ensure you feel happy, supported, and ready to make the most of your Adamant experience.

If you have any questions or concerns at any point, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help and want your stay to be both productive and memorable!

VERMONT WEATHER

Vermont’s summer, from mid-June through early August, offers a mix of warm days, occasional heat, high humidity, and a fair chance of rain. Here’s what to expect:

• Temperatures:
  Daytime highs typically range from 66°F to 94°F (19°C to 34°C), with average daytime temperatures around 71°F to 75°F (21°C to 24°C). Nights can be much cooler, sometimes dropping to 47°F–55°F (8°C–13°C)

• Humidity:
  Humidity is often high, averaging 76–80%, which can make warm days feel hotter.

• Sunshine and Daylight:
  Expect long days with up to 13-15 hours of daylight. There’s a good mix of sunny and cloudy days—about half the time is sunny in June and August.

HOW TO DRESS FOR VERMONT

All practice rooms, studios, and bedrooms are equipped with windows and fans, while only the Adamant Community Center has air conditioning. Because Vermont’s summer weather can be quite variable and our facilities are naturally ventilated, we recommend packing and dressing in layers to ensure your comfort throughout your stay. 

• Lightweight, Breathable Clothing:
  Wear shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, and summer dresses for warm days, opting to cover up when walking outdoors to protect from bugs. Choose fabrics like cotton or moisture-wicking synthetics to stay cool. 

• Layers for Cool Evenings:
  Bring a light sweater, hoodie, or jacket for evenings and early mornings, which can be surprisingly chilly.

• Rain Gear:
  A compact rain jacket or poncho and umbrella is essential due to frequent showers. Waterproof shoes or sandals are helpful if you’ll be outdoors during or after rain.

• Flip flops/Robe:
  Bathrooms are shared between 2-4 rooms. For your comfort, we recommend bringing flip flops and a robe or other suitable covering for traveling between your room and the bathroom. 

• Sun Protection:
  Pack a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. The sun can be strong, especially with long daylight hours.

• Comfortable Footwear:
  Sneakers and comfortable shoes are recommended for walking around our grounds. There are beautiful hikes nearby, 

• Hydration:
  Carry a reusable water bottle, especially for hot or humid days and when practicing in Spring Studios.

• Bright flashlight or Head Lamp: A bright flashlight (brighter than a phone light) or a head lamp is strongly recommended when walking outdoors in the evening.

• Bug Protection:
  Insect repellent is helpful and varieties can be purchased at the Adamant Cooperative.

STAYING SAFE

Ticks

• Shower daily and wear long sleeves and pants when walking outside, especially in grassy or brushy areas.

• Check yourself for ticks every day, paying special attention to your waist and legs.

• If you find a tick on you, please let the Program Director know right away. We have special tools to help remove ticks safely—please don’t try to remove it yourself.

Bears

• If you spot a bear, stay calm. Don’t run or turn your back—slowly back away.
• If a bear comes closer, make yourself look big and make noise by talking loudly or shouting.
• Never get between a bear and her cubs.
• Keep food and snacks stored securely, and don’t leave food outside.

Feeling Unwell

General Outdoor Tips

• Dress in layers to be ready for changing weather.
• Use bug spray to keep insects away—there are several types available at the Co-op.
• Stay on marked paths and trails.
• Carry a bright flashlight for early morning or evening walks.

Questions or Non-Emergency Assistance

• Please contact staff member for help.

MEDICAL  & EMERGENCY INFO

In Case of Emergency

• Call 9-1-1 immediately.

• Please note: We are in a rural area. Ambulance response may take up to 30 minutes.

• If it is safe and possible, consider driving the individual to Berlin, VT for medical assistance.

