What Is Think Like A G.E.E.K?
Think Like a G.E.E.K
(GIFTED EDUCATED ENTHUSIASTIC KID)
Welcome to "Think Like a G.E.E.K" – a revolutionary program designed to awaken the GENIUS in every child. G.E.E.K stands for Gifted, Educated, Enthusiastic Kid, embodying the spirit of our initiative. Our program is built on the foundational belief that TRUE education nurtures and amplifies students' natural abilities and innate talents, encouraging them to be intellectually curious explorers of the world.
At the core of "Think Like a G.E.E.K" is the understanding that genuine learning should be an exhilarating and wholly engaging experience for our children. We embark on a transformative journey, changing the mindset of our youth by igniting their passions and intensifying their interest in the realms of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) through creative and interactive methods.
Our approach is not just about imparting knowledge; it's about fostering a love for learning that lasts a lifetime. We recognize that each child is unique, and our program tailors its strategies to individual interests, immersing them in the language of their chosen fields. By tapping into their inherent curiosity, we aim to make the process of learning something new both exciting and fulfilling.
In "Think Like a G.E.E.K," we strive to create an environment where intellectual exploration is not only encouraged but celebrated. Through hands-on activities, collaborative projects, and real-world applications, we empower children to grasp complex concepts with ease and enthusiasm.
Join us on this extraordinary educational journey as we elevate the learning experience for our children. "Think Like a G.E.E.K" is not just a program; it's a commitment to unlocking the potential within each child, shaping them into Gifted, Educated, Enthusiastic Kids who embrace knowledge with passion and curiosity. Together, let's inspire the next generation of brilliant minds and innovators.
The Faces Of Think Like A G.E.E.K
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
Chloe, 7
“I’m going to tell all my school friends next summer you should go here! It’s really fun!’”
Every day Chloe shows up to camp eager to learn and ready to participate. She said she has loved going on all the special field trips. Chloe, who is already called by teachers “the young Scientist,” was especially excited to visit the Marine Aquarium, where she got to stand in a real tank with sea creatures, and even dressed up as different marine animals. Chloe, like all our students, comes away from camp with priceless experiences and memories that she may not get in public or charter schools. “We went to so many cool places this summer. When I’m like 30 years old, I’ll still remember them!”
Grant, 8
“I went to a different camp the last 2 years, but it wasn’t fun. Here, I have fun.”
Grant has been bugging his mother for months now with an unconventional request: “I want a science teacher.” Fortunately for Grant, his mother found Just Teach, who incorporated an 8-week Science series into this year’s Think Like a G.E.E.K. Summer Camp curriculum. “Grant is one of the most inquisitive children I have ever met,” said Ms. Alison, our Science G.E.E.K. instructor. “Grant adds so much value to any lesson he’s a part of. He asks intelligent questions, participates in demonstrations, and always tells us cool, relevant facts he knows. Someone like Grant thrives in a program like ours.” Keep up the great work, Grant!
Kylaiah, 6
“I forget that I’m learning, because I am having so much fun.”
Kylaiah loved learning about the different scientific disciplines, especially Biology, Anatomy, and Chemistry. “I like going to Science so much. Now I want to be a scientist when I grow up… I especially liked learning about Chemistry and seeing the dry ice experiments. I never knew ice could do that!” Even outside of Science, Kyaiah completely dives into every topic in our Think Like a G.E.E.K. Summer Camp, whether it was writing, reading, math, Spanish, or art. “This is such a great camp! I can’t wait to come back next year,” she said.
Hannah, 7
“I get to learn from all different G.E.E.K. teachers.”
Little Hannah is the daughter of Yvette and Anton Martin, long time Just Teach partners from Greater Bethel Temple of Deliverance and fellow educators. Hannah said she loves getting to learn how to cook, play different instruments, make beautiful art, and speak Spanish. “I love coming to this camp because I get to learn from all different G.E.E.K. teachers and we earn fun prizes.” Her mom said, “She is so excited to learn. She practices her Spanish at home, and you can tell she relates to music differently now.” Hannah shyly added with a little smile, “And, I’m so proud of my mom and dad for being teachers here.”
Noa, 8
“I think I will be ready for 4th grade because of this camp.”
Noa described returning to school after her summer break last year, when she attended a different summer camp. “I got back to school and I was like ‘Wait, what?!’” But this year I learned so much. I think it’ll be easier.” Noa especially shone in music, dance, science, and art. Yvette Martin said, “I am so proud of Noa. This summer I have seen her grow so much in her accountability. You can tell she wants to get the most out of every day here. She is always checking in with me, making sure she’s on track and doing her best work.”
Raymond, 8
“[In camp] I get to be an artist, or I can be a scientist, or even a cook.”
Raymond’s family chose our camp this summer because they wanted him to be in a place where he could have fun and learn. “What do you love most about the Think Like a G.E.E.K. Summer Camp?” asked Ms. Alison. Raymond pondered the question for a moment and then said, “Well, I come to camp every day and I get to be an artist, or I can be a Scientist, or even a cook. That’s really cool.” Raymond has even taken much of his learning home, and reports that now he loves to help out in the kitchen. Keep up the great work, Raymond!
Erin, 9
“This camp is really special to me. I love being here!”
In addition to providing opportunities to challenge our students’ young minds, our Think Like a G.E.E.K. Summer Camp also teaches the importance of healthy bodies through physical education. Erin especially loved learning how to cheer from Ms. Nikale. “It was so much fun!” After their first lesson, Erin came into camp the next day, proudly sporting a home-made, sequined “I Love Cheer” shirt. “You could tell she was so proud of getting to wear her special cheer shirt, to cheer class. She was in heaven!” said Yvette Martin. “She was so focused and energized in cheer.”
Courtney, 11
“I love art. But I need someone to teach me.”
The walls of our Think Like a G.E.E.K. Summer Camp are covered with our students’ beautiful and creative works of art. Courtney is especially proud of her work. She walked around proudly and pointed out each and every piece of hers, “This one is watercolor, and this one we used oil pastels. Oh, here we got to use silk paper.” Courtney has been given many opportunities to be creative with different types of media. “I love art, but I need someone to teach me. I learn so much here.”
Lucy, 7
“I can read and write in English now!”
Just 3 short months before our Think Like a G.E.E.K. Summer Camp began, little Lucy moved to Los Angeles from Guadalajara, Mexico. In addition to being a special-needs child, Lucy knew almost no English at the beginning of camp. Over the last 8 weeks, Lucy has flourished. She practices reading and writing every day, and her instructors and peers engage her and help teach her new words. “Her communication skills have just grown exponentially!” said Yvette Martin of Lucy’s progress. “We are all so proud of her. Not only has her vocabulary grown, but her confidence also.” Muy bien Lucy!