Three weeks. Five courses. Countless opportunities.
At DECATS, we believe education and entertainment go hand-in-hand. Our qualitatively differentiated program focuses on leadership and responsibility education for gifted children, providing challenging and enriching coursework, nurturing the whole learner and fostering the leaders of tomorrow. Originally conceived and architected on Dr. Joseph Renzulli’s conceptions and models of giftedness, DECATS is a safe learning environment for students who demonstrate high intellectual ability, a strong commitment to learning and exceptional creativity.
All Scholars participate in
Manners to Morals during first period, an intense exploration of the joys and responsibilities of being a gifted leader. There is a different curriculum for each year that Scholars participate, determined by grade level.
Perspectives takes place during second period and provides a forum for reflection, support and direction for gifted Scholars. Topics include the privileges and responsibilities of being gifted, with special emphasis on leadership, followership, peer relationships and faith development. We also explore stereotypes of the gifted, dispelling myths and celebrating uniqueness. The primary goal of this four-year curriculum is to instill in Scholars a sense of service to others in a spirit of gratitude, learning that “better at” does not mean “better than.” Scholars are encouraged to think critically and be reflective regarding their own experiences.
Explore themes discussed in Perspectives
We gather course requests as part of an easy, online process, where you have plenty of advance time to review our offerings for the summer and map out those you wish to request. Final schedules are provided at the very start of the program, not in advance.
For more more about the course request process, check out our FAQ section.
DECATS 2025 Courses
A Day at the Beach
Pack your bags and let’s head to the beach! Create kinetic sand and learn tips and tricks for building sandcastles as you work with a team to create your own for our sandcastle contest. We’ll use found objects such as shells and seaweed to create unique artwork. Next, we’ll design and test devices to help clean up the ocean, ensuring everyone can enjoy a day at the beach!
A Game of Kings
Want to join the Knights of the Square Table, or maybe the Bishop Brigade? Do you want to Rook & Roll? Don’t be intimidated by the challenge of chess! Whether you’re a novice or an accomplished chess player, come sharpen your critical thinking skills, learn to outwit your opponents and experience the thrill of victory. Come on in and take a seat. “A Game of Kings” is beginning — and it’s your move!
A Toy Story
Toy companies such as Mattel make millions of dollars a year, proving that toys are serious business! Start from the ground up as you create your own toy company and develop a prototype of its first new toy. You’ll create a business plan, marketing campaign, and a strategy to mass produce the toy you created. Consider the cost and calculate what it would take to turn a profit. Move over Mattel, and make way for A Toy Story!
A-maze-ing
Marble mazes may appear simplistic, but look again! Slope, angles and other mathematical concepts are what keep things rolling. Collaborate with a team to design, test, and tweak your very own marble runs. With a little patience and a lot of planning, you’ll be amazed at what you can create.
A.I. Explorers
The world of artificial intelligence awaits you! Come learn how A.I. is ready to assist you in playing games, creating art, and even designing robots! Along the way, we’ll explore how computer-based intelligence was developed and refined and reflect on guidelines for its responsible use. In A.I. Explorers, the next great idea is at your fingertips!
AbracaDECATS!
You won’t believe your eyes! Come explore the secrets of magic tricks, from simple street magic to big stage performances, and practice performing for an audience of your own. Develop your stage presence as you explore the skill behind each sleight of hand.
Animania
You are a scientist deep in the Amazon hoping to learn more about an animal you’ve been researching when suddenly you discover a new species! Believe it or not, this continues to happen every year, as the world is full of areas left to explore and animals left to discover. In Animania, you’ll journey into the unknown to examine some of the wildest creatures ever seen. Take the most interesting aspects of each and build a model of your own unique species. What does it eat? Where will it live? And, most importantly, what else might be out there?
Blast Off
Rockets flying, gravity defying; this is a course you will not be denying! Blast off into learning the physics of building your own rocket and then launch it and see just how far it can go! This may not be NASA, but there is no doubt that we will master different ways to overpower the gravitational force. Exploration awaits!
Blood & Guts
Our planet is a marvelous place where creatures of all shapes and sizes coexist. Don your protective equipment and join us as we get a closer look at Earth’s creatures, both inside and out. Our journey will involve hands-on exploration and dissection of aquatic and terrestrial specimens as we examine their internal and external anatomy and learn more about the human body in the process.
