A camp for academically-talented and highly-motivated students who love to learn, for students completing grades 5-8. June 23-29, 2024.


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ACADEMY's Theme for 2024: Minds Unite!

Message From the Directors:

Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable journey of imagination, innovation, and inspiration? This year at ACADEMY we believe that together, we can achieve extraordinary things. Our camp is not just a place for fun and games; it's a platform where young minds come together to dream, collaborate, and soar to new heights.

This year, we want you to imagine a place where you can explore real-life problems, conduct research, and share ideas on how to tackle the biggest challenges of our time. Our “Minds Unite” Symposium is where innovation will meet inspiration. We will create space for debates, critical analysis, and brainstorming, all within the overarching theme that big dreams can be achieved when we work together.

At ACADEMY, we understand the power of unity. Individually, we are one drop; but together, we are an ocean of possibilities. You will learn that it's not about "me" but about "we." This year, it’s all about collaborative efforts, shared dreams, and the belief that together, anything is possible.

You will leave with more than just great memories; you will leave with the belief that working together is key to creating positive change in the world. Together, we will inspire, innovate, dream, and unite!

We look forward to seeing you this summer,

Daniel Akita and Erica Knotts 

 

How do I Apply for ACADEMY? 

Applications can be found here. Download the recommendation form here for students grades 5-8 and here for Junior Counselors, grades 10-12.

ACADEMY students need one recommendation form from a teacher or school administrator. NEW students who are applying to ACADEMY for the first time will need a second recommendation which can be from an adult non-family member who has an educational relationship with the student (ie. another teacher, 4H leader, Scout leader, Coach, Pastor, Music Instructor, etc.)

ACADEMY Junior Counselor students need one recommendation from a teacher or school administrator.

Have more questions? Visit the FAQ page!

Who is ACADEMY for? 

ACADEMY is a camp experience tailored to the needs of academically talented and highly motivated students who love to learn. Participation is open to students who have completed grades 5-8 to explore a broad range of classes, cultural events, and recreational activities. ACADEMY provides an opportunity for intellectually curious youth who want to be around like-minded students and deepen their love of learning. 

ACADEMY students exhibit the ability to quickly explore topics in great depth and often require stimulation beyond that which is provided by the regular school system. In addition to having a 3.4 GPA or equivalent, students should demonstrate above-average measured intelligence, proven leadership ability, special talents, exceptional ability in the visual and performing arts, and/or unusual creative or productive thinking. 

Click here for Junior Counselor information and Senior Counselor information.  

What is ACADEMY? 

ACADEMY is in its 43rd year! ACADEMY is a week-long residential camp and has long been recognized as an outstanding educational opportunity for students in the Pacific Northwest and  beyond. Students that are accepted into the program join us on campus to be challenged by creative and imaginative instructors, peers, and activities. Students have the opportunity to attend engaging classes in topics such as: Mock Trial, Japanese Art and Culture, Creative Coding, Fencing, Chemistry, Ancient Civilizations, and more. An annual theme that cultivates leadership skills and civic engagement underpins the week's activities. Students also attend evening workshops, recreation activities, and a performance at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Staff carefully supervise and mentor the 10-12 person living groups. 

New for 2024 - Day Camp option: For Session 1, 5th grade students only. Students who apply to participate in the Day Camp version will arrive each morning at 7:45 a.m. before classes begin, will participate in classes and workshops throughout the day, enjoy lunch and dinner with your fellow ACADEMY participants, and will depart after dinner and before evening activities begin each evening. There is a question in the application for Session 1 applicants where you can let us know your preference of: 1) the Day Camp option, or 2) overnight experience. Camp fees will be less for the Day Camp option since you won’t be joining us for breakfast or staying overnight, but we are including you in lunch and dinner.

When is ACADEMY? 

ACADEMY occurs annually, usually during the last full week of June. What better way to kick off summer than with ACADEMY? The week begins with check-in on Sunday evening with classes occurring Monday through Friday. The traditional daily schedule includes classes on a wide variety of topics, workshops built around the year's theme, and creative recreational and cultural activities. ACADEMY concludes with a closing ceremony and check-out on Saturday morning.

Already Accepted for ACADEMY? 

Upon notification of acceptance, students are prompted to complete the ACADEMY acceptance paper work and provide tuition payment. Note that tuition payments are not required until notification of acceptance. 

Tuition for ACADEMY

ACADEMY is a self-supporting program funded through student tuition. For 2024, regular student tuition is $950. Tuition for Junior Counselors is $675. The tuition covers housing and meals for the week as well as all instruction, activities, and supervision. Read more about tuition assistance on our FAQ page

New for 2024 - Day Camp option: Tuition for Day Camp is $650, and is for Session 1, 5th grade students only. Students who apply to participate in the Day Camp version will arrive each morning at 7:45 a.m. before classes begin, will participate in classes and workshops throughout the day, enjoy lunch and dinner with your fellow ACADEMY participants, and will depart after dinner and before evening activities begin each evening. There is a question in the application for Session 1 applicants where you can let us know your preference of: 1) the Day Camp option, or 2) overnight experience. Camp fees will be less for the Day Camp option since you won’t be joining us for breakfast or staying overnight, but we are including you in lunch and dinner.

More questions? 

You are welcome to email our team at youthprograms@sou.edu. You can also check out our FAQ page for more information.

 

 

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Thank you to all participants for a fantastic ACADEMY 2023!

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