Questions, answered

The summer program runs for eight weeks, beginning June 22 and ending August 14. Each workshop is a one-week experience, and students may register for one week or multiple weeks.

Morning workshops run from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM. Students may arrive between 8:30 and 9:00 AM.

Lunch is served from 12:00–1:00 PM and is available to all participants, whether or not they are enrolled in an afternoon workshop.

Afternoon workshops run from 1:00–4:00 PM. Students enrolled only in afternoon sessions may arrive at noon and join us for lunch before their workshop begins.

Most programs are designed for youth ages 13–19. Younger participants may be admitted with special permission. All are welcome at The Drop, our weekly all-ages community showcase. Some evening Salon events may be intended for adults or older teens.

No. Our summer programs are open to all young people. You do not need to be enrolled at LightHouse Holyoke to participate.

Absolutely. Students from any community are welcome.

Yes. Students may attend a single week or as many weeks as they'd like.

Students select workshops based on their interests and availability. Workshop descriptions will provide details about content, age ranges, and any experience requirements.

Yes. We encourage students who are able to participate in both sessions to do so for a full day experience.

No. Students commit to their chosen workshop for the duration of the week. This helps create stronger projects, stronger group dynamics, and a better overall experience.

Workshops require a minimum of four participants to run. Decisions about whether a workshop will run are generally made seven days before the start date. Families will be notified as soon as a decision is made. If a workshop is cancelled due to low enrollment, a full refund will be provided.

If space is available, registration is typically open until the day before a workshop begins. However, workshops with low enrollment may be cancelled prior to that date, so early registration is encouraged.

Yes. Workshops are designed as week-long experiences, and participation all week is strongly encouraged. Exceptions may be made in some circumstances, including a student needing to miss the first day.

We will maintain a waiting list and contact families if space becomes available.

Morning workshops — Drop-off: 8:30–9:00 AM. Pick-up: by 1:00 PM.

Afternoon workshops — Drop-off: 12:00–1:00 PM. Pick-up: 4:00 PM (4:15 PM at the latest).

Drop-off and pick-up take place at the front of the campus. Please enter through the courtyard and use the ramp entrance.

Yes, with parent permission.

Please call us if an emergency arises. Late pick-ups may result in additional fees unless arrangements have been made in advance.

Students may leave campus only with staff supervision. If a student leaves independently, they are considered done for the day and may not return.

Yes. Lunch is included for all participants.

Lunch is prepared by Chef Sara Barnes and students participating in the culinary program using our commercial kitchen.

Absolutely.

We will do our best to accommodate dietary needs and allergies. Please share any relevant information during registration.

Students are encouraged to bring their own snacks.

Some workshops may have experience recommendations or prerequisites. Any requirements will be clearly listed in the workshop description.

Many workshops are designed with beginners in mind. Please review individual workshop descriptions for details.

Yes. Most workshops involve creating projects, performances, artwork, media, or other tangible outcomes that students can share or take home.

Some workshops may include outdoor components, depending on the nature of the program.

Some workshops may include field trips or off-site experiences. Details will be included in the workshop description.

Yes. Most workshops will include opportunities for students to share projects, performances, artwork, or works in progress.

The Drop is our weekly community showcase and celebration, featuring food, art, music, performances, project sharing, and community gathering. Additional information can be found on our website.

Every Thursday evening at 6:00 PM.

Attendance is not required, but families are strongly encouraged to join us.

No. The Drop is free and open to the public.

Yes. Everyone is welcome.

Our goal is approximately one staff member for every eight students.

Please let us know about any support needs during registration. We are committed to working with families to determine how we can best support each participant.

We do not dispense medication.

Parents or guardians will be contacted immediately. Emergency services will be contacted when necessary.

Please call us at 413-420-8299.

Possibly. Families interested in financial assistance should contact us directly.

Yes. We offer a 10% discount for a second child.

Full refunds are provided if a workshop is cancelled by LightWorks. Otherwise, registrations are non-refundable.

All programs take place at the LightWorks campus at 92 Race Street in Holyoke, Massachusetts.

Yes. Free street parking is available nearby.

Yes. The campus is fully accessible.

Some workshops may take place in multiple locations across the campus.

We recommend bringing a water bottle, snacks, and any workshop-specific materials listed in the description.

Yes. Students are welcome to bring personal tools, instruments, laptops, cameras, or other equipment when appropriate for their workshop.

No formal dress code. We simply ask students to dress appropriately for a public community setting and for the activities they have chosen.

Possibly! Some workshops involve art materials, fabrication, cooking, outdoor activities, or other hands-on work. Please dress accordingly.