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July 14th, 2008 by: Pete
On Friday, I got up early and headed from Penn Station, caught the Blue Line up to 42nd street, then the 7 Line over to Grand Central. From there, I took the train uptown to The Bronx and our summer computer camp at Fordham University. What a camp! The lab looked great, our students were having a blast, and I got to meet personally with each staff member.
Here are a few photos of the visit. Thank you, iD Tech Camp at Fordham University! You guys rock!
The view from Penn Station. Not bad!
Arriving to Fordham
The big dog on campus!
“iD Tech Camps, how can I help you?”
I LOVE this picture!
Gotcha!
Heading back to New York City
Chu Chu
Thanks for showing me such a cool tech camp, guys and gals! It was awesome to see this summer camp in action and I hope you guys enjoy the rest of the summer. Have fun. Be safe!
-Pete
July 14th, 2008
Posted in: CEO's Blog
July 13th, 2008 by: Ryan
Making the game: Kids gain computer skills at iD Tech Camp
By J.J. Huggins
NORTH ANDOVER — Being the best gamer on the block isn’t enough for some local kids. They took the competition to the next level and attended camp to learn to create their own video games.
“After I make the game, everybody gives me compliments about how much they like it,” said Dan Gilbert, 13, of Andover.
Using computer software, Dan made a game in which players walk around and shoot people, then take their enemies’ weapons. The Doherty Middle School student was one of 58 campers at the iD Tech Camp at Merrimack College last week.
He and other young people between the ages of 7 and 17 made video games, digital movies, Web sites and robots. The kids worked diligently in computer labs while their young adult instructors walked around giving pointers.
These camps are run at more than 50 colleges and universities in 23 states and Spain. Weeklong camps will run at Merrimack College through the end of the month. Last week’s program had 35 day campers and 23 overnight campers.
The overnight kids slept in dorms and ate in the dining hall. They spent the days working and learning, and their evenings outside or playing board games, video games and watching movies, according to camp director Elizabeth Theis.
Theis is a schoolteacher in Connecticut during the academic year. As the camp’s leader, her nickname is, appropriately, “Motherboard.”
Jeffrey Dreyfus, 11, of Andover went to the camp to learn more about making video games, so he can catch up to his friends’ abilities.
“Just coming here has already helped me a lot,” the Wood Hill Middle School student said.
Destiny Clark, 10, of Atkinson, N.H., made a computerized comic book about the musical group Jonas Brothers.
“They’re probably, like, my favorite band,” Destiny said.
Destiny pasted images of the band members and wrote a story about one of the singers losing his voice. Sitting next to Destiny was her 7-year-old sister, Alexis, who worked on a video game like the hit “Guitar Hero.”
Camp counselors want the kids who create games to go home with a game they can play. Theis said staff members tone down the games that involve shooting, so they don’t have bloody graphics.
Methuen High School student Jason Lavoie, 15, stood in the hall outside one of the computer labs, along with Nathan McGilvray, 14, of Wilmington and Chris Borowicz, 14, of Groton. The trio built a robot designed to roll on four wheels and catapult a pingpong ball at a target.
When asked, some campers said they’d like to pursue a career that involves computers or engineering. But they’re young, and many weren’t sure about what they want to do when they grow up.
But, Theis said, they learned skills that can come in handy some day.
“It’s definitely preparation for a computer science-related field,” she said.
July 13th, 2008
Posted in: Brown University, iD In The News, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Merrimack College
July 10th, 2008 by: Jimmy
The theme for photo-of-the-week was “University Landmarks” at our summer computer camps. Yes, we actually get outside, exercise, breathe real air, have fun, see the sun…we do it all. Check out these cool photos selected by Jimmy in our web and creative department. Thanks for taking the time to get these cool pics!
Let’s get started:
Brown University Summer Computer Camp
Case Western Reserve University Summer Computer Camp
University of Denver Summer Computer Camp
Georgetown University Summer Computer Camp
Lake Forest College Summer Computer Camp
Merrimack College Summer Computer Camp
Pepperdine University Summer Computer Camp
Rider University Summer Computer Camp
Seton Hall University Summer Computer Camp
Smith College Summer Computer Camp
Southern Methodist University Summer Computer Camp
University of Arizona Summer Computer Camp
UC Berkeley Summer Computer Camp
iD Film Academy – UC Berkeley
University of Central Florida Summer Computer Camp
UC Santa Cruz Summer Computer Camp
UC San Diego Summer Computer Camp
University of Miami Summer Computer Camp
UNC – Chapel Hill Summer Computer Camp
UT Austin Summer Computer Camp
University of Virginia Summer Computer Camp
University of Washington Summer Computer Camp
Villanova University Summer Computer Camp
Washington University in St Louis Summer Computer Camp
Great stuff, everyone! Thanks for participating. These are some really cool photos that show the university experience. Have a great Family Showcase and be safe out there!
