Tech camp

A tech camp is a summer camp which focuses on technology education. Whereas computer camps originally focused on hardware, networking, and programming, tech camps evolved in the late 1990’s to encompass a broader scope of technical competencies relevant to the internet generation. Specifically, tech camps tend to encompass the disciplines of multimedia and gaming. Tech Camps usually operate on college campuses during the summer months due to the availability of housing, computer labs, and dining facilities. Campers are usually between 7-17 years old.

Tech Camps, having evolved from the early days of computer camps, began to appear in the United States in the late 1990’s. A large number of tech camps have opened since 1999, some operating at just one or few regional sites, and others operating at multiple locations throughout the U.S.

Tech camps encompass a wide range of technology offerings, often multimedia and gaming based, such as Flash Animation, Digital Filmmaking, Graphic Design, Video Game Design, Comic Book Design, 3D Character Modeling, Game Modding, Professional Gaming, C++, Java, Action Scripting, Robotics, machinima, Digital Photography and the adoption of Web 2.0. Instruction is project-based, and students tend to go home with a final project. Technology education is the main focus, but tech camps also offer traditional camp activities such as sports, swimming, and other non-computer oriented activities, including chess.

Popular Tech Camps include Digital Media Academy, Giant Campus, Emagination Computer Camps, iD Tech Camps and Classroom Antics Tech Camps.