Tech-inspired summer camps: 10 cool choices

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ID Tech Camps
ID Tech Camps is another chain of summer camps hosted by leading universities in about 23 states. The camps, for kids ages 7 to 17, combine brain and body activities. In addition to game creation, video making, Web design, robotics and programming, the camps offer activities like karaoke, the Dance Dance Revolution music video game, sports, board games, movie nights and talent shows. At California locations, the camps offer surfing in the morning and tech activities in the afternoon for kids 11 to 17, while other locations have similar sport/tech programs. ID Tech Camps offer day, extended-day and overnight options ranging in price from about $729 to $1,129, with discounts for multiweek campers and families who send more than one child.

Kids on Campus
The Rochester Institute of Technology's Kids on Campus program aims to give new meaning to the term mixed media. In addition to traditional camp activities like swimming, many of the day camp activities for students in the fifth and sixth grades, incorporate technology with "real life" materials. The video creation class for older kids has them build the creatures to be used in video animation. Another one uses digital photography to analyze the movement of physics-based toys like the Slinky. Younger kids create physical art built from digital images and use digital photography to make canvas art, in addition to Web comics. The workshops for middle school students, in addition to animation, Flash puzzle quizzes and Web site building, include making pop-up museum books or mixed-media art books.

National Computer Camps
National Computer Camps, founded by Michael Zabinski of Fairfield University in 1977, now offers weeklong courses that give students the opportunity to learn 2D and 3D computer animation and digital video production, as well as software applications and programming languages. The camp also prepares students wanting to receive their certification in Network+ and A+ hardware. Branches are located at Fairfield University in Connecticut, Manhattan College in New York City, Ohio's Notre Dame and the Atlanta Christian College in Georgia. The camp costs about $1,100 per week for residential camp and about $800 per week for day camp (which includes lunches and dinners), in addition to $45 to $50 in lab fees, depending on the course chosen.

Digital Media Academy
The Digital Media Academy, now offered at seven college campuses, has courses for teens and kids in digital filmmaking, 3D game design, Web design, digital photography and publishing. One program has students learning the latest skateboarding techniques in the morning, with classes in video production in the afternoon. There is also an "iLife boot camp" dedicated to teaching campers the Apple media application suite. The camp also has courses for teachers looking to integrate more technology into their classroom and a pro series for adults seeking certification in specific applications.

Summer Institute for the Gifted
Courses at the Summer Institute for the Gifted include sessions titled "Meditation: Mantras, Mandalas, and Mindfulness," "Spying: Secrets, Surveillance, and Science," "The Search for Life in Outer Space: Astrobiology to Xenobiology," and "Artificial Intelligence: Are you replaceable?" Originally started in New Jersey for gifted students, the camp now offers day and residential programs for kindergartners through high school juniors in seven states. An admissions process and acceptance are required. Participating colleges include Princeton University, University of California at Los Angeles and UC Berkeley. Branches located on all-women college campuses such as Vassar College are strictly for girls. Students get a balance of exposure to technology and humanities, plus social and cultural activities. Camp fees are between $3,795 and $4,495 for a three-week course, depending on the college.

[andrewcareaga]

A camp where kids can blow stuff up

Those are all very cool campus, but how about this one: explosives camp, where kids learn to blow stuff up and set up fireworks displays.

[andrewcareaga]

Explosives camp web link

Here's the link to explosives camp:

http://news.umr.edu/news/2007/explosivescamp07.html

[Randys2cents]

Apple Camp

Apple also has a really cool camp for kids.
Here is the link:

http://www.apple.com/retail/camp/

[joipodgorny]

Don't forget CyberCamps

I was a cap director a few years back for a great tech camp, CyberCamps. Here is theie blurb form their site (http://cybercamps.com)

"Now, in our 11th year, Cybercamps continues to lead by providing the coolest experience for kids ages 7-18. We have the only research-proven teaching methods available in a summer computer camp at all our 50 locations nationwide including UCLA, Stanford, MIT, Duke and many more. For youth this means tons of fun. For parents, it means that Cybercamps is the best educational experience you can find.

Our courses offer what today?s youth want ? individual projects using the coolest technologies. Our courses include Game Design, Flash® Animation, Video Production, Robotics, Web Design, 3D Modeling for Games?just to name a few."

[mlmiller]

yatc (yet another tech camp)

Here is one more series of tech camps that we happen to think are pretty cool (I admit to bias here):

http://www.learningtech.org/services/workshops/

Enjoy, Mark

[nirkouris]

eCamp Israel- The BEST International Hi-Tech Summer Camp!

eCamp Israel - An International Technology Summer Camp
We welcome kids& Teenagers from all over the world to join Israel's success story:
eCamp Israel is an International Technology Summer Camp, opening the gates to the #1 success story of Israel ? Technology Innovation. eCamp Israel introduces the campers to an enriching experience that touches their deepest emotions and spur creative energies in their minds. We provide an original, creative and fascinating program, matching worldwide youth with Israeli peers in a unique way using universal language ? Technology. eCamp Israel is an overnight summer camp where worldwide youth who love technology get together for an unforgettable experience.
eCamp Israel is officially supported by the President of Israel, Israel Ministry of Tourism and Minister Advisor for Diaspora.
please visit: http://www.ecampisrael.com/

[KieferL]

Giant Campus' summer camps give kids the essential 21st century skills needed for success in today's tech-driven, global marketplace. While we're teaching kids how to program a computer, build a robot or design a Web site, we're also encouraging them to think critically, work collaboratively and communicate effectively - igniting their potential and building character.

