UNM HOSTS LEARNING CAMP FOR GIFTED AND TALENTED CHILDREN

June 13, 2003

UNM HOSTS LEARNING CAMP FOR GIFTED AND TALENTED CHILDREN

Youth ages 12-14 will explore higher education terrain and the field of law at the University of New Mexico's first weeklong residential "Adventures in Learning Camp for Gifted and Talented Children" set for Sunday, June 15, through Friday, June 20.

Department of Recreational Services Director Fred Perez and Associate Director Jim Todd recruited local seventh and eighth graders who are successful in the classroom to participate in the pilot program.

A dozen students will live in the dorms, tour district courts and take part in an interactive, hands-on course "Trial Preparation" taught by UNM School of Law graduate Brian Colon of the Aguilar law firm. Camp culminates in a mock trial in the Second Judicial Court on Friday, June 20 at 1 p.m.

The students will rise at 7 a.m., eat in the dining hall and follow a schedule of classes and activities. Social events include a luncheon with The Honorable Ernesto J. Romero and School of Law Associate Dean Peter Winograd. Recreational events include a low ropes course and movies and swimming at UNM's Johnson Center.

"They are really going to experience college life," Todd said. "We know these kids are going to attend school someday and this is a great opportunity to expose them to UNM."

"We do such a good job recruiting first generation high school graduates and kids from high risk environments. This program zeros in on the gifted and talented children. It's a good way to recruit them early and show them the possibilities UNM has to offer," Perez said.

UNM Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Eliseo Torres will give remarks at a graduation ceremony at UNM's Hodgin Hall on Friday at 6:30 p.m.

The camp fee is $600, which includes instruction, room and board, insurance and recreational and special events. Scholarships were available for eligible students. For more information, call UNM Recreational Services, 277-4347.

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