Resources
All students need enrichment, but these activities are especially great for gifted kids. Many CATS kids thrive when they are available to challenge their brains in new, interesting ways. Allowing your student to explore different areas such as sports, art, engineering, and more will build confidence. Most importantly, extta-curriculars will promote positive work habits and combat under-achievement- a common pitfall for intelligent young minds!Clubs, Sports, and Activities at Orchard Farm
In 2008, the Harvard Family Research Institute found that student who participated in before and after school activities had tremendous benefits in the areas of academic achievement, social emotional development, health and wellness, and resisting risky behaviors. Read more about the study here, and visit the Orchard Farm Website Orchard Farm Activities Webpage to learn about the many opportunities offered at school!Clubs, Sports, and Activities Off Campus
We have a variety of local organizations that provide team and individual sports opportunities. Gifted kids are often highly talented in athletics as well, and sports help students to become well-rounded. If your student has an aversion to sports, consider trying an individual sport. Many CATS students currently enjoy individual sports such as swimming, archery, martial arts, and fencing.
- St. Charles Parks and recreation
- St. Peters Athletics Leagues
- Vetta Sports
- St. Charles YMCA
- St. Charles County Youth Soccer Association
- St. Charles Titans
- St. Peters Athletic Association
Summer Experiences
Every spring I receive mailers for summer camps, and every fall I hear from families about the great summer experiences their students enjoyed. This collection of activities range in age appropriateness from 4-18 and include options for high school students wanting to earn college credit. Some are residential, some are day camps... some are relatively cheap and others are quite expensive. All are highly rated and seem pretty amazing!
- 4-H - CATS kids who join 4-H have some pretty handy skills, and are often 'teaching' others in the class. They have a fun summer camp!
- Camp Invention at Lindenwood University- I'm partial to this one because I worked it when I was getting my Master's at Lindenwoood and it was super fun!!! It is run by highly qualified teachers.
- Northwestern Center for Talent Discovery (CTD) - Northwestern Center for Talent Discovery (CTD) offers Summer Camps. Offered at different locations. Some are day programs, and some residential. They range from age 4 and even include high school courses for college credit.
- College for Kids, A Summer Exploration, Inc.- This is a residential program for students in grades 3-9, with three one-week sessions on some pretty fascinating topics.
- Drury Summerscape- Summerscape is designed for intellectually gifted students who have completed grades 6-9. Courses are selected and planned to provide an academic challenge and creative experiences. Classes are limited to 16 students. Thirty-eight courses could be offered in the areas of archaeology, music, debate, theater, computer science, journalism, video production, high-tech concepts, foreign language, photography, zoology, conservation, and leadership. Campus recreational facilities are available. Hands-on experiences, field trips, and the opportunity to interact with international students are key components of Summerscape. Students opting to live on campus will be housed in dormitories at Drury University.
- Drury Leadership Academy- This camp was once described to me as, "life-changing" by an OF parent who attended when she was in high school. The Drury Leadership Academy is carefully planned for intellectually gifted students who have completed grades 9-11. The objective of DLA is to provide students with opportunities to learn about and practice leadership skills which will enhance their quality of life and prepare them to assume future leadership roles in our society.
- Joseph Baldwin Academy for Eminent Young Scholars- Three-week residential session of academic, cultural, and social experiences in a university environment. Offered to students completing the 7th, 8th, or 9th grades. College level courses in biology, studio art, war, acting, algebra, economics, etc.
- Gifted Support Network
In addition to fun family events, we offer parent discussion groups on topics relevant to gifted education to allow families to share their experiences and learn from each other
- Gifted Resource Council
Gifted Resource Counsil is a not-for-profit education agency serving the greater St. Louis Metropolitan area. Its purpose is to bring together the resources of the community, the schools and parents to help bright and talented children achieve their potential.
- National Association of Gifted Children
NAGC's mission is to support those who enhance the growth and development of gifted and talented children through education, advocacy, community building, and research.
- SENG
SENG offers educational programming through workshops, home-study courses, and webinars – SENGinars — designed specifically for adults, parents, educators and mental health professionals who are interested in learning more about the social and emotional needs of gifted individuals.
- Gifted Association of Missouri
The Gifted Association of Missouri sets as its goals: Be a leader for gifted children in the school reform movement, empower parents of gifted children to become informed and active advocates for their gifted children, and ensure adequate funding for the education of gifted children in Missouri.