Odyssey Series

The word “odyssey” often evokes the image of an adventurous journey. Our CTY journey does not require exploring the world in a physical sense as “odyssey” also refers to an intellectual quest. CTY invites Talent Search participants and their families to participate in our Odyssey Series. This series, designed for students in grades 7-10, strives to introduce students to the extraordinary range of subject areas in the liberal arts.

The Day…
The typical Odyssey Series programs typically run from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Please join us for these unique programs specially arranged for CTY students and their families.

One-Day Programs  •  Extended & Overnight Programs
 

One- Day Programs

International Spy Museum • Washington, D.C.
Monday, July 8, 2013
Ever wondered if you could be a spy? Now’s your chance! Students and parents work together in teams to accomplish a variety of missions—some of which are so secret we can’t put them in print! Kick off this day of adventure with a keynote presentation by a former spy, audience members learn the “real deal” of the shadow world of spying and the role of intelligence. Following an “interrogation” of the speaker, families compete in teams in Operation Spy—a fast-paced experience where all is not what it seems and intelligence gathering to uncover “the ground truth” is the name of the game. Following lunch, a secondary mission on the streets of D.C. will test families as they move through the city on a quest for intelligence to stop a terrorist plot unfolding before their eyes. Upon re-entry to headquarters, teams will be debriefed, prizes will be awarded, and…spies among us may be revealed! Morning refreshments and lunch are included. Please note: Because of the planned activities, student to parent ratio for this program is 1:1. For every student that enrolls, only one adult may register.
Cost: $120 per person. Space is limited. Please call 410-735-6115 to register.

Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future: U.S. Food Systems from a Public Health Perspective • Baltimore, MD
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Join CTY at Baltimore’s Cylburn Arboretum to explore the connections between food systems and public health. Begin the day with a discussion on food production and public health from the director of the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future. To better understand your local food system and how it works, you will use select case studies and the food system mapping tool and database to examine the current landscape of Maryland’s food system from farm to plate. Families will also get to explore an indoor aquaponics facility, and discuss if this experimental and educational project is a sustainable form of urban agriculture. This program also includes a tour of Cylburn Arboretum. Morning refreshments and lunch are included.
Cost: $95 per person. Register now

UPDATED

Beverly Hills Chess Club • Beverly Hills, CA
Saturday, August 10 and Sunday, August 11, 2013
This two-day program has been opened up for all level of players. Whether you are a total beginner or have experience playing chess, this program has something for you! We will: learn or review rules, tactics, and strategies; do a study of different types of openings and topics, such as king safety, pawn structure, opposition, and decoy;  play match games; participate in a simultaneous exhibition with skilled chess players; and take part in stimulating chess puzzles. Discover exciting variations in chess, such as Bug House, a team chess game played by four people, and Monster Chess, a game in which players have unequal armies. Focusing on chess strategies will be an integral part of the program which will be headed by International Master and author, Roman Yankovsky. The program will begin around 10:00 a.m. and end around 4:00 p.m. each day. Continental breakfast and lunch are included. This program will have different sections based on skill level.
Cost per person: $165 per person.  Register now 

Extended & Overnight Programs

NatureBridge at Channel Islands, CA • Santa Cruz Island
Friday, August 23 – Sunday, August 25, 2013
Join CTY and NatureBridge for a remarkable field science experience on Channel Islands National Park which is known as the “Galapagos of North America.” This exceptional program will offer families the opportunity to participate in hands-on science in one of the richest marine biospheres in the world. We will kayak, which is an amazing way to experience the pristine oceanic environment of the islands; snorkel in kelp forests and sea caves; and explore the island to discover its geological features, endemic species, and cultural and ranching history. Evening activities may include night hikes, games, and stargazing. After this amazing weekend, you will have a better understanding of the interplay among humans, science, and the environment, and how our actions at home can impact our natural world. No previous camping experience is necessary, but this is a course that requires a certain level of fitness. All meals are included for the program length and transportation fees to and from the Island. Families should bring sleeping bags and pillows as you will be sleeping in tents with mats, which will be provided by NatureBridge. Camping facilities are primitive—pit-toilets and no shower facilities. Fresh water is available for cooking, drinking, and hygiene. We will meet at Santa Barbara Harbor at 10:30 a.m. on Friday to take the noon ferry to the islands and return to the harbor on Sunday at approximately 6:30 p.m.
Cost; $475 per person. Register now

The Mountain Institute at Greenbrier State Park • Boonsboro, MD
Saturday, October 5 – Sunday, October 6, 2013
Research tells us that we gain most of our scientific knowledge and inspiration through informal learning experiences. Join CTY and The Mountain Institute for this outdoor adventure in which we will explore an area rich in human history and natural beauty—Greenbrier State Park. Hike with naturalists along the Appalachian Trail to Annapolis Rocks, a picturesque outcrop on which we will climb and rappel. Take a walk on one of the Park’s trails that meanders through a variety of wildlife habitat and discover the area’s geological history. Conduct stream sampling for water quality testing, explore stages of forest succession, and formulate habitat comparisons. Journaling and family activities around a campfire in the evening provide time for reflection about what we have learned. This program will have two sections—one for students in grades 5–7 and another for students in grades 8–10. There will be separate age-appropriate programming offered in each section. No previous camping experience is necessary, but this program requires a certain level of fitness. It begins around 11 a.m. on Saturday and ends around 4 p.m. on Sunday. Lunch and dinner will be provided on Saturday, as well as breakfast and lunch on Sunday. Greenbrier is a fully equipped state park with conveniently located bathhouses with hot water. Families should bring sleeping bags and pillows as you will be sleeping in tents provided by The Mountain Institute.
Cost: $225 per person.  Register now

CTY Writing Seminar at Johns Hopkins University • Baltimore, MD
Saturday, November 9 and Sunday, November 10, 2013
Family Academic Programs is delighted to offer a unique literary experience. Come to a weekend of interactive writing workshops, classes, and activities to explore how history, perspective, fact, and fiction intertwine to tell a new story. The program includes break-out sessions, a keynote address from a published author, and in-depth classes on the craft of writing led by full-time CTY staff. Families learn about elements of writing including character, setting, and diction; draft new creative works of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry; engage in critical workshops as a writer’s community; and share revised works at a closing session. Corresponding workshops build foundational skills for newer writers and develop the advanced skills of more experienced participants. At the end of the weekend, participants leave with portfolios they can add to for years to come. Join CTY for an amazing writing experience designed for the whole family! The program will begin around 10:00 a.m. and end around 5:00 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Lunch and snacks will be provided.
Cost: $125 per person.  Register now

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