For the past year, parents and educators of gifted children in Northern Colorado have been working toward developing an active community for local families of gifted youth. The NOCO gifted community is awaiting approval to become an official affiliate of CAGT (Colorado Association of Gifted and Talented).
Northern Colorado's GT community may not be as large or active as those in other local communities such as Boulder, but it is making fast progress toward having many social and enrichment opportunities that did not exist in years past. Other opportunities continue to exist for families that are willing and able to commute a bit south as well.
Local Gifted Groups
NOCO Gifted Community is currently focusing its efforts on educational advocacy and support. Their stated mission is, "to foster an understanding of all gifted children and their exceptional needs, and to advocate for appropriate education through partnerships with educators, parents, administrators, and more"
Boulder Gifted Parent Support offers social opportunities such as games nights and occasional presentations and educational sessions for families of the gifted.
Boulder Valley Gifted and Talented
Boulder Valley Gifted and Talented offers regular information sessions on issues that affect gifted youth. Upcoming sessions include Jonathan Mooney discussing education and twice exceptional children and a session on eating disorders and giftedness.
Denver Mensa (with occasional Northern Colorado activities)
Denver Mensa has two gifted youth coordinators, one in Denver, and one (me) in Northern Colorado. We are primarily focused on providing information on resources for gifted youth including summer programs and are implementing quarterly games get togethers, some of which will take place in Fort Collins.
All of the above organizations, except for Mensa, have open admission policies. Qualification to join Mensa can be found on the American Mensa website.
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