Celebrating its 40th anniversary this summer, The Center for Gifted Studies proudly welcomed its VAMPY campers yesterday to the Hill for a move-in day that was as smooth as it was equally humid. While VAMPY Move-in day historically does tend to be quite hot, with efficient lines for unloading and drop-off and helpful staff all around, we greeted our new batch of campers to the cool Gatton Academy rooms in Florence Schneider Hall.
The looks on the faces of new and returning campers, counselors, and departing families tells all about the elation we all have to kick off this new year of camp. Old friendships reunited, new relationships being formed, and counselors helping to settle everyone into the new environment contributed to a buzz all around campus as we headed to dinner with the halls of those we will inevitably get to know very well through the next three weeks.
Following students’ first meals at Fresh Foods in the Downing Student Union, we headed back to Gatton for a quick orientation and introduction of the staff and counselors that will be supervising the safety and activities of campers during the weeks to come. We then promptly headed outside for some icebreakers to encourage students to break out of their shells, shed some of the first day nerves, and get to know each other better. One icebreaker in particular seemed to generate much excitement – Patella tag, a VAMPY classic in which students tag each other’s kneecaps to get them “out” in an everyone for themselves free for all. The controlled chaos seemed to be just what the doctor ordered, because the smiles on the campers faces as they congregated with their new friends gave the appearance that these strangers had in fact been good friends for ages.
As our first day of camp came to a close, student’s enjoyed some time on their wings with their counselors and hallmates to get some rest and prepare for an exciting first day of classes the next day. 
