Summer arrives and what to do with the kids?

Growing up, part of my summers were spent at camp, overnight and day types. Some were up in the mountains, such as Catholic Youth Organization, while others were at local school such as the soccer camp at Santa Clara University. Some were overnights, while others were day visitations, and let me tell you, the overnight ones are tough the first time. Each one of these “summer camp” adventurous remains with me to this day.

Over the past few years, my better half and I have been sending one of our nieces to summer camp, or as we reference her as “THE NIECE.” The first couple were day ones up to a multi-activity, get-out-in-the-sun types. As usual with my niece, she being very shy at eight and nine years of age, the process of getting her to camp was wrought with tears and fears. THE NIECE was worried about not knowing anyone and the usual concerns about making friends. By the end of camp, she wanted to stay and do it again, and we “had to meet” all of her new friends.

Last year, it was decided that the now 11 year old needed more of an “educational” oriented camp so she could “see” the value of college. And since the ol’ Banana is big with computers, we found a great computer camp offered up at University of California, Santa Cruz (home of the Banana Slugs - Banana class of 1987). The company that runs the camps is ID Tech Camps.

Last year my niece took the Video Game Creation classes which taught the basics of game design on a 2D platform using Multimedia Fusion 2 Developer®. The one week class was hands-on and project-based, and the class size of 7 kids was outstanding. Besides computers, there are outdoor activities and plenty of social time. (I would tell you the story of how my 11 year old niece embarrassed a 11 year old boy by proclaiming her affection for him right at him in front of many people, but I have been sworn to secrecy on that story.)

I was impressed with the camp and give it high marks. The instructors were bright and enthusiastic. The computers were nice ones. And the facilities first rate.

By the end of the week, my niece had designed a rather cleaver, three level, non-violent game which actually worked. And she “loved” UCSC! So the money spent was well worth it.

So yesterday (June 30), THE NIECE started her second visit to computer camp back up at UCSC. This year she is taking 3D Game Design which offers the chance for students to immerse themselves in a 3D world. The software is FPS Creator.

From ID Tech Camps catalogue:

This powerful software allows for easy drag and drop mechanics for ultimate customization. It is a perfect course for students who have already taken a week or multiple weeks of our video game camps or Video Game Creation course. Choose from hundreds of game elements including weapons, ammo, enemies, picks ups, lifts, teleports, ladders, trigger points and more. Aspiring game designers in this video game camp will build not only a single player game but also learn how to make a multiplayer map to play against your friends! For a truly interactive 3D gaming experience, don’t miss this opportunity to let your imagination take you to a whole new realm.

After her first day, THE NIECE was very excited about this class and the new game she was creating. Plus she had made a new friend and there are lots of cute boys.

As for the Banana — “ah another person getting the metaverse!”