Jan 13, 2024

We all arrived on campus today for the beginning of our program. Participants came from NorthAmerican, China, Turkey, Australia, and assorted other countries. If you are like me, you were alittle nervous, but also very excited to begin your adventure with us.

After checking in and walking around campus a bit, we all gathered in the Brower Student Centerfor our opening evening dinner. Our supervisor of counselors, John Hagen, spoke briefly about thecare your children will be given while with us. John has worked all year recruiting counselors forour program and making sure that everything runs smoothly. John is always available to parentsfor any questions about rooms and counselors. After John spoke, Adam Raichel, our Jack of alltrades, made some comments about the high caliber of students attending our program and thedifficulty of our contests.

After dinner, all our staff and participants walked over to the Decker Social Space for our eveningactivities. Earlier in the day, Adam introduced our counselors to some improv games which they inturn taught to our participants. These games give our students a chance to get acquainted with oneanother through some fun games. In these games, the team members form a circle and then playsome games reminiscent of Simon Says. They sometimes are required to do silly things that makeus all laugh together. It’s a great way to release tensions and begin making friends.

Tomorrow’s activities begin with a talk by Steven Miller of Williams College. I have listened toProfessor Miller speak to our students many times in the past; I can assure you that his talk will bevery interesting, enjoyable, and educational. Following a short break after Professor’s Miller’s talkis completed, Professor Victor Barranca will answer the question: “Why Do Mathematics?” This is the first time Professor Barranca has spoken at our summer program, so I am looking forward to hearing what he has to tell us about the importance of studying mathematics. Professor Barrancateaches at Swarthmore College, a very highly respected liberal arts college. In fact, any list of thetop five liberal arts colleges in the United States will include both Williams and Swarthmore.

After lunch, our first contest round will be held in Bliss Hall. We like to begin with the Team Roundsince this gives the students a chance to work together on some challenging questions. Once the Team Round is completed, Professor Miller will return for his second lecture.

Tomorrow night will be the first night of our two-evening talent show. About 25 participants haveoffered to perform and entertain us. My man Adam will emcee this show as usual. Adam regularlyhosts and performs at Mockingbird Improv in San Diego. If you are ever in that area, be sure tostop by and see one of this group’s shows.