1. “The Development of Intellectual Humility as an Impact of a Week-Long Philosophy Summer Camp for Teens and Tweens: Preliminary Results” (2021) by David J. Anderson, Patricia N. Holte, Joseph Maffly-Kipp, Daniel Conway, Claire Elise Katz, and Rebecca J. Schlegel
Link: https://www.pdcnet.org/p4/content/p4_2021_0003_0041_0065
Link: https://doi.org/10.5840/p4202151418
Abstract: This paper examines the impact of a week-long philosophy summer camp on middle and high school-age youth with specific attention paid to the development of intellectual humility in the campers. In June 2016 a university in Texas hosted its first philosophy summer camp for youth who had just completed sixth through twelfth grades. Basing our camp on the pedagogical model of the Philosophy for Children program, our aim was specifically to develop a community of inquiry among the campers, providing them with a safe intellectual space to be introduced to philosophy and philosophical discussion. In 2017 we launched a formal longitudinal study to determine what impact a week-long philosophy summer camp would have on teens and tweens. Examining quantitative and qualitative data collected from 2016–2020, we found that the camp has had a significant impact on the teenagers who have attended. In particular, we found that intellectual humility increased over the duration of their camp experience and that this increase correlates with an increased affinity for philosophy and philosophical discussion.
2. Philosophy Camps for Youth: Everything You Wanted to Know about Starting, Organizing, and Running a Philosophy Camp (2021) eds. Claire Elise Katz
Publisher Abstract: Philosophy Camps for Youth joins its companion, Growing Up with Philosophy Camp, and contributes to the growing body of literature on pre-college philosophy. Providing sound advice, descriptive activities, and precise details for starting, organizing, and running a philosophy camp for pre-K-12 students, Philosophy Camps for Youth is an indispensable guide for anyone interested in hosting their own philosophy camp. The description of diverse camp models—from half day to full day, from one week to multiple weeks, from day-camp to residential—allows readers to build and foster a camp that fits their instructional needs and institutional support. The inclusion of specific camp activities and contributions by campers discussing the activities and themes that had the biggest impact on them, those interested in starting a philosophy camp get valuable guidance from those who have run successful philosophy camps.
3. Growing Up with Philosophy Camp: How Learning to Think Develops Friendship, Community, and a Sense of Self (2020) eds. Claire Elise Katz
Publisher Abstract: Growing up with Philosophy Camp joins the substantial body of literature that contravenes centuries of thinkers in the history of philosophy who stated emphatically that children either could not or should not engage in philosophical discourse. This book differs from the rest of the literature in that it reveals the extraordinary impact of philosophy camps for pre-college age students (as young as 6 years old through high school). Often only a week in duration, philosophy camp combines the intensity of both summer camp and philosophical dialogue, creating a powerful experience for young people who, contrary to cynical views of “youth today,” desire intellectual engagement. Through the chapters by the staff who facilitate discussions, a university dean who supported the program, and reflections from campers and parents, a recurring theme emerges: philosophy camps build authentic friendship, intellectual community, and an increased awareness of self-identity. Yet the chapters display remarkable diversity by connecting the experience of philosophy camp to questions in the history of philosophy, philosophy’s relationship to artistic creation, and the therapeutic value of philosophical discourse.