Three weeks. Five courses. Countless opportunities.
At DECATS, we believe education and entertainment go hand-in-hand. Our qualitatively differentiated program focuses on leadership and responsibility education for gifted children, providing challenging and enriching coursework, nurturing the whole learner and fostering the leaders of tomorrow. Originally conceived and architected on Dr. Joseph Renzulli’s conceptions and models of giftedness, DECATS is a safe learning environment for students who demonstrate high intellectual ability, a strong commitment to learning and exceptional creativity.
All Scholars participate in Manners to Morals during first period, an intense exploration of the joys and responsibilities of being a gifted leader. There is a different curriculum for each year that Scholars participate, determined by grade level.
Perspectives takes place during second period and provides a forum for reflection, support and direction for gifted Scholars. Topics include the privileges and responsibilities of being gifted, with special emphasis on leadership, followership, peer relationships and faith development. We also explore stereotypes of the gifted, dispelling myths and celebrating uniqueness. The primary goal of this four-year curriculum is to instill in Scholars a sense of service to others in a spirit of gratitude, learning that “better at” does not mean “better than.” Scholars are encouraged to think critically and be reflective regarding their own experiences.
Explore themes discussed in Perspectives
We gather course requests as part of an easy, online process, where you have plenty of advance time to review our offerings for the summer and map out those you wish to request. Final schedules are provided at the very start of the program, not in advance.
For more more about the course request process, check out our FAQ section.
DECATS 2023 Courses
A Day at the Beach
Pack your bags and let’s head to the beach! Create kinetic sand and learn tips and tricks for building sandcastles as you work with a team to create your own for our sandcastle contest. We’ll use found objects such as shells and seaweed to create unique artwork. Next, we’ll design and test devices to help clean up the ocean, ensuring everyone can enjoy a day at the beach!
A Game of Kings
Want to join the Knights of the Square Table, or maybe the Bishop Brigade? Do you want to Rook & Roll? Don’t be intimidated by the challenge of chess! Whether you’re a novice or an accomplished chess player, come sharpen your critical thinking skills, learn to outwit your opponents and experience the thrill of victory. Come on in and take a seat. “A Game of Kings” is beginning — and it’s your move!
A Whole New World
Every author has to start somewhere. This course is designed to teach you how to create an entirely fictional world where the characters (you design) can take life. Walk through how to create a character and pick (or build) a world in which your epic story can take life. Learn all about how to create a story and, at the end of this course, publish your own story!
A-maze-ing
Marble mazes may appear simplistic, but look again! Slope, angles and other mathematical concepts are what keep things rolling. Collaborate with a team to design, test, and tweak your very own marble runs. With a little patience and a lot of planning, you’ll be amazed at what you can create.
ABC Design
Step into the role of a couture fashion designer, as you sketch and build apparel out of (A)nything (B)ut (C)lothes. Using paper, tape, and other everyday items, watch your inspiration take form and your creation take the stage in a modern fashion show of your wearable art.
AbracaDECATS!
You won’t believe your eyes! Come explore the secrets of magic tricks, from simple street magic to big stage performances, and practice performing for an audience of your own. Develop your stage presence as you explore the skill behind each sleight of hand.
Animania
You are a scientist deep in the Amazon hoping to learn more about an animal you’ve been researching when suddenly you discover a new species! Believe it or not, this continues to happen every year, as the world is full of areas left to explore and animals left to discover. In Animania, you’ll journey into the unknown to examine some of the wildest creatures ever seen. Take the most interesting aspects of each and build a model of your own unique species. What does it eat? Where will it live? And, most importantly, what else might be out there?
Backstage Pass
The most exciting ticket to any show is the backstage pass! Behind the scenes, the stage crew not only prepares stage scenery, props and costuming for our show, but they also get to see and do what those in the audience can’t once the show takes the stage! Help our Broadway show come together using your artistic skills and creativity to set the stage for the big show.
Big Games Challenge
Every day holds a new obstacle in Big Games Challenge. Scholars will compete in a variety of trials meant to stretch their critical and creative thinking, such as building multicolor towers without duplication of design or color or figuring out a way to use a series of lily pads to clear a lake full of frogs. It will take logical deduction and lots of teamwork to overcome each day’s encounters. Are you up for the challenge?
