High-tech camp exposes kids to emerging technologies
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Forget swimming and crafts and bring on drones and 3D printers.
A London summer camp is giving kids the opportunity to learn high-tech skills, like building a website, making logos and flying drones.
Smart Start Tech Camp runs weekly summer sessions where instructors get campers engaged with emerging technology and possible future job opportunities.
“It’s geared to be a little bit of everything so campers get to experience a variety of different activities,” said William Komer, Campus Creative executive director.
The camp’s curriculum teaches kids videography, photography, video game development, 3D design and gives the chance to explore virtual reality. Campus Creative has designed a few of its own virtual reality games that the campers can test out throughout the summer, Komer said.
While high-tech elements may set this camp apart from others, there is something for every camper at Smart Start.
“It’s like if you took all the best things about camps you know and put it into one camp,” Komer said.
There is a mini-zoo on site with snakes, geckos and rabbits for animal lovers. There are art lessons to build creativity and board games for campers to enjoy during the week too. Plus, there are tons of laughter and fun watching campers take turns playing virtual reality games.
Campers also have a chance to bring home their work, including a 3D printed sculpture of themselves as a keepsake.
This is the third year for the camp. The campers range in age from seven to 15, which Komer said fulfills an age gap where there aren’t as many experimental opportunities.
The camp also adapts to each individual camper, whether it is a returning camper for a second week or a camper who is on the autism spectrum, Komer said.
“We tailor learning portions to where the students are at,” he said.
And it’s not just kids who are interested in the camp’s activities.
“We have a lot of adults who wish they could come to camp,” Komer said.
Smart Start Tech Camp also runs during Christmas and March breaks. Financial assistance is available to provide the camp at a reasonable price for everyone, Komer said.
For more information about the camp, visit www.smartstartcamp.ca.
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