Camp - Frequently Asked Questions

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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 your 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.

 

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.

Do campers have the option to buy their own robot?

• We currently do not sell the robots we use at camp.  You may seek your own sets through www.vexrobotics.com  or www.lego.com.
   

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.