Blood & Guts
Our planet is a marvelous place where creatures of all shapes and sizes coexist. Don your protective equipment and join us as we get a closer look at Earth’s creatures, both inside and out. Our journey will involve hands-on exploration and dissection of aquatic and terrestrial specimens as we examine their internal and external anatomy and learn more about the human body in the process. Allergy Warning: This course involves potential exposure to uncooked seafood, latex, and specimen preservatives. This course includes dissection and is best for Scholars with strong stomachs.
Brain Games
Who will be the next Brain Games Trivia Champion? Come show your competitive spirit and try your hand at trivia through quick response, jeopardy and quiz bowl games. Together with your team, test your knowledge of pop culture, sports, science, social studies, music, and more! This summer exercise your mind and enjoy the competition and camaraderie of Brain Games.
Brainteasers
Stretch your brain and prepare to attack problems in unconventional ways! This course is full of puzzles, riddles and challenging problems. It requires someone who wants to be challenged to think ‘outside the box!’ Open your mind to logic and strategy as you participate in eye-opening activities, such as life-size Sudoku, Wordles, and human knots!
Breaking News
Find out what it takes to research, script and launch our very own newscast! From producers all the way to broadcasters and meteorologists, we’ll need you to fill an important role in our production. We’ll use green screen technology to put us “on the scene” of newsworthy events and make sure our DECATS community always has the scoop!
Chess Rules
Chess as we play it today has a long and varied history. It once was thought to be derived from a four person game played in India, with each player controlling eight pieces moving four different directions on the chessboard. A two person version played in Persia was taken by the Crusaders from the Middle East back to Europe. But chess moved east as well as west. A version from Burma allows players to place their pieces anywhere on the board to start the game. A version from China has a piece called a canon, moving like a rook, but only capturing if it can jump over another piece. And in Japan, any piece that you capture can be dropped back on the board as your own piece! Learn the rules and play these five different versions of chess, and learn why chess rules!
Chillin’ Like a Villian
Get ready to chill out! The “cool” culinary concoctions we create in this course will be just what you need to survive the scorching summer heat. Learn the impact and flavor profiles different ingredients add to some of your favorite treats. From ice cream to gazpacho, lemonade to coleslaw, something is bound to have you Chillin’ Like a Villain during the hottest time of the year!
Codezilla
Come crack the code of computer programming! We’ll start with the basics as we develop problem-solving skills and work through fun challenges. Before long, we’ll be making games and creative projects using block-based programming. You’ll be able to share the games you create with friends and family!
Cool Beats
Combine percussion skills with summer fun in the only course that lets you create a captivating show with only drums and pool noodles! Recreate your favorite music and produce new rhythms to put on a one-of-a-kind act. Come drum up some fun in Cool Beats!
Crack the Code
Since the invention of writing, people have wanted to send others messages no one else could read. Methods range from the simple (sdrawkcab segassem gnitirw) to the super sophisticated, those uncrackable by any modern computer. We’ll find various ways of scrambling words, move on to substitution ciphers, transposition ciphers, and finish off with codes. We’ll also have fun trying to create our own secret messages to pass on to others!
Creepy Crawlers
Some people run and scream at even the sight of a bug, but we run to study them! In this bug-based course we will have hands-on moments with our friendly neighborhood creepy crawlers. Come create a worm farm and experience the importance of bugs in our environment. Learn what makes each tiny creature unique, and if you’re brave enough, you’ll even get the chance to experience bugs as a source of protein! Get ready to ‘dig’ bugs even more than before.
CSI: DECATS
Calling all would-be sleuths and Sherlock Holmes wannabes! A crime has been committed at DECATS, and it is up to you and your forensics team to identify the culprit. Learn how to investigate a crime scene, from securing the scene and collecting evidence to fingerprint analysis. Grab your magnifying glass and critical thinking cap and let’s solve the mystery!
DECATS Digest
Join DECATS Digest by becoming a reporter or photographer for our newspaper. We will publish an entire edition during our three weeks together. Find out what it takes to write for and create a newspaper as you develop the confidence to seek out interviews with your peers and Mentors. Put your research, interviewing, photography and writing skills to work for the entire community to enjoy. Don’t miss this opportunity to spread the news!
DECATS DIY
Why buy what you can make yourself? Get ready to construct and create! Get a little messy and have a whole lot of fun as we make our own bouncy balls, silly putty, soap, sidewalk chalk and more. If you are ready to take projects into your own hands, this is the course for you!
