By Shantal Parris Riley

Young minds probed deep into the world of computers Thursday at the iD Tech Camp at Vassar College. Scores of kids, ages 7-17, sat in front of computer screens, designing from scratch games, iPod and iPhone applications, and other programs. They were participants at the iD Tech Camp’s computer science summer camp, which is in its 10th year at the college. “I’m making an application that converts English into binary code,” said camper Benjamin Handel of Brooklyn. The 12-year-old held an iPad showing a blank window with a virtual keyboard underneath it. “Say you type this,” he said, keying in “My name is Ben.” He tapped a large virtual button labeled “convert to binary,” and a series of about 50 ones and zeros suddenly appeared in the window.

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By Mickey Meece

Summer camps have long been part of the American experience for children and teenagers, and for the last 30 years or so, computers and technology have added to the equation. For parents thinking of sending a child to technology camp this summer, early-bird registrations and discounts are ending, but there is still plenty of time to sign up.

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By James Meyers

Computers, the arts, and animals can all be found in Hudson Valley camps. The Dutchess Art Camp in Poughkeepsie, iD Tech Camp at Vassar College in Pousghkeepsie, and Camp Kindness in Saugerties are three camps that offer very specific educational activities for kids. Three With the advent of specialization, summer camps for children have evolved significantly over the years. Camp is no longer the exclusive domain of fire building, canoeing, and basket weaving. With specialization, children can now participate in interest-driven programs leading to real-life skill building.

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By David H. Freeman

Donald Garner Jr. was at his auto-salvage lot shooting the breeze last year when a customer mentioned that her nine-year-old twin sons had just gotten back from computer camp. Great skill to have, said Mr. Garner, who…

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By Erikah Haavie

Ian Slakas was looking for something special to give his friends during his birthday party next week.

He decided on video games he would create.

”It wouldn’t be the average thing to give out,” said Slakas, an 11-year-old from Croton, Westchester, County.

Slakas is among 90 students from across New York attending iD Tech Camp at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie this week.

The weeklong computer camps are teaching students from elementary school to high school how to create video games, produce digital movies and music videos, program computers and design Web sites.

Vassar is one of 40 colleges and universities across the country hosting the camps, offered by the Campbell, Calif.-based company iD Tech Camps.

Tuition for a week of instruction ranges from $699 for a day program to $1,099 for an overnight program.

The youngest students are learning how to create digital artwork using Adobe Photoshop, while more advanced students are customizing existing video games.

2-time attendee

Jessica Jackson, a 15-year-old from the Town of Poughkeepsie, is attending the camp for the second year.

Her dad piqued her interest in computers, since he works with them every day as an accountant.

She has been designing her own artwork and Web site this week.

”You don’t feel like you’re just sitting around,” Jackson said. ”You get to meet new people.”

While most students come to camp to pursue their technology interests, Pete Vigeant, director of Vassar’s camp, said he hopes students will get a taste of college life and make new friends with similar interests.

”They’re not shy here because everyone here is like them,” Vigeant said.

Doug Mansell, an 18-year-old Salt Point resident, is teaching video-game creation to six students this summer.

He said he has been impressed with their creativity. Students have created games with hedgehog-shooting elephants and mummies that shoot fruit in outer space.

Slakas is working on two video games he’ll share with his friends, a series of challenges named Helicopter and Helicopter 2.0.

He is attending three weeks of computer camp.

”Here it’s always new things,” Slakas said. ”It’s always an adventure.”

Erikah Haavie can be reached at ehaavie@pough keepsiejournal.com

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