|
|
Techno-tainment
Camp FAQs
Frequently
Asked Questions
What is Techno-tainment Camp?
- Techno-tainment Camp is a
fun place for
21st Century kids! Our regulars at camp are students who like to play video games,
entertain their friends, draw and paint, surf the web, and play
with cameras.
Techno-tainers use important technologies to create
entertainment and solve problems. We believe students must use
technology to critically think, communicate, creatively solve problems, and
collaborate with others. These skills are critical in
competing with the demands of the future.
What do the children do all week?
- Depending
on their course selections, children may direct movies, design video
games, piece together music, produce animated websites, build
robots, produce podcasts, create 2D and 3D animated figures,
and/or develop multimedia presentations.
Children play with technology, and in the process, develop their analytical reasoning skills and technology
know-how.
Do the children only work on the computers all day?
- No way!
It's summer! Techno-tainment Camp combines the best of all
sides to the summer experience: memorable new friendships,
creative endeavors and exhilarating fun and games outdoors!
Students average about four and a half hours of work time each
day spread out around surprise seminars, lunch, snack break, and
other activities.
I noticed most camps run 8:30am-4:30pm. Isn't that a
long day?
- You would think so, right?
In fact, most students would say the day is not long enough at
camp. Campers, counselors, and directors all share this
sad sentiment each day: "It's 4:30 already? How did that
happen?" We like to tell the campers this is just
like a real work day
(8 hours), and it seems to get them
excited about entering the work force someday!
Is each course at Techno-tainment Camp only one week long?
- Although
courses are designed to allow major productivity in a one week
period, students may enroll in the same course for as many weeks
as they would like, or take different courses each time through.
Because of the project-based curriculum and individualized
training, students can easily expand on new computer concepts in
the same course for more than one week. There is always
something new to learn in their field! And newly introduced in
2009, Expanded Studio Sessions allow students to continue
the same project over a two week period.
What are the Summer Camp Themes?
- We like to make sure that
every week is new and exciting for every student, whether it's
their first week or eighth week. One way we do that is by
constantly changing the curriculum, offering different courses
and different instruction within those courses. Another way is
with Theme Weeks. Theme Weeks offer a topic that students can
choose to focus their projects on, if they'd like. Participation
is absolutely NOT required, but does add a bonus layer to the
experience. Surprise seminars, sports, and the weekly Dress Up
Day will all reflect the theme of the week. To see the list of
themes for this Summer, click
HERE.
What if my child finishes all of the projects?
- As gifted
as we know children are with technology, Techno-tainment Camp
provides more project ideas than there is time in a summer.
There are always new concepts to master and new projects
to develop. Campers never run out of things to do with us.
Who are the instructors?
- Techno-tainment Camp is very proud of its highly-skilled,
friendly, fun and trained technology instructors. Each
instructor has worked with children extensively and studied
technology in various advanced fields.
When do the campers get breaks?
- Break times
at Techno-tainment Camp are mandatory and occur four times a
day. Two breaks are held outside the lab for fresh air,
sunshine and snacks, while the other two are for outdoor game
activities and lunch.
What do campers do about lunch?
- Campers are
required to bring a sack lunch each day of the camp week except
Fridays (with the exception of the Terranea Resort camp
location). Friday is our PIZZA PARTY! Snacks will be
provided every day as well.
How is the camp’s security?
- PlanetBravo’s Techno-tainment Camps are very safe and secure.
We purposely choose to hold our camps on local school campuses
because they are not congested and crowded with strangers like
university campuses. It's really what sets us apart from
other larger camps like us.
Is there a dress code for camp?
- Although
there is not an official dress code for camp, we do ask that our
campers come prepared to play. We are not sitting at
computers all day long. We play outside and therefore ask
that students do not wear open-toe shoes or extremely loose or
baggy clothing. We also do not permit clothing with
inappropriate messages on
them. Other than that, come comfortable!
Do campers build their own robots or share?
- We have
tried both methods at our camps and we have found that the
teamwork approach is the way to go! Students still use
several robot kits to build their robots, but they each take a
different role in creating their final project. Check out the
soccer match last year on our
YouTube Channel!
Do campers have the option to buy their own robot?
 How do campers bring home their
projects?
-
Every PlanetBravo camper will be given a DropBox account with up
to 2GB of free space. This will allow them to access all of
their work from any computer with an internet connection
anytime!
Some students also elect to bring a flash drive
with them to have a “hard copy” of their work as well.
My 8-year-old is a computer expert; why
can’t he/she take the advanced courses?
- While
we understand that all learners enter at different levels of
experience, we have seen that students perform better with
children in their peer group. Since instruction is widely
individualized, your advanced child can move onto other
pieces of software while sitting with their friends.
Can my child switch courses after camp
starts?
- Absolutely, assuming his/her age is appropriate for the
desired course AND there is enough room in the desired
course.
What if I am late arriving or picking
up?
- If for
any reason you will not be on time for drop-off or pick-up,
a phone number will be provided for you to reach us. A
staff member will be with your child until you arrive. If
tardiness is excessive, a late fee may be assessed.
|
|
