More than a decade ago, Cybercamps Academy established itself as the most innovative, national summer computer camp available. Today, Cybercamps Academy is widely regarded as the premier summer program for kids who are interested in computers and technology. We’ve retained this important distinction by continuing our dedication to innovation.
It’s understandable why so many other computer camps try to imitate us. Cybercamps Academy leaders are experts in their field. Not "family owned, family run" and not a "one-man show" – Cybercamps Academy employs top professionals to create the best experience and products for today’s youth.
To help parents sort out the leader in the group, below is a short history of how Cybercamps defined youth technology education – and continues to do so as Cybercamps Academy.
1997
Cybercamps (known then as Computer Adventures) launches at the University of Washington. Cybercamps was the first summer computer camp to offer courses in creative technologies such as Flash™, Game Design, and Web Design.
1998
Cybercamps launches a unique program centered around Virtual Reality and the creation of Virtual Reality environments.
2000
Cybercamps is the first national computer camp to create online storage space for all campers, and the first national camp to offer Web hosting services to its participants.
Cybercamps is the first youth technology training program to launch international programs with a location in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Soon after, other international locations would include Japan, Hong Kong, China, and South Korea.
2001
Cybercamps purchases the assets of ACE Computer Camps of Atlanta, Georgia.
Cybercamps is the first and only computer camp company to be funded by California Welfare Reform to offer under-served students a summer opportunity.
Cybercamps is the first national computer program to reach 40 locations in more than 17 states. Today, Cybercamps is offered in public and private locations at more than 60 locations throughout the US.
Cybercamps is the first national computer camp to receive ACA accreditation at all of its locations. Since this time, no other computer camp has matched this dedication to the health and safety of its participants. Most companies only accredit the locations closest to their headquarters so they can use the ACA logo.
2003
Cybercamps launches w00t!c@mp – the first teen-only, nationwide, computer LAN party and tournament. w00t!c@mp quickly becomes an integral part of the Cybercamps program.
Cybercamps launches the Teen Leadership Program. This is the nation’s first leadership training program for youth interested in technology. Striking a chord of quality and value for both youth and parents, the program sells out each and every year from this point forward.
2005
Cybercamps launches Cyber Explorers – the first dedicated curriculum and national computer training program for kids ages 6-10. This program builds upon our existing and popular Cyberexplorer program found inside of Cybercamps.
Cybercamps is the first and only national computer camp to volunteer our idle networks for research projects. Using parallel process / shared computing, our computers crunch research data to help solve the world’s problems at night while campers sleep.
Cybercamps becomes the first and only summer technology program to have its curriculum validated by scientific research to significantly increase student higher-order thinking skills.
2006
Cybercamps launches the first Game Artistry courses for youth, taught in a national summer computer and technology program. Typically these courses are only available at specialized schools or universities. Cybercamps brings in experts from the field to select locations nationwide.
And, as far as we know, we are still the only national computer camp to:
- Serve the military and run programs on bases for military families under government contract.
- Develop and provide curriculum for school systems and non-profit programs like the Boys and Girls Clubs.
- Focus on staff growth as part of our staff development and enrichment process.
- Host a private online gallery of camp photos for parents.
- Provide private and secure game servers for online gaming preventing online strangers from participating.
- Systematically provide letters of recommendation for graduating teens in our CIT program for college admissions.
- Run “gaming only” tournament camps.
- Offer online curriculum to assure nationwide quality and learning standards.
- Use a learning system that can be updated instantly with new content or corrections,
- Offer Special Interest areas to tap into staff’s unique areas of expertise and passion.
- Offer year-round access to curriculum.
- Develop Counselors-in-Training programs with activities and mentorship designed to groom young leaders.
- Provide Counselor Intern programs to allow young leaders the opportunity to demonstrate and practice leadership.
2008
Cybercamps Academy launches as the only youth summer computer program in the nation that incorporates 21st century skill training into its technology training courseware.