Brain Games
Who will be the next Brain Games Trivia Champion? Come show your competitive spirit and try your hand at trivia through quick response, jeopardy and quiz bowl games. Together with your team, test your knowledge of pop culture, sports, science, social studies, music, and more! This summer exercise your mind and enjoy the competition and camaraderie of Brain Games.
Breaking News
Find out what it takes to research, script and launch our very own newscast! From producers all the way to broadcasters and meteorologists, we’ll need you to fill an important role in our production. We’ll use green screen technology to put us “on the scene” of newsworthy events and make sure our DECATS community always has the scoop!
Challenge Accepted
When faced with a dilemma that has no obvious solution, there’s only one thing to do — use science to solve it! Can you work with your team to create a waterslide that can safely transport objects of varying weights? Can you adjust the specifications of your rollercoaster to keep things moving? Together with your team, compete in a variety of STEM (Science-Technology-Engineering-Math) tasks designed to stretch your thinking as you devise creative solutions to accomplish the task at hand. The challenge awaits: are you up for it?
Clay Creations
Get ready to roll, pinch, and mold your way into the world of three-dimensional art. Come create clay sculptures inspired by a variety of subjects, ranging from your favorite animals to your favorite foods! Things will shape up beautifully in Clay Creations!
Colorama
Color can be an artist’s most powerful tool, so let’s put it to use! Explore color using a variety of mediums like watercolor, melted crayons, manipulated colored tissue and more! Your eye for color will come in handy as we splatter new color on old clothes and experiment with angle and color to create optical illusions. Unleash your inner artist in Colorama!
Comic Creations
Heroes, villains, and sidekicks, oh my! Author and illustrate your own comic book filled with characters from different historical periods, taking place in locations around the world or from a universe of your own creation. Your epic adventure will integrate frequently-used techniques of comic book artists and is sure to end with a “BANG!”
Crack the Code
Since the invention of writing, people have wanted to send others messages no one else could read. Methods range from the simple (sdrawkcab segassem gnitirw) to the super sophisticated, those uncrackable by any modern computer. We’ll find various ways of scrambling words, move on to substitution ciphers, transposition ciphers, and finish off with codes. We’ll also have fun trying to create our own secret messages to pass on to others!
Culinary Quest
Calling all foodies! Develop and draft a plan for the next big restaurant to hit the food scene. You’ll be in charge of all of the details, from the design to the offerings, as you work to secure funding in an industry full of financial risk. See if your concept has what it takes to secure our course’s prestigious top prize- the Mini-Michelin!
DECATS DIY
Why buy what you can make yourself? Get ready to construct and create! Get a little messy and have a whole lot of fun as we make our own bouncy balls, silly putty, soap, sidewalk chalk and more. If you are ready to take projects into your own hands, this is the course for you!
DECATS Has Talent
Are you a Scholar that loves to perform or wants to dip your toe into entertainment? In this course, Scholars will have the chance to learn about the different elements of performing arts while they develop their own acts for the DECATS Talent Show. Acts may range from singing, dancing, comedy, juggling or something completely original. Creativity and imagination are strongly encouraged. Come and explore with us and you may find a talent you didn’t even know you had!
DECATS Olympics
The Olympics have arrived in Houston! After we divide into countries, create flags and logos, and participate in Opening Ceremonies, it’s time for the games to begin. We’ll participate in a variety of sports and challenges modeled after those seen in the Olympics, such as scooter-kayaking and build-your-own badminton. Go for the gold in DECATS Olympics!
Did You Myth Me?
Step aside, Superman. It’s time to give credit to the original superheroes – mythological figures! As we learn about myths from different cultures around the world, we will create portable cosmos, play games inspired by mythical adventures, riddle like tricksters, and debate who would win the ultimate showdown between deities, demigods, and heroes.
Edible Art
Art isn’t just for a canvas! Our artwork takes place on a cookie! Learn how to make icing and practice piping skills and cookie design techniques that can be used to decorate one-of-a-kind sweet treats. We’ll make art that looks too good to eat!
Engineering an Empire
Build like the ancient Egyptians, trade like the Mesopotamians, and govern like the Greeks! Come build a modern day empire by exploring concepts essential for every civilization. Develop your society’s rules, economy, and governmental structure. Role-playing and simulations will help you determine if your new society can withstand the test of time.
