“ME Camp” is a Hit with our Newest Scholars. What on Earth is ME Camp? Glad You Asked….

July 29, 2009 – At first glance, something called “ME Camp” might seem to be centered around self-indulgence and egotism. While ME Camp does have a lot to do with preparing yourself for a better life, we’re not talking manicures and personal trainers. Math Education Camp is a week-long, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. education program we offer our incoming freshmen Scholars to make sure they’re braced and ready for high school math.

With the help of The Algebra Project, we presented five days of substantive math education, field trips, meals, and recreation, all at no cost to our Scholars.

“The question all the kids kept asking me was why can’t this be longer?” recalls Scholar Specialist Kim Stowers with a smile. “Can’t we just have this for one more week? Can’t you guys just extend this program longer? The kids were great and it was great getting to know them better.”

Kim will be working with this group of students – the Class of 2013 – along with Scholar Specialist Jim Stuber.

“Every day we would have lunch with the kids,” Kim continues. “Then we’d get the cards out. I had Tonk buddies I’d play with every day – a group of five of us – and every morning we’d play.

“There were times to socialize and get to know each other built into the program,” she says. “Then they went up to Algebra camp where they did icebreakers and mini-story problems having to do with Algebra and I’d sit in there with them and participate in the ice breakers in the hopes of getting to know them better and getting them to know me better.”

Our students seemed to like it.

“I’ve never been in anything like that. At first, I thought it would be boring,” says incoming Scholar Daichelle. “I had a couple friends there from school so I felt comfortable right away and when we started doing things, I liked it. I’m glad that I went and I’m honored that I’m even included in the program.

“When the math part started, I was like, okay, math is my favorite subject,” Daichelle remembers. “But I also knew that sometimes, when I‘m under pressure, I start to mess up. But the camp people gave us a whole new perspective on math and Algebra and made it a lot more comprehendible. Even though I still struggle with it, I feel more confident.”

Kim notes that every day of camp was different for our Scholars. “We had different activities scheduled for each day. Every day we had a field trip; we went to Military Park, or the Library, or to HUD to learn about finances,” she says. “One day we went to Emmis Communications and got a tour of the whole building. Those people were great – very, very nice and very welcoming. The last day of camp each week, we went to Xscape. During the times we’d socialize, I got to know their stories.

“You know,” Kim concludes, “a few of the kids asked if they can just hang out after this, and we’d say: any time, come here and watch TV. This place is theirs, that’s why we have it.”

Daichelle left feeling comfortable, too. “I was very open to people and I made a whole bunch of new friends. We exchanged numbers and we talk now even though camp is over. I’m very glad I did it.”

So are we.