MathPath 2026 | Halfway Through an Amazing Summer

 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. Jane from University of Victoria who presented: "Eulerian Embroidery"
  • Prof. Wright from St. Olaf Collage who presented: "How Many Ways Are There to Juggle?"
  • Liz from Lewis & Clark College who presented: "Can you hear the length of a string? Can you hear the shape of a drum?"

Each presentation gives students a chance to experience math in an unconventional way. They ask thoughtful questions and discover new ways of thinking about familiar concepts.

We also welcomed new faculty members who introduced a fresh batch of breakout courses. Students continue to explore challenging topics while working closely with faculty who love sharing their expertise. 

A Little Friendly Competition

One MathPath tradition everyone looks forward to is the annual campers versus faculty/staff basketball game. 


This year's team names for the first half of the game: Passion Fruit (campers) vs. Older than Dirt (faculty/staff). Names were changed to Young Heroes (campers) vs. They Can't be THAT Old (faculty/staff) for the second half of the game. 



Whether cheering from the sidelines or playing on the court, everyone enjoyed the friendly competition.

Off Campus Adventures 

Curiosity, bonding, and exploration are a significant part of learning at MathPath.


Our all camp field trip this past weekend took us to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), where campers explored interactive exhibits  (TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition was the camp favorite!) and experienced science in exciting new ways. It was an amazing chance to learn together while enjoying time away from campus. 


Students also had the opportunity to choose from a variety of small group activities around Portland.

This week's adventures included:

  • Hiking the scenic Multnomah Falls Loop Trail
  • Sipping boba and reading our Powell's Books picks
  • Playing laser tag, bowling, and arcade games
  • Rolling through Portland on a guided bike tour (with donuts!)
  • Braving an indoor rock climbing challenge
  • Mini golfing and grabbing ice cream 
  • Taking a guided canopy zipline tour
  • Wandering through the Oregon Zoo
  • Working together to conquer an escape room

Building Math Skills and Beyond 

As we reach the midpoint of camp, one thing that really stands out is how much students are growing in confidence.


Whether leading a classroom activity or forming a band to perform at evening karaoke, MathPathers are growing both inside and outside of the classroom. The connections they are building with each other, faculty, and their counselors are as meaningful as the math they are learning. 

Looking Ahead 

The second half of the program promises even more reasons to be excited for new breakouts and fun traditions.

We can't wait to see what the coming weeks bring as campers continue to make the most of their time at MathPath.

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