Camp Innovate Launching Summer 2019

As part of Rutherford County Schools' summer learning initiatives, we are excited to host our first annual Camp Innovate Summer Enrichment Program for gifted learners. Camp Innovate will be available to all identified Academically and/or Intellectually Gifted (AIG) students in Rutherford County Schools who are currently in grades 3-5. This year, camp will be offered at Rutherfordton Elementary School, July 8-July 11, 2019 and Ellenboro Elementary School, July 22-July 25, 2019. We know that summer schedules are hectic for families; therefore, camp will be offered on two different weeks in two different locations so that families may choose the one which best fits their schedule. Camp Innovate will begin each day, Monday-Thursday, at 8:00AM and conclude at 1:30PM. Parents will be responsible for their child's transportation to and from camp. Students will receive free breakfast and lunch each day.

Our goal is to provide FREE learning experiences that will challenge and develop students' creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills through engaging and exciting activities. The theme for this year's camp is "Power Up...Investigate, Invent, Inspire." During the week of camp, students will explore different types of renewable energy resources by engaging in various activities in order to understand the transformation of energy (solar, water, and wind) into electricity. Our summer curriculum is designed to enrich each child's gifted education, inspire future innovation, and build confidence through collaborative communication. "We are so excited to be able to provide summer learning opportunities for our gifted learners. We are looking forward to be able to challenge students to think outside the box and effectively problem solve using real-world applications," adds Ritchie Garland, AIG Program Coordinator.

Rutherford County Schools defines Academically or Intellectually Gifted students as individuals who perform or show potential to perform at substantially high levels of accomplishment when compared with others of their age, experience, or environment. Academically or intellectually gifted students exhibit high performance capability in intellectual areas, specific academic fields, or in both the intellectual areas and specific academic fields. Academically and/or Intellectually gifted students require differentiated educational services beyond those ordinarily provided by the regular educational program. Outstanding abilities are present in students from all cultural groups, across all economic strata, and in all areas of human endeavor. (NC State Definition of AIG Students, Article 9B)