DECATS Dream House
Let your creativity take the lead as you design your very own dream house. Whether you find yourself dreaming of a tree house deep in the woods or a mansion themed after your favorite television show, you’ll price out, design, and build a domain of your dreams. There’s no place like home in DECATS Dream House!
DECATS Olympics
The Olympics have arrived in Houston! After we divide into countries, create flags and logos, and participate in Opening Ceremonies, it’s time for the games to begin. We’ll participate in a variety of sports and challenges modeled after those seen in the Olympics, such as scooter-kayaking and build-your-own badminton. Go for the gold in DECATS Olympics!
DECATS World Cup
The World Cup is headed for DECATS this summer! This global event has played an important role in the history of sports. What unique features have made each World Cup different from the last? Take a look at this competition from both a sports and historical perspective. Once we hit the field, it will be time to practice basic soccer skills, such as passing, dribbling, and shooting, and get to know the rules of the game. We’ll use goal-setting and progress-tracking to assist us as we grow our soccer skills. In the end, we will incorporate our talents and skills to compete in the 2022 DECATS World Cup.
DECATS Yearbook
Capture all of the excitement of DECATS and make your memories last a lifetime with the DECATS digital yearbook. Use Microsoft Office programs, photography, photo editing, graphic design and visual art skills to create the perfect yearbook to treasure as a lasting keepsake.
Denim Designs
What’s the best kind of fabric? Denim! Jeans are stylish, trendy, useful and versatile. But instead of wearing them, let’s deconstruct them and design something new! Be ready to look at this fashion material in a new way as we construct bean bag games, personalize coasters and apply intricate weaving patterns using this timeless textile.
Did You Myth Me?
Step aside, Superman. It’s time to give credit to the original superheroes – mythological figures! As we learn about myths from different cultures around the world, we will create portable cosmos, play games inspired by mythical adventures, riddle like tricksters, and debate who would win the ultimate showdown between deities, demigods, and heroes.
Edible Art
Art isn’t just for the studio! Our artwork takes place in the kitchen! Learn piping skills, painting skills and character design that can be used to decorate one-of-a-kind sweet treats. We’ll make art that looks too good to eat!
Epic Adventures
Become the hero of your own story! Create your own adventures in groups and individually, go on journeys where you get to choose your own fate and complete challenging team-building activities with your fellow Scholars! Our final task will be creating our very own ‘choose your own adventure’ activity that puts others up against menacing missions of your design! Will you and your companions overcome the adventures that lie before you?
Fad Frenzy
Tie-dye, pet rocks and hashtags…oh my! Explore fads through the decades and how they have become a part of our culture. By taking a closer look at human behavior, you will be able to learn the science behind fads. From hula hoops and lava lamps, to magic eight balls and dance crazes, certain trends have taken the world by storm. Do you have what it takes to create the next fad frenzy? Build and create your own inventions to test on the market!
Fear Not
Campfire tales and the popular “Goosebumps” series have captivated our imaginations for years, but the history of being afraid goes back much farther. Create your own gargoyle to guard our campus and recreate a model of Tut’s tomb. Examine how movie directors use music to impact their audience and create your own track meant to keep the audience on the edge of their seat. Be prepared to look at fear through a different lens as we explore its impact on history, art, and literature. But fear not! You’ll soon learn that there’s really nothing to fear, but fear itself.
Food Truck Showdown
Put your culinary talents and entrepreneurial skills to the test as you create the concept for Houston’s hottest new food truck! Design a theme, logo, and menu that will be enhanced by your signature dish. Be ready to pitch your concepts and compete for financing in the Food Truck Showdown. Allergy Warning: This course involves the handling and consuming of foods.
Friends, Romans, Countrymen
All roads lead to Rome! Do you think you have what it takes to be a Roman soldier? Work as a unit to learn Latin commands, execute precise formations, and become one of the most efficient forces of the ancient world. Grab your shield and discover the strategies that led Rome to glory!
Game Mechanics
Experience the physical science concepts of mass, velocity, acceleration, friction and Newtonian forces as we create race cars using fruits and vegetables. Then, use those scientific concepts and your imagination to design and create arcade games from basic cardboard boxes. Can you build a Whack-a-Mole? Are you ready to watch your friends compete in a skee-ball game you created? No quarters will be needed for this arcade, just your creativity and design skills!
Game On
Are you quick to solve puzzles during Wheel of Fortune? Do you wish you could buzz in with answers during Jeopardy? You are no longer just a contestant at home. Use your creativity to create your very own game show. Become a producer as you create the concept, craft the rules and bring the game show to life.