Cybercamps Academy (ages 10-17) - Held on 50+ college campuses nationwide, this team-building, problem-solving learning environment using research-proven curriculum infuses technology training with fun, physical activities. Use this promo code to earn a discount when you register: (kieferlobb)

Livewire (ages 14-18) - This epic week at the Walt Disney World® Resort is a dynamic mix of VIP access, hands-on learning and full-throttle fun. Use this promo code to earn a discount when you register: (kiefercash)

Cybercamps (ages 6-11) - Select Pump It Up locations host an introduction to the world of technology, exercising kids' minds and bodies. Use this promo code to earn a discount when you register: (kiefercash)

[w00tmaster360]

Nice Camps.
CyberCamps Academy should also be on that list. They offer:
- 3D Dame Design
- Game Design
- Web Design
- Game Modding
- Photoshop



Giant Campus? summer camps give kids the essential 21st century skills needed for success in today?s tech-driven, global marketplace. While we?re teaching kids how to program a computer, build a robot or design a Web site, we?re also encouraging them to think critically, work collaboratively and communicate effectively ? igniting their potential and building character.

Cybercamps Academy (ages 10-17) ? Held on 50+ college campuses nationwide, this team-building, problem-solving learning environment using research-proven curriculum infuses technology training with fun, physical activities. Use this promo code to earn a discount when you register: (woot180)

Livewire (ages 14-18) ? This epic week at the Walt Disney World® Resort is a dynamic mix of VIP access, hands-on learning and full-throttle fun. Use this promo code to earn a discount when you register: (woot180)

Cybercamps (ages 6-11) ? Select Pump It Up locations host an introduction to the world of technology, exercising kids? minds and bodies. Use this promo code to earn a discount when you register: (woot180)

[w00tmaster360]

****Nice Camps. CyberCamps Academy should also be on that list. They offer: - 3D Dame Design - Game Design - Web Design - Game Modding - Photoshop. ***Giant Campus summer camps give kids the essential 21st century skills needed for success in today's tech-driven, global marketplace. While we're teaching kids how to program a computer, build a robot or design a Web site, we're also encouraging them to think critically, work collaboratively and communicate effectively, igniting their potential and building character. Cybercamps Academy (ages 10-17) is Held on 50+ college campuses nationwide, this team-building, problem-solving learning environment using research-proven curriculum infuses technology training with fun, physical activities. Use this promo code to earn a discount when you register: (woot180) ****Livewire (ages 14-18) This epic week at the Walt Disney World® Resort is a dynamic mix of VIP access, hands-on learning and full-throttle fun. Use this promo code to earn a discount when you register: (woot180) ****Cybercamps (ages 6-11) ?] Select Pump It Up locations host an introduction to the world of technology, exercising kids? minds and bodies. Use this promo code to earn a discount when you register: (woot180)

[w00tmaster360]

Oops! the promo codes above are incorrect. Use the promo " w00t180 " instead.

[djbagley]

TechPlayzone in the Tampa Bay Area has excellent day camps for summer campers featuring video game design, LEGO Mindstorms robotics, movie-making, and web animation. Most tech camps cater to middle school and high school students. TechPlayzone teaches tech skills to elementary school students while engaging them in math and science skills. TechPlayzone is an award winning camp with a 1to 8 facilitator to camper ratio. Summer campers engage in a variety of activities through-out the week including Scratch, Lego Mindstorms, Web Animation, and amazing hands-on science experiments. Visit techplayzone.com/techplay for more details about TechPlayzone's Summer Camp.

[TechiemomCA]

My kids loved iD Tech! When your kids beg you to go back, you know it's a great camp. When their teachers are impressed with what they now do in school with their projects, you're even more impressed with this camp. My son took a video game course and then created a video game to supplement a school project. The teacher was incredibly pleased and didn't stop raving about it during an open house. My daughter has made movies of trips and for school. Both kids have gone to other camps and this is by far the best. What they've learned in just a week is incredible. The counselors are so energetic and knowledgeable that they definitely influence the campers and make it more fun. iD Tech is the most amazing camp experience. And that's the key- it's an experience, much more than a camp.

[teencamps]

Summer camps provide excellent summer days for kids and teens with full enjoyment and fun. Camps provide different-different classes to the campers which include monetary responsibilities, ceremonies, managements, skills and knowledge developments and many others. <A HREF=http://www.teenscamp.net/> Teenagers boot camps </A> provide classes through the dedicated and enthusiastic teaching and training staffs. Youngsters in camps develop their morals abilities, personality and skills. Campers in camps get complete knowledge about crime and drugs reduction process to save others and themselves from it.

http://www.teenscamp.net/

[zerojosh]

I have to put <a href="http://www.internaldrive.com/locations/"> iD Tech Camps</a> on this list! I was a director there several years ago and I'd highly recommend it! Here is some info from the website:

Summer Fun! iD is the #1 summer computer camp for kids and teens! Our family company offers award-winning programs that instill confidence and skills that last long after summer camp. This summer, do something big!

Courses: 3D video game design, web design, Flash®, programming, robotics, digital video editing and more!

[zerojosh]

http://forums.cnet.com/