The Learning Camp

Camp gives summer boost to challenged schoolchildren
Staff Report - Glenwood Springs Post Independent
May 14, 2002

What started out as a search for resources to help a child struggling to thrive in a public school setting has resulted in an innovative program helping hundreds of children from around the world manage their learning challenges and succeed academically.

Upon learning in 1992 that her son, Tucker, was dyslexic, Ann Cathcart of Gypsum searched for public or private resources that would help him develop confidence in academics and allow him to learn year-round.

When she found no such resources, Cathcart started her own program, The Learning Camp, located near Vail, in 1996. The Learning Camp is a summer program that offers children the opportunity to continue academic studies year-round and engage in confidence-building activities with other children facing the same challenges.

Cathcart, who was recently featured in a story on learning challenges in United Parenting Publications' magazines nationwide, designed her innovative program around four main goals:

Build self-esteem in learning-challenged children, many of whom have been ridiculed by classmates.
Help children understand their problem, e.g., dyslexia or attention deficit disorder (ADD).
Help children develop a positive attitude about their learning abilities.
Provide children with academic support year-round so that they do not fall behind in their individual progress.

"In order for learning challenged children to succeed in a public school setting, they must first understand the cause of their challenges, and then gain a level of self respect and esteem that will enable them to establish their own coping mechanisms," Cathcart said. "Understanding the issues behind their problems is so very critical."

By blending academics with mountain recreation such as rock climbing and horseback riding, Cathcart helps children believe in their capabilities and in themselves in general.

This year, The Learning Camp will operate from its new facility, a private ranch near Gypsum with 35 acres of forest land and a swimming pond.

For information, call 970-524-2706 or visit www.learningcamp.com.

Photo Caption:
Ann Cathcart, of Gypsum, started The Learning Camp when she found a need for a summer program for learning-challenged children. Submitted photo.