SPACE IS LIMITED – SIGN UP EARLY!
Drury University is happy to offer a summer experience for gifted students. Courses are taught by highly qualified, effective teachers who understand and use both enrichment and acceleration. Courses are hands-on, activity oriented, and highly motivating.
The goals of Summer Pals and Summer Quest are:
Oh, The Places You Can Go! ($15 lab fee)
Did you know there’s a chef whose job is to make nutritious and delicious meals for the animals at the zoo? How about that some chemists work to create new flavors for Jelly Belly? Can you imagine going to school in Australia and having a “hat policy” dress code to protect you from the sun? Or having sushi as your school lunch in Japan? In Oh, the Places You Can Go Summer Pals, your curiosity and imagination will ignite as you explore the world and a wide range of careers. Through hands-on activities, storytelling, and creative play, you will have the opportunity to learn about geography, traditions, and foods around the world along with various professions, from astronauts to zoo keepers, and everything in between. You will compare how you are similar to and different from the students and teacher in your class and learn to appreciate the similarities and differences. There will be fun activities like body tracing, hands and feet tracing, music and dance. You will also examine your own strengths and interests to identify your future career aspirations. The future is bright and exciting for our Summer Pals as we explore the places we may go! ($15 lab fee)
Instructors: Nina Verbanaz & Abbey Swearengin & Lora Bowles
Bodyworks
Come learn how you are different, but alike. Explore your five senses and discover how your brain controls all of your body functions. We will study the heart, lungs and digestive system. We will discover how our fingerprints are unique and only yours. There will be lots of experiments and projects. Learn how to keep your body healthy. Have fun learning first aid, CPR, and learn the importance of healthy bones and strong teeth.
Instructor: Dr. Tara Herring, Missouri State University
Toy Box Physics ($15 lab fee)
What does Force & Motion have to do with toys? Join us as we investigate what’s really hiding in a toy box! During the first week, we’ll learn about Sir Issac Newton and his discoveries of Force & Motion. We’ll put his theories to the test through experiments using toys. We’ll ask questions about toys that work using vibration, rotary motion, straight line motion, and curved line motion. We’ll set up a matchbox track course in the classroom. We’ll create hills, ramps and turns in the ramp. Then we’ll experiment with force as we roll toy cars of various masses down the ramp. You will also learn how magnetism and electricity work within toys. We’ll use robots and Osmo games to inspire creativity, critical thinking and collaboration skills. ($15 lab fee)
Instructor: Anne O’Neil, Phelps Center for Gifted
Critter Chemistry: Exploring Mixtures, Matter, and Chemistry’s Connection to Nature. You will be emersed in the exciting intersection of chemistry and the natural world through project-based learning. Throughout Summer Quest, you will take on the role of scientist as you explore how mixtures, matter, and chemical reactions shape life in nature. Through a combination of guided investigations, collaborative experiments, and creative design challenges, you will build critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills while deepening your understanding of scientific concepts. Activities will include exploring the properties of matter through mystery egg investigations, studying density and ecosystems through “pond layer” experiments, and engineering mixtures like butter and slime to observe physical and chemical changes. Each project will begin with an inquiry question and “critter connection” that ties chemistry to the way animals survive and adapt in their environments. Together we can make predictions, have group discussions and gain a deeper appreciation for the science that connects all living things.
Instructor: Amanda Trotter, Ag Academy SPS Choice Program
Maker Movement ($15 lab fee)
The Maker Movement is a sort of technology-based Do-It-Yourself culture. In this class we will be building with a variety of materials including 3D printing, sewing, paper projects, Legos, origami, and a few small electronics. Projects you can plan on include designing your own stuffed animal, pop up cards, making a doodlebot, creating a miniature painting, making candles and soap, and Zentangling. You will also have some choice time for independent projects. We’ll be doing a lot of creating and building! ($15 lab fee)
Instructor: Elicia Ligon, Phelps Center for Gifted Education – WINGS, Springfield
Discovering the Art of Mathematics ($15 lab fee)
Are you an explorer, and are you ready to explore math through the lens of creativity and art? We will journey and investigate our way through several math topics while creating beautiful art! Math is not just helpful, it is also beautiful. As the English mathematician and philosopher Betrand Russell stated, “Mathematics, rightly viewed, possesses not only truth, but supreme beauty…” Join us to explore, discover, and create some of this beauty together! ($15 lab fee)
Instructor: Audra Uzzell, Phelps Gifted Education – Scholars, Springfield
STEM Games Camp ($15 lab fee)
Put your building and gaming skills to the test during this week of building hands-on, real-world games. Video games are fun and game engines are used to simulate physics, but can you make a game that uses real physics? Can you use actual gravity and magnetism for exciting game dynamics? Can you stump your friends with marble mazes? How can catapults be used to make a game? We will explore the physics and fun of games as we design and make a variety of games during this week of fun ($15 lab fee).
Instructor: Rob Powers, The Summit Preparatory School, Springfield
Locate and complete the application form for the proper grade level. Register for the grade your student is in currently. For example, if they will complete 4th grade at the end of this school year, please register for the 4th grade class. Applications accepted beginning January 2026.
Online Application Printable ApplicationAttach tuition check or money order to application form. Checks should be made payable to SUMMER PALS or SUMMER QUEST. You may also pay online. Cost Schedule is $195 if registered by May 31; $215 if registered June 1-15; $230 if registered June 16-July 1.
Mail application, tuition (or scholarship information) and certification to:
Summer Quest OR Summer Pals
Drury University
900 N. Benton, Lay Hall 103
Springfield, MO 65802
(417) 873-7386
mpotthof@drury.edu
There is no deadline for registration UNLESS you are applying for a financial need scholarship (see Scholarships). Classes do reach capacity so apply early.
Class costs: $195 if registered by May 31; $215 if registered June 1-15; $230 if registered June 16-July 1.
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. Send in (by mail or email OR use the online application) the completed application to finalize registration. See How to Apply.
There is a withdrawal fee of $50. Refunds must be requested in writing. No refunds within two weeks of start of camp.
A limited number of financial need scholarships are available. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship, you must enclose the following:
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. Applications for scholarships must be received BEFORE April 15. All information is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Please Note: