No! We do not expect you to have ever programmed a computer, or even kow what that means. The only expectation we have is that you have used a computer before, and can move around using a mouse or keyboard. If you are looking at this website right now, you know enough! Come to Camp BaltiCode to learn to be a Dot Diva!
In general, yes. Most of the items that participants make will go home with them either at the end of the day or at the end of the camp. Participants will also be provided with USB sticks with all of their written code to take home at the end of the camp, as well as additional resources to keep creating on their own. Most software used in the camp is freely available for use at home as well.
Each day will vary based on that day's focus. In general, it will look something like this:
Participants will learn to use a CircuitPlayground Express, a circuit board with many built-in sensors that allow for exciting opportunities. Some of the items students will create are a music box, and a plushie that lights up when two parts of it touch. An example of the plushie is a red doll whose hands light up when they are clasped. Participants will also work with LEDs and how to get them to light up in different ways, such as to send Morse code signals to someone else. Participants will learn how to code using MakeCode and Scratch programming languages. Note that NO PRIOR KNOWLEDGE is expected!
In anonymous surveys, all prior participants said they would recommend our camp to a friend. They said the camp was fun, and that they learned about science and programming. One of the most popular activities was the music box, which will be making again in 2018.
Parents were also overwhelmingly positive about the camp. One parent's comment that really sums up our goal: "The most important aspect to me is that a spark was created in my daughter to further her interest in computer science." Another parent commented that what they liked about the camp was that there "was an interesting activity every day. We had conversations about everything she did throughout the day and she was very excited."
Any girl who lives in or attends school in the Baltimore region, and is 11 or 12 years old during the week of the camp, can sign up to attend Camp BaltiCode for the Summer 2018 program.
The cost for Summer 2018 is $20 for the week, per participant. The majority of the cost of the materials for the camp are covered by a grant; participants will bring home with them more than $20 worth of items that they've created. Participants will also be expected to bring their own lunch on most days, and provide their own transportation to/from camp each day. However, the camp will have snack food available each day, and will provide a pizza lunch for one day of the camp. Participants will be notified of detailed plans for the week a week before camp starts.
Camp Balticode will meet July 30 - August 3 on Monday - Friday from 10AM-4PM. Participants are expected to attend all day for each day of the camp. Drop-off can begin starting at 9:30, although no programming will begin until 10AM. Pickup is promptly at 4PM, and no earlier than 3:45PM.s
Camp Balticode is run by faculty and students from the Computer Science department at Loyola University Maryland. Find out more about us on the Contact Us page!
Camp Balticode is held at the Computer Science Department at Loyola University Maryland. For more information, see our Location page.