Game Show Network
‘Yura Scholar, come on down; you’re the next contestant on ’Game Show Network.’ Test your skill, knowledge and competitive spirit as we recreate classic and contemporary game shows, including Jeopardy!, The Price is Right, Family Feud, Wheel of Fortune, Name That Tune and Minute to Win It. Not content simply being a contestant? We will also create our very own game show from scratch. The rules and concept are only limited by our imaginations!
Give My Regards to Broadway
Lights, camera, action! Join in the excitement and magic of being part of a Broadway show. Share your love of theater as you act, sing, and dance to make a musical come to life. Everyone performs and everyone is cast in a part. Scholars learn the fundamentals of acting, create a costume, develop their character, memorize lines and sing and dance in a fast paced, hands-on production. Get ready to shine as the curtain goes up and the show goes on.
Guitar Hero
Do you walk around playing air guitar? Now is your chance to learn to play the real thing! No previous experience needed. You’ll learn basic chords and songs, and even learn to play as a group. Get ready to ROCK as a Guitar Hero!
Hello, Hogwarts
Calling all wizards! From the moment you arrive, you will cease to be a Muggle and take on the role of a Scholar at the Hogwarts School in the wizarding world of Harry Potter! Explore extraordinary classes like Care of Magical Creatures, Transfiguration and Potions. Try your hand at making your own wand, creating a golden snitch and designing your own Hogwarts floor plan. You can wear your Hogwarts robes or choose to dress in the Muggle manner. Come begin the journey of a lifetime into the wonderful world of Harry Potter!
Home on the Range
Every day in the life of a pioneer on the western frontier was full of adventure and danger. Hitch up your wagons and dust off your cowboy hats to set out west! We will gather ’round Cookie’s Campfire Cookout (where we will sample some of the finest vittles in the West), pan for gold in the California Gold Rush, and learn all about pioneer and cowboy gear. We will make covered wagons, design our own cattle brand and learn how to decipher Native American carvings. We’ll also make everyday items used by pioneers like toys, tools, and household items. Come travel back in time to experience how the west was fun! Allergy Warning: This course involves the handling and consuming of foods.
Hulaballoons
Let your creativity shine as we use balloons and hula hoops to create masterpieces for tables or your next at home event! Learn the skills to create balloon animals, topiaries, arches, and garlands in a flash! You’ll be amazed at what you can create when balloons start to take shape in this course!
Hyper History
What do you get when you combine History with PE? A “moving” exploration of the past! In this course, we will literally jump into some of history’s most interesting topics and learn more about them through the games we play. We’ll uncover the details of the American Revolution through a variation of Capture the Flag and experience the thrill of the gold rush through a team challenge using hula hoops and bean bags. These games are sure to go down in history, and you won’t want to miss them!
I Survived
The San Francisco Earthquake of 1906. The sinking of the Titanic. The eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Imagine you were there and lived to tell the tale! Get ready to travel back in time and explore some epic moments in history with a literary spin. Discover the details surrounding the event and use iPads and video editing applications to bring them to life as you craft your own harrowing tale of survival.
If You Build It
Can you design a chair that will improve learning? What about an airplane seat that will allow for a more comfortable flight or a bookshelf that’s functional, yet fun? Use upcycled materials to design and construct full-size furniture that meets all your needs. Be ready to measure, cut and craft your designs to bring them to scale. From small ideas we’ll produce some grand furniture!
Improv Your Day
A dolphin princess? Kung Fu basketball? There is nothing too wacky or zany for an improv class where everything is made up on the fly! Come share in the excitement of what happens when characters, dialogue and plot are made up on the spot. Enhance and improve your acting skills as you experience the energy and anticipation that comes with improvisation.
Into the Fold
Rabbit ear, reverse, squash. What in the world is going on? Paper folding of course! Learn variations of folds and rolls that can help you create origami animals, pinwheels, and other works of art—no tape or glue required. Fall into the fold with us this summer!
It’s All in the Cards
It’s time to shuffle the deck and suit up! Put your strategies to the test as you face your opponent in this card frenzy course! Get ready to try your hand at a variety of card games—both the familiar and the unexpected. Take a crack at Jacks or use tricks to gain the upper hand in “Oh No!” By the end of the course, you’ll have your own game designed that you can teach your peers. Fun is surely in the cards this summer!
