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Summerscape & Drury Leadership Academy

Drury University > The Center for Gifted Education > Summerscape & Drury Leadership Academy

Camp is July 14-21, 2024

There is no deadline for registration UNLESS you are applying for a financial need scholarship. Spots will fill up, so apply early.


Summerscape

Summerscape is a summer program for gifted students who are currently enrolled in grades 6, 7 and 8.  Gifted students are offered an opportunity to enhance their areas of interest, to investigate new ideas and to interact with their peers in a caring, safe, and fun learning environment.  Besides participating in courses not offered in most schools, students familiarize themselves with life on a university campus. Classes meet Monday – Friday. Please check the information you receive after you register for times and locations. Classes meet July 15-19. The residential program runs July 14-21.

Since its foundation in 1981, Summerscape has earned an excellent reputation for providing quality gifted education experiences.  We look forward to you joining us for a challenging, rewarding educational experience.  Classes meet 9  to noon and 1-4 pm.

Application

Summerscape Courses

Summerscape Morning Courses

Cinematic Dreams

“I don’t dream at night, I dream at day, I dream all day; I’m dreaming for a living.” – Steven Spielberg.  If this sounds like a “dream” job, this class may be just for you.  We will take an in-depth look at the life and filmmaking of one of cinema’s greatest dreamers, Steven Spielberg.  We will also dissect and analyze a few of his select films.  Through the viewing of these films, you will become a more perceptive viewer of film while learning basic cinematic techniques that define filmmaking. Through analysis and discussion, you will acquire a keener sense of film awareness and a deeper appreciation for the art of film-making. Join us as we dream together of what others might say is impossible.

Instructor: Michael Butcher, Evangel University, Springfield

Cryptography (Spy Games)                                                             

Do you have what it takes to be a spy?  Would you like to improve your cryptology (the science of studying codes and ciphers), cryptography (the science of writing hidden or concealed messages using secret codes and ciphers), cryptoanalysis (the science of analyzing or breaking secret codes or ciphers to reveal hidden messages) skills?  In this class we will learn about famous codes, from the simplest Caesar cipher to the current forms of digital encryption and cyber security.  We will have a chance to get creative with some spy simulations.  Let the espionage begin!

Instructor: Dee Kerr, Phelps Center for Gifted Education, WINGS, SGF

Makerspace

Make the change from being a passive user to active creator. In this class we will invent our own toys, board games, and other creations using duct tape, cardboard, leather and whatever we can get our hands on. Stop-motion Lego animation and short movies will be created. We will play with some toys including gravity mazes, marble towers, and gears. In short, if you like the idea of science meets art and do-it-yourself projects, this is the place for you. ($10 fee)

Instructor: Elicia Ligon, Phelps Center for Gifted Education, WINGS, SGF

Hunger Games: Archery, Engineering and Literature                               

Explore archery, use elements from The Hunger Games to design and engineer items, examine Greek mythology and compare dystopian fiction. In the Hunger Games class, districts will compete against each other through archery, reaping probability, engineering/design challenges, and other challenges! We will also take a look at the symbolism within the Hunger Games that items that exist in our everyday lives. Be prepared to shoot a lot of arrows, but also make sure you know your Hunger Games!  ($40 fee)                                                         

Instructor: Audra Uzzell, Phelps Center for Gifted Education, Scholars

Testing 1-2-3! Make your own Podcast! 

Do you like to write and hear stories? Do you like to build giant pillow forts? In this class, you’ll get to do both by making a podcast!  A podcast is like a TV show for your ears. Strap on a microphone, gather sounds, make music, or interview your friends and family to make your own meaningful podcast. The best part about this class will be building “sound pillow forts” using bean bags and pillows to record your own voice without any background noise. At the end of the week, we’ll have a podcast release party and listen to our stories. Join in on the fun!

