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Chicago Gifted Community Center

Creating connections - Creating community

In Chicago and the suburbs            

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Upcoming CGCC Events

    • October 04, 2023
    • 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register
    RS2e: Reimagining Socializing for Twice-Exceptional Students

    Socializing has changed and continues to do so in the wake of the pandemic. While there are many confounding struggles that our students are facing daily, we must also recognize that socializing itself is transforming. This presentation walks participants through a strength-based, talent-focused approach to supporting twice-exceptional and differently-wired students on their journey to connect with others in ways they feel happiest.

    The overall aim is to:

    1. Empower our kiddos to socialize successfully and sustainably

    2. Encourage parents and educators to inventory and challenge preconceived ideas around socializing

    3. Enable parents and educators to make a personal shift so that our students can thrive

    The presentation takes participants on a journey through 10 research-based strategies to accomplish the aforementioned goals.  Additionally, those who stay until the end will receive FREE BONUS resources to further student and parent growth at home!

    About the presenter:

    Sam Young, MEd, or Mr. Sam, as his community members call him, is the founder and director of Young Scholars Academy which is a strength-based, talent-focused virtual enrichment school that supports twice-exceptional, differently-wired, and gifted students to feel seen, nurtured, and happy as heck through strength-based courses, camps, and community! Sam is a two-time Fulbright Scholar, a former Bridges Academy educator of nearly 10 years, and a Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity graduate. He is a neurodivergent person himself and has committed his life to supporting neurodivergent students to discover, develop, and lead with their strengths, talents, and unique interests.

    About Young Scholars Academy: 

    At Young Scholars Academy, we are on a mission to empower every student to break free from the bondage of deficit-based education which drains our bright minds by incessantly focusing on what we don’t do well. We don’t focus on our students “bringing the bottom up”. No! No! No! Our Young Scholars raise the roof as they cultivate and unleash their unique interests and talents into the world on their path to meaningful and fulfilling lives. Here, neurodiverse kiddos with dual diagnoses—gifted behaviors and challenge areas—are nurtured in our haven where their brilliance shines brightly for the world to witness in all its glory! Join us as we revolutionize learning and pave the way for a future generation of confident, compassionate change-makers, ready to tackle the challenges of our world with courage, empathy, a sense of humor, and determination.

    No refunds unless workshop is cancelled. Fee waivers available. Contact us for details.

    • October 08, 2023
    • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • Fair Game, Downers Grove
    • 19
    Register


    Gatherings take place at the Downers Grove location of Fair Game, 1015 Curtiss Street. Geared for ages 8-16 and younger siblings. All levels are welcome, whether you are a cubing aficionado or just getting started.

    There is a charge of $2.50 for each attendee, adults and children, payable on site to Fair Game. This ensures that there is space for our group. Fee waivers are available, please contact us if needed.

    We usually meet on the 2nd Sunday of each month. Registration required. Please register for each date separately. Space is limited. 

    Please note: This is not a drop off event. A parent/caregiver must stay on site and is welcome to join in the fun.

    • October 08, 2023
    • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • Fair Game 1015 Curtiss Street Downers Grove
    • 9
    Register

    Do you like to build?  Do you want to learn new techniques painting and enhancing your model? 


    Chicago Gifted Community Center brings you


    Student Model Building Event

    Gathering takes place at Downers Grove Location of Fair Game, 1015 Curtiss Street.  There is a charge of $2.50 for each attendees,  adults and children payable on site to Fair Game.  This group will normally meet every third Sunday in the month.  In August, the group will meet on the fourth Sunday.  

      • This is a student led organization
      • 10-18 years old 
      • Will meet monthly
      • Participants are required to purchase a model kit -  Below are some suggestions bring any model....it's your choice!
      • All other materials will be provided
      • Limit to first 10 students that register

    Bring your curiosity and be a part of this exciting new group. 

