Ten high school students participated in an Arkansas Gifted and Talented Creativity, Agriculture and Knowledge of Enterprise (CAKE) Camp hosted by Arkansas Tech University June 8-12.
Campers had opportunities to interact with livestock on the Arkansas Tech farm, go through the steps necessary to make pickles, learn how the four seasons influence agriculture, engage in a trail design exercise, gain the skills necessary to professionally decorate a cake and learn how to make a business pitch.
The free camp was made possible through a grant from the Arkansas Department of Education Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Learning outcomes built into the curriculum included strengthening analytical reasoning, innovation, collaboration and real-world application through creative problem solving.
Susan West, ATU associate professor of tourism, provided leadership for the camp.
“They were tasked with something different in every session,” said West. “I don’t think they realized it, but they learned a lot while they were having fun. There are no grades at camp, but they were thinking…and we always need to be thinking and problem solving. The ability to work with different people is a skill they have sharpened this week. Some of them faced some fears. They’ve amazed themselves, which is the whole reason we do this.”
Four ATU students — Lakan Cummings of Atkins, Jade Hamilton of Bryant, Brandie Reese of Roland, Okla., and Alice Regalado of Warren — volunteered to assist with the camp, as did West’s husband, Howard West.
West said friendships the students developed along the way brought added value to the camp.
“It has been really, really neat to see the bonds that have formed,” said West. “They’ve turned into their own little community.”
