We invested quite a bit this year into new software and hardware, and it’s finally arrived. Here’s are just a few of the goodies we’ve snagged:

1 - Fruity Loops Studio - An industry-standard piece of digital music software that’s pretty technical but still great for beginners. This program will be featured in our brand new Digital Music course.

2 - Wacom Bamboo Tablets - The hardware for our Digital Painting course. You’ve got a pen, you’ve got a canvas, you paint and the computer responds. Beautiful stuff, and we’re excited to have them.

3 - HP Photosmart R742 Cameras - Not just one, but an entire set. These cameras weren’t cheap, but you need good equipment to run a great Digital Photography course. We’ve also got a set of memory cards to boot.

In our literature and with other things I’ll write in future, I refer to what I call ‘camp atmosphere’. So what exactly do I mean?

In the case of Computer Camp, ‘camp atmosphere’ is the feeling a student develops after spending a few days in our environment. It’s a feeling of inclusion, an ability to be open and honest about who they are. In our specific case, it’s a feeling developed through a rapport with our team due to the fact that, well, we’re all geeks at heart.

I use the term ‘geek’ in a strictly positive light - I strongly believe that the negative baggage the term has picked up over the decades untrue. To me, a geek is someone who loves to learn about and use new technology, and that’s it. Many of our instructors in the past have been athletes, writers, actors, and musicians while still being geeks, so I know the stereotype just doesn’t fit.

For one week at a time, our students are immersed in an environment where any hint of ‘geeky’ tendency in them is celebrated and allowed to thrive. On top of that, our team will be brimming with their own passion for technology, and will hopefully impart some of that passion onto those around them. And finally, when a student walks through our door she or he enters a non-discriminatory, non-judgmental place where they can just ‘be me’.

This is ‘camp atmosphere’ to me, and is what we dedicate ourselves to.

Hello world!

 That’s a little geek speak. My name is Riyaad - Coordinator of the Computer Camp for Kids. This year the Computer Camp staff have decided to start a blog, to give a little ‘behind-the-scenes’ look at what goes into creating this program.

For the months leading up to the March Break and Summer sessions, you’ll be getting my perspective mostly. I’m here at the office getting every little detail planned, from facilities to staff, from equiptment to publicity. I’m the guy behind the scenes.

 My hope is that you get a look at the fun (and frustrations…) we have putting on the Computer Camp for Kids. I also hope to empart some knowledge about running a camp to anyone aspiring to join or create a program such as ours.

Until next time!