Teacher – Emma Brand, 7th Grade St. John Lutheran School

Aloha!!  CSI Hawaii   

A tropical crime has been committed, and it was one of your classmates! How do we find out who it was?  We will be using the same forensic techniques and scientific analysis to solve our own classroom mystery as the CSI investigative teams do at crime scenes. Join our Summerscape CSI team and help uncover who committed the crime in our tropical themed case. The use of torture, lie detector and the roundup of the usual suspects will not be used…. not reliable enough, too messy and many of the Summerscapers look alike and could be falsely accused as the criminal. Looking forward to having you in the class.  Till then ‘IKE LOAKA LĀ HIKI OLA!  (The value of learning in the dawning of a new day with optimism).($10 fee)
Instructor: Eric Wilbur, Kickapoo High School, Springfield

 

Summerscape Afternoon Courses

Digital Art                                                                                      

Do you like technology and computers – how about art too? Well, you will be amazed at the unique and fun ways these two come together in this class. We will be using Apple iPads and an Apple stylus pencil with the application called Procreate. Come join the fun. ($10 fee)             

Instructor Gary Strunk, retired Digital Arts teacher at Central HS, SGF

Vet Science

As animals play an increasingly important role in our lives, scientists have sought to learn more about their health and well-being.  Studying the animals that live in our homes, on our farms, and in zoos and wildlife sanctuaries, this course examines the common diseases and treatments for domestic animals.  We will discuss disease control in wildlife around us, and how to identify and prevent common issues among domestic and agricultural animals. If you like animals, this class is for you!
Instructor:  Elicia Ligon Phelps Center for Gifted Education, WINGS, SGF

The Art of Origami

Origami is the Japanese word for paper folding. ORI means to fold and KAMI means paper. Together, they form the word, “origami.” It is an art form that has been handed down from parent to child through many generations. In this class we will learn many folding techniques, from the simple crane to intricate animals and geometric shapes. We will also take a look at the history, culture and traditions that this great art form comes from as well as look at how this ancient tradition is still used in many modern scientific and engineering creations.

Instructor: Dee Kerr, Phelps Center for Gifted Education, WINGS, SGF

Drumline

In this class, you will be equipped with a bucket and a pair of drumsticks. We will explore the exciting, primal world of rhythm by playing various games and undergoing challenges. A collaborative marching band style drumline performance will also drive this class, as we create a show to perform for an audience at the end of camp! No musical experience necessary, just a desire to have fun.
Instructor: Jake Viele, Reed Academy, Springfield

My Shape in this World

If Tony Stark can do it, anybody can…right?  He turned back time using a Mobius strip.  But WHAT is a Mobius strip?  Can we really use it to turn back time?  What about a 4-Dimensional Mobius strip or other 4D things.  Ever heard of a scutoid?  In this class we’ll learn ways to think about, visualize, and compare all sorts of shapes.  Can we discover the shape of space-time or the universe?  Take this class and see.
Instructor:  Colin T Barker, Ph.D., Drury University

Chocolate University

“It’s not about the chocolate, it’s about the chocolate.” Join internationally-acclaimed, local chocolate maker, Askinosie Chocolate, in an exploration of finding purpose through meaningful work. Named one of Forbes’ Best Small Companies in America, Askinosie Chocolate uniquely serves as both the direct buyer and importer of the cacao beans used for its award-winning bean-to-bar chocolate and in doing so builds a valuable connection to the origin farmers and their communities. International business challenges and opportunities to do good through business will be explored within actual international business examples and through an exploration of the company’s commitments to the communities where it works. You will explore and share thoughts to create a vision for your own path to meaningful work.
Instructor: John Taylor, Drury University, in collaboration with Shawn Askinosie, owner and founder of Askinosie Chocolate, and Emma Brand, 2016 C.U. Alum

Costs & Scholarships

Tuition & Fees

The cost for each Summerscape/DLA class is $125 if registered by May 1. The cost schedule after May 1 is $135 per class May 2-31; $150 per class June 1- July 8.

Classes with additional fees for materials or field trips are noted on the course selection form. This additional fee will be collected when the student is notified of placement in the class. Total class cost (or scholarship application) must accompany application. 

The cost for residential living is $425.  This covers dorm living and all meals from Sunday, July 14-Sunday, July 21. There is a withdrawal fee of $50. Refunds must be requested in writing. No refunds within two weeks of start of camp. 

Please make checks payable to:        Pre-College Programs – Drury University

                                                                 900 North Benton Ave, Lay Hall 103

                                                                 Springfield, Missouri 65802

Credit card payments have a 2.75% processing fee. To pay with a credit card, click “PAY ONLINE”.

