A day in the life of a DiscoverTech camper
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March 24, 2010
Camosun offered a week long spring break camp for middle and high school students to get their hands on fun technology and engineering projects. There were nine campers registered with four girls and five boys. During the first few days the campers spent time with Camosun instructors and were exposed to the different areas of technology and engineering: civil, mechanical, electronics and computer systems. As well as learning about tech and all its possibilities, the campers worked on their own projects with the guidance of the instructors. Their projects included iPod amps, a Simon Says electronic memory game, making concrete, trebuchet (medieval siege engine), and Lego Mind Storm robots.
The final day of camp was the highlight of the week, a tour of the Department of National Defence (DND). Campers, plus some staff, faculty and current students, boarded a bus and arrived at DND curious and armed with many questions. One of the first observations made by one of the female campers was “Where are all the women?” As if on queue a female officer stepped out of the machinery training area to explain her role and assured the camper she is just one of many female officers at DND.
“Where are all the guns?” one camper asked our tour guide. That’s when we were introduced to the man in charge of weapons training. Campers found this the most impressive area, probably because they got to hold a 30 pound bullet and stand next to a gun that can fire 4500 rounds per minute. Scary!
Ever seen the inside of a destroyer? After touring the DND training facilities the campers were lead aboard Canada’s HMCS Algonquin. The campers explored the guts of the ship, learned about the day-to-day life of the crew, and ate lunch shoulder to shoulder with the crew in the mess hall. All in all the campers were fascinated with navy life and practices and came away with a new understanding of the Canadian Forces.
The students returned to Camosun to show off their completed projects to their parents. One parent commented on his daughters’ experience at camp, “Daphne and Sophie very much enjoyed their week at Camosun. It was the best 'camp' of its sort that they have attended. The students learned eagerly from instructors who obviously communicated their passion and knowledge in a way that conveyed useful skills, concepts, and information to the participants.”
Upcoming camps
Camosun is offering DiscoverTech and other camps for students in grades 6 through 12 over the summer months. The summer camps include:
Last updated: March 26, 2010 2:28 pm