    Amazon.com: Tamiya Models Block 50 Fighting Falcon with Full Equipment Model Kit : Arts, Crafts & Sewing

    Amazon.com: Tamiya 32592 1/48 M1A2 Abrams Plastic Model Kit : Arts, Crafts & Sewing

    Amazon.com: Tamiya 31712 1/700 US Aircraft Carrier Yorktown Plastic Model Kit : Arts, Crafts & Sewing

    Amazon.com: Tamiya 35346 1/35 US Medium Tank M4A3E8 Sherman Plastic Model Kit : Arts, Crafts & Sewing

    • October 11, 2023
    • 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM
    • Zoom
    • 9
    Register

    Parent Conversations:  Topic Gifted Parenting Self-Care

    Stay tuned for resources to energize our conversation.  

    Welcome to the 2023-24 school year of Parent Conversations!  This semester we will be meeting bi-weekly on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month with a few exceptions during November & December.   See details on the CGCC calendar.  

    We aspire to welcome everyone and address gifted topics that are accessible and relevant to busy parents.  Join us to listen, participate, collect resources, share ideas and create community that supports and understands gifted parenting. Topic suggestions welcome and will change each session, and resources will be provided to inform and fuel the conversation.  It's OK if you don't have time to read, just join us for inspiring conversation with other gifted parents and Katherine Peterson, parent,  CGCC Board Member / Facilitator.   Other CGCC Board Members including Carole Jones, CGCC President, and Aileen Kelleher, LCSW, CGCC Board Member and Professional Member will join as they are able.  Please feel free to reach out to Katherine Peterson, CGCC Board Member & Parent Discussion Facilitator with questions or ideas.   We will cap the group at 10 participants, so please be sure to sign up to save your place. 


    • October 16, 2023
    • 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register

    Finding Your Family’s Rhythm explains the basics of what you can do in your home environment to help improve your child’s executive functioning.

    About the presenter:

    Jessica Brown-McBroom, CGCC professional member, is a licensed clinical professional counselor who is passionate about providing quality individual and family coaching to children, adolescents, and adults using a positive strength-based approach. Jessica specializes in twice-exceptional children and adolescents with executive functioning deficits. This includes ADHD children, children on the spectrum and children with learning disorders.

    No refunds unless workshop is cancelled. Fee waivers available. Contact us for details.

    • October 22, 2023
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Oak Park Public Library
    • 6
    Register

    Gatherings take place in the Lobby Community Space at the main branch of the Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St.  All levels are welcome, whether you are a board game aficionado or just getting started. Geared for ages 8+ and younger siblings. Bring your favorite games to play with the group!

    Gatherings usually occur on the 3rd Sunday of the month. Please register for each meeting individually as space is limited. Fall dates:

    September 17 Registration

    October 22 (note 4th Sunday of the month)

    November - no meeting

    December 17 Registration


    Please note: This is not a drop off event. A parent/caregiver must stay on site and is welcome to join in the fun.

    • October 25, 2023
    • 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM
    • Zoom
    • 10
    Register

    Parent Conversations:  Topic TBA --Registration Open

    Welcome to the 2023-24 school year of Parent Conversations!  This semester we will be meeting bi-weekly on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month with a few exceptions during November & December.   See details on the CGCC calendar.  

    We aspire to welcome everyone and address gifted topics that are accessible and relevant to busy parents.  Join us to listen, participate, collect resources, share ideas and create community that supports and understands gifted parenting. Topic suggestions welcome and will change each session, and resources will be provided to inform and fuel the conversation.  It's OK if you don't have time to read, just join us for inspiring conversation with other gifted parents and Katherine Peterson, parent,  CGCC Board Member / Facilitator.   Other CGCC Board Members including Carole Jones, CGCC President, and Aileen Kelleher, LCSW, CGCC Board Member and Professional Member will join as they are able.  Please feel free to reach out to Katherine Peterson, CGCC Board Member & Parent Discussion Facilitator with questions or ideas.   We will cap the group at 10 participants, so please be sure to sign up to save your place. 


