Summer Technology Camp
Summer Technology Camp
July 6th through July 17th
Students of Technology Camp 2019
Our Camp’s Mission
Our mission is to bring technology training to the at-risk youth of Belize by providing an exciting, positive recreational environment where they experience hands-on learning in technology.
Our Commitment
In Summer of 2018 we partnered with The Consortium for Belizean Development and The Samuel Haynes Institute of Excellence in Belize to create a 2-week summer camp that introduced 30 Belizean youth (ages 12-13) to the dynamic field of robotics and computer coding.
Encouraged by the success of the first camp, we expanded our outreach in 2019 to serve 60 youth, incorporating younger campers from ages 9-13. Through our partnerships, this year again we will expand our reach by introducing our youth to the international network of Code Club volunteers and educators. In addition to the Samuel Haynes, we will be collaborating with both Unity Primary School and Ebenezer primary in Belize to refurbish and furnish their computer labs to make the program available year round as an after-school program. To learn more about our Technology Camp, click here!
Students speak out about their experience at Technology Camp.
Camp Description – Introduction to Robotics and Computer Programming
The field of robotics engineering is an innovative way to introduce students to engineering and computer programming and is a great STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) tool for students to prepare for careers in the 21st century.
In this 10-day robotics engineering camp, students will explore and learn engineering concepts, problem solving, and computer programming skills. Using the VEX Robotics Design System, students will gain hands-on experience by building and designing robots, participating in engineering challenges and competitions, and writing program in ROBOTC. Students will work both on their own and in groups which gives them a sense of ownership and encourages valuable skills such as collaboration, risk taking, and conflict resolution.
The Robotics Engineering Camp requires no previous robotics experience. Campers will work in teams with the provided VEX Clawrobot robotics kit and computer, advancing through the lessons to gradually gain confidence and knowledge in engineering and coding skills.
Purpose of the Camp
Exposing our youth to digital media technologies, like robotic engineering, can be a powerful opportunity to alter the course of their lives, and change the cycles of poverty and violence in Belizean society.
In his 2010 report “Male Social Participation and Violence in Urban Belize”, Dr. Herbert Gale discusses the service gaps in our Belizean education system. He explains that the short-comings of the school system in addressing our children’s needs stem from a combination of challenges including: financial challenges; lack of school resources to adequately and effectively accommodate students; and lack of recreational activities, as a major concern for youth (75% of youth say that one or more of these challenges directly affect them).
According to Dr. Gale’s research, teachers identified “increasing technology use and technological programs” as an important factor in need of improvement. Together we can take meaningful action and make a difference.
Our aim is to engage youth from at-risk communities and provide an exciting, positive recreational environment where they will experience hands-on learning in technology.
Technology opportunities support youth by directing their activities and minds toward creativity, skill and personal development in a way that is not only economically viable, but that also facilitates reduction in destructive behavior.
Donate to the Summer Technology Camp
Donating is easy, click on the Donation Button to us a credit card via PayPal or complete the online donation form. We are a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.