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From the Director's Chair Greetings DECATS Families! The second week of the program has drawn to a close, but we still have plenty of “trailblazing” to do. The Scholars continually wow me with their discoveries, breakthroughs, and use of creative and critical thinking as they continue to reach heights and levels that we never thought possible. Scholars are collaborating to design and create cookies that are delightful to see and taste (“Edible Art”), a creative group of artists are using their critical thinking skills to create designs using carefully crafted molds (“Ink-redible Prints”), and aspiring disc [...]

From the Director's Chair Dear DECATS Families, It’s hard to believe we have already completed our second week, Deep in the Heart of DECATS! The days have flown by as our Scholars continue their Texas-sized adventure of discovery, creativity, and learning. This week, our Scholars journeyed even deeper into learning through engaging courses that challenged them to think, create, and grow. In Manners, Scholars practiced introductions, small talk, and proper table etiquette as they prepare to shine during Manners to Morals Day on Tuesday. Executive Functioning Scholars strengthened important life skills such as organization, initiative, working [...]

From the Director's Chair Greetings, DECATS Families! We’re officially riding into Week 2 of Deep in the Heart of DECATS, and what a memorable week it has been! Our Scholars continue to blaze new trails, discover new strengths, and share their unique gifts as they grow in knowledge and character. I am incredibly proud of their accomplishments and excited to share a few highlights from the week. Our Manners Scholars polished their social graces by practicing introductions and engaging in small talk in preparation for Tuesday’s Manners to Morals Day. In Executive Functioning, Scholars strengthened essential [...]

From the Director's Chair Greetings DECATS Families! I am delighted to write with an update on how much work has already happened during the first week of DECATS Houston at Strake Jesuit. From the moment the program kicked off Monday morning, the energy was running high and showing no signs of slowing down. During their first-period courses, our youngest Scholars got started learning the art of a firm handshake and proper introduction etiquette. Other Scholars saddled up for lessons on the prefrontal cortex in Executive Functioning, while our Wellness squads began learning how to keep their [...]

From the Director's Chair Week One of our journey Deep in the Heart of DECATS has been an incredible adventure! Our Scholars have jumped right into learning with enthusiasm, curiosity, and confidence, all while embracing new challenges and opportunities around every bend in the trail. We are delighted to partner with you as we guide them through this exciting journey of discovery.  Thank you for saying “yes” to this unforgettable summer experience. Each morning, we gather for our community assembly to kick off the day with music, movement, celebration, and plenty of DECATS spirit. The energy [...]

From the Director's Chair Dear DECATS Families, What a week it has been! Our Scholars have saddled up and headed Deep in the Heart of DECATS, embarking on a summer adventure filled with discovery, friendship, and growth. Throughout the day, they have brought Texas-sized enthusiasm, curiosity, and determination to every part of the program. Each morning, our DECATS community gathers around the campfire of prayer, song, and celebration. Through these daily assemblies, Scholars are building connections, strengthening friendships, and creating memories that will last long after the summer trail ride comes to an end. Along the [...]

From the Director's Chair Dear DECATS Families, What an incredible final week we've had as we wrapped up our 31st year of DECATS. This summer has truly been a celebration of growth, leadership, and transformation. Thank you for entrusting us with your Scholars. We are honored to have been part of their journey. Throughout our final week, Scholars completed their culminating activities, each designed to reflect how far they’ve come and how prepared they are to take their learning to The Next Level. Our Manners Scholars confidently demonstrated their etiquette and social skills at the DECATS [...]

From the Director's Chair Greetings, DECATS Families! As we wrap up an incredible summer, our final week has truly taken us to the Next Level! Scholars showcased their talents and hard work through course presentations, and our community came together for the powerful culmination of our service project. Thanks to your generosity, we collected over 1,000 cans and non-perishable food items to support the Houston Food Bank—a true reflection of compassion in action. During Thursday’s Closing Celebration, Scholars explored their creativity and teamwork in a dynamic performance that beautifully demonstrated the critical thinking, leadership, and collaborative [...]

From the Director's Chair Greetings DECATS Families! On Thursday morning, over a year of planning, months of building courses, and hours of leveling up culminated in our annual closing celebration day. What amazes me most about DECATS, besides the fascinating breakthroughs, remarkable insights, and moving acts of kindness, is how quickly it all goes by. It seems like only yesterday we were gathering together for the first time, starting to learn our new theme song, and learning the standards of our time together. We played hard, learned more than one might think possible, and advanced to [...]

From the Director's Chair Greetings, DECATS Families! We’ve officially leveled up in Week 2, and what an amazing week it’s been! Our Scholars continue to grow, explore, and use their unique gifts to take their learning to the Next Level. I’m so proud of their progress and excited to share a few highlights. Our “Manners” Scholars sharpened their social skills through introductions and small talk in preparation for Tuesday’s Manners to Morals Day. In “Executive Functioning”, Scholars powered up skills like working memory, organization, and social awareness. During “Wellness”, Scholars explored stressors, healthy body image, and [...]