Feb 29 2008
So what do Computer Camp staff eat at staff training sessions? I’m off to the grocery store, and here’s my list:
Much more…
Feb 25 2008
Since in a given summer session I coordinate upwards of 5 programs (including Computer Camp), I’ve decided to try some new methods of communication with my staff teams when I’m at another site.
This year we’ve got a set of webcams ready to try video conferencing. The only video conference I’ve taken part in was in grade 6, where myself and another student went to Nortel and linked with a group of kids from the UK to discuss Butterfly Conservation. Since then I’ve had webcams, and I’ve even set up similar video conferencing links for other people, but never used the technology myself.
Jay Adelson, CEO of Revision3 (a booming web-based television network) is a quasi-hero of mine, and from what I’ve read about him he uses video conferencing with most of his key staff members across the country. Not that I’d mimic his every move in my own hopes of glory, but I have to admit I got the idea from him.
One may ask, ‘why not use the phone?’. I believe there is something unique about being able to see someone face to face when you’re having an important discussion. It also increases the importance of the event - “can’t talk now, I’ve got a video conference with Riyaad at 0900!”.
I’ll update when we make a test.
Feb 20 2008
One of the other programs I coordinate for the Centre for Education and Training is the Peel Summer Academy - a residential camp program for intellectually gifted youth. The Peel Summer Academy (PSA) has been running for the past 24 years, and I was really prilledged to inherit the responsibility of taking care of it.
The main PSA program takes place at the University of Toronto at Mississauga (UTM), and each camp session runs for two weeks. Each session we host right around 120 campers. While at UTM, students take part in a set of great, non-evaluative courses put on by teachers, artists, musicians, scientists, etc. After class, they jump right into camp games and activities in a traditional setting. It’s a wonderful program, though always a lot of work.
This past weekend was PSA’s annual Openhouse - an event where we exhibit the courses kids will take as well as general camp information. But since that’s done, I’m switching gears into Computer Camp mode, and 99% of my time will be spent on March’s camp sesssion. Three weeks to go!
You can get more info about PSA at www.peelsummeracademy.com.
Feb 15 2008
Our parents ofter inquire how we come up with our prices every year. There are many factors which work into the number, and the overall process is extremely time consuming. To give you an idea of some of our expenses:
Before every season we must also predict an enrollment figure for both March Break and the Summer.
However, as a not-for-profit, our goal is not to make a buck, but rather to create a program that operates with extremely high standards and is also reasonable on the wallet. We continually try to lower our price point, and from 2007 to 2008 we did just that ($239 in 2007 to $209 in 2008). However, when it comes to a price cut that would limit our capacity to put on a great program, we just won’t make it.
We also apply for several government grants a year, which affects the costing as well.
If you’d like to chat more about the pricing process or the program, feel free to send me an email at rali @ tcet.com.
Feb 13 2008
The job of a camp coordinator is extremely busy, even in the off-season. Here are a list of things we’ve got on our plates for the next month before camp starts:
…and much more. Thankfully, in one month it will all come together and we can move onto our summer session planning. I can’t wait for March!
