Tech Kids Coding Camp Teaches Software Coding & Robotics to Nearly 50 Avid Campers

LYNCHBURG, Va. - July 25, 2014 - PRLog -- Holy Cross Regional Catholic School, the Lynchburg Office of Economic Development, Randolph College and the Region 2000 Future Focus Foundation have partnered to launch a Tech Kids Coding Camp this summer from July 21-25 and July 28- August 1 at Holy Cross Regional Catholic School for rising 3rd - 8th grade students around the region. Camp registrations have also included six scholarships for children from the Boys & Girls Club.

Tech Kids Coding Camp is a week-long introduction to computer programming and robotics. Kids are learning the basics of these disciplines through fun, collaborative and creative activities. The goal is to enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving skills and to engage their interest in the relevance of technology in their future academic and career plans. Campers are also getting some outside recreation to show the necessity for balance within our highly technical society. Randolph College’s Dr. Katrin Schenk is teaching the camps which are being hosted by Holy Cross Regional Catholic School.

“Early exposure to STEM fields focuses young students on future careers,” said Marjette Upshur, Director of Economic Development for the City of Lynchburg. “With 90% of the jobs in the next decade requiring some knowledge of science, technology, engineering and math, we believe that the Coding Camps can prepare Lynchburg students for a bright future in the City's workforce."

"Through research, we found the closest similar camp was one in Charlottesville," said Holy Cross School Director of Marketing & Enrollment Catherine Mosley. "Our goal is enhance and highlight the critical thinking skills and problem-solving we are already teaching at Holy Cross while re-introducing our wonderful school to the community and partnering with these other fantastic organizations. Registrations came in so quickly we were able to offer a second week, and we look forward to expanding the program next summer."

"At Randolph College we have a passion for sharing science and technology with the Lynchburg community.  Our Science Festival draws over 1000 participants each year.  We are very excited to have the opportunity to sponsor the Tech Kids Coding Camp!  We believe that the earlier kids get exposed to something like computer programming, the more likely that they will see themselves in a computer science or other STEM-related career in the future.  In my research laboratory at Randolph, the first thing my students learn is how to write code.  I think that no matter what career they choose, learning to code is useful since is ideal for teaching high level problem solving and critical thinking."