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Summer Camps

Boulder Parchment Hedgeclippers

March 6th, 2010 by PeteV

(the other) Pete here, buried neck-deep in new activity development for the Summer of 2010 at iD Tech Camps! I have been hard at work on several projects to enhance the fun-factor and culture of all 70 or so camps, including my attempt to create iPhone apps for our Activity Curriculum. In case anyone is wondering, programming for the iPhone from scratch is pretty complicated – which is why I really wish I could simply take the iD course this Summer instead of hacking away on my own… but I digress!

I have been mistaken for an Activity Expert, but I have always believed that I’m an Experience Expert. The difference is that while I do know a good deal of games and events that our Staff can facilitate, I prefer having the ideas come from within. Games and activities that are generated by our Staff are genuine, unique and encourage greater buy-in from the Campers. Homebrew events are not easy to encourage and execute because many times they require preparation and some level of testing. My goal, therefore, is to create tools and templates for game and activity creation to be as simple as possible.

The 2009 Activity Curriculum featured an entire section on how to create new games, which is where many of the field games inspired by video games began. We created a step-by-step process that detailed the different pieces of a successful game (along with some industry secrets) and enabled our Staff to fully customize the activities to suit their camp needs. Our Nacho Incentive Program that was directed at the Staff encouraged creation and sharing of games throughout the whole iD Tech community – from our Connecticut summer camps to our summer camps in CA!

Another incentive encouraged the Staff to create a new version of Rock Paper Scissors for their camp. We thought that we would only get a handful of variations – but boy, were we wrong!

Rock Paper Scissors is the foundation to many gaming interactions. The concept that Rock beats Scissors beats Paper beats Rock, appears in many popular games, both virtual and real. Football, for instance, matches two sets of plays, an offense and a defense. Depending on the choice of the opponents, the advantage will shift from one side to another. The showdown between a pitcher and a batter in Baseball follows the same pattern. Choices dictate success or failure. While other factors inform these choices, such as picking up details in the formation of the other side or watching for the turn of the baseball, the concept of making a choice based on as much information as you have available is consistant with RPS.

ROCK

PAPER

SCISSORS

Many RPS players believe that the game is based completely on luck, while others seem to win more than half of the time. Another gaming concept emerges, which is that of identifying patterns. Humans are relatively rotten at randomization – rather, humans playing RPS are rotten at randomization because they believe they have a strategy. If one is playing to win, they attempt to incorporate a strategy that will inform their choices, based on the perceived choices of the opponent. Let’s look at an example:

What are the players thinking after this round? Neither player is going to play Scissors next, because they believe that Rock will be played again (a common move). Of course, if Rock is played again, then one must play Paper to win. Taking that a step further, if one player goes as far as Paper, the other may want to play Scissors – which leads to Round 2…

Each player thought that they outsmarted the other. Now the fun begins. Three of the same symbol in a row is generally unlikely, or so many players will believe. That makes Rock the least likely symbol for either to throw – meaning that the logical play is Scissors. But wait – the logical play is to do the unexpected, which is another Rock play. Each player at this point has to make a choice based on the pattern that they observe. There is no randomness to the symbol that they choose, instead a calculated decision based on the information they have available.

Round 3 ends the game in a dramatic fashion. Pete believes that the least likely play is Rock, which means that Bryan will likely play Scissors. This logic is based on the thought that Bryan also knows that Rock is unlikely to be played. Pete’s strategy is that Bryan, as an experienced player, will deduce that Pete is going to play Paper to defeat the unlikely Rock. The truth is that Bryan knows that Pete loves repeating the same symbol and doesn’t overthink it, leading to his victory.

(variations after the break)

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Technology Enhances Olympic Games Experience

February 24th, 2010 by Alisa

The 2010 Winter Olympics are into their second week of competition in Vancouver, British Columbia. Each time the games roll around, I am amazed at how technology has enriched my experience of the Olympics over the years. The modern Winter Olympic Games started back in 1924 in Chamonix, France. The original members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) could have no concept of how far these games would come in a century.

1924 Winter Olympic Games in Chamonix, France

2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Cutting-edge technologies play a part in every aspect of these games, from the first torch relay hand-off to the closing ceremonies. There are so many behind the scenes stories of how creative thinkers adapt existing computer technologies to gain a competitive advantage. Athletes and trainers use technology in preparing for the games to optimize their training. Sports equipment manufacturers use design technology to build improved apparatus, gear and more that will enable their clients to deliver a high level performance. Broadcasters use technology to better inform viewers of all aspects of the events. Everyone involved is looking for technologic tools they can use to give them the competitive advantage to get on the podium.

Technology allows us to more fully appreciate everything about the competition and the athletes who commit their lives to fulfill their dreams. At internalDrive, we are proud to be laying a foundation for young people at our summer camps to explore computer technology and find ways they can express their dreams. We have kids and teens learning about and creating computer-generated projects that amaze us. We’ve been doing this for eleven seasons now and we continue to be impressed by what our campers accomplish in just a week or two of summer learning.