-Pete
July 10th, 2008
Posted in: Summer Camps
July 10th, 2008 by: Pete
Here is a blog post from Colorado College. Camp is shutting down for us in Colorado Springs. Sad! Thanks for the post, Pickles!
Hi Pete! This is Pickles, Director of iD at Colorado College.
I’m thrilled to be working with iD this summer, and I want share why working at iD Tech Camp is the Best Job Ever! I’ve compiled a collection of photos to illustrate my point.
Reason #1 – Stunning Students and Staff: The campers at iD Tech are astounding! They’re enthusiastic, hard-working, and crazy fun! Our campers jump into learning and master advanced concepts with ease.
The instructors are experts in their subject and quickly adjust their curriculum to accommodate the innovate ideas that our campers have. I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to spend my summer with.
I’m not sure why Justin has a roboquad on his head in this picture… but he has a big smile and a sweet game that he’s making on the computer!
Reason #2 – Cool Campus: I love spending the summer at Colorado College! The campus is beautiful, the weather is perfect, and the food is yummy! With a view of the sunny weather and Rocky Mountains out our lab windows, we’re always looking forward going outside for intense games of capture the flag on the lawn. Our dorm rooms could be at a hotel…complete with bedding, towels, fridge and microwave! I usually enjoy cooking for myself, but I would be thrilled to eat at CC forever! The campers love the pizza, burgers, fries and soft-serve ice cream… but I go for the salad bar and custom stir-fry creations!
Reason #3 - Stupendous Software: Good job Pete (NOTE: I DO NOT TAKE THE CREDIT FOR THIS, BUT THANKS). Someone is working hard because the software you’ve chosen for us to use is outstanding!
Camp is like computer heaven for me… every tool used by the pros has been installed on all the machines and it’s at my fingertips! I routinely sneak extra lab time after campers go to sleep to play with all the awesome stuff we have! Our campers use nothing but the best, and it shows. Their projects look professional, because they’re using professional tools. I included a screen shot of a website by Caitlin W, but the picture doesn’t do it justice. Caitlin draws a fox character called Kitsune. The website she made at camp is outstanding, and it even includes a dress-up Kitsune Flash game that will knock your socks off.
Reason #4 - Stellar Support: This is my fourth year with iD Tech, but my first year directing. I was so excited when I was asked to be a director that I did a happy-dance jumping around shouting “Yes!”
After the initial excitement, the weight of the job hit me. I’m responsible for the safety of all our campers and ensuring that they have the best week of their lives. It’s a HUGE task! However, I’m not alone. My regional manager is always a phone call away to offer advice for tricky situations. Friendly folks from the main office call to ask if we have any questions about the gaming tournaments or camp setup, and the forums online have answers to every question imaginable! I’m known for being a very organized individual… but I can’t beat the system that you’ve set up for me. A list of tasks for every day is ready and waiting for me, health forms are quickly printed and filed alphabetically in the red binder, and you’ve even provided a sample voicemail message for the camp cell phone. I couldn’t ask for more! I included a picture of the director backpack, because I love it so much. This bag is permanently attached to me for the whole summer and includes everything I need camp emergencies… a first aid kit, medical records, the sign-out clipboard, a roll of green tape, a deck of cards, a Frisbee and a whole roll of tickets!
Reason #5 – Fabulous Fun: A stuffy office job or iD Tech Camp? The choice is easy. Camp is amazing for so many reasons, but above all… it’s just really fun! We have Wacky Wednesdays (note the bird hat I have on), attack each other with water guns, sing in the cafeteria, play Apples to Apples until we collapse with laughter and have frequent random dance breaks. Basically, we have an incredible time and so do our campers. It really is the best job ever!
As we finish our last week of camp at Colorado College, I’m saddened this summer camp season is coming to a close but I know I can look forward to next summer. Every year camp gets better and better and I always anxiously wait to hear what’s new. Thanks for working so hard to create an amazing experience for me and our campers. You rock!
-Pickles
Colorado College Summer Camp Director
July 10th, 2008
Posted in: CEO's Blog
July 10th, 2008 by: Pete
Welcome to our Summer Computer Camp at Rider University! It was a blast seeing everyone. Check out some of the photos. I am sorry I didn’t get to meet our commuting campers–but there is always next time. Have a great Family Showcase tomorrow! You’ve been PWND!
