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TAG Challenge Camp"Our Place in the Universe"University of Portland, July 30 - August 3
Entering grades 6 - 8
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 University of Portland campus the week of July 30 – August 3. Designed for TAG students who will be entering grades 6, 7 or 8 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
The 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.
Universal themes will be integrated into all areas of curriculum, allowing students to investigate our universe through different perspectives. We’ll dig to the core of the earth to study alpha and beta particles, peer into outer space to contemplate the origins of the universe, act out a tour of the solar system and examine the role of time. Collaborative thinking will be emphasized in a mulch-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 two hours and ten minutes daily. Advanced subject matter taught by experts will promote in-depth exploration, active inquiry and discussion, and hands-on participation by students.
Camp Environment
All activities occur at University of Portland. Students will be supervised at all times and escorted to and from their classes by camp counselors. 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.
- The weeklong camp format works best when students are on time and do not leave early.
Camp Schedule
The day will be divided into 3 academic periods, 2 breaks and a lunch period. Daily schedule is as follows.
| Monday - Friday
| Arrival/Intro
| 8 - 8:30
| Class 1
| 8:30 - 10:40
| Break
| 10:40 - 11:05
| Class 2 (period a)
| 11:05 - 12:15
| Lunch
| 12:15 - 1:00
| Class 2 (period b)
| 1:00 - 2:00
| Break
| 2:00 - 2:25
| Class 3 (period c)
| 2:25 - 4:35
| Dismissal
| 4:45 - 5:00
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Tuition
The camp tuition is $545. This tuition covers three academic classes, 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 2010 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 in grades 6–8 in fall 2012 who meet the following criteria below:
- 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 at the 6th - 8th grade level 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.
- Link to electronic recommendation form.
How to Apply
- Click here.
- Students should choose 3 academic classes plus 3 alternates.
- 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 June 29.
There will be a $50 cancellation fee on all cancellations. If you wish to cancel, you must notify us in writing by June 29 to receive a refund.
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