No and no! MitM is not an acceleration program, and there is — literally — an infinity of directions in which a child’s mathematical experience can grow. Rather than moving everyone through the same material, we meet students where they are and invite them to explore new ideas, patterns, and questions at increasing depth. Students are stretched through curiosity, discussion, and engagement, not through racing ahead in a fixed sequence of topics.

No. While many campers enjoy math competitions during the school year, MitM itself is not structured around contests, rankings, or performance comparison. The focus is on exploration, discussion, and shared discovery. Students are encouraged to ask questions, try ideas, and learn from one another in an environment where curiosity, persistence, and engagement matter more than speed or winning.

Students who enjoy MitM tend to be curious, patient thinkers who like spending time with challenging ideas. They are often students who ask their own questions, enjoy puzzling through something that isn’t immediately clear, and are excited to talk about ideas with others. A love of mathematics matters — but so does a willingness to explore, listen, and stay engaged when things feel unfamiliar.

Participants may arrive by Saturday 6/20 to participate in a welcome event (we’ve traditionally done a whitewater rafting trip with all participating families on the Snake River to kick things off!). The formal academic program will operate daily starting on Sunday 6/21 and concluding the afternoon of Sunday 6/28. Math-inspired mountain excursions will occur throughout the week. A typical daily schedule may look like this. (On some days, there may be a short plenary session between A and B or possibly in the evening.)

7:30-8:30 breakfast
9:00-10:30 session A
11:00-12:30 session B
12:30-2:30 lunch/break
2:30-4:00 session C
4:00-5:00 break/tutorial
5:30-6:30 dinner
6:30-8:00 evening activities (games, socializing, etc.)

Omega Camp is an advanced residential experience designed for some of our most experienced MitM campers. It serves as a second, deeper week of mathematical exploration for students who are ready for more focused coursework, increased independence, and highly personalized faculty attention.

Omega builds on the MitM culture while offering a more intensive academic and outdoor experience in a small-group setting. Campers participate in:

• More targeted and advanced mathematical coursework

• Small-group and individualized instruction

• Oxford-style tutorials, where students work closely with a faculty member on a topic of their choice

• A culminating presentation of their tutorial work

• A distinct set of outdoor experiences in a smaller group environment, which may include camping, mountaineering, via ferrata, and cycling

During the first week, Omegans learn alongside Alpha campers for select classes and activities, while also participating in some Omega-only sessions. Faculty consult with Omega campers in advance to understand their interests and help shape specialized coursework and tutorial directions.

In the second week, the Omega cohort remains on campus as a small, focused group, with faculty attention concentrated on their advanced studies and tutorial work. Past tutorial topics have included the Riemann Hypothesis, Narayana Numbers, Dirichlet’s Theorem, and Mathematical Art with Python.

Omega is intended as a bridge toward longer residential math programs for middle and high school students.

Because Omega is designed as a continuation experience, priority is given to returning MitM campers, especially those who have previously attended Alpha Camp. In rare cases, space may be available for new applicants; families interested in Omega should indicate this clearly on the application.

Beta Camp is a pilot program for our most experienced MitM campers that builds on the organic collaborations and idea-sharing already emerging within the MitM community. Designed as a collaborative, venture-creation experience grounded in mathematical thinking, Beta gives students the opportunity to take intellectual ownership and explore how mathematical ideas can lead to new projects, initiatives, and forms of impact.

Working in small teams with close faculty mentorship, campers identify questions or challenges they care about and investigate how mathematical tools, patterns, and ways of thinking can help address them. The emphasis is on creativity, initiative, and sustained exploration — extending beyond traditional problem sets into designing and developing new ideas.

Many Beta projects will focus on mathematics education itself. For example, one idea already emerging from the MitM community explores how our place-based approach to math learning in the mountains might be adapted to engage students from the broader community, helping cultivate a deeper love for mathematics at scale. Other projects may take different directions, but all are rooted in mathematical thinking and collaborative creation.

Because Beta grows out of MitM’s existing community culture, priority is given to returning MitM campers. In rare cases, space may be available for new applicants; families interested in Beta should indicate this clearly on the application.

As part of the application process, students expressing interest in Beta will be invited to share some of their own early ideas or curiosities — for example, questions they would like to explore, problems they find meaningful, or ways they imagine mathematics could be used to create something new. We are not looking for polished business plans, but for evidence of curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to think creatively and collaboratively.

Alpha Camp and Winter Camp are designed as family-inclusive experiences, and we ask that at least one parent or guardian attend with each camper. Shared meals, activities, and community time are an important part of the MitM culture and help create the supportive, cross-generational environment that makes the program special.

In rare circumstances, we may be able to arrange for another MitM family to support a camper, but this is the exception rather than the norm.

Beta Camp and Omega Camp are residential student programs. Parents are welcome to stay in the area and participate in optional parent sessions and community activities, but attendance is not required.

The Jackson campus of TSS has two lodging buildings, and each family room is configured to accommodate up to six people comfortably. Excellent food is provided in the campus dining area. If you prefer to stay off campus, there are many places to stay nearby, and there’s a great variety of restaurants in town. MitM parent groups may book a block of rooms or a group AirBnB in advance of the camp to help with off-campus housing.

This is optional. The campus is near the airport, and the town of Jackson is close to campus. TSS may provide shuttle service, possibly bicycles, and taxis/rideshares are abundant and convenient.

Program cost includes instruction, dining, and (if needed) housing at Teton Science Schools. Tuition reflects the high instructor-to-student ratio and the individualized attention given to each camper and family.

Alpha Camp (family-inclusive):

• ~$6,500 for a family of four lodging on campus

• ~$5,500 for a family of two lodging on campus

• ~$3,500 for non-residential families

Beta and Omega Camps (residential student programs):

• Estimated tuition: $4,500–$5,000 per camper

Optional activities at each camp may incur additional cost. Need-based scholarships are available (see Financial Aid FAQ).

Thanks to the generosity of MitM families, outside donors, and supporting foundations, we are able to offer a limited number of need-based scholarships each year. Since our inception, we have been proud to support students in every camp through financial aid, helping ensure that MitM remains an inclusive and welcoming community for young people who share a love of mathematics and exploration.

MitM's Winter Camp pilot took place February 15 to 22, 2025 in partnership with Teton Science Schools (TSS) and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR)! It was the first program ever to join these incredible partners together with brilliant kids to mix math recreations and snow sports! Winter Camp will return in 2027.

Overview Schedule:

Saturday, Feb 15 -- campers arrive at TSS
Sunday, Feb 16 -- math day (similar to summer camp days)
Monday, Feb 17 -- ski+math day (detailed schedule below)
Tuesday, Feb 18 -- ski+math day
Wednesday, Feb 19 -- math day
Thursday, Feb 20 -- ski+math day
Friday, Feb 21 -- ski+math day
Saturday, Feb 22 -- morning plenary; campers depart TSS

Ski+Math Day Schedule

7:00-8:30 - Breakfast at TSS / Math talk by faculty
8:30-9:00 - TSS provides shuttles to bring campers and families to JHMR
9:00-12:00 - Skiing with instructors
12:00-1:30 - Lunch at JHMR / Math talk by faculty
1:30-4:00 - Skiing with instructors
4:00-4:30 - Shuttles return campers and families to TSS
4:30-5:30 - Chill / fun math activities
5:30-7:00 - Dinner / Faculty Plenary
7:00-8:00 - Games & social hour