<p>I'm wondering if anyone knew of residential summer academic programs similar to CTY or Explo that are open to kids finishing 4th grade? My sister really wants to go to Explo but it's a bit expensive, and CTY doesn't have residential programs for 4th graders.</p>
<p>Also, does anyone know of well-reputed similar day programs in the NY (Long Island) area?</p>
<p>For day programs, check with local colleges.<br>
I don't know anything about Explo, but their site says need-based scholarships are available. The deadline was in March, but keep it in mind for next year.</p>
<p>When I was ten, I went to sleepaway camp and when I came back, I would spend my time reading and going to the park. I know that you said she likes explo and stuff, but what do you think about just like, regular camp? </p>
<p>I'm all for academic camps when she's older, but like, there's something that can be found in a good summer camp that you just can't get out of academic summer programs. Google camps. I'm sure you'll find something good.</p>
<p>Also, I mean, summer programs are really stimulating for the mind and stuff, but when you're ten years old, you'll get more out of a summer of exploration without boundaries (like exploring woods at camp, for example) than you will in a classroom. The reason why we high schoolers need summer classes is because we're not as curious as little kids and we don't get as much out of just exploring and learning alone. It works the other way around, too, though. Kids don't get as much out of sitting in a classroom in July as we do.</p>
<p>I went to sleepaway camp from 7-15, and after 15, I've been going to academic camps. Honestly, I feel like that's the best combination, because camp is really important. If you've never been to one, you might not really get it, but you learn things there that you won't learn anywhere else. I learned how to deal with people, a little about nature, how to thread a sewing machine (and make pajamas!), how to play lacrosse, how to play tennis, how to control potentially explosive situations, how to be a role model to little kids :) haha, how to relax, I learned about tradition and friendship, how to stay moderately neat, etc. </p>
<p>And don't worry if she's nerdy. She'll still love it. I was such a literary nerd when I was little, and I wouldn't trade my camp experiences for anything. I live for my summers haha. Last summer I went to Columbia for adv. creative writing and this year I'm going to IYWS and Penn, but next year (summer after my senior year), I'm definitely going back to my camp to be a CIT. </p>
<p>Camp is magical. That's it. There really isn't another way to explain it. It's magic.</p>