MathPath

 It's hard to believe we are already at the halfway point of MathPath 2026! The first weeks have flown by. What started as a group of students from different places has quickly become a close community with new friendships growing each day. Students have settled into their routines and are embracing every part of camp life. We already have so many memories to hold on to, from new inside jokes and camp cheers to the long-held faculty/staff vs. campers basketball game tradition and evening karaoke performances.  Every day brings another opportunity to learn and laugh together. A human knot forming during Knot Theory with Dr. Vega  What Do Juggling and Math Have in Common? One of the highlights of each week is our series of plenary presentations. Students have the opportunity to hear from passionate mathematicians and educators who bring interesting ideas to life. Prof. Wright brings juggling to the Visiting Plenary This week, we've welcomed presentations from: Dr. Jan...

As we wrap up Week 2, our classrooms are buzzing with activity and with the kind of mathematical thinking that makes MathPath so special! From lively breakout pitches during "Show & Tell" to students debating strategies and tackling problems, each day offers a new opportunity to explore mathematics in creative ways. Parents often ask us about academic rigor. MathPath campers tell us about the math problem they couldn't stop thinking about, the unexpected discovery made in class, or the teacher who challenged them to see math in a new way. Those stories, in many ways, are the best evidence of rigorous learning. Students will also tell you about the impossible origami fold they finally figured out or the professor who stirred an interest in them during "Show & Tell" to sign up for subjects they hadn't considered. They might mention the math problem that took an entire breakouts period to solve and just how satisfying it felt when it finally clicked. T...

Weekend Adventures The first academic week wrapped up with one of every camper’s favorite traditions: exploring beyond the classroom! Click here for the full flickr stream of photos! Small groups headed across Portland for a variety of adventures. Some toured the city by bike, others laced up their skates, tested their teamwork in escape rooms or set out on a hike. One of the most popular destinations was Angel’s Rest, where campers enjoyed the trail and the view from the top. A Taste of Oregon Monday brought our first all-camp excursion to Tillamook Creamery. Campers learned how cheese and ice cream make their journey from farm to table, sampled their favorites and enjoyed a generous scoop (or cup!) of ice cream. After a picnic lunch, counselors groups swapped stores before heading to the next stop. A Book Lover’s Paradise Our final stop was Powell’s Books, where campers explored shelves filled with books, puzzles, and gifts. Many left with new summer reads while others discovered int...

There is really something special about Arrival Day! Suitcases roll across campus, families share one last hug, and MathPathers meet for the first time. Before long, quick hellos become lengthy conversations and over the next four weeks those conversations grow into friendships. Counselors Ingrid, Cam, and Rebecca welcoming campers with Dr. Clark Click here to see our Arrival Day reel! A Warm Welcome Orientation officially kicked off the summer as campers and families met MathPath faculty and staff. Executive Director Lara Pudwell After welcomes from Executive Director Lara Pudwell and Camp Director April Verser, families learned about the academic program, met counselors, and had a chance to ask questions before saying goodbye. Camp Director April Verser and Counselors From day one, our goal is to create a place where students feel challenged, supported, and excited to learn more about math. The Learning Begins Campers wasted no time tackling their first Problem of the Day (PoD). Rath...

  Another week, another round of breakouts! As we approach the MathPath weekend we say goodbye to another round of faculty and hope they’ll join us again next year! Students enjoyed learning about knot theory with Prof Cahn, continued exploring hyperbolic geometry with Mr. C, and got in tune with their artistic sides during Math and Music with Silas.  Examining different kinds of knots Leaving us this week are Dr. Asia, Iliana, Dr. Vega, and Prof Cahn - while we’ll be sad to see them go, they left us with some wonderful words of advice! Iliana inspired us to keep being courageous in problem solving and flexible in asking questions, while Dr. Vega expressed the importance of knowing yourself, your strengths, and your passions in order to become the fullest version of yourself. All four faculty members have been invaluable participants in the MathPath community and culture, and we wish them safe travels when they go! Some parting words from our faculty! It’s impossible to keep M...