Presented by David Bonner, GCC CIM

Introducing the Speaker:

Joined Mensa in 2007 – Central Indiana 12 years experience working with youth GT/Ed Psych from Purdue University GCC for two years Taught at Purdue’s GERI Camp Developed GT program last year Teaches MS/HS Science, Math, History

Quick Survey:

Raise your hand if you are/were/will be a GCC or work with the children for your region

Why Have a Kids Program? To serve gifted kids and their families

who may have nowhere else to go. To bring youthful energy and

programming to your local group. To recruit new members to Mensa,

which will ultimately keep us strong in the future.

To have FUN with some really amazing kids!

Our Problem:

Traditional approach was impossible. We had to improvise.

Large geographic area, very few registered <18.

Local group mostly older adults.

The Catalyst

There is a GREAT need When it rains, it pours! We hit critical mass

Getting Started:

I emailed every GCC in the country I could find and asked for advice.

I researched successful GCP’s. I asked questions on the GCC listserv. I spent many hours brainstorming. I asked parents what they wanted the

program to look like. I got the support of my LocSec and local

members

The Initial Meeting:

An open meeting was called after one of our regular monthly meetings to discuss launching a GCP

Our Goals:

Build a network of “gifted” families Equip parents to advocate Bring kids together to:

Socialize among intellectual peersHave some amazing learning experiencesCounsel gifted issues

Recruit young members

The Launch – October 2009: BIG event - Highly publicized. LOTS of local schools contacted. Concurrent programming for both adults

and kids.

Promotion of our Program: Indiana Association for the Gifted (IAG)

Conference booth Brain Fair booth Free promotional material from Mensa

RG Event:

Multiple tracks for all ages

Brought in the best speakers we could find

Lots of variety Distributed 500

fliers

RG – Siege Weapon Lab

RG – Siege Weapon Lab

RG – Siege Weapon Lab

RG – Siege Weapon Lab

RG – Siege Weapon Lab

RG – Siege Weapon Lab

RG – Asset/Burden Paradox

RG – Parent Workshops

RG – DNA Extraction Lab

RG – Talent Show

RG – Kids Room

RG – Discussion Circle

RG – Are You Smarter than a Gifted 5th Grader?

Parent Gatherings:

Free and open to the public. We get to know attendees and their

struggles. We share resource such as books, web

sites, and seminars for gifted needs. We develop action plans to help parents

advocate for their gifted children

GCP: Music & Giftedness

Hosted by the founders of the Symphonic Youth Orchestra of Indianapolis

Kids brought their own instruments We learned how music relates to intelligence We learned how to improvise on our

instruments

GCP: Music & Giftedness

GCP: Music & Giftedness

GCP: Music & Giftedness

GCP: Music & Giftedness

GCP: Physics FUN-damentals: Hosted by two college-trained engineers,

certified Taekwondo instructors and Mensa members.

Kids learned about martial arts and physics including Newton’s law, torque, rotation, leverage, and momentum.

GCP: Physics FUN-damentals:

GCP: Physics FUN-damentals:

GCP: Physics FUN-damentals:

GPC: Speaking of Me:

Author of this book gave workshop for kids

Concurrent parent session Event co-hosted by Sycamore

School, a local GT school

RG: Chemistry is a Blast

RG: Chemistry is a Blast:

RG: Chemistry is a Blast:

RG: Chemistry is a Blast:

Outdoor Gathering:

RG: Kids Showcase Talent

Ways Local M’s Can Serve: Make kids feel welcome at regular M

events. Be a “helper” for GCP events. Host GCP events. Participate in our outreach program

Outreach Program:

One of our 8th grade kids composed and conducted his own song.

Several M’s attended his concert to show our support.

He was extremely pleased that we were there.

Promotional Material

ProfessionalImage

Local Newsletter:

GCC articles about giftedness. Announcements of all upcoming GCP

events and meetings. Ask for the support of local members. Articles about talent of young M’s.

Web Page: Upcoming Events

Web Page: Registration

Web Page: Resources

Web Page: http://kids.indymensa.org Facebook page

Announce eventsHost media from participantsDiscussion

Email Newsletter Yahoo Group – discussion Twitter feed Email: gcc@kids.indymensa.org

Why Have We Been Successful? The need was already there. Dedicated parents willing to work Support of LocSec and local group Attitude of Success Professional Image HARD WORK!

What’s Next?