Food Truck Showdown
Put your culinary talents and entrepreneurial skills to the test as you create the concept for Houston’s hottest new food truck! Design a theme, logo, and menu that will be enhanced by your signature dish. Be ready to pitch your concepts and compete for financing in the Food Truck Showdown.
For Your Amusement
Come experience the thrill of designing and building your own amusement park. You’ll use measurement and concepts of design to map out your park. Apply geometry and physics to build rides that will attract visitors to help you turn a profit. Take your ideas from dream to theme this summer!
Friends, Romans, Countrymen
All roads lead to Rome! Do you think you have what it takes to be a Roman soldier? Work as a unit to learn Latin commands, execute precise formations, and become one of the most efficient forces of the ancient world. Grab your shield and discover the strategies that led Rome to glory!
From the Page to the Stage
From the movies that fill the big screen to the plays that fill our hearts and minds with wonder, each grand production first begins with the filling of a page. Come decide the characters and plot that will come to life in a production of your own. We will create the screenplays and scripts, design the storyboards, and make the casting decisions that will have your ideas ready to go from the page to the stage!
Game Mechanics
Experience the physical science concepts of mass, velocity, acceleration, friction and Newtonian forces as we create race cars using fruits and vegetables. Then, use those scientific concepts and your imagination to design and create arcade games from basic cardboard boxes. Can you build a Whack-a-Mole? Are you ready to watch your friends compete in a skee-ball game you created? No quarters will be needed for this arcade, just your creativity and design skills!
Game Show Network
Yura Scholar, come on down; you’re the next contestant on ’Game Show Network.’ Test your skill, knowledge and competitive spirit as we recreate classic and contemporary game shows, including Jeopardy!, The Price is Right, Family Feud, Wheel of Fortune, Name That Tune and Minute to Win It. Not content simply being a contestant? We will also create our very own game show from scratch. The rules and concept are only limited by our imaginations!
Give My Regards to Broadway
Lights, camera, action! Join in the excitement and magic of being part of a Broadway show. Share your love of theater as you act, sing, and dance to make a musical come to life. Everyone performs and everyone is cast in a part. Scholars learn the fundamentals of acting, create a costume, develop their character, memorize lines and sing and dance in a fast paced, hands-on production. Get ready to shine as the curtain goes up and the show goes on.
Glory Games
Get ready to strategize, defend, and compete in an epic battle of Capture the Flag. Teams will have new challenges to face each day, along with rule variations that will add complexities to the game. As the tournament unfolds, we’ll also explore some famous battles in history and the strategies that helped generals emerge victorious. You’ll need teamwork, tactical thinking, and speed to secure the win in the Glory Games!
Guitar Hero
Do you walk around playing air guitar? Now is your chance to learn to play the real thing! No previous experience needed. You’ll learn basic chords and songs, and even learn to play as a group. Get ready to ROCK as a Guitar Hero!
Hello, Hogwarts
Calling all wizards! From the moment you arrive, you will cease to be a Muggle and take on the role of a Scholar at the Hogwarts School in the wizarding world of Harry Potter! Explore extraordinary classes like Care of Magical Creatures, Transfiguration and Potions. Try your hand at making your own wand, creating a golden snitch and poition-making. You can wear your Hogwarts robes or choose to dress in the Muggle manner. Come begin the journey of a lifetime into the wonderful world of Harry Potter!
History’s Mysteries
From the legend of Bigfoot to the Bermuda Triangle, take a closer look at some of history’s greatest mysteries, as we examine the scientific phenomena that might be at work. Dig deeper into the existing theories or come up with one of your own. Perhaps you’ll secure your own place in history when you uncover the treasure of pirate William Kidd or pinpoint the location of Cleopatra’s tomb.
Hoop it Up
Do you want to improve your coordination, build endurance and heighten your spatial awareness? Then let’s take it to the hoop! Beginners at basketball will learn fundamental basketball skills, such as passing, dribbling and shooting, along with the rules of the game. Set individual goals to improve your performance and contribute to the success of your team. In the end, we will incorporate our talents and skills to compete in the DECATS Finals.
