While school is important, vacations can provide time for enrichment opportunities (and Space Camp might just be the best!).
Once families have identified the fact that they have a gifted child, not only can important academic decisions be made, but also vacation time can take on a new focus. It is important tot take that first step of identification, however. On the whole, the one major reason a family would have a child tested for giftedness is to provide him or her with a different kind of educational program that would best meet his or her needs.
Space Camp Rocks!
Once the identification has been made and the school issues are resolved, it’s time to think about some enriching playtime. As a teacher and as a principal, I have taken thousands of students on fieldtrips over the years, and I have seen some very good enrichment programs and some really bad ones. Of all the places I have taken kids over the years, Space Camp will always stand out for me as the best destination yet.
According to their information, “Space Camp uses space to excite and educate children ages 9-11 in the fields of math, science and technology. Teamwork, self-confidence and communication will be achieved through state-of-the-art simulations, missions, rocket building and robotics.”
I simply cannot imagine a more stimulating and exciting opportunity for gifted middle school boys and girls than attending Space Camp. Campers learn all about astronaut training as they prepare for a final blastoff mission. As one of the adults for these trips, I can’t recommend a better experience for the chaperones as well, as the big people get to experience the program right along with the students. I mean, how often do adults get to spin around on a Multi-Axis trainer?
It is worth your time to investigate.
