Difference between revisions of "Epsilon Camp"
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Epsilon Camp was founded in 2011 by Dr. George Thomas, who had previously founded [[Canada/USA Mathcamp]] for high school students and [[MathPath]] for middle school students. All three camps share some of the same elements: they cover math topics which are not taught in a regular school curriculum, they are aimed at students who possess talent and passion for mathematics, and they go beyond a classroom experience to immerse the campers in a rich mathematical culture, creating a community of like-minded peers and faculty. | Epsilon Camp was founded in 2011 by Dr. George Thomas, who had previously founded [[Canada/USA Mathcamp]] for high school students and [[MathPath]] for middle school students. All three camps share some of the same elements: they cover math topics which are not taught in a regular school curriculum, they are aimed at students who possess talent and passion for mathematics, and they go beyond a classroom experience to immerse the campers in a rich mathematical culture, creating a community of like-minded peers and faculty. | ||
| − | Epsilon has taken place at several college campuses, including Colorado College, Seattle Pacific University, Washington | + | Epsilon has taken place at several college campuses, including Colorado College, Seattle Pacific University, Washington University in St. Louis, Weber State University, and University of Colorado in Colorado Springs. |
| − | University in St. Louis, Weber State University, and University of Colorado in Colorado Springs. | + | |
| + | Epsilon Camp is so named in honor of mathematician Paul Erdős (1913-1996), who called all children "epsilons" in reference to the Greek letter customarily used to denote an arbitrary small positive quantity. | ||
| + | |||
== Camp Structure == | == Camp Structure == | ||
Revision as of 02:11, 5 December 2021
Epsilon Camp is a two-week residential summer camp serving exceptional young mathematicians and their families through an intensive student program and parent workshop. The mission of Epsilon Camp is to connect 7-11 year olds who are passionate about math to professional mathematics, and to build a supportive community of peers and families.
Epsilon Camp 2022 will be held from July 17th - July 31st at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. The admission season is currently underway. For more information, including eligibility requirements and how to apply, please visit https://epsiloncamp.org.
History
Epsilon Camp was founded in 2011 by Dr. George Thomas, who had previously founded Canada/USA Mathcamp for high school students and MathPath for middle school students. All three camps share some of the same elements: they cover math topics which are not taught in a regular school curriculum, they are aimed at students who possess talent and passion for mathematics, and they go beyond a classroom experience to immerse the campers in a rich mathematical culture, creating a community of like-minded peers and faculty.
Epsilon has taken place at several college campuses, including Colorado College, Seattle Pacific University, Washington University in St. Louis, Weber State University, and University of Colorado in Colorado Springs.
Epsilon Camp is so named in honor of mathematician Paul Erdős (1913-1996), who called all children "epsilons" in reference to the Greek letter customarily used to denote an arbitrary small positive quantity.
Camp Structure
Math professors and professional mathematicians introduce campers to the rich world of higher mathematics, with topics ranging from methods of proof to hyperbolic geometry to visual group theory. Campers are organized into small groups within the following levels:
- Pythagoras: campers aged 7-8
- Euclid: new campers aged 9-11
- Gauss: returning campers who have completed Euclid
- Conway: returning campers who have completed Gauss
The Pythagoras level curriculum alternatives yearly, and curriculum in the upper levels continues building on the foundation laid down in prior years. Thus, a camper who starts in Pythagoras at the age of 7 is able to attend five consecutive years of camp while following a carefully structured and challenging curriculum.
Pythagoras campers attend two classes a day, one in the morning and another in the afternoon. Campers in Euclid level and above attend two classes in the morning, and a third class followed by office hours in the afternoon. Evening math stations (optional for Pythagoras campers) provide opportunities for further mathematical play, in the form of puzzles, math games, and hands-on activities.
In addition to the academic program, social activities abound throughout the camp day, and optional field trips take place on the weekend.
Parent Program
Because of the young age of Epsilon campers, a parent or guardian must attend with the child. Epsilon Camp is unique in that it includes a parent program, which aims to support parents in meeting the needs of highly gifted students and nurturing their mathematical growth. Parent workshops feature a range of speakers, including talks by Epsilon Camp faculty that give a glimpse of the camp curriculum. Roundtable discussion topics include educational planning options and strategies, social and emotional development, and homeschooling resources, as well as subjects suggested by parents.
