Record enrollment and new opportunities for Camp Launch and Camp Orbit
Camp Launch, the Center for Gifted Education’s (CFGE) summer camp for high-ability middle and high school students from low-income backgrounds, had record enrollment this year with 297 students from 30 school divisions, an increase from 255 students in 2023.
As enrollment has grown, Camp Launch continues to adapt its engaging curriculum to accommodate its growth. With an increase in the number of participating ninth and 10th graders, high school students were offered three learning tracks. All ninth graders participated in a coding class in addition to choosing from Marine Science, Electromagnetism or Lasers and Optics. Tenth grade students had the option to learn about Forensic Science, Marine Science or Physics.
CFGE’s Director of Precollegiate Learner Programs Mihyeon Kim describes the goals of the camp’s curriculum and activities, explaining that they support two main functions: “One is providing continuous academic opportunities, and the other is developing psychosocial competencies,” Kim elaborated. “To foster maximum talent development, these two functions need to be supported together. Camp Launch is designed to support both, as we focus on the academic content in the STEM area, and then we also provide opportunities to practice life skills and social skills students will need to succeed in their future careers.”
In their feedback about Camp Launch, students mentioned appreciation for both aspects of the program, emphasizing how much they enjoyed not only the engaging learning opportunities, but also the chance to interact with like-minded peers.
"One of the best aspects of Camp Launch was getting to interact with others who are like me," said one participant. Another student added: "Camp Launch is a great opportunity to learn more about science and socialize with other minds like yourself."
Rising 11th- and 12th-grade Camp Launch alumni had the opportunity to participate in Camp Orbit, a project for students to explore STEM careers through hands-on research and mentorship. This year, six students were selected to learn about biodiversity and climate change by working with professors from the Geology department and W&M’s Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences at VIMS. 
These students had the chance to gain research experience as part of their career development. The other six Camp Launch alumni worked as teaching assistants, supporting instructors and mentoring younger students.
Camp Launch has been committed to fostering a passion for STEM through academic enrichment opportunities for underserved students for more than a decade. With its expanded curriculum and innovative programs like Camp Orbit, the Center for Gifted Education continues to provide services to educators and students in support of the needs of gifted and talented individuals. Camp Launch is made possible by the generous support of the Petters Family Foundation.
