Visitors Gather in Williamstown for Summer Conferences and Camps

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. - Every summer bevies of tourists descend upon Williamstown to enjoy the cultural events and natural beauty, but many more come to attend the diverse camps and conferences hosted at the college. From athletics to music, college preparation to theater, summer conferences will draw 7,500 people to live and learn on campus.

The college's numerous sporting facilities host a number of athletic camps for children and teenagers. The programs, many of which are directed by Williams' athletic staff, include clinics in softball, basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis, golf, field hockey, lacrosse, and football.

The Simon Squash Center is especially flush with activity: the National Urban Squash and Education Association (NUSEA) hosted its junior squash tournament, which brought 250 middle and high school students from urban programs in Boston, Harlem, Chicago and the Bronx to Williamstown for a weekend of play in June.

Zafi Levy, head coach of men's and women's squash, leads the residential squash camp "Squash and Beyond" for girls and boys age 12 to 17 throughout July and August.

The Massachusetts Teachers Association will host its 36th annual summer leadership conference. From July 30 to Aug. 6, nearly 600 teachers will attend courses on such subjects as negotiations and professional development.

Incoming first-years from underrepresented minority groups spend five weeks in June and July at the Williams College Summer Science and Williams College Summer Humanities and Social Sciences programs. Assisted by current students, the participants take classes that emphasize the development of writing, study, and oral skills.

Throughout July, Overland hosts weeklong writing programs for middle and high school students, including three sessions aimed at preparing students to write college application essays. Students learn about the writing process from brainstorming to revision, and when they put their pencils down they go explore the Berkshires by hiking, biking and camping.

Several conferences support artistic education and innovation for adults. From July 21 to 26, the Creative Capital Foundation will host an artists' retreat to support innovation in the performing and visual arts, including film and emerging fields.

Formerly held in the Czech Republic, the Midsummer Adult Piano Retreat, held from July 18 to 24, offers adult avocational musicians the chance to focus on their own musical growth and learn from other colleagues.

Williamstown Board Opts to Negotiate with College on Water St. Lot

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
05:04AM / Tuesday, June 09, 2026

Newly elected board member Nate Budington, far left, participates in his first in-person meeting along with, from left, Matt Neely, Stephanie Boyd, Peter Beck, Shana Dixon and Town Manager Robert Menicocci.

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Select Board on Monday decided to enter into negotiations with Williams College on the sale of the vacant town-owned lot at 59 Water St.

 

But the board members made it clear that the college's proposal to acquire the lot is a starting point, not a final deal that the elected officials would accept.

 

"For the sake of continued conversation, I'm in favor of [awarding Williams the site], but if this process wasn't continued with the opportunity for further negotiation, I wouldn't vote to continue this," Peter Beck said. "I think that next step is necessary for us to get to a yes on this."

 

"I think there's wide agreement on that," Matthew Neely said just before the 5-0 vote to enter talks with the college.

 

Williams was the sole respondent to a town-issued request for proposals to develop the former town garage site, currently a dirt lot.

 

The college's stated intent is to build a new Facilities office and create up to 170 parking spaces at 59 Water Street. That use will allow the college to redevelop the current Facilities building site and parking lot as part of a reconception of the school's indoor athletic and recreation facilities.

 

Under the terms of the RFP, the college's proposal was subjected to review by an ad hoc advisory committee to the town manager, who brought the question to the Select Board. That board will have the final say on any purchase and sales agreement.