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TAG Challenge Camp 4 & 5 Grade - Time Machine The Saturday Academy second annual TAG Challenge Camp will be held on the Reed College campus the week of June 21 – 25. Designed for TAG students who will be entering grades 4 or 5 in fall 2010, the day camp will provide a week of classes and challenges designed to expand the knowledge and skills of academically and intellectually talented students.
The theme for the camp this year is “Time Machine.” Classes will explore topics in science, mathematics, engineering, computer technology and creative and language arts through the lens of time. Students will travel back to the past or into the future to ask questions, confront challenges, and seek solutions through Saturday Academy’s hands-on learning experiences.
ClassesThe TAG Challenge camp allows students to choose three mini-courses from a variety of offerings in the academic areas of math, science-engineering, and language-creative arts. A fourth period activity class will round out the day. The classes will culminate in presentations for family and friends on the last day.
A historic or futuristic theme will be integrated into all areas of curriculum, allowing students to experience real world connections to history, geography, social studies and ecology. The goal of this multi-disciplinary approach is to challenge students on a variety of levels and help them develop into well rounded citizens of the world.
ChallengesTAG students need challenges! In addition to academically rigorous hands-on classes students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of challenges and activities. These activities will create opportunities for students to interact with their peers and enhance their total learning experience. Individual and group challenges may be mechanical, such as Rubik’s Cubes or engineering puzzles; mental, such as brainteasers; or social such as finding and interviewing instructors or classmates to discover the answer to a time challenge question.
Camp ScheduleThe Saturday Academy TAG Challenge Camp will meet Monday – Friday, June 21 – 25 from 8:15 a.m.– 5:00 p.m. The day will be divided into 3 academic periods, 2 snack periods, lunch period and an activity period. The camp will culminate in an open house on Friday, from 3:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m. when parents and friends will have the opportunity to visit their child’s classes and then attend performances by the activity classes. Daily schedule is as follows:
| Monday
| Tues - Thurs
| Friday
| Arrival & Intro
| 8:15 - 8:45
| 8:15 - 8:30
| 8:15 - 8:30
| Class 1
| 8:45 - 10:30
| 8:30 - 10:15
| 8:30 - 10:00
| Recess/Snack
| 10:30 - 10:45
| 10:15 - 10:45
| 10:00 - 10:20
| Class 2
| 10:45 - 12:30
| 10:45 - 12:30
| 10:20 - 11:50
| Lunch
| 12:30 - 1:00
| 12:30 - 1:00
| 11:50 - 12:20
| Class 3
| 1:00 - 2:45
| 1:00 - 2:45
| 12:20 - 1:50
| Snack
| 2:45 - 3:00
| 2:45 - 3:00
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| Activity Class
| 3:00 - 4:45
| 3:00 - 4:45
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| Open house
| 4:45 - 5:00
| 4:45 - 5:00
| 2:00 - 5:00
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How to applyComplete our online registration form (this is a secure form, you'll notice the https address). Students should choose 3 academic classes plus 3 alternates, as well as one activity class plus one alternate. Classes are small, 10 students in each, but we will try to accommodate at least two first choices for each student.
You will receive confirmation of receipt of your application within two weeks of applying. If you are applying for financial aid you will be notified of availability at this time. You will receive your class schedule by May 15.
Who is eligible?For schools with a TAG Program: TAG-identified students entering grades 4 – 5 in Fall 2010 are eligible to apply. Highly motivated and high achieving students who are not TAG-identified can apply with a strong teacher recommendation. (link to recommendation form) Exceptional 3rd grade TAG students may apply with a strong recommendation from their school’s TAG Coordinator.
For schools without a TAG Program: Highly motivated and high achieving students entering grades 4 – 5 in Fall 2010 are eligible to apply with a strong teacher recommendation. (Link) Exceptional 3rd grade students may apply with a strong recommendation from their school’s Principal in addition to a strong teacher recommendation. (Link)
For home-schooled students not participating in a school TAG Program: Students entering grades 4 – 5 in Fall 2010 are eligible to apply. A strong teacher recommendation (Link) is required in addition to a letter from a parent addressing their student’s readiness for a full day, structured classroom environment experience.
For your convenience, electronic recommendation forms are available on our website.
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Camp EnvironmentAll activities occur at Reed College. Students will be supervised at all times and escorted to and from their classes by Saturday Academy staff. Depending on their educational environment prior to this experience, your student may not be used to some of the following:
- The distances between parking lots, central locations, and class locations may be much further than students are used to.
- Students may be used to having primarily one teacher for the day, while the camp will expose them to three periods of academic subjects and one period of an activity subject, which could be as many as four different instructors. In addition, they will be working with teaching assistants, site coordinators, and Saturday Academy staff through the day.
- The weeklong camp format works best when students are on time and do not leave early
- We plan the afternoon of the last day to be a chance for you to visit each of their classrooms and to see presentations by the activity classes. Please plan to attend if at all possible. You will be amazed at all you see and not only your student, but all camp participants, will benefit from your participation.
Cost
The cost of the camp is $545. This fee covers three academic classes plus one activity class each day, other camp activities and challenges, plus 2 snacks a day. Limited tuition assistance and scholarships are available on a “first come basis” for households with an annual income below $50,000. A verification of family income, either 2009 tax documents or other supporting documentation, must accompany your registration form or be submitted within two weeks of your application.
There will be a $50 cancellation fee on all cancellations. If you wish to cancel, you must notify us in writing by June 1 to receive a refund.
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