The banner flies high at Rider U.
And so does this one.
Some of our awesome techies
Close up!
Summer Camp Spirit–Nice work guys and gals!
I thank the gals for your feedback on our future curriculum!
On Campus
On campus with one eye hiding
Camp is FUN, huh?!
Yep!
Yep!
Close up!
Two of our favorite camp counselors…oh wait…
That’s me with Diane. She said she was licensed to drive the cart. I trusted her.
But not for long. She got pushed aside.
Jon O. Sorry I had to take your bike. I am currently in 3rd at the Tour De Lawrenceville. See me on ESPN.
Just kidding.
Portrait shot!
Digital Scavenger Hunt
What up?
Someone isn’t smiling…
Yes he IS!
Nintendo Wii
One of the Labs
Cool Video Game created in Multimedia Fusion
Smile!
Not in our camp, but still a video gamer
Sunset
Sundown at Rider
Why do they call it the Waffle House?
One of our lab’s ceilings…really!
iD Themed Waffle Posters–Creativity at its finest
3D Modeling with Maya
3D Modeling with Maya
3D Modeling with Maya
3D Modeler
3D Modeling with Maya
It was a blast seeing you all at our summer tech camp at Rider University! Thanks for showing me around. And, for the record, I arrived in New York last night, quite late, and I still had my blue PWND tape on me. Good stuff! Didn’t even realize it!
Have fun. Be safe!
-Pete
July 10th, 2008
Posted in: CEO's Blog
July 10th, 2008 by: Pete
Hey guys,
It was great seeing you yesterday. Sorry I only was in town for a short while, but man did I see some great stuff. Here are some pics I took yesterday. I just want to recognize the gaming academy summer staff and of course the students who are truly into game design, game programming, and professional gaming–you guys are the future of the industry. Enjoy these pics!
Enjoy the rest of your stay at the iD Gaming Academy!
Be safe and have fun!
Best,
-Pete
July 10th, 2008
Posted in: CEO's Blog, iD In The News
July 10th, 2008 by: Pete
My Peeps at Villanova University-
It was awesome getting to see you in action yesterday. Although I was only there for a short while, I got to see the lab, meet the computer camp staff, check out some cool projects and listen to some cool project ideas for next year.
Thanks for showing me around. It was awesome to see the creativity and imagination behind all the projects. Great work! Congrats on running such an awesome tech camp!
Enjoy the pics!
Have fun at Family Showcase tomorrow and show off those projects! Your parents have no idea what goes on behind the scenes when you make your projects–let them know what truly goes into it!
Be safe!
-Pete
July 10th, 2008
Posted in: CEO's Blog, iD In The News
July 9th, 2008 by: Ryan
Computer camp teaches children new technology
By Heather Murtagh
Flocks of sheep can fly and talk with Scottish accents.
Well not in day-to-day life, but those are common sights in 12-year-old Eric Snyder’s modification of video games, also known as modding. Actually, Snyder does not yet know how to give the sheep the accents. But the flock is definitely soaring overhead. Learning to create these different situations in an existing video game is just one lesson students can choose to pursue at iD Tech Computer Camps. The camp is offered in 23 states, Washington, D.C. and through a study abroad program in Spain to students 7 to 17 years old. In our ever-changing technology-driven society, many of the skills children learn at an early age can be put to use for professions in the future.
Or in the case of 14-year-old Nick Peterson from Burlingame, those skills can be used straight away. Peterson first signed up for camp four years ago. The first two years he opted to go during the day. This year and last year he stayed over night. Each session gave Peterson the ability to build on tech skills.
During his various camp sessions, Peterson has taken digital video, Web design, special effects and gaming design.
He’s been able to use his video skills as a sort of side job.
“I love camp, and I learn a lot,” he said near the end of his one-week session.
ID Camps average about six students per staff with only adult staff. Additionally, each student has their own computer in which to work. Camps are partnered with over 50 universities — locally with Stanford University. Through the week, students learn skills such as web design, animation and Flash through projects.
Foster City resident Sandra Kung, 11, was able to build a Web site about puppies. She picked the topic because she really wants a dog but can’t have one.
Kung previously attended a different technology camp. She left it unimpressed and brought those same apprehensions to the first day of camp in Palo Alto this year. She was pleasantly surprised, however. Kung plans to help her friends design Web sites.
Fourteen-year-old Stephanie Lee designed a site about soccer. She plays for a local club team as a defender.
