Computer and LEGO® Summer Camps

Welcome to TechKnowHow's FAQ section. Below are topics followed by questions and answers that we feel will help you when making a choice to enroll your son or daughter in one of our popular summer programs.

General Infomation

What is our teaching philosophy?
Our classes are designed so that students can learn technology skills while engaged in fun and interesting projects. Our goal is to have students learn how to do some amazing things with technology -- all in a supportive and fun atmosphere.

What's the camper:staff ratio?
Our average camper:staff ratio is 10:1. In addition, we often have counselors-in-training (high school/ middle school students) who provide additional support for the campers.

What type of students are these classes designed for?
If a student has a strong interest in the class content, there is a very strong likelihood that he/she will enjoy the class, regardless of his/her experience with specific technology (computers, LEGO Bricks®, etc.). We have found that interest, and not prior experience, is the key ingredient in ensuring a fruitful experience in our classes.

Will there be adult supervision throughout the day?
Yes! Our staff supervise the students throughout the day, both in class, as well as during the recess and lunch breaks.

Does each student have their own Computer/LEGO®/building kit to work with?
Yes, each student has his/her own computer, or, if enrolled in a building camp, each student has their own materials kit to work with.

How are the classes structured?
Each class has a particular theme, such as Game Design, LEGO® or K'NEX® Building, Robotics, or Electronics. Within each class, there are sequential skills which students must learn and apply to master the subject. The instructors begin by teaching a specific skill(s), students practice and apply the skill(s) through high-interest, fun activities and, then regroup to learn the next sequential skill. Students have flexibility in creativity (the orientation and design of their projects), but follow the general progression of activities taught by the instructor to master the skills.

Do students get some outdoor recreation?
Yes, we have a 20 minute recess break in the morning and another in the afternoon. During these times, students and staff go outside to eat snacks and participate in different recreation activities. In addition, if the student is staying all-day, there is a half-hour lunch recess between classes.

Do you serve lunch and a snack?
No - please remember that each camper should bring his/her own lunch, snacks and beverages.

Is an extended day for before and after-school offered?
Yes, some locations offer a before and afterschool extended day. Please check the schedule of each location to determine if extended day hours are available.

What is your privacy policy?
TechKnowHow, Inc. does not share any personal information, including email addresses, with third parties interested in contacting you or collecting information about you. In addition, we DO NOT sell, rent, give or trade personal information we collect from online, phone or mail-in registrations. For complete privacy policy and collection or personal information, click here .

Staff

Who are the instructors?
Instructors are individuals who have a great interest and ability in teaching technology to students in an exciting way. Some are current school teachers or are involved in university programs, pursuing teaching credentials or secondary degrees in education or educational technology. Others are college students pursuing degrees in computer science. Many instructors have taught classes with us in previous summers and/or assist in developing curriculum during the school year. Each instructor is trained in teaching specific lessons involving the software and technology products in the courses. In addition, all instructors go through a criminal history background check through the California Department of Justice.

Classes

What type of computers do students work with?
The students work with Windows-PC laptops.

What do students do in each class?
For complete descriptions of each class, click on the link "Class Descriptions" at the left of this page.

Do students get to take home their computer work?
Yes, students take home the majority of their computer projects on a CD.

Do students take home their LEGO®, K'NEX®, or Electronics projects?
Since we use our LEGO®, K'NEX® and electronics supplies in classes throughout the year, students do not take home LEGO®, NXT®, K'NEX® or electronics projects or pieces. We can provide a list of affordable suppliers for parts, though, if your son/daughter wants to get pieces/kits used in our classes. Students in the camps for ages 5 - 9 do take home a camp t-shirt with a cool LEGO® image, as well as a LEGO® item.

What if a camp needs to be canceled due to low enrollment?
In the unlikely event that a camp needs to be cancelled, we will provide a full refund of tuition or allow a transfer to another TechKnowHow camp, if space is available.

Age Appropriateness

What about the age ranges - will my child be too young or too old compared with the rest of the class?
Since most classes have 2-3 instructors, we will often divide the seating of students so that the students are grouped by age. In this way, one or more instructors will work with the younger students, while another works with the older ones in the class. The base projects, lessons and software used in a class are the same for all students; the older students' work, on average, may have more details, enhancements, and extras. You can call us to get the current mix of students by age in classes that you are interested in.

Registration & Payment

What is the tuition for the program?
Early-bird tuition offers a savings through March 15, 2012.
Rates are $195/wk. for a half-day camp and $345/wk. for an all-day camp. Pricing for the week of July 2nd (4-day week with a Wednesday holiday) is $160/wk. for a half-day camp, and $280/wk. for an all-day camp.

Regular tuition is $215/wk. for a half-day camp, and $375/wk. for an all-day camp. Pricing for the week of July 2nd (4-day week with a holiday on Wednesday July 4th) is $175/wk. for a half-day camp, and $300/wk. for an all-day camp.
Note that camps at certain locations, such as community centers, may vary in pricing.
(See each location for pricing.)