As appeared in The Sentinel –…
As appeared in The Atlanta Jewish Times…As appeared in Carolina Parent – A day in the life of a summer camper
March 2007
Parents looking at summer camp options quickly realize that the choices are as varied as kids themselves. Day camp options range from cooking to martial arts to drama to sports and beyond. Even what used to be considered “traditional” overnight – or residential – camp options have branched out.
With all of the choices available, it’s more likely than ever that parents can find a program that suits a child’s unique personality and interests. At the same time, camp specialization also makes it that much more important to take the time to find out what each program really offers.
The following accounts reveal that there is no such thing as a “typical” day at camp. Each description offers a glimpse into what really happens at that camp.
iD Tech Camps
ID Tech Camps are weeklong, hands-on technology camps, both day and overnight, provided at more than 35 universities nationwide, including at UNC-Chapel Hill. The following is the story of one camper’s experience.
Sixth-grade student Henry Jones loves playing computer and video games. However, he’s no only busy playing these games, he’s also creating his own animated video games. With the help of a lively imagination and Clickteam Multimedia Fusion software, 12-year-old Henry has created over a dozen computer games.
Last summer, Henry took a video game creation course at iD Tech Camps. What began as a passion soon became a hobby as Henry developed games. During the weeklong course at the technology and video game camp for kids, Henry created a complex, realistic video game with everything from health meters to collision detection. He designed graphics and incorporated them into his impressive game, setting behaviors for objects and characters while creating multiple levels.
“It’s exciting how the games I play are now easy to create,” Henry says. “Multimedia Fusion makes it fun and simple to use with just a click of a button.”
Of the games Henry developed, his favorite is Metamorphosis, where the main character journeys from being a caterpillar to a cocoon and finally to a butterfly. Of course this transformation happens while saving the world from angry robots. Henry also created a game with multiple levels involving a man’s adventure in Florida where he is being chased by pirates.
Henry also has applied his technology knowledge in school, inventing a game for his science fair project.
“It was a stimulating, fun, learning environment that motivated him to keep learning,” says Henry’s father Steve Jones. “As a parent, you can’t ask for much more.”
March 1st, 2007
Posted in: iD In The News, UNC Chapel Hill
