There's an annual national "summit" of all the kids in the program who wish to attend. There are classes, guest speakers, and game rooms so the kids (and adults) can hang out together and talk and make friends.
They offer online communities for conversation.
They offer online seminars for both kids and parents with national experts in everything from art to writing to science to parenting and college planning.
They offer financial aid for schools, camps, and even computers if it is needed.
The "potlucks" are usually a bit more fabulous than you're make it sound.
For example, my kids attended one get-together arranged by a DYS mom that gave the kids access to a top-of-the-line dinosaur lab, complete with experts to talk to one-on-one about the fossils. It was pretty fabulous! There were also courses with experts talking about alternative fuel sources (including "pee power"), what goes into putting a botany experiment on the space station, and other such amazing topics with leading experts in their fields. Some are more casual, some are crazy-intense. And anyone in the group can plan what they would like to attend.
Then there are the consultations with the family consultants, who can offer connections to experts, advice, resources, advocacy assistance, and support.
More than anything, the connections with other HG+ families has been the best part of the group for our family. The BTDT is priceless!
