By Taylor Smith 

Rutgers Preparatory School is a distinguished private school in Somerset, N.J. Each summer, the school offers a series of academic camps. The International Ivy Summer Programs for ages 5-14 will take place July 8-August 16. Half-day offerings are available from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1:30 to 5 p.m. A full-day option takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Registration is directly through International Ivy, at http://www.iisummer.com/somerset/. 

The Summer 2019 elective class offerings are extensive, with everything from Engineering — Flight and Aerospace to Public Speaking, Pre-Architecture, Game Theory, Creative Writing, Canvas Painting, and App Design. Classes are designed to be hands-on and experiential, where children and teens learn not only how to problem-solve, but how to see a project through from imagination to creation. 

The Rutgers Prep Debate Camp is back again for students entering grades 7-12, and will be held on July 8-July 12 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Students will be taught public speaking, persuasion, argument, and communication skills while addressing debate topics related to current events, government, politics, social studies, science, local issues, health, medicine, and psychology. 

The intent of the Debate Camp is to be fun and confidence-building. The camp will be facilitated by Rutgers Prep government teacher Rob Kuchar. Kuchar is also the head of the Model Congress Club. 

To register for the 2019 Rutgers Prep Debate Camp, visit https://www.rutgersprep.org/summer/academic-camps. Specific questions can be directed to Kuchar at kuchar@rutgersprep.org. 

Chess Camp with USA Chess and Active Learning will be offered at Rutgers Prep for students ages 5-16 on July 22-July 26. USA Chess is the largest premier chess camp organizer for children in the United States, and campers will experience chess instruction in a fun-filled environment designed to improve their reasoning and logic skills, whether they are interested in casual or competitive chess. Tuition includes a trophy for completion of the camp, chess set, and more. 

For questions or to register, visit www.chesscamp.com.