MathPath


MathPath is a mathematics enrichment summer program for students ages 11–14. It is four weeks long, and moves to a different location each year. MathPath is visited by world-renowned mathematicians such as John H. Conway and Francis Su.
It was probably the original, and is still one of the few, international residential high-end summer camps exclusively for mathematics and exclusively for students of middle school age.

History

MathPath was founded in 2002 by George Rubin Thomas, who had previously founded Mathcamp for high school students and has since founded Epsilon Camp for children age 7–11 and Delta Camp for children 6 and 7. His goal was to inspire and advance the most mathematically gifted middle school age students, through a summer camp.

Subjects

At MathPath, students learn about many math topics that are rarely taught in American schools, or taught in much depth, such as non-Euclidean geometry, advanced Euclidean geometry, number theory, combinatorics, induction, spherical trigonometry, mathematical origami, and the mathematics of card shuffling. They also learn some history of math and work on mathematical writing. Topics vary somewhat each year, depending on instructor interest. As well, students have the opportunity to prepare for contests such as MATHCOUNTS, AMC, or AIME.

Staff

Some staff are regular annual participants. Usually they come for 2–4 weeks, but a few come for only one week. Notable regular staff include the late John Horton Conway, Sam Vandervelde, and Glen Van Brummelen.
Visiting staff are participants for one year or occasional years. Usually they attend for one week, or for a day or two to give a few lectures. Often they are faculty at the host institution or nearby institutions. Notable visiting staff include Gene Abrams and Robin Hartshorne.

Admissions

MathPath is selective. The primary criterion for admission is the applicant's work on the yearly Qualifying Test, though academic and nonacademic references are also required.

Locations