FAQ

Overview

When are the 2019 camps?

This year we have two separate 5-day computer camps for you and your friends. As each camper gets an individual PC workstation, the camp is currently limited to 18 participants per week. Week One starts Monday, July 8 and finishes Friday, July 12, 2019. Week Two starts Monday, July 15 and finishes Friday, July 19, 2019.

Where do the camps take place?

The camp program takes place in the Engineering Building on the south east corner of the University of Regina Campus in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. Some of the camp activities such as bowling, swimming, Matrix Gaming, and a barbeque take place at other Regina locations but most of the day is in the computer lab. Campus maps are available on the University of Regina website.

Who should attend the camp?

The camp is designed for those who are age 12 to 17 (inclusive as of camp start dates), have a yearn to learn, the ability to think logically, thrive on challenge and group interaction, and have a technology interest that includes more than just playing video game. Any level of computing education is welcome, whether beginner or advanced.

What is the camp program?

Each day between 8:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. you’ll work on your projects as an individual and in small teams. Naturally there are biobreaks and activity breaks. Evenings include group technical, social, and recreational activities. Your camp fee covers all activites. Late morning or early afternoon activities (depending on the weather) include swimming and team games. Monday evenings offer bowling, Tuesday and Thursday evenings are for individual and team project work as well as for special guest presentations to small groups. Wednesday evenings are for competitive computer games. Friday afternoon is highlighted by a closing ceremony where campers get to show their creations to family and friends. In addition, the camps provide lasting benefits by enhancing your technical, creative, and communication skill sets. You return home better able to assist the advanced technological challenges and opportunities faced by your family, schools, and community groups.

What’s the camp schedule?

How does each camp begin?

Camp opens each week on Monday at 8:30 a.m. at the University of Regina. After a brief introduction to staff, camp rules, and procedures, everybody dives right into action! During the first Monday session, mentors evaluate each camper’s abilities and goals to ensure learning at an appropriate level.

What’s the typical daily schedule for Tuesdays through Thursdays?

Time Activity
8:30 am Daily Briefing
8:45 am Session One
10:00 am First Biobreak
10:15 am Session Two
12:00 pm Lunch Break
12:30 pm Free Time
1:15 pm Session 3
3:00 pm Second Biobreak
3:15 pm Session Four
5:00 pm Supper Break
7:00 pm Evening Activities
8:45 pm Home Time

What are the week's features?

The daily program begins when the computer lab opens at 8:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. Each Monday features a pizza party and bowling. Campers get picked up from bowling around 7:45 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday the formal program ends at 5:00 p.m. Most campers choose to participate in the optional evening activities held from 5:00 p.m. through to 8:45 p.m. The optional activities include opportunities for project work, multi-player computer games, and special interest topics. On Fridays campers spend the morning hours finishing their projects and at 3:00 p.m. the camp closes with campers presentations and awards, where each camper’s achievements are highlighted for families, teachers, and other invited guests.

What about meals?

What are Biobreaks?

For the daily morning and afternoon biobreaks, campers are provided with a choice of free refreshments, ranging from bottled water to fruit juices and now and then soda pop. Although food and drink are not allowed in the computer room, water bottles are encouraged. Often, treats are awarded for great answers or creative solutions to challenges.

What meals are provided as part of the camp program?

Campers are provided with the following meals: Monday: pizza at lunch for all campers. Tuesday: BBQ supper. Wednesday: “2-peat Lunch” for campers back for their second or higher camp year. Thursday: “3-peat Supper” for campers back for their third or higher camp year.

What about other meals?

Campers are responsible for their own meals for other times. Campers may bring food (store in fridge / heat in microwave) or Campers may buy meals at nearby campus establishments or other nearby establishments.

What are the camp fees?

The camp fees are $300 per registration or $500 for both weeks. Fees include T-shirts, all camp activities, and biobreak refreshments. No discounts are offered for 2-week campers or campers from the same family. A $100 administration fee will apply for any cancellation of camp participation after one month prior to the first camp.

Paying by Credit Card

Simply navigate to the registration page by clicking ‘Register’ and choose which week you would like to sign up for. You will then need to fill out your billing information and camper information. Online registration is secured using SSL encryption and all payments are processed using Stripe.

Paying by Cash or Cheque

Contact Adam Knutson at (306) 535-0237 or email us as soon as possible.

I am out of town, where can I stay during camp?

The University of Regina provides several options for temporary stay. The most popular with campers in the past has been Luther College, located on the University of Regina campus. Campers staying at Luther College are about a three minute walk from the camps and fees are per night and may vary. All applications for Luther College must be initiated by MSI. Contact us if you plan on staying at Luther College.

Who operates the computer camps?

Who are the staff members for the camp?

The camp instructors are technical and subject matter experts from a wide range of our community including volunteers from industry, the University of Regina, and the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology.Community members share insight, knowledge, and support. In addition, mentors (generally senior campers from previous years) assist with camp activities.

What is Mentor Systems Inc. (MSI)?

Mentor Systems Inc. is a member-based organization registered as a non-profit corporation in Saskatchewan, Canada. MSI was formed by volunteer camp-staff who were counsellors and mentors at the various annual computer camps. MSI has the mandate of providing technological opportunities for youth. The program of camps and workshops fulfills this mandate by providing youth with hands-on experience with sophisticated systems, collaboration in solving challenging problems, and improved computer skills.

Who are the camp sponsors?

The camp program is made possible through our sponsors.

As a registered non-profit corporation providing technical opportunities for youth, MSI’s program welcomes donations and sponsored bursaries. Contact us at computercamps@gmail.com

Who can I contact from the Computer Camps?

What is the email address?

Email us at computercamps@gmail.com

Who can I call?

Adam Knutson at (306) 535-0237 (please leave a message if Adam is busy)