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Frequently Asked Questions about VAMPY


All times CDT.

What classes are taught at VAMPY?
The overall course offerings change every summer, although some classes are taught multiple years in a row. We always provide a diverse curriculum, including courses in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and the humanities. A list of the 2023 courses is provided on the application and can also be found here (if you are looking at this page in fall or winter, you will see a list of courses from the previous year).

For more on class content, see our blog, including descriptions of what last year’s students did, as written by the course teaching assistants.

Who teaches VAMPY classes?
Our teachers are WKU faculty and other outstanding educators who want to work with high-interest and high-ability young people and understand how to create courses that challenge and excite gifted and talented students. They are supported by teaching assistants who are often undergraduate college students.

For more on teaching, see our blog, including the 2019 article VAMPY TAs Do It All
 
What is the class size?
For an optimum teacher-student ratio, classes are capped at 16 students; some classes will have fewer.
 
What makes VAMPY courses special for campers?
First, VAMPY classes allow students to discover, follow, and develop their academic passions. Teachers shape their courses around students’ interests rather than a required curriculum, and spending three weeks in one academic area enables students to engage with a topic at a breadth and depth not available during the regular school year. In addition, rather than being motivated by grades, students are motivated by their desire to learn.
 
Second, VAMPY creates a communal learning experience for teachers and students. Surrounded by high-ability peers who want to learn, VAMPY students are exposed to the experience of truly cooperative learning. There is no competition over grades or class standing, and there is no worry about carrying the label of “the smart kid.” Class discussions are enthusiastic and thoughtful, and students genuinely value each other's viewpoints.
 
Does every class take field trips?
Some classes build field trips into the schedule.
 

What is a typical day like for campers?
On a typical weekday, campers make their way together to the Downing Student Union (DSU) to eat breakfast around 8 a.m. They then walk to their class, which begins at 8:45 a.m. They go to lunch together at midday and return to class afterward. When classes end at 4:15 p.m., they walk back to their residence hall to check in with their counselors and hallmates and have time at the residence hall before dinner. After dinner, unless there is a special event, they choose from a wide range of Optionals (small group activities run by the counselors that offer everything from Capture the Flag to chalk art). On Sunday-Thursday, students also participate in study hall from 8-9 p.m., working under the guidance of their teaching assistants. The day ends with community time, and lights out is around 10 p.m. Near the end of camp, campers attend and/or participate in a talent show and enjoy a banquet and dance.

On the weekends, campers eat and relax together, do laundry as needed, attend a worship service if they choose, and participate in special camp events where they meet new friends, learn treasured camp traditions, and make memories.

When not in class, campers are always under the supervision of our counselors.
 
Can VAMPY accommodate a student with special needs?
In most cases, yes. We have experience working with students who require assistance getting around campus, have dietary restrictions, need specific learning accommodations, have ongoing medical conditions, and/or have other special needs. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact Elizabeth Joyce at elizabeth.joyce@wku.edu or (270) 745-6323.
 
How long has VAMPY been around?
VAMPY, originally called The Summer Program, was first launched by The Center in 1984 in cooperation with the Duke Talent Identification Program (TIP). Thousands of young people from across the country and from many foreign countries have participated in the program. We are proud that for 40 years, we have met the needs of high-ability students for summer enrichment experiences alongside like-minded peers.
 

Is there a code of conduct? 
VAMPY participants and their parents will be asked to sign a code of conduct that states that the camper will abide by the rules of the camp and by the standards of conduct set forth by their teachers and staff at The Center for Gifted Studies. It also stipulates conditions for use of the Internet. The code of conduct also states that campers may not leave campus unless a parent/guardian has made prior written arrangements. Finally, it emphasizes the severe consequences — being sent home without refund of registration fee — if a camper is found with tobacco products, illegal drugs, or alcohol or if a camper endangers his or her own health or welfare or that of others. This code of conduct exists to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

How much spending money should campers bring?
Campers will need money only for laundry (quarters), miscellaneous items from The WKU Store, and snacks from vending machines in campus buildings (optional). Please do not bring large amounts of money.

What arrangements are made for campers arriving by plane?
Please schedule your camper's flight to arrive at the Nashville, TN, airport on the first day of camp between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. (CDT). On the last day of camp, please schedule your return flight to leave from the Nashville, TN airport between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. (CDT). There will be a $200 charge ($100 each way) for transportation by chartered bus or van to and from the Nashville airport.
 
If your airport arrival and departure times do not fit our guidelines, we can arrange transportation with an airport limousine service. The cost will be $100 each way.
 
Payment for airport transportation will be due by May 15.
 

Will students have access to their cell phones?
Camp is an opportunity to make lasting friendships and learn from opportunities in and out of the classroom. Each camper may bring one cell phone, which will only be used to communicate with parents. Campers will give their phone to the counselor at check-in. Phones will remain with the counselors who will determine when short calls may be made. Daily calls will not be possible because the activity schedule varies, and calling times will not begin until after the first three days of camp. Any cell phone not checked in with the appropriate counselor will be taken by a staff member and returned at the end of camp. No other devices that connect to the Internet or make calls are allowed. Parents and campers will sign a form at check-in verifying that the camper has no such devices.

For campers concerned about letting go of their devices for three weeks, consider this comment from a camper: “The fact that cell phones aren’t allowed makes everyone interact face to face, and it’s more fun than if they were allowed!”
 

How can campers receive communication?

By mail
(Mail must be addressed as follows; it may be lost if addressed any other way)
Student’s Name
c/o The Center for Gifted Studies, VAMPY
Western Kentucky University
1906 College Heights Blvd. #71031
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1031

Mail is delivered to the office five days a week, Monday through Friday. Counselors will distribute mail as campers return from class each day. Receiving mail is special for campers, and letter-writing instead of calling is encouraged. For some young people, this experience will be the first extended period away from home. Parents are encouraged to write positive, supportive letters to help students get the most out of VAMPY.

By phone
In an emergency, parents may call the office at (270) 745-6323 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (CDT), and a staff member will arrange for your child to call you. After office hours and on weekends, you may call the front desk of Florence Schneider Hall at (270) 936-2711 to leave a message.

Please leave your phone on at night, so we can contact you in the rare event that it might be necessary.

What if campers get homesick or have roommate troubles?
Homesickness and roommate adjustment issues are not unusual, especially during the first few days. If your child expresses such concerns, please contact the office so that together we can help your child have a positive and successful experience.

If you have questions not addressed here, please feel free to contact us via email at elizabeth.joyce@wku.edu or by calling (270) 745-6323.

VAMPY Information
 

If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us via email at elizabeth.joyce@wku.edu.


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 Last Modified 1/27/23