Pay Online

Scholarships

A limited number of financial need scholarships are available. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship, you must enclose the following:

  1. Photocopies of the first two pages of the parents’ or guardians’ most recent federal income tax return AND any attachments of schedules if applicable;
  2. A letter explaining any extenuating circumstances pertinent to existing financial status, including what efforts have been made to obtain money locally;
  3. A $30 registration fee (refundable if no scholarship is awarded) is required to ensure that registration for classes can be completed; AND
  4. A letter from the student outlining why he/she wants to attend the program.

Scholarships are awarded solely on the basis of financial need. We encourage parents to contact local businesses, employers, schools, and civic organizations to help fund scholarships. All information is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Please Note:

  • Your application will not be considered for enrollment until the office has received your tuition check, money order, or scholarship application information and deposit. No exceptions will be made.
  • APPLY EARLY! Many courses fill quickly.
  • Checks or money orders will not be cashed until the student has been accepted.
  • If your child has a specific physical or medical need or condition, please attach a separate letter to the director so that needed accommodations can be made.
  • If a student is operating with an IEP, a copy of the IEP should be attached.

Rules & Regulations

Drury Leadership Academy

The Drury Leadership Academy is carefully planned for college-bound students who have completed the freshman, sophomore, or junior year in high school.  The objective of DLA is to provide students with opportunities to learn about and practice leadership skills which will enhance their quality of life and prepare them to assume future leadership roles in our society.  The Academy curriculum is a pre-college curriculum designed to use logic and reason to analyze complex issues, to communicate clearly, to weigh decisions with balanced perspectives, to accept responsibility, and to care about others.  The intensive program provides a strong preparation for college classes and residential life in a supportive environment that encourages personal growth.  Classes are 9:15 AM-12:15 PM and 1:15 PM-4:15 PM. July 15-19. The residential program runs July 14-21.

Application

DLA Courses

DLA Morning Courses

DLA Digital Photography – A Unique Approach

Do you like to take photos? Do people marvel at your images? This class will delve into personalized expression using a camera phone and Adobe Photoshop. See how your images will communicate your creativity. If you don’t have a camera phone or digital camera, one (digital camera) will be provided to you. Come join the experience. ($10 fee)                 

Instructor:  Gary Strunk, retired Digital Arts teacher at Central HS, Springfield

Civil Discourse

Can you disagree without being disagreeable? Do you wonder why Congress has trouble passing legislation? Are you tired of all the name calling in politics? Civil Discourse will teach you ways to have meaningful, constructive discussions about controversial topics. Drawing on principles from argumentation, group problem solving, and conflict resolution, you will gain respect for the ideas and beliefs of others while clarifying your own personal beliefs and values.

Instructor: Tom Gist, Drury University, Springfield

Game of DLA Thrones

Reigning over a kingdom wasn’t all fun and jousting. Do you know what it took to hold a throne during the Middle Ages? The game of thrones was more complicated than chess. Why were some kings and queens successful at claiming and holding the throne and others not? What was it about Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II that demanded respect? Why was King John so reviled? We’ll examine the performative art of ruling throughout history in this course. We’ll explore power struggles in history. Then, we’ll see if we can identify historic kings and queens in the rulers of literature.
Instructor:  Nina Verbanaz, Central Scholars Program

World Enough and Time
This thing all things devours; birds, beasts, trees, flowers;
slays king, ruins town, and beats mountains down. – – J.R.R. Tolkien

The answer to the above riddle is, of course, time. But what is time? Is it constant, or does it exist in flux? Does it even exist at all? Is time travel possible? Would you really want to live forever? Does it have a beginning…and an end? Why does humanity seem to be so preoccupied and interested in it? Time is familiar to everyone, yet it is hard to define and understand beyond being “what a clock reads.” Science would once have given us a definitive answer to such questions, but even science has had to rethink its conception of this supposed constant of reality. In this class we will examine how thinkers, scholars, and researchers in the fields of physics, philosophy, world religions, literature, economics, sports science, and history suggest that we view time. Stop waiting for the perfect time to take this class; the perfect time is now!

Instructor: Scott Henderson, Columbia Indp. School, Columbia, Missouri

DLA Afternoon Courses

The Swift Effect

Welcome to your DLA Era, where we will discuss the music and career of Taylor Swift. But is her career truly that simple? How has Taylor Swift changed the music industry? How has attaining her rights to her music affected the relationship between musicians, labels, and show business? How have her tours impacted the economy of different parts of the world? How has she impacted the planet itself? How has she impacted her listeners, our culture, the NFL, and her very own… reputation? We will explore these questions and more as we explore the Swift Effect (DLA’s Version).