    • November 04, 2023
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Science & Arts Academy, Des Plaines

    Take a tour of Science & Arts Academy at our Open House.  Attendees will explore classrooms and meet teachers, as well as engage with current parents and students to hear more about how gifted children thrive at SAA.

    Click here for complete details and required registration.

    • November 05, 2023
    • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • Fair Game, Downers Grove
    • 20
    Register


    Gatherings take place at the Downers Grove location of Fair Game, 1015 Curtiss Street. Geared for ages 8-16 and younger siblings. All levels are welcome, whether you are a cubing aficionado or just getting started.

    There is a charge of $2.50 for each attendee, adults and children, payable on site to Fair Game. This ensures that there is space for our group. Fee waivers are available, please contact us if needed.

    We usually meet on the 2nd Sunday of each month. Registration required. Please register for each date separately. Space is limited. 

    Please note: This is not a drop off event. A parent/caregiver must stay on site and is welcome to join in the fun.

    • November 05, 2023
    • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • Fair Game 1015 Curtiss Street Downers Grove
    • 10
    Register

    Do you like to build?  Do you want to learn new techniques painting and enhancing your model? 


    Chicago Gifted Community Center brings you


    Student Model Building Event

    Gathering takes place at Downers Grove Location of Fair Game, 1015 Curtiss Street.  There is a charge of $2.50 for each attendees,  adults and children payable on site to Fair Game.  This group will normally meet every third Sunday in the month.  In August, the group will meet on the fourth Sunday.  

      • This is a student led organization
      • 10-18 years old 
      • Will meet monthly
      • Participants are required to purchase a model kit -  Below are some suggestions bring any model....it's your choice!
      • All other materials will be provided
      • Limit to first 10 students that register

    Bring your curiosity and be a part of this exciting new group. 

    Amazon.com: Tamiya Models Block 50 Fighting Falcon with Full Equipment Model Kit : Arts, Crafts & Sewing

    Amazon.com: Tamiya 32592 1/48 M1A2 Abrams Plastic Model Kit : Arts, Crafts & Sewing

    Amazon.com: Tamiya 31712 1/700 US Aircraft Carrier Yorktown Plastic Model Kit : Arts, Crafts & Sewing

    Amazon.com: Tamiya 35346 1/35 US Medium Tank M4A3E8 Sherman Plastic Model Kit : Arts, Crafts & Sewing

    • November 08, 2023
    • 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM
    • Zoom
    • 10
    Register

    Parent Conversations:  Topic TBA --Registration Open

    Welcome to the 2023-24 school year of Parent Conversations!  This semester we will be meeting bi-weekly on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month with a few exceptions during November & December.   See details on the CGCC calendar.  

    We aspire to welcome everyone and address gifted topics that are accessible and relevant to busy parents.  Join us to listen, participate, collect resources, share ideas and create community that supports and understands gifted parenting. Topic suggestions welcome and will change each session, and resources will be provided to inform and fuel the conversation.  It's OK if you don't have time to read, just join us for inspiring conversation with other gifted parents and Katherine Peterson, parent,  CGCC Board Member / Facilitator.   Other CGCC Board Members including Carole Jones, CGCC President, and Aileen Kelleher, LCSW, CGCC Board Member and Professional Member will join as they are able.  Please feel free to reach out to Katherine Peterson, CGCC Board Member & Parent Discussion Facilitator with questions or ideas.   We will cap the group at 10 participants, so please be sure to sign up to save your place. 


    • December 10, 2023
    • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • Fair Game 1015 Curtiss Street Downers Grove
    • 10
    Register

    Do you like to build?  Do you want to learn new techniques painting and enhancing your model? 


