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, philosophys relationship to artistic creation, and the therapeutic value of philosophical discourse.

Claire Elise Katz is Associate Dean of Faculties, the Murray and Celeste Chair in Distinguished Teaching in the Liberal Arts, and Professor of Philosophy at Texas A&M University. The author of three monographs and numerous articles, she is the recipient of the Association of Former Students University Level Distinguished Achievement Award for Teaching and the American Philosophical Association Prize for Teaching Excellence.

Foreword:Thomas Wartenberg

Preface:Claire Katz

Acknowledgements

Introduction :Claire Katz

I: Dispatches from Philosophy Summer Camps

Chapter 1: Philosophy for the Young, Curious, and Hungry

Pamela R. Matthews

Chapter 2: Without friends no one would choose to live: Friendship,Phronesis, and Philosophy Summer Camp

Desirae Embree and Claire Katz

Chapter 3: Between and Among Friends

Daniel Conway

Chapter 4: Waking to Wonder: The Wittgensteinian Ethos of Philosophizing with Children

David Anderson

Chapter 5: Underestimated No More

Natalie Fletcher

Chapter 6: Make Your Life a Work of Art: Growing-up with MOSHI philo-artistic camp in Paris and New-York City

Caroline Murgue

Chapter 7: Philosophy Meets Place: Creating and Environmental Philosophy Summer Camp

Rika Tsuji and Benn Johnson

Chapter 8: The Utah Lyceum: Cultivating Reasonableness in Southwest Utah

Kristopher G. Phillips and Gracia Allen

Chapter 9: Philosophy Camp and Self-Confidence

Amelia Kahn

Part II: Campfire Tales

Chapter 10: Aggie School of Athens

Kenji Blum

Olivia Conway

Evie Conway

Jadyn Driver

Tonya Driver

Amy Ellison

Angus Heartsill

Laura Hoeting and Griffin Ford

Chapter 11: Utah Lyceum

Addi Achord

Sam Cook

Erin Waldman



Author Bios