Instructor: Mathew Colling, Cedar Rapids Community School District, Cedar Rapids

DLA Improv Throwdown

What you can expect from the DLA COMMUNITY IMPROV: First, you will become “experts” at what it means to improvise, both in performance and in life.  Most people think of the popular television show, Whose Line is It Anyway, when they think of improvisation. However, there is so much more to learn. We will, of course, explore the games made famous by Drew Carey and his cast, but we will also look at the historical references to improvisation. In addition, we will explore how improvisation enhances life skills of spontaneity, collaboration, communication, and confidence.  Finally, we will use improvisation not only for entertainment, but as a technique to address social issues in our society. We will most of all have fun and learn through building a community and laughter.                                                                                         

Instructor: Gretchen Teague, Ed.D. Central High School, Springfield

Protest Movements and Social Change

Media is flooded with images of people all over the U.S. taking to the streets to protest or support various causes. You may have encountered or even participated in a demonstration in your own community. How does this kind of group action, and the protest movements that support it, contribute to social change? We will explore why protest movements form and how past movements have influenced them; what role social media, like Facebook or Twitter, plays; and what might drive an individual to engage in group action that may entail great personal risks?

Instructor: David Derossett, Drury University

It’s All in Your Head: Philosophy 101                                            

Why study philosophy, you may be second-guessing yourself? To put it simply, you don’t want to be at the mercy of accident (“Fate” the ancient Greeks would call it) when it comes to your opinions. You want to believe what you believe for “good” reasons, right? This course is intended to help you with just that. Fortunately, we have a long tradition of smart people who have been thinking about the same questions we all ask and the opinions humans have formed for centuries. We shall call these people “philosophers” and sift through their answers to the timeless questions like: “Where did it all come from?” “What’s it all about?” “How are we to live?” “What is the ideal form of government?” “What is Truth?” “What is “Beauty?” and “Does life end with death?” If you seek to fine-tune your opinions, there is no better way than to engage in a “conversation” with these best minds’ history has produced.

Instructor:  Scott Henderson, Columbia Indp. School, Columbia, Missouri

Costs & Scholarships

Tuition & Fees

The cost for each Summerscape/DLA class is $125 if registered by May 1. The cost schedule after May 1 is $135 per class May 2-31; $150 per class June 1- July 8.

Classes with additional fees for materials or field trips are noted on the course selection form. This additional fee will be collected when the student is notified of placement in the class. Total class cost (or scholarship application) must accompany application.

The cost for residential living is $425.  This covers dorm living and all meals from Sunday, July 14-Sunday, July 21. There is a withdrawal fee of $50. Refunds must be requested in writing. No refunds within two weeks of start of camp.

Please make checks payable to:        Pre-College Programs – Drury University

                                                                   900 North Benton Ave, Lay Hall 103

                                                                   Springfield, Missouri 65802

Credit card payments have a 2.75% processing fee. To pay with a credit card, click “PAY ONLINE”.

Scholarships

A limited number of financial need scholarships are available. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship, you must enclose the following:

  1. Photocopies of the first two pages of the parents’ or guardians’ most recent federal income tax return AND any attachments of schedules if applicable;
  2. A letter explaining any extenuating circumstances pertinent to existing financial status, including what efforts have been made to obtain money locally;
  3. A $30 registration fee (refundable if no scholarship is awarded) is required to ensure that registration for classes can be completed; AND
  4. A letter from the student outlining why he/she wants to attend the program.

Scholarships are awarded solely on the basis of financial need. We encourage parents to contact local businesses, employers, schools, and civic organizations to help fund scholarships. All information is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Please Note:

  • Your application will not be considered for enrollment until the office has received your tuition check, money order, or scholarship application information and deposit. No exceptions will be made.
  • APPLY EARLY! Many courses fill quickly.
  • Checks or money orders will not be cashed until the student has been accepted.
  • If your child has a specific physical or medical need or condition, please attach a separate letter to the director so that needed accommodations can be made.
  • If a student is operating with an IEP, a copy of the IEP should be attached.

Rules & Regulations

Qualification, Application Process & Wait Lists

How do you qualify to attend camp? Where can I get an IQ test?

