The WKU Center for Gifted Studies hosts several summer camps every summer for gifted and talented youth. From May to July 2023 I was the photo intern for the center where I was tasked with capturing seven of their camps and all of the activities that they did. These photos were posted daily to the center's Flickr page so that parents could see all that their kids were doing at camp. They were then later used for promotional material for their camps.
One of the camps is The Summer Camp for Academically Talented Middle School Students, also known as SCATS. The camp offers severe course options that range from the arts and humanities to mathematics to clowning and sciences. Though academics are at the heart of SCATS, emphasis is also placed on the social aspects of camp. One of the camp traditions is the Olympics, where one Saturday during the camp, the campers are divided into different countries and compete in different physical and mental challenges. Below are several of my favorite photos from SCATS.
VAMPY, the Summer Program for Verbally and Mathematically Precocious Youth, is a three-week camp where high-ability students dive deep into a subject they love. While academics are the focus, the heart of VAMPY is the community. Campers from all over come together for late-night card games, weekend dances, and classic camp traditions like Capture the Flag. Below are some of my favorite photos from VAMPY.
Camp Innovate is a one-week day camp for young students with big ideas. Designed for third, fourth, and fifth graders with advanced abilities and a love for learning, the camp explores the concept of "innovation" through hands-on projects in science, math, art, and more. Whether they’re building prototypes, creating murals, or testing Barbie bungee jumps, campers dive into creativity and problem-solving. Below are some of my favorite moments from Camp Innovate.
Camp Explore is a one-week day camp for curious young minds in first through third grade. Through hands-on projects and engaging lessons, campers dive into a big idea—like “change” or “patterns”—across subjects like science, math, art, and theater. Whether they’re building anemometers, creating origami, or solving geometric puzzles, every day is an adventure in learning. Below are some of my favorite moments from Camp Explore.
Camp Discover is a week of hands-on learning where curious young minds explore everything from rocket science and DNA to theme park design and video game coding. With four engaging classes each day, campers dive into new ideas and creative challenges. Camp Discover 2 continues the adventure for returning campers, offering fresh topics and deeper learning experiences. Below are some of my favorite moments from Camp Discover 1 and Camp Discover 2!
The Advanced Placement Summer Institute (APSI) has been helping teachers excel in AP classrooms since 1984, equipping over 9,000 educators with the tools to challenge high-ability students. As one of the largest and longest-running College Board-endorsed institutes, it brings together experienced consultants who set the standard for AP instruction. Below are some of my favorite moments from APSI.