Whether a student chooses to learn filmmaking, digital photography, programming, modeling or 3D animation, they could be taking that first step towards their own professional goals – perhaps even in a future Olympic Games event. Here is a sample of the courses offered at our computer camps and teen academies across North America. Perhaps your son or daughter can jumpstart their dreams with us!

• Maya® – 3D Modeling & Animation
• Graphic Design
• Video Editing and Special Effects
• Digital Photography & Photoshop
• Programming in C++ or Java
• Film Production with Final Cut Studio at iD Visual Arts Academy

It is inspiring to see athletes who break through previously attained heights in speed, technique, style and spirit. There is no doubt that the Winter and Summer Olympic Games will continue to be influenced and enhanced by the use of computer technology in preparation for and during the events. It’s the way of the world. And as they say, “The World comes to these games.”

Interested in visiting Canada this summer? Check out our new summer computer camp held at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver and our two-week summer program iD Visual Arts Academy for teens offered at McGill University in Montreal.

iD Visual Arts Academy students hitching a ride at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec

If you would like to know what iD Tech Camps is up to, follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Become a fan on Facebook! Follow us on Twitter!

 

 

Super Bowl Food Fun

February 5th, 2010 by PeteV

Hey All – it is I, (the other) Pete once more with a glorious food craft!

Now, I know that I normally blog about activities that are happening at iD, but I wanted to share these cool iDeas for the BIG GAME!

Football is not a sport that we normally play at iD during the summer, but aspiring game designers can learn a great deal from observing this popular sport. Because we are, in part, a game creation camp, I love to have discussions with the teens about how they can learn to design a fully functioning, high quality experience. Also, I believe that any opportunity can be turned into a learning opportunity!

Football has risk and reward, a fundamental concept for all gaming. Should they kick or go for it on the fourth down? Strategy plays a huge role as well – in fact, matching the opponent’s play is almost equivalent to picking Rock, Paper or Scissors. Another major component is the clock – 2 minute drills reinforce the importance of resource management, as well as the challenge flag.

We constantly find teachable moments at our overnight summer camps – and here’s a delicious moment that you can make this weekend, courtesy of Bryan and I!

NOTE: These crafts require some cooking, sharp objects and marshmallows. Please get a parent / guardian to observe / give permission FIRST. Thank you.

NACHO STADIUM

KRISPY FOOTBALLS

Full instructions after the break(!)

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Actions Speak Louder Than Words

February 2nd, 2010 by Alisa

We’ve all heard the statement, “Actions Speak Louder Than Words.” Has it become cliché? I looked up its origins and found it’s referenced as an American Proverb. Yet, the sentiment is not unique to America. People the world over understand and believe this statement to be true.

It’s said that the United States is the most generous nation in the world. I don’t have the data to confirm. What I can say with certainty is there are places where, and times when, our neighbors across the globe need help. There’s no more graphic example than the tragedy being experienced in Haiti now. The earthquake’s devastation and the resulting toll it has brought to this small nation are unimaginable to those of us safe in our homes. We see pictures and our hearts ache. We hear cries of grief and tears come to our eyes.

When the tragedy struck, our work family couldn’t help but ask what our responsibility was to our Haitian neighbors. We didn’t talk about it, we just did it. The “loud-speaking” action that iD Tech Camps took was matching, 1-for-1, donations from our employees. It was already happening within the team; we just upped the ante. You can help too. Please take a minute to contribute to the American Red Cross or any organization you choose to support Haitian relief efforts. The giving is the action, not the amount given.

iD Tech Camps is more than a corporation that runs summer camps. We consider ourselves a family. We are family-owned and many of our year-round staffers are related. Also, we are very lucky that many summer staffers return year after year to help us create an environment that is special and uplifting for all our kids. We care about each other and those communities we serve.

iD Tech Camps offers our programs in 60 locations nationwide and we recently expanded into Canada with a Montreal summer camp and a Vancouver summer camp. In many of our locations, we provide scholarships to children who otherwise could not afford to attend a technology summer camp. Additionally, we receive several hundred applications as part of our Tuition Assistance Program. A group of us reads every submission. It is not an easy decision to select those kids who will take the limited number of spots available each year.

Last fall our President, Pete Ingram-Cauchi, and his wife became aware of a boy’s orphanage in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, that is doing good work in this region and needs support. Michael Pearce is the President of Casa Hogar de Caba San Lucas. Michael says on their website, “Our boys come from many different backgrounds and circumstances but their needs for security, shelter, food, education, a value system and a loving home environment are the same as any child growing up in the 21st century.”

Pete put out a call to action around the office that this home needed clothing and financial support. I remember seeing bags of boys clothing stacked around Pete’s desk! And, many contributed financial support. We are all about kids so this call went straight to our hearts.