KaBoom!
Bubble, Bubble, Pop, Pop, Fizz, Fizz…KaBoom! Come explore the exciting world of chemistry! In this course, explore concepts such as surface tension, inertia, and polymers – all by performing hands-on experiments. The KaBoom lab awaits you! Allergy Warning: This course involves potential exposure to latex.
Kitchen Chemistry
Ever wonder what makes an egg hard when you boil it? This is the course for you! We will dive into why meat turns brown when you cook it, why apples can be used to ripen other fruits and veggies, and more! If you can stand the heat, get in the kitchen! Let’s get cooking with some chemistry!
Knots & Stitches
Come master the art of knots and stitches! Learn different techniques for embroidery, sewing, and crochet. We’ll create one-of-a-kind paracord bracelets and learn to tie (and untie!) various knots. We’ll have you in stitches before you know it!
LEGO Robotics
Robots, assemble! Get ready to program your very own robot using LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 kits! Can you program your robot to win a race? Can your robot move in response to sound energy? Use your creative and critical thinking skills as you enter the world of robotics engineering!
Mario’s Quest
Calling all video game designers! The gaming world needs a new adventure story, and we want you to design it! By accepting this call to adventure, you will adapt famous story structures to create lovable heroes and write compelling backstories that will allow you to generate your own video game. Whether you’re an aspiring author or a video game wiz, come level up and make your story come to life!
Masterpiece Makeover
What do you get when you combine hot glue, recyclables and paint? A masterpiece! That’s right! In this course of revamping the classics, we’ll used recycled materials to re-imagine famous works of art! Can you envision Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night’ redone in bottle caps? Or da Vinci’s ‘Mona Lisa’ made out of candy wrappers? Let’s turn that trash into treasure this summer in Masterpiece Makeover!
Mix it Up
See where your creativity will take you in this art course that’s all about exploration! Use mixed-media to create artwork that takes shape and dimension to the next level. Learn about the elements and principles of art through hands-on projects, such as watercolor and collage “soulfies” and oil and chalk pastel portraits. Experimentation and self-expression are at the core of each project. You’ll discover there are no limits when you learn to mix it up!
Mythbusters
Are poprocks and soda a deadly combination? Can the heat from the sun fully cook an egg? Join us as we find the answer to these questions and more at Mythbusters Decats!
Once Upon a Crime
What if the witch that captured Hansel and Gretel was arrested instead of killed? What if the Big Bad Wolf was sued by the pigs and had to pay to rebuild their homes? You’ll script out and participate in the mock courtroom trials of these and other fairytale villains. Were they found guilty of their crimes? Or were they able to successfully defend themselves and keep their freedom? Get your creative ideas ready!
Painting’s Possible
Create, invent and explore! It doesn’t matter if you are a painting master or if you think of yourself as a painting disaster, this course is for you! With your creativity running wild, develop paintings that break all the rules. Take a risk! The rewards are grand for dreamers who dare to color outside the lines, travel to new artistic places and create freely with no comments and critiques! Come experience your creative freedom. Lead the way!
Papier-Mâché Cafe
Très magnifique! Come on in to the Papier-Mâché Cafe! Did you know that ‘papier-mâché’ is French for ‘chewed paper’? We won’t chew any paper in this creative course, but we will explore many new techniques for using that slimy, goopy, sticky substance that many know and love. We’ll test out several adhesive methods, different papers and even use yarn to make yarn mâché art! Roll up your sleeves, pull up a chair and come visit the Papier-Mâché Cafe.
Pass the Plate
From the North Pole to the Australian Outback, and everywhere in between, come trot the globe and explore new cultures through food, as we sample the fare and create a food atlas documenting our journey. Pack your bags and get ready to travel the world one plate at a time!
Passing the Torch
Welcome to the Olympic committee! Be prepared to gasp at the gaffes and marvel at the facilities, as we explore the pitfalls and successes of previous Olympic host cities. After we learn from the mistakes of the past, you’ll get a chance to plead your case to bring the Olympics to a city of your choosing. Everything from the design of the stadiums and mascots, to the gold medal moments will be yours to plan and create. The future of the Games starts with you!
Passion for Fashion
Where will you be when inspiration strikes? In Passion for Fashion, of course! Be inspired to develop your very own line of clothing. The basics of design will be used to create your own beautiful patterns, outfits and accessories. We’ll peer into the closets of some of history’s best dressed, as well as explore where fashion designers draw their inspiration! This summer, make your fashion creations runway-ready!
