Welcome to the TDI 2008 Website!
What is TDI? It is the Talent Development Institute, a program for gifted students sponsored by the Green Mountain Center for Gifted Education. TDI is an enriching and delightful week for gifted and talented youth entering grades 1-9. The Institute combines the relaxed atmosphere of a summer camp with new academic and creative opportunities. It is a place where kids go to learn, to grow and have fun with other gifted children, and with teachers who are understanding and supportive of their giftedness.
Over the last eleven years, the Talent Development Institute has grown from humble beginnings with one location at Johnson State College to a program with two locations (Johnson and Chittenden County - this year at Fort Ethan Allen in Colchester). In the summer of 2007 we served a total of almost 100 gifted children from all corners of Vermont, and were able to assist 14 of these children with partial scholarships.
Daily strands, ranging in subject from Writing to Robotics to Dance, are led by experienced teachers and enthusiastic program alumni/ae. Students enroll in four strands for the week, with each strand an hour and a half long each day, as well as exploratory activities each day (at Johnson). All participants enjoy a rare chance to celebrate what most of them already know: that passion for learning is rewarding in more ways than one, especially with dynamic faculty and stimulating peers.