    Chicago Gifted Community Center brings you


    Student Model Building Event

    Gathering takes place at Downers Grove Location of Fair Game, 1015 Curtiss Street.  There is a charge of $2.50 for each attendees,  adults and children payable on site to Fair Game.  This group will normally meet every third Sunday in the month.  In August, the group will meet on the fourth Sunday.  

      • This is a student led organization
      • 10-18 years old 
      • Will meet monthly
      • Participants are required to purchase a model kit -  Below are some suggestions bring any model....it's your choice!
      • All other materials will be provided
      • Limit to first 10 students that register

    Bring your curiosity and be a part of this exciting new group. 

    Amazon.com: Tamiya Models Block 50 Fighting Falcon with Full Equipment Model Kit : Arts, Crafts & Sewing

    Amazon.com: Tamiya 32592 1/48 M1A2 Abrams Plastic Model Kit : Arts, Crafts & Sewing

    Amazon.com: Tamiya 31712 1/700 US Aircraft Carrier Yorktown Plastic Model Kit : Arts, Crafts & Sewing

    Amazon.com: Tamiya 35346 1/35 US Medium Tank M4A3E8 Sherman Plastic Model Kit : Arts, Crafts & Sewing

    • December 10, 2023
    • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • Fair Game, Downers Grove
    • 20
    Register


    Gatherings take place at the Downers Grove location of Fair Game, 1015 Curtiss Street. Geared for ages 8-16 and younger siblings. All levels are welcome, whether you are a cubing aficionado or just getting started.

    There is a charge of $2.50 for each attendee, adults and children, payable on site to Fair Game. This ensures that there is space for our group. Fee waivers are available, please contact us if needed.

    We usually meet on the 2nd Sunday of each month. Registration required. Please register for each date separately. Space is limited. 

    Please note: This is not a drop off event. A parent/caregiver must stay on site and is welcome to join in the fun.

    • December 13, 2023
    • 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM
    • Zoom
    • 10
    Register

    Parent Conversations:  Topic TBA --Registration Open

    Welcome to the 2023-24 school year of Parent Conversations!  This semester we will be meeting bi-weekly on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month with a few exceptions during November & December.   See details on the CGCC calendar.  

    We aspire to welcome everyone and address gifted topics that are accessible and relevant to busy parents.  Join us to listen, participate, collect resources, share ideas and create community that supports and understands gifted parenting. Topic suggestions welcome and will change each session, and resources will be provided to inform and fuel the conversation.  It's OK if you don't have time to read, just join us for inspiring conversation with other gifted parents and Katherine Peterson, parent,  CGCC Board Member / Facilitator.   Other CGCC Board Members including Carole Jones, CGCC President, and Aileen Kelleher, LCSW, CGCC Board Member and Professional Member will join as they are able.  Please feel free to reach out to Katherine Peterson, CGCC Board Member & Parent Discussion Facilitator with questions or ideas.   We will cap the group at 10 participants, so please be sure to sign up to save your place. 


    • December 17, 2023
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Oak Park Public Library
    • 10
    Register

    Gatherings take place in the Lobby Community Space at the main branch of the Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St.  All levels are welcome, whether you are a board game aficionado or just getting started. Geared for ages 8+ and younger siblings. Bring your favorite games to play with the group!

    Gatherings usually occur on the 3rd Sunday of the month. Please register for each meeting individually as space is limited. Fall dates:

    September 17 Registration

    October 22 (note 4th Sunday of the month) Registration

    November - no meeting

    December 17


    Please note: This is not a drop off event. A parent/caregiver must stay on site and is welcome to join in the fun.


About cgcc

The Chicago Gifted Community Center (CGCC) is a member-driven 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created by parents to support the intellectual and emotional growth of gifted children and their families. 

Become a member

We  are an all volunteer-based organization that relies on annual memberships from parents, professionals, and supporters to provide organizers with web site operations, a registration system, event insurance, background checks, etc. 

Contact us

info@chicagogiftedcommunity.org

© Chicago Gifted Community Center

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