Summer Programs for Gifted Kids and Talented Children

Well, it's that time again isn't it. Time to take advantage of the sun, weather and time off to enjoy the summer. But wait, unless you want your toaster disassembled, the dog wearing a rocket pack, and everything wearable in the house be-dazzled, you'd better get your gifted child enrolled in camp.

In Illinois there are a few good options, perhaps I'll get some brainy parents to offer programs in other states and thereby cut some work off my plate.. hint hint...

The Center for Talent Development has a great following and many children have attended and spoken highly of their programs for many years. It is based in evanston and somewhat costly, although they do offer some scholarships.

Emagination Computer Camps offers a great blend of intensiveness for those gifted tech gurus, while also adding enough activities for social interaction and peer awareness. The sites are across the US, but the Illinois location is in Lake Forest.

IDTech camps is another tech-focused camp with sites accorss the US and in IL. They are more focused on video game design, video production and apps creations. It is also great for gifted kids, but the costs are quite high.

The Center For Gifted offers camps (day only) to all age groups from Pre-K to 12th grade. They have everything from drama, to math, to game design, nothing is really left out. Kids are nutured, parents are educated with seminars, and costs are low with many scholarships available. The sites are across the Chicagoland area with over 15 locations and over 3000 kids in last year's session.

Chicago Gifted Enrichment Services Although not entirely at the top of ads, the organization creates summer programs based on individual child interests. Calling them camps at home, enrichment activities are created for single children or small groups paretns put together. Website development, computer building, playwriting, video production and editing are just some projects they have worked on with children. They cater to grades K-12, working with gifted children with any reasonable interest areas. They also provide gifted test preparation for selective enrollment CPS schools over the summer. They also specialize in non-traditional gifted and twice exceptional enrichment.

So, off to the races. Find a great program and have a great summer

Matt Kelley
www.cpsmagnet.com