Computer Camp
The Area Mental Health Center Computer Camp is a series of Psychosocial Groups designed to create a motivational and interesting environment for SED children that will teach critical reasoning skills, problem-solving skills, and promote patience, confidence, and self-esteem. It will also assist in closing the "digital divide" between SED children and their peers, allowing them a more competitive future.
REFFERAL
Camp is open to Area Mental Health Center clients age 10 to 18. To refer a child to the Computer Camp, please fill out and submit a Referral Form. Referral Forms are available from Marshall H. Lewis at the Ulysses Office. Date of the next camp will be announced.
FEES
The Camp will be billed as a Psychosocial Group. Only Medicaid pays for this service. Children without Medicaid would be accepted if their parent/guardian wishes to pay privately.
SCHEDULE
The group is divided into 8 three-hour units held at the Ulysses Office:
Introduction
Introduction and outline of the group and its functions; introduction of group members and assignment to technical teams, if enough members present; introduction to computer hardware and software in general and to the Camp’s hardware and software in particular.
Hardware
Disassembly and assembly of computer hardware to discover its inner workings and to plan an upgrade path, including upgrading RAM, hard drive(s), and CPU.
Productivity Software
Examination and practice of word processing, spreadsheet and database software with brain storming sessions on how this software can be used to help achieve personal and community goals.
Creativity Software
Examination and practice of photo processing, music storage and editing, and movie processing software with brain storming sessions on how this software can be used to build and enhance family relationships and self-expression.
Computer Networking and Understanding of the Internet
Creation of an Intranet within the Computer Camp to gain an understanding of the risks and benefits of the global Internet and file sharing in general, along with examination of personal security issues when online.
Web Design
Creation of individual (or team) web sites using basic HTML hand coding or WYSIWYG editors, with individual (or team) decisions regarding the purpose and focus of the web site and its content.
Troubleshooting
Application of scientific reasoning skills to trace and correct various preplanned failures of the Computer Camp equipment, including RAM or hard drive failure, driver conflicts, and viruses, among other challenges.
Personal Projects
Each camper will have the opportunity to create a personal project. This may be the use of Computer Camp equipment to enhance a school project, creation of a family web site, or (with permission of parents and their provision of hardware) upgrade of a personal computer system brought from home.