As a counselor and former camper, optionals have always been one of my favorite parts of camp! Optionals are counselor-led activities that happen after classes each evening. Ranging from ultimate frisbee to arts and crafts, campers get to explore their interests and find new ones. Occasionally, a counselor will run

Sometimes, Change is Good (Featuring Big Red) During the academic year, Western Kentucky University’s campus is home to a multitude of food options and various restaurants, but summer hours are more limited—since the majority of students are no longer on campus. During VAMPY, campers typically enjoy their three meals per

Revitalizing the Written Word As a 4th-time returning counselor, I have supervised many long-standing traditions here at VAMPY. One of my favorites, which goes on for the entirety of camp, is the Warm & Fuzzy board. Based on The Warm Fuzzy Tale by Claude M. Steiner, our 4 x 8

Campers welcomed to VAMPY! Campers welcomed to VAMPY  Encouraging words, warm hugs, and big smiles graced Florence Schneider Hall as more than a hundred families moved their campers in for the Summer Program for Verbally and Mathematically Precocious Youth, better known as VAMPY.  Several campers reunited with old friends they’ve

And we’re off! VAMPY Day one! After a busy day of moving in, VAMPY 2025 has officially begun! On Sunday night, campers filed in for a night of introductions and icebreakers, getting to know all their peers and counselors at Florence Schneider Hall. Returning campers reunited with past friends, while