Calculus Camp 2017

A round of applause, please,  for these five outstanding Arcadia math teachers!   Each spring, Calculus  teachers from Arcadia, Desert Mountain, Saguaro, and Coronado take about 200 students to Prescott to review the entire year of Calculus lessons.  In fact, retired calculus teachers as well as teachers from other schools join the team – all to benefit the students!  They leave 7 am Friday morning, and stay through late afternoon on Sunday (with no extra compensation for the weekend!)
 
All AB and BC Calc students are invited to attend this review weekend.  It was started in 1985, by an Arcadia teacher, Mrs. Stone—she's retired now, but she still goes to the camp!   These teachers are clearly over-the-top passionate about math!  Mrs. Patterson has been attending the camp for 18 years, Mrs. Dukelow for 11 years, and Miss Vitale and Mr. Chang enthusiastically volunteered for the first time this year!

Collaboration and Tutors
Make no mistake:  this “camp” is no picnic!  It is hard-core studying with other serious students, culminating with a 3.5 hr AP Calc test on Sunday.  The camp gives students a chance to do what they’d never do at home:  spend concentrated time reviewing concepts from the entire year, collaborating with and helping peers while having access to a teacher who can help when stuck.

However, there are several scheduled breaks, GREAT food, and lots of time to relax in the evenings.  On the other hand, students who want a little more help can take advantage of the optional evening tutor hours... until 10pm.

Insight from a Test Grader
Students are coached on test-taking skills from someone who actually grades AP exams!  They are shown examples of test problems and how the grader would award full, partial, or zero points.  Invaluable information! This camp potentially helps students earn a higher score on their AP exam which is usually a couple weeks after the camp.

Study Breaks and Fun Activities
​After intense study sessions, students are given 'down' time to hang out, play basketball, volleyball, ping pong, pool, or make S'mores at the campfire.  It ends up being somewhat magical where students integrate, accept one another, and recognize that they all have something in common:  a love or talent for math.  AND-- the camp is in the cool pines of Prescott, so chatting, playing frisbee or playing football outside is cool and comfortable.