The Wesleyan Summer Gifted Program is nearing completion of its 36th year of operation. The camp is geared to gifted students in rising grades 5-12.  This year’s director is Dr. Tracey DeLaney, physics professor at WVWC, who also teaches physics and computer science in the program. The two-week-long camp was developed by Dr. Joseph Wiest and his wife, Dr. Jeannie Wiest. Wiest is an astrophysics professor in the program. 

Gifted students in grades 5-12 take advanced classes in science, computer programming, mathematics theory, creative writing, and history, live in the dorms, and do planned activities in the evenings and on weekends. 

Many students love it so much they return year after year. Gifted students need the extra academic challenge and exposure this program offers. The social experience they get by being with their peers is critical to their mental and emotional development.

One student said of the program, “The classes and experiences at the Wesleyan program have become some of my favorite memories, and those two weeks in June are the most anticipated part of my year. Family Christmases don’t include astrophysics and creative writing lessons, unfortunately, but [this program] does. Additionally, the things that I have learned at Wesleyan have continued to benefit me for years after we studied them. The program not only exposed me to different minds and unique people, but … to different
religions, ethnicities, and even different nationalities.”

This Friday is the last night of the camp. The program’s annual talent show will be held in Loar Hall (college music building on Meade Street) at 7p.m. The public is invited.

Ask your gifted teacher, principal, or counselor about our program if you know of a gifted student you think may benefit from advanced coursework and socializing with peers. Scholarships may be available. This year, a parent and Rotary club both provided a half scholarship for two kids in the program. 

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