Pitch Perfect
Lend your voice to the DECATS Choir and help us find that perfect pitch! All voices and levels of experience are welcome, as we recreate top hits and perfect ensemble versions of songs we know and love. Take center stage and prepare for the vocal performance of a lifetime!
Power of Persuasion
Speak up, defend your stance, and keep it real! Are you vocally expressive and like to get your point across? Are you willing to argue for what you believe is right? Are you an expert at considering both sides of an issue without always having to win others over to your perspective? In Power of Persuasion, learn the art of the argument and debate hot topics with your fellow Scholars!
Rube Goldberg Made Me Do It
Why do a simple task when you can build a machine to do it for you? Like the Rube Goldberg machines we love to watch, we will start with the basics and end with zany and artistic engineering experiments. Chain reactions will abound as we discover and employ the laws of science. If you love designing, creating, building and tinkering with items, this course will have a domino effect on your future as an inventor!
See it in 3D
Enter the world of three-dimensional art! Through molding, constructing, and sculpting, we will create one of a kind pieces of artwork. To create our sculptures, we’ll use conventional materials like clay, but we’ll also mix it up with some different things we find along the way, such as sand and tape. Sculptures aren’t bound to rules: creations of all shapes sizes, textures, and forms are welcome!
Sew Cool
Come learn the ins and outs and the ups and downs of sewing! You’ll try out different hand-stitch techniques and create projects of your very own, like keychains and pillows! We will even use our newfound skills to stitch together pet beds for animal shelters. This course is guaranteed to be SEW much fun!
Shark Tank
The tycoons of the business world are always looking for the next budding entrepreneur, so let’s see what you’ve got. With the right idea and planning, you could be on the next season of Shark Tank, where you’ll see if your idea has what it takes to earn the backing of investors! Come explore real world problems, brainstorm profitable solutions, create prototypes, budget finances and perfect your sales pitch. Does your idea have what it takes to survive The Shark Tank?
Short Circuit
Electronic circuits run the world! From the doorbell to the computer, they are at the center of any modern electronic device. Let’s discover this exciting world by learning the basic principles and laws of electronics and by building electronic circuits. Work with real components like resistors, diodes, transistors, LEDs and speakers. Build a working burglar alarm, audio generator, wake-up alarm and other devices. Use special software to plan and test your devices.
Skits & Spoofs
Laughter will ring out as we create spoofs of our favorite TV shows, produce music video parodies, perform hilarious skits, and much more! Create, share and laugh your way through performances. Come showcase your talents with a humorous twist!
Slime Time
Get ready for a summer of sticky goodness and slimy satisfaction! In this course, if we’re making a mess, then we know that we’re on the right track. We’ll make several different kinds of slime and use the scientific process to document our findings as we work to create slime of the perfect consistency. It’s always the right time for Slime Time!
Sportsplex
The clock is ticking. All morning long you have been looking forward to going outside to play your favorite sport at recess. Just as that time of day nears, you hear the dreaded news, “Outside activities are canceled due to rain (or the dreaded ozone alert!)”. That’s no obstacle for the Scholars in Sportsplex! We will learn to adapt some favorite games to be played indoors. No more rainy days ruining the fun!
Team Building
Your favorite sport is adding a brand new team-and you’re the new owner! What city will they play in? Who will be your team’s sponsors? Learn to budget and manage your new team’s money so that you can be successful. Once you’ve secured your sponsors, create your team’s logo, stadium, flag, and draft the players needed to give your team a shot at the championship.
The Great Escape
Time is running out! If you want to escape Bowser’s dungeon and rescue Princess Peach, you must solve riddles, find clues and power-ups and work as a team in this escape-room themed course. Work together to solve daily challenges that not only involve academic knowledge, but also logic and reasoning. Can you find Princess Peach before the end of DECATS? Mushroom Kingdom is counting on you!
The Rewind
From Rugrats to Doc Martens, the 90s are making a comeback! Come get jiggy with it and relive the bomb-diggity decade of the 90s. Learn the lingo and create some totally rad projects that were all the rage back in the day, like tie-dye gear and friendship braceleets. Are you ready to Rewind back to the 90s?