  1. Student attends a school gifted program.
  2. Student attended our camp as a 2nd grader or higher.
  3. Student has a qualifying IQ of 115 or higher.
  4. Teacher recommendation

Check with your school district about getting an IQ test.  Drury does not offer IQ testing, but we do have names of professionals that can help.

Are applications processed in the order in which they are received?

Applications are processed in daily batches so that all applications completed throughout a single day are given equal consideration. Applications are date-stamped, not time-stamped, so all applications received that day have an equal chance for placement regardless of the time they were submitted.

How and when will I find out if I am accepted in the program?

Once applications are posted to the website, you can apply.  Be sure to send in all requested and required information or your application can’t be entered. You will be notified of acceptance decisions by email within two weeks of submitting your application. If applicable, financial aid decisions will be made in May and you will be notified by mail.

Is there a chance I will not be accepted in the program?

Yes. Because courses fill quickly, submitting an application does not guarantee placement. If all of your ranked choices are full, you will be placed on a waitlist and notified by email.

Drury Pre-College Programs maintains a waitlist to fill course spaces that are vacated by students who decline their placement. If another student is unable to attend and his/her space can be offered to you, Drury Pre-College Programs will contact you to offer placement. Once students are placed in a course, they are removed from any other waitlists.

I received a wait list email for my child. When will I know if a spot is available for my child?

We cannot provide a specific date because we must wait for students who were offered placement to respond. Staff are constantly monitoring enrollment and if we are able to offer placement, we will contact you by email.

What number am I on the wait list?

Applicants are not assigned a wait list number because there are separate wait lists for each course. Students are placed on each wait list by the date that the complete application is received.

If my child is on the wait list, what are the chances that my child will be offered placement?

We cannot predict the odds of a wait-listed student being offered placement, as it is based on cancellations. 

How long will my child remain on the wait list? I want to make other plans for my child if he or she is not being offered a placement.

Drury Pre-College Programs will attempt to place wait-listed students as soon as possible; however, we understand that you may need to make plans for the summer. Please do what is in the best interest of your child as we are unable to guarantee a placement offer for students on the wait list.

Costs & Financial Aid

What are the costs?

Tuition & Fees

The cost for each Summerscape/DLA class is $115. Classes with additional fees for materials or field trips are noted on the course selection form. This additional fee will be collected when the student is notified of placement in the class. Total class cost (or scholarship application) must accompany application. 

The residential fee is $400. This includes room, food, and activities. You must participate in both the AM and PM classes as part of the residential group. The total fee (residential + AM/PM classes) is $630.

There is a withdrawal fee of $30. Refunds must be requested in writing. No refunds within two weeks of start of camp. 

Please Note:

  • Your application will not be considered for enrollment until the office has received your tuition check, money order, or scholarship application. APPLY EARLY! Many courses beds fill quickly.
  • Checks or money orders will not be cashed until the student has been accepted.
  • If your child has a specific physical or medical need or condition, please attach a separate letter to the director so that needed accommodations can be made.
  • If a student is operating with an IEP, a copy of the IEP should be attached.
  • Please note that many courses fill quickly and room in the dorms is limited, so apply early!

Is there financial aid available?

Scholarships

A limited number of financial need scholarships are available. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship, you must enclose the following:

  1. Photocopies of the first two pages of the parents’ or guardians’ most recent federal income tax return AND any attachments of schedules if applicable;
  2. A letter explaining any extenuating circumstances pertinent to existing financial status, including what efforts have been made to obtain money locally;
  3. A $30 registration fee (refundable if no scholarship is awarded) is required to insure that registration for classes can be completed; AND
  4. A letter from the student outlining why he/she wants to attend the program.

Scholarships are awarded solely on the basis of financial need. We encourage parents to contact local businesses, employers, schools, and civic organizations to help fund scholarships. All information is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

NOTE: If parents are not in the same household, please send copies of both income tax returns. 

My child applied for financial aid. When will I find out if my child received any aid?

Financial aid applications are reviewed by a committee in May. Written notification will be mailed to you in early May.  Contact Employment at TIP. Due to the large number of applicants and limited amount of financial aid funds, neither applying nor qualifying for aid guarantees that it will be awarded. Drury is not responsible for mail that is delayed in transit. To ensure that your complete application arrives in a timely manner, consider an express delivery option.

What documentation is needed for the financial aid application?