How to Train Your Dragon
You’ve just completed your apprenticeship, and it’s the moment you’ve been waiting for. It’s time to select a dragon of your very own! After learning about the temperament, strengths, and weaknesses of famous fictional dragons, you’ll choose the one that’s right for you. Be prepared to take on the responsibilities of its training, feeding, and care as you prepare to compete in the Great Dragon Games.
Hyper History
What do you get when you combine History with PE? A “moving” exploration of the past! In this course, we will literally jump into some of history’s most interesting topics and learn more about them through the games we play. We’ll uncover the details of the American Revolution through a variation of Capture the Flag and experience the thrill of the gold rush through a team challenge using hula hoops and bean bags. These games are sure to go down in history, and you won’t want to miss them!
Ink-redible Prints
Unleash your creativity in this hands-on printmaking class! You’ll design custom stamps and create unique prints for clothes using a variety of materials like ink, shaving cream, dye, paint, fun foam, and fabric. Explore different printmaking techniques including collagraph, linoleum printing, and Styrofoam prints. Get ready to make incredible, wearable art this summer!
Innovator’s Playground
Welcome to the Innovator’s Playground! Experiment your way through each challenge your team encounters, using the engineering design process to plan and improve different structures. Launch catapults, strengthen skyscrapers and design eco-friendly solutions to modern day problems. There are no failures when you enter the Innovator’s Playground; only opportunities to adjust and improve!
It Actually is Rocket Science
Rockets flying, gravity defying; this is a course you will not be denying! Blast off into learning the physics of building your own rocket and then launch it to see just how far it can go! This may not be NASA, but there is no doubt that we will master different ways to overpower the gravitational force. Exploration awaits!
KaBoom!
Bubble, Bubble, Pop, Pop, Fizz, Fizz…KaBoom! Come explore the exciting world of chemistry! In this course, explore concepts such as surface tension, inertia, and polymers – all by performing hands-on experiments. The KaBoom lab awaits you!
Kitchen Chemistry
Ever wonder what makes an egg hard when you boil it? This is the course for you! We will dive into why meat turns brown when you cook it, why apples can be used to ripen other fruits and veggies, and more! If you can stand the heat, get in the kitchen! Let’s get cooking with some chemistry!
Knots & Stitches
Come master the art of knots and stitches! Learn different techniques for embroidery, sewing, and crochet. We’ll create one-of-a-kind paracord bracelets and learn to tie (and untie!) various knots. We’ll have you in stitches before you know it!
LEGO Robotics
Robots, assemble! Get ready to program your very own robot using LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 kits! Can you program your robot to win a race? Can your robot navigate through a series of challenges you design? Use your creative and critical thinking skills as you enter the world of robotics engineering!
Lights, Camera, Action
Welcome to Hollywood! Explore the process of filmmaking by creating storyboards and learning techniques for filming, editing, and more. And what is a movie without special effects? Scenes from your imagination will come to life as we use specialized techniques to manipulate light and sound. The audience will love viewing your cinematic masterpiece during our DECATS film festival at the end of the course.
Mathemagic
Do you believe you can cut a hole in an 8.5 by 11 piece of paper large enough to walk through? Easily memorize the first 100 digits of pi? Multiply 98 by 92 in your head? Create a one-sided object? Come perform mystifying, mathematical feats that one might first deem impossible, such as creating curves using only straight lines and multiplying using pebbles and holes in the ground. Discover there are more ways to have fun with numbers!
Mission to Mars
Begin your exciting journey to the Red Planet! Come explore how past and present missions to Mars are paving the way for future explorations. Research amazing facts about the Martian atmosphere, terrain and harsh environment and use your knowledge to create your own space mission. Design and build a Mars Rover and let it take you where you need to go. What will you explore on your Mission to Mars?
Mythbusters
Are poprocks and soda a deadly combination? Can the heat from the sun fully cook an egg? Join us as we find the answer to these questions and more at Mythbusters DECATS!
Once Upon a Crime
What if the witch that captured Hansel and Gretel was arrested instead of killed? What if the Big Bad Wolf was sued by the pigs and had to pay to rebuild their homes? You’ll script out and participate in the mock courtroom trials of these and other fairytale villains. Were they found guilty of their crimes? Or were they able to successfully defend themselves and keep their freedom? Get your creative ideas ready!
