Teachers get experience working with 'gifted' students

Nearly two dozen elementary school children learned to mine for gold, assemble a guitar, and plant seeds for a garden during Camp Appalachia from June 14-18 at the University of North Georgia (UNG).

For first-time student Samantha Sisk, the activities combined her two favorite subjects of science and social studies.

"With the science, you get to do basically a lot of fun projects, and you get to learn about the history and social studies, too," the 9-year-old from Dahlonega, Georgia, said.

The weeklong daytime summer camp teaches students about Appalachian history and culture through hands-on activities. Geared for rising third- through fifth-graders identified as gifted or talented by their respective schools, students created museum artifacts representing Appalachian life and displayed them at the camp's conclusion.

 "Camp Appalachia is a great opportunity for local elementary students to learn more about the unique region in which we live," Dr. Donna Governor, assistant professor of middle grades, secondary and science education and Camp Appalachia organizer, said.

The program also benefits the instructors, who are professional educators enrolled in UNG's gifted certification program.

"For the professional teachers, UNG graduate students and undergraduate volunteers, the camp is a great opportunity to gain experience with advanced and gifted students in a unique, authentic learning environment," Governor said.

Carrie Jane Sparks and Ruthie Carlyle, both in the final course of the gifted certification, agreed.

"The program also helped me learn more about gifted education while pursuing my gifted endorsement," Carlyle said. "That was a huge benefit!"

This year's camp differed from previous ones. For the first time, it was accessible digitally, through eLearning@UNG or D2L, and in person at the Vickery House on UNG's Dahlonega Campus. Governor opted to offer both options following last year's successful virtual event. About 22 students registered for the virtual 2020 event after the COVID-19 pandemic canceled in-person activities.

"We had students from as far away as Jackson County and even California sign up last year," Governor said. "This year, students could choose their option."

It was nice to not have to use technology, especially after this tech-heavy school year. Kids need more opportunities to explore their creativity, and Camp Appalachia brings the past to life.

Carrie Jane Sparks

Camp Appalachia instructor, UNG student

Camp Appalachia teachers posted their lessons on D2L for an asynchronous learning experience. Governor explained parents or guardians picked up the materials in advance, which allowed students to complete their projects at home on their own schedule.

Jesse James, a 10-year-old from Dahlonega, Georgia, liked that Camp Appalachia was in person this year.

"I like that it is in person, because you get to talk to teachers," the three-time Camp Appalachia student said. "Last year when you had questions, you couldn't ask the teachers at that moment. It was a little bit tough."

Both Sparks and Carlyle enjoyed teaching the children in person as well.

"It was nice to not have to use technology, especially after this tech-heavy school year," Sparks said. "Kids need more opportunities to explore their creativity, and Camp Appalachia brings the past to life."