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2012 TAG Challenge Camp"Our Place in the Universe"Reed College, June 18-22
Entering grades 4-5
Think big (and very tiny) as we explore our place in the Universe. The Saturday Academy fourth annual TAG Challenge Camp will be held on the Reed College campus the week of June 18 - 22. Designed for TAG students who will be entering grades 4 or 5 in fall 2012, the day camp will provide a week of classes and challenges designed to expand the knowledge and skills of academically and intellectually talented students.
This year, we take the long view, as we investigate the third planet from the sun, planet Earth. What are the conditions that make life possible and how might life be different on another planet? We will explore the environment, systems and civilizations of earth and compare them to what we might find elsewhere.
Classes will explore topics in science, mathematics, engineering, computer technology and creative and language arts from a universal perspective. As we expand our knowledge of the physical and natural world and the changes brought by humans, campers will make connections, 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.
Universal themes will be integrated into all areas of curriculum, allowing students to investigate our world through different perspectives. We’ll examine the origins of life, peer into outer space to navigate the solar system, investigate the past and future of transportation and energy and create science fiction. Collaborative thinking will be emphasized in a multi-disciplinary approach to challenge students on a variety of levels.
TAG Camp classes are designed to provide the academic challenge that TAG students need to thrive. Each academic class will meet for one hour and fifty minutes daily.. Advanced subject matter taught by experts will promote in-depth exploration, active inquiry and discussion, and hands-on participation by students.
Challenges
TAG 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 global challenge question.
Camp Environment
All 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.
Camp Schedule
The Saturday Academy TAG Challenge Camp will meet Monday–Friday, June 18-22 from 8:15 a.m.–4:45 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 3-4:30 p.m., when parents and friends will have the opportunity to visit their child’s classes and then attend performances by the activity classes. See daily schedule below.
| Monday
| Tuesday - Thursday
| Friday
| Arrival/Intro
| 8 - 8:30
| 8:15 - 8:30
| 8:15 - 8:30
| Class 1
| 8:30 - 10:20
| 8:30 - 10:20
| 8:30 - 10:20
| Recess/Snack
| 10:20 - 10:40
| 10:20 - 10:40
| 10:20 - 10:40
| Class 2
| 10:40 - 12:30
| 10:40 - 12:30
| 10:40 - 12:30
| Lunch
| 12:30 - 1:00
| 12:30 - 1:00
| 12:30 - 1:00
| Class 3
| 1:00 - 2:50
| 1:00 - 2:50
| 1:00 - 2:50
| Snack
| 2:50 - 3:10
| 2:50 - 3:10
| 2:50 - 3:10
| Activity Class
| 3:10 - 4:40
| 3:10 - 4:40
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| Dismissal
| 4:45 - 5:00
| 4:45 - 5:00
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| Open House
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| 3:00 - 4:30
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TuitionThe camp tuition is $545. The tuition covers three academic classes plus one activity class each day, other camp activities and challenges, plus 2 light 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 2011 tax documents or other supporting documentation, must accompany your registration form or be submitted within two weeks of your application.
Payment plans are available. See online registration form for details, or call 503-200-5858.
Who is eligible?
Students entering grades 4 or 5 in fall 2012 who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply:
- For schools with a TAG Program: TAG-identified students. Highly motivated and high achieving students who are not TAG-identified may apply with a strong teacher recommendation.
- For schools without a TAG Program: Highly motivated and high achieving students are eligible to apply with a strong teacher recommendation.
- For home-schooled students not participating in a school TAG Program: Advanced students entering 4-5 grade in fall 2012 may apply. A strong teacher recommendation is required in addition to a letter from a parent addressing her/his student’s readiness for a full day, structured classroom environment experience. For your convenience, electronic recommendation forms are available on our website.
How to Apply
Read the the class list choose 3 academic classes plus 3 alternates and one activity class plus three alternates. After you have selected your classes, continue to the registration form. Classes are small, 10–12 students in each, but we will try to accommodate at least two first choices for each student. To be mailed a paper application call our office at 503-200-5858.
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 June 1.
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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