The YOUTH ADVENTURE PROGRAM (YAP) is a series of one week courses designed to encourage career exploration in fields of interest to gifted and talented students. YAP is held on the College Station campus of Texas A&M University. Although no admission criteria are utilized, applicants should be highly motivated to learn, think, and solve problems and should have a strong interest in future college, university, and/or professional school attendance. Only one course is selected per week of attendance, and applicants are admitted on a first come basis.
University professors and other professionals will teach YAP classes. While they may do some lecturing to introduce concepts and principles, major emphasis is given to "discussing (yapping) and doing" as a strategy for engaging students in the investigative process. Classes meet from 9:00-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. YAP also includes social and recreational activities in the late afternoons and evenings to provide for student interaction in other settings.
YAP attendees will be housed in The Tradition at Northgate, a private dormitory located just off the Texas A&M campus that features suite-style accommodations with private bedrooms for each student. Camp orientation will be held on Sunday night following the check-in period. At this time, campers will be provided with opportunities to meet the camp staff and fellow "Yappers" through get-to-know-you activities. Other evening events will include game shows, swim parties, and our heralded "Wacky Olympics" and "Amazing Race" competitions.