Painting’s Possible
Create, invent and explore! It doesn’t matter if you are a painting master or if you think of yourself as a painting disaster, this course is for you! With your creativity running wild, develop paintings that break all the rules. Take a risk! The rewards are grand for dreamers who dare to color outside the lines, travel to new artistic places and create freely with no comments and critiques! Come experience your creative freedom. Lead the way!
Passion for Fashion
Where will you be when inspiration strikes? In Passion for Fashion, of course! Be inspired to develop your very own line of clothing. The basics of design will be used to create your own beautiful patterns, outfits and accessories. We’ll peer into the closets of some of history’s best dressed, as well as explore where fashion designers draw their inspiration! This summer, make your fashion creations runway-ready!
Power of Persuasion
Speak up, defend your stance, and keep it real! Are you vocally expressive and like to get your point across? Are you willing to argue for what you believe is right? Are you an expert at considering both sides of an issue without always having to win others over to your perspective? In Power of Persuasion, learn the art of the argument and debate hot topics with your fellow Scholars!
Rally Royale
Welcome to Rally Royale! Come master the court in the ultimate pickleball battleground, where every rally counts! Level up your pickleball skills, unlock new techniques, and battle it out in fun, competitive challenges to become the king or queen of the court.
Ready or Knot?
Are you ready to get “hooked” on a new way to make art? In this course, you’ll learn different cross-stitching techniques and put your needle to work to create bookmarks, custom patches, and framed art. Whether you’re a novice or looking to level up your skills, this course will have you in stitches!
Rookie to Riches
Step into the shoes of a sports agent and guide your rookie athlete from draft day to financial success! In this interactive course, you’ll manage contracts, negotiate endorsement deals, and budget for major purchases—including building a community recreation center. Using real-world math concepts like financial literacy, statistics, and geometry, you’ll help your athlete make smart money moves while competing in challenges that test your skills. Will your rookie rise to riches? The ultimate playbook is in your hands!
Rube Goldberg Made Me Do It
Why do a simple task when you can build a machine to do it for you? Like the Rube Goldberg machines we love to watch, we will start with the basics and end with zany and artistic engineering experiments. Chain reactions will abound as we discover and employ the laws of science. If you love designing, creating, building and tinkering with items, this course will have a domino effect on your future as an inventor!
See it in 3D
Enter the world of three-dimensional art! Through molding, constructing, and sculpting, we will create one of a kind pieces of artwork. To create our sculptures, we’ll use conventional materials like clay, but we’ll also mix it up with some different things we find along the way, such as sand and tape. Sculptures aren’t bound to rules: creations of all shapes sizes, textures, and forms are welcome!
Shark Tank
The tycoons of the business world are always looking for the next budding entrepreneur, so let’s see what you’ve got. With the right idea and planning, you could be on the next season of Shark Tank, where you’ll see if your idea has what it takes to earn the backing of investors! Come explore real world problems, brainstorm profitable solutions, create prototypes, budget finances and perfect your sales pitch. Does your idea have what it takes to survive The Shark Tank?
Slime Time
Get ready for a summer of squishy sensations and slimy satisfaction! In this course, messy equals marvelous as we experiment with various slime recipes. From fluffy to glittery, we’ll concoct different types of slime, using the scientific process to document our findings as we work to create slime of the perfect consistency. It’s always the right time for Slime Time!
Sportsplex
The clock is ticking. All morning long you have been looking forward to going outside to play your favorite sport at recess. Just as that time of day nears, you hear the dreaded news, “Outside activities are canceled due to rain (or the dreaded ozone alert!)”. That’s no obstacle for the Scholars in Sportsplex! We will learn to adapt some favorite games to be played indoors. No more rainy days ruining the fun!
Spy School: Secret Agent Training
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to join us in Spy School! Learn the skills of a secret agent as you crack codes, go undercover, and complete top-secret missions. We’ll create and use spy gear to gather the intel needed to navigate through the spy obstacle course, our most critical mission yet. This is all we can share about the course; everything else is classified!
Star Wars Zoology
In a galaxy teeming with life, every planet has a story to tell. We will explore planets across famous fictional universes to discover how acklays can survive the harsh jungles of Felucia, or dewbacks across the unforgiving sands of Tatooine. Discover the intricate biomes of these incredible planets and design a unique lifeform to inhabit one. Be ready to travel the cosmos charting a solar system of our own creation.