We differentiate our summer program with the inclusion of life skills objectives in our technology curriculum. Technology improves the day-to-day lives of people across the world. We hope our campers take these new skills and adapt them to fit in their lives and act in ways that serve.

It has always been part of our culture to give back. Each year, we participate in the Family Giving Tree program. We collect Christmas gifts and volunteer at their collection warehouse to sort through mountains of donated gifts going to children who would otherwise not receive a gift. It’s a great team-building activity and a way to give back to our own local community.

Most of our team from our corporate office we’re able to help at the Family Giving Tree while a few stayed back to man the office.

Jason, in our Client Services group, knew a lucky boy was going to VERY HAPPY this holiday.

The iD Tech Camps family is driven to serve and we will continue to follow that old American Proverb by ACTING in ways that speak for themselves.

If you would like to know what iD Tech Camps is up to, follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Become a fan on Facebook! Follow us on Twitter!

We at iD Tech Camps wish you and yours good health and prosperity in 2010.
-Alisa

 

 

Positively Outrageous Service

January 27th, 2010 by Pete

On the heels of the 2009 summer camp season, our team huddled together in our office in Silicon Valley and we hit on a major theme moving forward.  2009 was a tough year for many companies–and this was true for lots of camps out there–computer camps, sports camps, any type of summer camp, really.  We fared better than most.  Some camps are no longer standing.  We’re still standing–and we might say, thriving.  And we’re appreciative.

We made a little money.  We tightened the belt while still running amazing camps.  But we still had this feeling that we wanted to take our company to a whole new space.  We thought, “We worked hard to survive the Great Recession, so how can we thrive in 2010?  What are we going to do differently to take it to another level?”

One of our initiatives?  POSITIVELY OUTRAGEOUS SERVICE.  Southwest Airlines is one of my favorite companies…and we already have a bit of a whacky culture anyways.  So, we stole the POS acronym from them.  (Full disclosure.)  But I cannot expect my staff to provide POS if I don’t live it myself.  Today, I made Cuban coffee for the team and went around the office with a cart.

We don’t want to feel good about what we’re doing.  We want to feel great about it.  Most of our moms, dads, campers and staff know that we have a passion for service, but we always think we can do better.  In this case, I think my team was excited about the fact that I would go out of my way to make them coffee, and serve it to them personally.  They didn’t ask for it, and didn’t expect it.  And that’s the basis for how we define POS.

OK, back to POS.  Here are some things we already do.  We’ve been doing things this way since iD was born.  It’s just part of our DNA:

• We don’t have a phone tree.  When you call us up, our benchmark is to pick up the phone within 3 rings.
• I personally don’t have an office.  I sit with the client services group.  It keeps me in the know, and close to our clients.  It allows me to listen, and to act fast.
• When a client emails us, I expect the email to get answered the same day. Max 24 hours.
• Out at camp, we expect personalized diplomas from our staff.
• We expect our summer staff to assist with luggage for our overnight campers.
• We expect our technology instruction to be energetic, informative, and unlike anything the students have done before.

These are simple examples of some of our current expectations–and things we do very well already.

So, where do we want to go this year?  Here’s what Positively Outrageous Service means to us:

• We know we want to routinely perform “the unexpected.”  (Think delivering coffee at 3 PM on a random afternoon!)
• We want people to talk about our organization and our brand.  (The CEO of iD made coffee and carted it around!)
• We don’t want to pre-define POS in concrete terms.  It limits our creativity.  (What will I come up with next?)
• We do, however, want to illustrate samples of POS for our internal departments and summer staff, so individuals can visualize what the possibilities are.
• We want our employees to feel empowered to deliver POS–to take some risks and have fun along the way.  (It was fun today.  It gave people a reason to laugh.)
• POS can come in many forms, but the bottom line is to thrill the client in new and unexpected ways.  (It is OK to thrill your employees too!)  Sometimes it might cost a few dollars to make a client happy.  But it is not about money.  Is is about going the extra mile on behalf of the client or camper–and not treating them like another number or commodity.

POS, to us, is something that comes to our team naturally.  It doesn’t bend us in unnatural ways.  We can only deliver POS if we already have a strong culture of service–and if all the people in the company “get it.”  So, be careful who you hire!  We have an awesome foundation already.  The team has to want it, and understand it.  And be smart enough, and sensitive enough, to deliver it.

I am meeting with my client service group weekly to ask each individual how they have delivered POS.  I want to see the proof.  I want the stories.  And I want people to talk about us.  This attitude extends out to our summer camps as well.  The spirit of service is partly why we survived 2009, and will thrive even more in 2010.  A lot of companies talk about great customer service.  Most of it is blah blah blah, right.  Truly, few companies get it.  We do.

And, if you have any doubts about POS, please remember this.  You can always call Captain Curry.  The Captain heads up our Client Services group.  Really.  Don’t believe me?  Give us a call.  We’ll pick up in 3 rings or less.  If we don’t, I owe you a coffee!

Hope to see you out at camp!

Sincerely,

Pete I-C