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DECATS (DeBusk Enrichment Center for Academically Talented Scholars) Austin, formerly known as Austin DEEP, is a three-week program that occurs in June to provide exciting opportunities for gifted students. DECATS was formed through the financial generosity of Mr. Manuel DeBusk and DeBusk Foundation in 1994 and there are operating camps in Houston, Dallas, Sugarland, Tyler, Austin. DECATS was brought to the Austin area in 2008 and is supported by the Diocese of Austin. This course is a tiered approach to help Scholars learn more about themselves as they enhance their leadership and critical thinking skills. The mission of DECATS Austin is to provide a fulfilling enrichment experience to all Catholic school students enrolled in grades 3-5 who qualify.
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Theme for 2021
Go for the GoldCurrent Invitation Criteria
95th percentile on standardized achievement tests in any area, in multiple areas, or as an average score overall.
DECATS Themes
2019 - Blast Off to DECATS
2018 - Once Upon a DECATS
2017 - Dazzling Decade of DECATS
2016 - Sea of Creativity
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Program
Participants in the program will select from courses representing broad areas of Art, Creative Writing, Guidance, Languages, Literature, Mathematics, Music, Multimedia, Science, Technology, Social Studies, and Theater. Dedicated professional educators will conduct the courses utilizing the seven multiple intelligences as theorized by Howard Gardner. Last summer’s camp had video and drama productions, acting and other fine arts, crocheting, clay work, paper-mache, hands-on activities with chemical properties and body systems, CSI and Survivor, treasure hunting, jewelry-making and bead work, cooking, robotics, building of bridges-a city- and-mosaics, business models, drawing and making comics, creative writing and songwriting, creating blogs and scrapbooking, math, military history, architecture, digital photography, animal care, sports skill, and sign language as well as activities on the multiple intelligences that one uses to solve problems and learn.
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Questions?
Please contact decatsaustin@gmail.com
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Parent Testimonial
Dear DECATS and Debusk foundation coordinators,
My Daughter, Natalia, has gone to DECATS for 2 years and will go again this summer. I have never seen her so excited about any educational program as she is for this one. She loves it so much that she has told me that when she is too old to qualify to attend as a student, that she wants to be a mentor for DECATS students and volunteer and help the teachers. Thank you for enriching her and helping her develop her skills of responsibility and knowledge of the world!
Sincerely,
Tish Rudwick, St. Theresa's Catholic School, Austin, Tx.
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