“It’s fun to be able to create [a Web site]. It’s a lot of fun and it’s cool to see when you finish,” said Lee as she showed various aspects to her soccer Web site.
Although the focus is on technology, it is still a camp, explained Lead Instructor Dory Abrams.
“It’s really fun but also educational,” she said. “It’s a hard balance, but we manage to pull it off.”
There’s special activities planned each night for the students like movie night, talent show and an ice breaker event where staff introduces themselves using costumes and funny skits.
Students also have set time away from the computers in the afternoon to play games and sports.
Participating in camp can be rewarding for the staff was well.
Director Lydia “Big Apple” Luxama teaches ninth grade English during the school year. This is her ninth camp season, and the sixth with iD Camps. As her time with the company expanded and grew, so did her opportunities, she explained. Luxama began as an instructor. Today she is the director at the Palo Alto location.
For Luxama, a big component of camp is enhancing the children as individuals. Students get tickets for things like working well with others or helping another person. Those tickets go into a raffle at the end of the week.
Eleven-year-old Paul Touma from Atherton had a lot of tickets stored in the lanyard around his neck holding his ID. Touma was participating in a special camp allowing him to choose a sport — in his case tennis — to participate in half the time with the rest of his camp focused on technology.
Touma was nervous to attend camp, which he regretted by the end of camp since he made so many friends.
Learning to create the games was easier than Touma had originally thought, at least once he got into it. He created a basic shooting game. Once home, Touma most likely will not make additional games since he simply does not have access to the software.
Creating first-person shooting games has a certain amount of violence build into it. The camp, however, has a patch on the software preventing students from creating games with certain violent actions, explained Counselor Emily “Thumper” Lindsay.
Lindsay joined the staff from Canada and teaches 3-D game design and game modding. Some of her students also create a puzzle game. Each has the chance to stump Thumper with their game. Students take turns attempting to stump each other as well, she said. Teleporters seem to be very popular with the students.
Sean Morgenthaler, 12, used his skills to modify games to make games he owns harder, he said.
Morgenthaler , from Portola Valley, began taking the classes in 2004 because he really likes computers. He definitely sees himself working in the computer science industry later in life.
“This is a fun place to go and do what you like,” he said. “It’s a lot different from some of the other computer camps. You have freedom. They give you guidelines, but you can use your imagination.”
For more information visit www.internaldrive.com.
July 9th, 2008
Posted in: iD In The News, Santa Clara University, Stanford University
July 9th, 2008 by: Pete
What up Vassar College?
It was great seeing you all yesterday and I want to thank you all for being so inviting. It was fun to see the cool projects and great instruction happening at our summer computer camps. Here are some photos I took. Enjoy them!
Have fun today and keep posted on where I head next. Feel free to drop a comment in the blog!
Have fun. Stay safe!
-Pete
Getting to the Summer Camp at Vassar
Gorgeous Campus!
Main Building and an iD Tech Camps Sign
Cool Model
I am Jamie and I’ll take your calls!
I am a Gaming Athlete! Nice close up!
Personalized instruction!
Maya? Piece of cake!
Yep, I designed this!
Wow!
Cool Character
Nice to meet you, too!
Check out this 3D Modeling with Maya. Impressive!
Another shot of the main campus at Vassar
The Vassar College campus
Instruction in our Web Design and Flash Animation course. Nice work!
Deep in thought and concentrating!
Robo Contenders course in action!
There’s the smile! Gotcha!
Design it!
Otter? Ground Hog? Gopher? Who cares! It’s cool!
I caught you smiling!
Twice! Booya!
Teaching Multimedia Fusion in our Video Game Creation course
Instruction delivered 1-on-1 in Gaming Athletes course
Andre, are you smiling?
Unreal Tournament 3 rocks!
I knew you could smile!
The computer camp lab
Health and Safety come first at iD Tech Camps! Muy bien hecha, Jen! Hasta luego!
Game Design Instructors
The Hand
Robotics!
And off I go on another whirlwind adventure!
Have fun!
-Pete
July 9th, 2008
Posted in: CEO's Blog, iD In The News
July 8th, 2008 by: Pete
Hello there,
We received some late entries for the 4th of July Photo-of-the-Week challenge. Here are a few more photos that were sent to me. Great Spirit guys and gals! Hope you had a great 4th of July at our summer tech camp!
These photos were taken from our Summer Camp at Townson University
These were taken at our summer camp at UC Davis:
Great spirit, everyone! Thanks, and have a great week!
-Pete
July 8th, 2008
Posted in: Summer Camps
