Mom returns to Drury summer camp as daughter attends, 23 years apart
SPRINGFIELD, Mo., June 21, 2023 — Drury University’s longstanding summer camps for gifted students began Monday, June 19 and run through Friday, June 30. Drury has been a national leader in providing education and enrichment programs for academically gifted students for more since 1981. Each summer, children from pre-kindergarten through high school attend Drury’s residential and nonresidential pre-college programs: Summer Pals, Summer Quest, Summerscape and Drury Leadership Academy. Drury also hosts Fallscape and Winterscape, annual day-long enrichment programs for gifted and high ability students.
Abby Miller attended the summer academies from 1991-2000. Her 6-year-old daughter, Eva, followed in her mother’s footsteps and now attends the camps.
“I have so many amazing, precious and fun memories. I made friends that I am still in touch with 23 years later. It brought me out of my shell and gave me the confidence to be curious about the world and opened me up to skills and interest I may never have experienced,” said Miller. “I’m just so happy to share that with my daughter.” As an adult, Miller is still involved in the program, serving as a volunteer at this year’s Summer Pals and Quest camp.
The camps for older students called Summerscape and Drury Leadership Academy, allow students to take in-depth classes and go hands-on in areas that interest them, such as forensic science, engineering, philosophy, bio-ethics, world culture and much more.
“The camps not only give this particular group of students the kind of enrichment they crave, but also provide them with a sense of community with their peers,” said Mary Potthoff, director for Drury University’s Center for Gifted Education. “And that’s vitally important right now after some have spent the past few years in virtual or hybrid learning environments.”
Donations from The Schneider Foundation are used to support the camps. The Schneider Foundation was founded in 1989 by Henry and Jane Schneider, who were both graduates of Drury. Through their foundation, they are committed to supporting education and empowering students to reach their full potential.
For more information about activities and subjects, as well as eligibility, cost and scholarships go to drury.edu/gifted-education/ or contact Potthoff at (417) 873-7386.
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Media Contact: Jasmine Cooper, Director of University Communications and Media Relations – (417) 873-7390 or JCooper020@drury.edu