Nearest Medical Facilities

Clear Choice MD Urgent Care

• Open 7 days a week, 8am–8pm

• 798 US RT 302, Berlin, VT 05641

• (802) 327-8645

Central Vermont Medical Center

• 130 Fisher Road, Berlin, VT 05602

• (802) 371-4100

CELL SERVICE & SAFETY

INTERNET ACCESS

MAILING ADDRESS

If you are expecting mail or packages during your stay, please use the following address: 

[Participant Name] AMS Participant

Adamant Music School

1216 Haggett Road 

Adamant, VT 05640

PIANO STUDIO GUIDELINES

Welcome to our practice studios! We’re proud to offer some truly wonderful pianos for your use. To keep them in top condition for everyone, please follow these simple guidelines:

Check the Schedule:
The piano schedule is available at this program website and also posted on the bulletin board at Barney Hall.

Caring for Our Pianos:

• • Only place music on the piano—please keep all other items, including drinks (even sealed ones), on a separate surface.

  • Always close the piano lid and fallboard when you finish practicing. This helps protect the instrument and keep it in tune.

  • Remember to close studio windows before you leave to protect the pianos from sudden rain or humidity.

Studio Etiquette:

• • Please leave studio doors unlocked at all times for easy access.

  • If you notice a piano needs maintenance, kindly leave a note for John Daly, our piano technician OR fill out a Piano Maintenance Form. You’ll find an envelope for notes tacked to the wall by the window in the main hallway of Barney Hall. 

Thank you for helping us care for our instruments and making the studios a great place for everyone to practice and create music!

QUIET HOURS

Please Respect Quiet Hours: 9:30 PM – 7:30 AM

To help maintain a peaceful and restful environment for everyone, we ask that all community members observe quiet hours from 9:30 PM to 7:30 AM. During these times, please keep noise to a minimum to support those resting.

Studios Attached to Residence Halls
Quiet hours begin after dinner in practice studios connected to residence halls. To ensure a calm atmosphere for residents, evening practice in these studios should conclude by this time.

Detached Practice Studios
For those who wish to continue practicing in the evening, detached practice rooms remain available. These spaces allow for focused practice without disturbing others.

Thank you for helping us create a respectful and supportive environment for all!

COMMUNITY GUIDELINES: Safety, Respect and Well-Being

To ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in our community, please observe the following guidelines:

• Smoke-Free Campus: The Adamant Music School buildings are strictly smoke-free.

• Alcohol and Drugs: Providing drugs or alcohol to minors is strictly prohibited. Violation of this policy will result in immediate dismissal from the program without a refund. 

• Firearms and Weapons: Firearms and other weapons are not permitted anywhere on Adamant Music School property, regardless of permit status.

• Transportation for Minors: For the safety of our younger participants, anyone under the age of 18 years may not ride in the vehicles of other participants or leave campus without explicit permission of the Program Director. Only the Program Director or specifically authorized Adamant staff members may provide transportation for minors.

• Respect for Our Community: Please be courteous to our neighbors when walking through the village, especially at night. Drive carefully and observe all speed limits to help keep everyone safe and maintain the peace of our community.

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and supportive environment for all!

DORM LIVING

Participants and faculty reside in residence halls located throughout the campus, with a mix of single and double rooms. Bathrooms are shared among 2–4 rooms, fostering a sense of community while maintaining comfort and privacy.

Linens

Laundry

Shared Spaces & Bathrooms

Be considerate of your housemates: 

• Leave the bathroom as you would like to find it.

• Keep floors dry by making sure the shower curtain is inside the shower to prevent splashing.

• After use, place the bathmat over the shower rod to dry.

• Only flush toilet paper—no feminine products or wipes, as these will damage our septic system. If you encounter any issues, contact Hospitality services

• Cleaning supplies (spray, sponge, plunger, etc.) are available under each sink should you need.

• If you make a mess, please clean it up—don’t leave it for others.

ADAMANT CO-OP

The village of Adamant is home to the Adamant Co-op, the oldest cooperative in the nation. You may buy food, snacks, and Adamant memorabilia there. By shopping at the Co-op, you continue a long tradition of mutual support in our community. To learn more and view hours, visit their website: https://www.adamantcoop.org/