Computer Technology Camp Workshops

Each camper will choose a "Primary" topic (the thing they MOST want to do) and also as many "Secondary" topics as they would like. During registration you'll also be able to choice gaming and outside recreation for "Secondary" topics. Most of the topics on this list can be either "Primary" or "Secondary" topics, exceptions are noted.

• Digital Photography Workshop: Students select, shoot, manipulate, matte, and present a portfolio & gallery of works that demonstrate a developed style and skill in digital images. While many camps focus on the Photoshop filters they can apply to images our program is geared to getting your child “outside” and/or “in studio” with a real photographer to help them develop their eye and attention to detail, photo composition, color and lighting. Students are challenged to use the medium as a form of expression for social consciousness and to move the viewer. (All ages)
   
• Game Creators Workshop: Students use game authoring software to build a multi-level computer game. Our game creation workshop will help kids learn the critical thinking and problem solving that goes into setting up rules and the creation of a user experience. They will be able to build their own games and test their friend's games in this fun class geared toward the game lover who wants to make their own games! (All ages, Grouped by age)
   
• Web Workshop: In the open world PHP is king. Our course covers HTML and PHP and also helps kids understand Style Sheets and skins (including the popular Drupal and Joombla open source style sheets) to help kids jump in and innovate with the rest of us. The web world is an open world! This class takes your child out of the “box” of making “web pages” and teaches how to be a 2.0 star by grabbing the pieces of code available out there and mashing together a one-of-a-kind site that really rocks. (All ages) 
   
• Engineering and Robotics Workshop: We want to help kids put on an “engineering hat” and design, build, solve and innovate their own creations. Our Engineering lab might be a bit messy… but, wow, it is perfect for the kid who loves to build!  If your thinking of that popular show "Junk- Yard Wars" you have the right idea! (All ages, grouped by age) ** This workshop is not available as a "Secondary" interest area due to the group approach, project intensity and duration. You must select this as a "Primary" interest area to participate in this workshop.
  

  Example: Fly: Students design and build aerodynamic planes, rockets or kites. Mastering engineering principals of flight and materials. Included is a study of propulsion and the physics of flight.

  
  Example: Roll: Students build a robot and complete field tests on its functionality, make adaptations as needed to complete several challenges. Our Robotics program is unique in that we do not stick to one “robotics kit” or limit our student’s innovation to out-of-the-box robotic toys.

• Video Workshop: Students research, script, storyboard, shoot and edit a complete video short film. This course helps students plan out and communicate advanced and complex topics using video. This is not just a course to learn to cut and edit... today's software makes that part a no brainer. Instead we are going to help focus students on matching content and medium, making intense and effective messages and in creating a persuasive (even educational) video short. Common approached include: documentaries, spoofs, infomercials, and visual narratives. (Grouped by age; 10 – 12 & 13 - 17) ** This workshop is not available as a "Secondary" interest area due to the group appraoch, project intensity and duration. You must select this as a "Primary" Interest area to participate in the workshop.
   
• Game Programming: Learn Programming the fun way by making games. It’s not easy and you will be learning… but it is cool and the results are totally worth it! This is a fun and advance programming challenge… you will be writing your own code. But like all Open projects we will tap into an awesome community of users and some great ways to continue your endless learning! (Recommeded ages 10 – 12 (with previous experience) & 13 - 17) ** This workshop is a "Primary" interest area only. It is not available as a "Secondary" interest topic.

Secondary Topics - The workshops below are only "Secondary" workshops.

• Linux: Install a Linux-based operating system. Learn command line functionality and navigation and how to install open software and interfaces. (13 – 17)  
   
• Networking: Campers connect several computers to create a network and learn about Ethernet cards, hubs, switches, routers, and how to make networking cables, IP addresses, TCP/IP, and network protocols as well as how to set up shared storage and network printers. We will also show students VMware and how to protect your system with a firewall and anti-virus/spam/spyware utilities. (13 - 17) 
   
• Scientific Thinking Workshop: Students learn about topics and careers in scientific fields and perform hand-on experiments and discoveries. These fun and exciting projects follow a "Myth-busters" approach - but don't worry, we're safe! Students discover how to run a study and set up an experiment of their own with a focus on the methodology of science. Global topics are discussed and ideas as well as ways to test them are brainstormed. (Grouped by age; 10 – 12 & 13 - 17) 
   
• Machinima: This topic is a wonderful and creative way to make funny videos using the 3D animated characters available inside today's graphically rich video games. Students will use multi-player 3D games to create scenes and capture screen video. Adding voice-overs and sound effects they will create a short video project.  Fun for all. A million laughs a minute! (Grouped by age; 10 – 12 & 13 - 17) 
   

• Leadership Workshop: Students learn about leadership principles, practice public speaking and presentation techniques, learn tricks for moving groups, and identify a cause to build around for a short community organization exercise completed by the week’s end. (13 - 17)