The Test of Time
How did the ancient Egyptians build the pyramids or irrigate their crops? Can you design a system to transport water through a complex aqueduct system? If the ancient Romans could do it, you can too! Together with your team, you’ll research civilizations from long ago and participate in challenges centered around some of history’s greatest feats. See if you have what it takes to conquer each era’s Test of Time!
The Ultimate Universe
Batman vs. Ironman, The Justice League vs. The Avengers, Marvel vs. DC- which side are you on? When it comes to the world of superheroes, this is an epic debate! Explore different characters, movies, and comics as we decide which universe reigns supreme in various categories. We’ll dig into the plot lines, explore the interconnectedness of characters, and engage in debates to determine which universe comes out on top. Who has the best alternate universe? Which one has the most despicable villains? It’s up to us to determine the ultimate universe!
Through a Different Lens
Experience the world of digital photography through a different lens! By encountering a different theme each day, learn and practice different styles of photography, ranging from landscape to bird’s eye and worm’s eye view. Experience what it’s like to edit your photographs to enhance the beauty that you have captured in your photos. Show off your amazing still shots to others in the DECATS Gallery.
To The Extreme
Get ready to head out into the elements! Participate in a series of extreme weather simulations where you will design and construct structures that can withstand our Ultimate Weather Event Challenge. You will face recreations of mudslides, tsunamis, avalanches, and more. Make the engineering designs and decisions that will allow you and your structure to weather the storm!
Turning Point
The ballots have been cast, the votes have been tallied, and the next US President is…YOU! Put together a cabinet of advisors who will assist you as you face unique challenges inspired by different periods in US History. Make decisions that will have a major impact on the citizens of our country. Will you make the same decisions as past presidents or change the course of history?
Ultimate Disc Course
Challenge your mental and physical strength out on the disc course! Join in on one of the world’s fastest growing sports – Disc Golf! Learn how to throw a disc as far and as accurate as you can while playing rounds of disc golf on the Strake Jesuit campus. Compete in tournaments and putting competitions with your fellow Scholars, and learn the science of the sport. Come spend some time this summer in the Ultimate Disc Course!
Video Games: History in the Making
When Atari released the very first video game, Pong, in 1972, no one could have predicted that video games would evolve into a billion-dollar industry. Let’s take a look at how it all happened as we walk through the history of video games. We’ll start by playing video games of the past and taking a look at what captivated the masses. Finally, we’ll get our creative juices flowing as we design mock games of the future.
Warp Speed
Warp speed ahead! Build your mental acuity and creative thinking skills as you participate in speed-based challenges. How fast can you jump rope, run an obstacle course, dribble a basketball through cones and culminate with a cup stacking challenge? Put your skills to the test to see how fast you can go! Compete in challenges and create your own to push your opponents to the next level and on to warp speed!
Water Works
Come take a deep dive into Water Works! Explore the properties and chemical makeup of water as you examine plant and animal cells through microscopes and grow your own bacteria in petri dishes. We’ll even create water that “walks” and experiment with density as we design rainbow towers. A world of water awaits you this summer!
Watercolor World
Art and science come together to create brilliant works of art! There’s much more to watercolor than meets the eye. Learn several tips and techniques unique to this medium, including how to paint secret images that won’t be revealed until you’re ready. Experiment with intensity and wash to create a frame-worthy masterpiece!
Webmasters
Is the World Wide Web ready for your webpage? Have an interest in being a web designer? If so, this course is for you! You will learn how to program and become a webmaster. Come and take this webpage journey from beginning to end, going from a blank page to a web page!
Where in the World
See the wonders of the world without ever leaving DECATS! Use your geography skills to find clues and solve riddles that will help you track down the elusive spy, Carmen Sandiego. Put your knowledge of landmarks, cartography and trivia to the test as you explore the Great Barrier Reef, the pyramids, and other exotic destinations in search of her next hide away. Together, we can track her down!
Which Art in Heaven
Michelangelo spent four years painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, but we’ll create heavenly works of art in just three weeks! Using traditional and non-traditional materials, paint a fresco on plaster just like Michelangelo, arrange beads to create a sparkling mosaic and practice a lettering technique developed by monks to write scripture. After you apply patterns of color to create unique works of stained glass, you’ll see why there’s more to art than meets the eye!
Zentangle Untangled
Come test, experiment, and invent a new way to draw! Learn to craft step-by-step, line-by-line patterns that turn into brilliant illusions with the zentangle method. Prepare to see patterns everywhere and translate them into zentangles on surfaces ranging from paper and clothing to small furniture all your own!