Computer Camp
Want to learn about computing, math, and physics? Looking to explore the Rockies? This summer Western State College has the program for you.
Computer Camp 2013 is for students in 8th grade and up who are interested in math or computer science. We're looking for young people who will appreciate both the academic and recreational aspects of our camp.
Dates
Computer Camp 2013 will run from Sunday, June 23 until Saturday, June 29.
Cost
The total cost of our camp is $800 This covers classes, recreation, lodging and meals. Day campers can attend for $400.
Registration
Registration is now open. Contact jpeterson@western.edu to registration for our camp. We expect that the camp will fill so register early. No deposit is required - campers should pay in full when they arrive in June.
Program
For five days you'll learn about mathematics, physics and computer science while building 3-D virtual worlds. You'll use the Panda3d game engine and program in a simple, easily understood languages that create the components of the world such as sounds, images, characters, and behaviors. We use specialized educational computer languages that allow anyone to program these virtual worlds without having to learn the details of a complex programming language. The Maya Animation Suite is used to design 3-D objects to inhabit your virtual world.
Our goal is to convey fundamental principles of math, physics, and computer science in a fun and exciting way. You'll get individual attention from the CIS faculty and be assisted by Math and Computer Science students who will help turn your ideas into reality. This camp is limited to just 12 students so that everyone will get a chance to work closely with our faculty in a college environment.
You'll also get an opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy some of the finest mountain recreation Colorado has to offer, all led by Western's Wilderness Pursuits program. Each day will combine academic and recreational activities, including hiking, rafting, mountain biking and rock climbing. Check out photos from our previous camps.
Faculty
- Dr. John Peterson, Computer Science
- Dr. John Mason, Physics
- Dr. Andy Keck, Mathematics
- Dr. Bob Cohen, Mathematics
Contact
Dr. John Peterson, Director
jpeterson@western.edu
(970) 943-2392
Department of Math and Computer Information Science
Western State Colorado University
Gunnison, CO 81231
2013 Camp Information
The academic portion of the camp runs from Monday morning until Friday evening. Sunday and Saturday are for camper pick up and drop off. On Friday evening there will be a cookout / party for the campers and their parents. We will be showing off our work from the previous week. Pictures from our recreation program will be posted every day in our Flickr gallery.
What to Bring
- Clothes, both outdoor and indoor
- All bedding is provided - you might want a nicer pillow though
- Personal care items
- Swimwear and sandals or other footware that can get wet
- Sun lotion / hat
- A camera is optional - we'll be in some very nice places. We'll be taking pictures throughout the week and posting them for you on our site.
- Computer games - campers are allowed to install whatever games they want in our lab
- Computers: we'll be providing the computers but if your camper wants to bring a laptop we'll help install our software on it. It would be best to bring the laptop up at pickup instead of having it around all week.
- Cash: you probably won't need any. We provide lots of munchies so there shouldn't be any need to hit the local vending machines.
Drop Off
Please drop off your camper at Hurst Hall at Western State Colorado University. A map is available here. This will lead you to the parking lot behind Hurst. You can enter through the north-west door - our camp is in room 101, the first room on the left. Please bring the WP Waiver or fill it out during the drop off. The normal drop off time is between 4 and 5 - if you will be earlier or later please contact Dr. Peterson to make arrangements. There will be a full meal served on Sunday evening.
Pick Up
Parents and families are invited to the Computer Camp cookout at 6pm on Friday at Dr. Peterson's house. We'll be showing off the software we've created during the camp and giving you a chance to meet our staff. If you can't make it Friday evening you can pick up your camper on Saturday morning. Please let Dr. Peterson know when you'll be picking up your camper and how many people you will bring to the cookout.
If you need to stay overnight in Gunnison, the Rodeway Inn is the official motel of the computer camp and will be happy to give you a discount if you mention the camp.
Find out about WSCU's other camps:
