Logic, Puzzles, & Games: The Beauty of Mathematical Thinking
Logic, Puzzles, and Games
Camp Overview
Math gets a bad rap. Although math is often equated with equations, memorization, and long calculations, that’s a highly limited view. In reality, math is a way of viewing and interacting with the world – with logic, rigorous thinking, and precision. It’s about looking for patterns, making conjectures, asking questions, and problem solving.
In this camp, we explore the beauty of numbers & mathematical thinking to see how much broader math really is. We’ll discover mathematical thinking in areas like voting and elections, nature, art, cake cutting, geometry, games, coding, infinity, origami, and more.
Each day at camp will be a mix of games, exploration, and mathematical discovery, both inside and outside the classroom.
Camp Details:
Location: Williams College
Camp Fee: $525
Camp Dates: July 13-17, 2026
Camp Hours: 9am – 4pm
Testimonials
Camp Experience
Logic, Puzzles, & Games is a one-week day camp in Williamstown, MA. Camp takes place at Williams College, and is taught by Professor Allison Pacelli. Camp is designed for rising 5th – 7th graders.
Each day at camp will be a mix of exploring new ideas, looking for patterns, and playing games. Along the way, we’ll develop our logic, reasoning, and problem-solving skills. We will have a mix of interactive lectures, discussion, guided discovery, group projects, engineering challenges, lots of games and puzzles, and a trip to the planetarium!
Math is for everyone. There are so many beautiful ideas to discover and explore, in areas that seemingly have so little to do with math. Come explore with us.
Logistics
Camp is held on the Williams College campus from 9 – 4 each day. Early drop-off and late pick-up are possible for an additional fee. Campers should bring a bag lunch (that doesn’t require a refrigerator or microwave). There will be time at lunch to run around and play (weather-permitting), so please have your children dress appropriately.
Meet the Instructor
Allison Pacelli, Professor of Mathematics at Williams College, is the Founder and Director of PZMC (formerly known as Williams College Math Camp WCMC). Pacelli received her Ph.D. in 2003 at Brown University, in the field of algebraic number theory. Pacelli is an award-winning teacher and the author of numerous research papers as well as the textbook (with Alan Taylor) Mathematics and Politics: Strategy, Voting, Power, and Proof (2nd edition).
FAQ’S
How much does it cost to attend Logic, Puzzles, & Games Camp?
Who is eligible to attend camp?
Children finishing 4th, 5th, or 6th grade.
When is camp?
July 13 – 17, 2026, 9:30 am – 4 pm
What does my child do for lunch?
Campers should bring a bagged lunch that doesn’t require refrigeration or a microwave. We’ll eat outside if weather permits.
Will students be in class all day from 9 - 4?
While much of camp takes place in the classroom, campers won’t be sitting in desks all day. There will be morning and afternoon breaks, outdoor recess (weather permitting) after lunch, and classroom activities will be a mix of group activities, games, explorations, and other interactive programming.
Does my child need to be a math whiz to enroll in camp?
No! We will not be doing regular “school math.” Math and logic are everywhere, and we will be exploring topics and ideas not found in a typical elementary school classroom.
Do you have more questions?
Do you have more questions? Contact us by clicking here. Or emailing at pzmath@pzmath.com