(Posted May 31, 2001)

HUNTGINDON, Pa. -- Middle and high school students interested in computers and technology can go to summer camp without having to deal with short-sheeted beds, congealed oatmeal or top-bunk-bottom-bunk decisions by attending the Juniata College Virtual Summer Camp for Information Technology June 25 through July 22.

The virtual summer camp, which costs $100 per camper, allows its participants to stay at home using their home computers to do weekly activities overseen by Juniata College faculty and staff. The campers will be asked to visit the college twice during camp, specifically a June 25 orientation session and a two-day wrap-up July 21 and 22.

The camp is open to students between 12 and 16 years of age. Requirements for the camp include an IBM-compatible personal computer and an Internet access account. The Microsoft Office software package is recommended. All V-campers will receive one Juniata College credit for the camp.

"The campers are expected to work about five to 10 hours a week on their projects," says Loren Rhodes, professor of information technology and chair of Juniata's information technology program. "Although each camper can do an individual project, we're hoping that campers will form teams to approach a project. The essence of this camp is to get participants familiar with working with technology that allows them to work with people who are not in the same room."

Rhodes says students who cannot afford the cost of the camp can request scholarship funds. Interested campers can send a written request, along with a written statement from a teacher, guidance counselor or principal to: Loren Rhodes, Juniata College, Huntingdon, PA 16652.

To receive a registration form and register for the camp, please call Loren Rhodes at (814) 641-3620. Send the completed form to Rhodes at the address listed above.

At the June 25 orientation, campers will select areas to specialize in and choose individual or group projects for the weeks to follow. From June 26 to July 21, campers will work on their projects using e-mail and Web CT, as well as chat rooms and message boards to interact with Juniata instructors and other campers.

On July 16, campers will be asked to hand in descriptions of projects. On July 21, campers will return to Juniata's Raystown Field Station for a two-day weekend. Campers will make their final presentations, take a lake cruise and participate in other activities.

Some of the topics to be covered at the camp include:
--Beyond Scotch Tape: By explaining networking and infrastructure, this course details how the Internet works.
--If You Build It, They Will Come: Web site design is the topic.
--Watch For Flying Objects: Students can work on multimedia digital video and audio projects.
--What Does That Really Mean? New media and information technology techniques are covered.
--Don't Drink The Water: Campers can apply computer technology to questions in environmental science and water resource technology.
--Students also can choose topics in database technology, Java Applets, Geographic Information Systems, or design their own topic.

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.