The Center for Gifted Studies at Western Kentucky University is offering the Summer Program for Verbally and Mathematically Precocious Youth (VAMPY) for the 26th year this summer. Designed for students who have taken the ACT or SAT as a 7th grader and earned qualifying scores, VAMPY provides an opportunity for gifted young people to study one subject of great interest in great depth. For three weeks, these students, ranging from rising eighth graders to juniors, live in an air-conditioned residence hall, eat in a college cafeteria, and take a challenging class.

In 1984, The Center for Gifted Studies began offering VAMPY through a cooperative arrangement with the Duke University Talent Identification Program (the first for Duke) to provide a balance of educational, cultural, and recreational experiences for high ability young people. Last year students came from ten states and three countries. VAMPY is a residential program, and therefore not only provides its students with academically enriching experiences, but social ones as well. Time spent in the classroom is only the tip of the iceberg for this camp, though. Under the supervision of residential counselors, these students will also enjoy outdoor activities, attend a banquet and dance, and make lasting friendships.

The classes offered this summer are Chemistry, Forensic Chemistry, Genetics, Theater, Humanities, Mathematics, Nazi Germany and the Holocaust, Physics, Ancient Civilizations, Twentieth Century Poetry, Chinese, Computer Science, and Writing. Classes are small with an intense focus. Far from ordinary, these classes are made exhilarating by field trips, stimulating material, and passionate instructors who make learning a constant adventure.

Lydia Paar from Portland, OR, reflects on her summer as a camper, �My time at VAMPY piqued my curiosity about many things; most importantly the importance of continually striving for understanding of this world. I feel quite free to challenge myself in ways I did not prior to VAMPY.�

Another camper, Mark Brown of Louisville, KY, explains, �VAMPY camp was the definitive experience of my adolescence� it reinforced a certain self-image, one not easily described, that has carried me forward despite some challenges presented to me. For this, I cannot thank The Center enough!�

VAMPY gives its campers a chance to grow academically and socially to create a summer that will not soon forget.

VAMPY's dates for 2009 are June 28 - July 18. Cost is $1900. Limited financial aid is available to students on the basis of need.

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