Scholarships

A limited number of financial need scholarships are available. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship, you must enclose the following:

  1. Photocopies of the first two pages of the parents’ or guardians’ 2021 federal income tax return AND any attachments of schedules if applicable;
  2. A letter explaining any extenuating circumstances pertinent to existing financial status, including what efforts have been made to obtain money locally;
  3. A letter from the student outlining why he/she wants to attend the program.

Scholarships are awarded solely on the basis of financial need. We encourage parents to contact local businesses, employers, schools, and civic organizations to help fund scholarships. All information is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

NOTE: If parents are not in the same household, please send copies of both income tax returns. 

How much aid can I expect to receive?

It varies based on number of applicants.

What happens if my financial aid application is incomplete?

Incomplete applications will not be processed. Students must submit a program application with a $30 nonrefundable application fee and all the supporting documentation in order for the entire application to be considered.

If I applied for financial aid last year, can Drury Pre-College Programs use the previous financial aid application?

No. Students must reapply for financial aid with current family financial information.

Do I need to submit the $30 application fee with the financial aid application?

Yes.

Tax Information

Can I send in camp application before my taxes are complete?

Yes.  Please send a note explaining taxes are not yet complete and the other documents requested.  Tax information still must be received by April 15 for the deadline to be considered, but it is best to mail in the other information early so the student can be placed in their requested classes before they fill up.

What if I don’t file taxes?

If a family is not required to file a tax return because their income level falls below the IRS filing threshold, they must complete the financial aid application, note on the application that they are not required to file a federal tax return, and submit copies of whatever documentation they have for any income that they do receive, such as an annual Social Security award amount letter, SSN-1099, unemployment or disability income award letters, or public assistance qualification notification letters.

What if I have not filed my tax forms yet?

You may send a copy of your pervious years income tax forms with your current years W-2 form. If you do not have your current years W-2 form yet, you may send a copy of your last pay stub for the current year along with your pervious years income tax forms.

I own my own business and my receipts and taxes have not been completed at this time.

We will accept an estimated profit/loss statement for your business.

Camp Questions

Can I take my child off-campus during camp?

This is highly discouraged.  Time at camp allows students to establish friendships and become fully involved in residential life.  If a student needs to leave campus for an “outside of camp” activity, they can be picked up from the dorm between 4:30 – 5 pm AND returned the next morning to the cafeteria at 8:30 am.  NO EXCEPTIONS.

Supervision

A staff of residential counselors is chosen from a large group of outstanding undergraduate and graduate students through a competitive application and interview process. The residential counselors live in the residence halls with students, organize social and recreational activities, serve as role models, and support students in understanding and abiding by Drury Pre-College Programs’s rules and regulations. Each residential counselor supervises a group of approximately ten to fifteen students. Residential Staff Members assist with supervision and programming on each campus. A background check is performed on each staff member prior to the start of the program. 

Senior Leadership Classes

Students who have completed 12th grade will be in the Senior Leadership class.  This is a special class designed for those entering college.  Special privileges come with this class so do high expectations.

Housing

Things to Bring

Please view the packing list

Keys/Key Deposit

Bring a $75 check made out to Drury University.  Your check will be returned when your key and swipe card are turned in and your room is damage free.

Meals

All meals are provided by Drury University catering services.  The dining services on campus offer a wide selection of food at every meal, and their menus are varied enough to accommodate vegetarian and other diets.  If your child requires other special dietary needs or has food allergies, please contact us at least two weeks before you arrive so that we can try to accommodate and plan.

Specific Food allergies:  Please provide details on the application.  Most students with food allergies manage by selecting from the variety of items available on the regular menu and salad bar.  If a student’s food allergies include reactions to airborne allergens (such as hypersensitivity to peanuts) please note this on the application but also contact us two weeks prior so that we may provide this information to food services.

Laundry

Washers and dryers are available in the residence hall at no cost to the students.  You must bring your own detergent.

Personal Belongings/Lost and Found

Students are responsible at all times for the safe-keeping of their personal belongings.  We urge students to label all of their belongings, including clothing, with their first and last names.  We are not responsible for students’ personal belongings.  In general, we recommend that students leave valuables at home.  We will maintain a lost and found box.  We are not responsible for items left behind at the end of camp.

Communication

Telephone numbers will be provided at check in for emergency contacts.