Supersized
Would you like that supersized? Let’s transform our food, characters and props into a supersized art project using cardboard and papier-mâché. We can even mask our faces and turn ourselves into oversized characters. The projects and the fun are sure to be supersized this summer!
Survivor
Put your survival skills to the test and head out into the wild! Learn which bugs and plants are edible, how to construct a shelter with limited resources, and master basic first aid to ensure you can survive whatever Mother Nature has in store. Work with your team to employ survival skills and techniques, such as water filtration and gaming traps that will allow you to outlast the elements.
Team Building
You’re the owner of a brand-new sports team—where will they play, and how will you make them a perennial powerhouse? Choose your city, design a logo and stadium, and secure sponsorships to keep your team thriving. Manage budgets, make strategic draft picks, and build a championship-caliber roster. Get ready to lead your team to victory through smart decisions and creative branding!
The Great Escape
Time is running out! If you want to escape Bowser’s dungeon and rescue Princess Peach, you must solve riddles, find clues and power-ups and work as a team in this escape-room themed course. Work together to solve daily challenges that not only involve academic knowledge, but also logic and reasoning. Can you find Princess Peach before the end of DECATS? Mushroom Kingdom is counting on you!
The Magic of Science
Manuever through the myths and misconceptions about how the world works through an exploration of physics and chemistry! Come experiment in hands-on labs, ranging from rocketry to circuits to the Laws of Motion. You won’t believe your eyes when the magic of science is at work!
Turning Point
The ballots have been cast, the votes have been tallied, and the next US President is…YOU! Put together a cabinet of advisors who will assist you as you face unique challenges inspired by different periods in US History. Make decisions that will have a major impact on the citizens of our country. Will you make the same decisions as past presidents or change the course of history?
Ultimate Disc Course
Challenge your mental and physical strength out on the disc course! Join in on one of the world’s fastest growing sports – Disc Golf! Learn how to throw a disc as far and as accurate as you can while playing rounds of disc golf on the Strake Jesuit campus. Compete in tournaments and putting competitions with your fellow Scholars, and learn the science of the sport. Come spend some time this summer in the Ultimate Disc Course!
Video Games: History in the Making
When Atari released the very first video game, Pong, in 1972, no one could have predicted that video games would evolve into a billion-dollar industry. Let’s take a look at how it all happened as we walk through the history of video games. We’ll start by playing video games of the past and taking a look at what captivated the masses. Finally, we’ll get our creative juices flowing as we design mock games of the future.
Watercolor World
Art and science come together to create brilliant works of art! There’s much more to watercolor than meets the eye. Learn several tips and techniques unique to this medium, including how to paint secret images that won’t be revealed until you’re ready. Experiment with intensity and wash to create a frame-worthy masterpiece!
We All Fall Down
What goes up…well, you know the rest! Learn the engineering principles and physics of construction as you design and build the bridges and skyscrapers that are an integral part of urban development. As the weight increases and the suspense mounts, we’ll see which team of Scholars has built a structure that can withstand the test of time …and weight!
Webmasters
Is the World Wide Web ready for your webpage? Have an interest in being a web designer? If so, this course is for you! You will learn how to program and become a webmaster. Come and take this webpage journey from beginning to end, going from a blank page to a web page!
What’s Next?
Stranded on a distant planet? Limited supplies? What’s next? It’s up to you (and the roll of the dice) to decide! Experience the world of tabletop gaming as you encounter challenging scenarios, make decisions, and roll the dice to determine outcomes. We’ll learn the principles of game design as you build a hands-on experience that can be played with friends and family. Your next adventure starts now!
Where in the World
See the wonders of the world without ever leaving DECATS! Use your geography skills to find clues and solve riddles that will help you track down the elusive spy, Carmen Sandiego. Put your knowledge of landmarks, cartography and trivia to the test as you explore the Great Barrier Reef, the pyramids, and other exotic destinations in search of her next hide away. Together, we can track her down!
Whodunnit?
Venture into the world of mock trial as we transform our course room into a courtroom. From the witnesses to the attorneys, everyone will play an important role, as we create the crime story, develop the characters and act out an all-new courtroom drama. The verdict hangs in the balance!