July 1, 2009 – Our Town – OWU

Jen Finkelstein from Westerville and Grace Fuchs from Delaware practice making molecules in their “Murder in the Chem Lab!” class.

Photo by Emily Hastings ’10

Hootin’ and Hollerin’ for OWjL Camp
OWU sponsors mind-expanding camp for gifted and talented middle-schoolers

There’s been a “Murder in the Chem Lab!” Who’s the victim? Who are the suspects? And exactly how did the murder transpire?

OWjL campers solve all of these questions and more by performing experiments, learning how molecules work, and analyzing chemical reactions.

If this class isn’t exactly a camper’s cup of tea, the student is invited to mosey on over to “Dancin’ on Broadway.” Here, campers burn off energy by learning dance routines from famous musicals such as “Hairspray,” “Grease,” and “Mamma Mia!” Many other programs in the creative arts & humanities, and in science, mathematics & computers/logic are available, too.

Ohio Wesleyan University hosts three weeklong OWjL camps each June for gifted and talented middle school students from nine Central Ohio counties: Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Licking, Madison, Marion, Morrow, Pickaway and Union.

OWjL camp was founded by the Junior League of Columbus following a two-year study that determined gifted and talented middle school students were underserved with summer programs to promote discovery and foster skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, research, leadership, and communication.

It is clear that OWjL camp is not like most other camps. These sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students must meet a few requirements to be admitted. They must have been identified as gifted students by achieving high test scores and demonstrating exceptional talent, creativity, or leadership skills.

The ‘Dancin’ on Broadway’ class dances to the musicals ‘Hairspray’ and ‘Grease.’

Photo by Emily Hastings ’10

“OWjL camp is so important because it offers kids an opportunity to find out it’s pretty cool to be smart,” says Susan Paxton, director of the OWjL program. “They can also bond with peers with similar interests and ability levels.

“It is especially important for middle-school-age girls because they tend not to shine or reveal their giftedness—because they don’t want to draw attention to themselves in that way,” Paxton explains. Because of this, the camp intentionally accepts more girls than boys.

OWjL teachers include university professors, national board-certified teachers, and teachers of gifted and talented students. The 20 camp counselors are students from Ohio Wesleyan and other Ohio colleges. Typically, half are former OWjL campers.

OWjL’s scholarship/financial aid program provides about $50,000 in funding to assist the campers. Sponsors include major central Ohio corporations, foundations, and individuals.

Although this camp values academia, recreational and social activities are just as important. Campers are able to swim, play games, make crafts, attend a movie night at Delaware’s Strand Theatre, and dance the night away at the OWjL dance.

Another highlight is Friday’s OWjL camp review. Some of the classes offered are performance oriented, and the camp review allows the children to show their parents and the other OWjL campers what they’ve learned over the week. These classes include comedy improv, drama, fractured fairy tales, and a couple of dance classes.

“OWjL camp is a great opportunity to make lifelong friends,” says Paxton. “Some campers have even been in each others’ weddings.”

– Emily Hastings ’10