To Contact Your Student

By letter or package:

Student name
Summerscape or Drury Leadership Academy (select one)
900 N. Benton Ave
Lay Hall 103
Springfield, MO 65802

Cell Phones

See Rules & Regulations for cell phone policy. 

Computers/Library

Students are strongly discouraged from bringing personal laptops or computers.  Students will have access to Drury’s library and computer labs.

Camp Security

Drury provides campus security and security guards.  The campus is patrolled at all times, including overnight.  Please call Security directly if you have an emergency, 417 873-7400.  To ensure the safety of all campers, it is imperative you read and understand all rules, including check-out/check-in procedures.

Transportation

Camper transportation during camp is overseen by Springfield R-12 Transportation System.  Campers are transported in school buses operated by approved and tested drivers.

Drop Off Packages

Drop off packages to Lay Hall 103 and clearly label with the student name. 

Health Services and Insurance

Included in the program cost is access to The Panther Health Clinic on campus. The fee does not cover medications, X-rays or visits to the hospital or emergency room. When the student health center is closed, students requiring medical attention will be taken to an emergency room. Personal health insurance is required to cover after-hours, emergency room, or other medical care not covered.

Medications

Students are not allowed to keep medications in their rooms. All medications, including over-the-counter products, must be stored in the Drury Pre-College Programs on-site office. The only exception to this policy will be for acne creams and urgent-need medications such as insulin, rescue asthma inhalers, and epinephrine devices, which students may keep with them. Students will be given their medicine by our Camp Nurse, as well as any over-the-counter medicine they might need. It is the student’s responsibility to remember to take his/her medications. Our staff may give reminders regarding medication administration, but it is important that each student be responsible for remembering to take his/her own medications.  Drury Pre-College Programs residential staff members will not administer any medications, except for epinephrine devices in emergencies. Please note that medications can be refrigerated in the Drury Pre-College Programs on-site office if necessary.  Parents are strongly encouraged to note any allergies or potential drug interactions with prescribed medications on their child’s application.  In addition, parents are urged to have a conversation with their children, before they attend camp, about any over the counter medication they feel comfortable/uncomfortable with their child selecting. Students with long-standing medical conditions should request their physician to forward relevant information to the Drury Pre-College Programs office.

Emotional Support at Drury Pre-College Programs

Occasionally, students deal with emotionally challenging issues. Drury Pre-College Programs staff are trained to assist students in adjusting to a new environment, a rigorous class schedule, and the challenge of being away from home. We do not have the facilities or staff to assist students experiencing serious emotional distress, and any student who exhibits behavior that is disruptive or problematic may be required to leave the program. 

R-rated Films

Films and film clips are shown in many classes and residential activities to illustrate ideas and stimulate discussion.  Please be aware that this may occur in Drury Leadership Academy only.  Summerscape evening programs will not show any movie rated higher than PG. DLA evening programs will not show any movie rated higher than PG-13.

Computer Access

Students will have access to library computers for class-related research and word processing purposes. Access to email may be available on a limited basis, but students should not expect to check email daily. Students are expected to maintain good manners and good judgment when using campus computers and the web.

Training and Practice Facilities

Drury Pre-College Programs provides some opportunities for students to engage in athletics or practice music during evening and weekend activities, but these instances are not likely to be adequate for students involved in serious training. Drury Pre-College Programs is unable to accommodate specific training needs. We are not able to accommodate students who have specific music practice needs outside of free time. Students may bring small instruments that can be stored in a residence hall room, but may not bring large instruments due to lack of storage space. We are not responsible for loss or damage to any personal property—including musical instruments.

Pre-College Programs

Drury University
900 N. Benton Avenue, Lay Hall 103
Springfield, MO 65802
(417) 873-7386
mpotthof@drury.edu

Mary Potthoff – Director, Center for Gifted Education
Brandi Klepper, Psy.D. – Resident Psychologist
Michael Castleman – Summerscape Residential Coordinator
Chance Kirchhof – DLA Residential Coordinator
Helen Oke-Thomas- On-Call Nurse
Ariele Lee – Program Coordinator

Drury University Pre-College Programs extends appreciation to the following organizations and individuals for scholarship and operational contributions.

Mercedes Freeman Smith Memorial Education Fund
The Schneider Foundation
Drury University
Pre-College Board of Directors

Additional questions? Please email mpotthof@drury.edu.