But for real now. I went to a camp at Amherst College in Massachusetts called the Great Books Summer Program. This is my third year at Amherst College, 9th and 10th week. I have really bonded with the cafeteria, I mean “Dining Hall” staff over that time. Well, them and Freddy “The Bull” Custodian, but that is besides the point. (Sorry for all the inside jokes today.) However, I actually did have a really good time.

Yes, Great Books is a literature camp, but it is more fun than it seems. We read and discuss a lot of famous literature in a relaxed setting. It is extremely contemplative and they ask you a lot of questions, a very Socratic method.

We did not just read all day. We had breakfast, two lectures, a 15 person discussion group then lunch. After that, we had free time, then a literature elective (I took a Socrates/Plato class the first week, and a memoir class the second). After that, we had an arts elective (I took creative writing first and improv theatre second). Next, to dinner, reading, free time, discussion and then a nightly fun activity. This ranged from a guest lecture to sword fighting to movie night. Free time was after that and then to bed. Lights out was at 10:30, but we really went to bed closer to 11:15ish. Very fun, plus I actually learned!

The biggest question I get from people is “Is it like school?!” My answer is no. It is totally different… it’s actually nurturing and, well, interesting. Now, Great Books isn’t for everyone, though. Some people might not like it–there is a lot of sitting and listening involved. In the end, I really liked it and didn’t want to go home. I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a good, slightly academic camp.

One more, totally unrelated thing. iPhone update! I am getting my new iPhone Saturday, the 12th of July, sometime in the afternoon. I wish I could be there Friday morning, but this is the best my scheduling can do.

Well, that is all for today. Thanks for reading and/or listening to iRi. Your comments are greatly appreciated… tell me what you think of my blogcast! Always feel free to comment below or email me individually, riley@iriblogcast.com. See you next time!