Middle school students from the Bronx, New York, are set to embark on a 10-day high-tech themed camping trip called “Camp Interactive” in the mountains of New Jersey next Monday. There, they will design software for hiking and canoeing.

　　  According to the New York Daily News, this lesser-known tech-focused summer activity in the Bronx will take place at the Mohican Outdoor Center near the Appalachian Trail in New Jersey.
　 The camp’s instructor, Mike Denton, asked, “Are you excited about learning how to build apps in the mountains?” Hardly had the words left his mouth when applause erupted from nearly 20 teenagers seated around long wooden tables in a classroom decorated with wildlife trophy heads on the walls. These young tech enthusiasts are undergoing camping training at the Tech & Trek Center located in Kingsbridge, on the outskirts of Jerome Park.

　　  Coach Trey Greene told the kids, “You have to learn how to build things with nothing in your hands.”

　　  The activity (STEM) is an engaging extension program that teaches students how to apply the science, technology, engineering, and math knowledge learned in classrooms to real-world settings outside of school. It also offers a novel way to bring camping into the 21st century, allowing teens to use and develop mobile and computer applications for hiking and canoeing activities.
　  Craig Meisner, the executive director of the camping program, said, “Many of these kids have never been on an outdoor camping trip before. They can build self-reliance and teamwork here. We hope this experience will spark their curiosity and exploration in technology, and more importantly, give them an extraordinary experience.”

　　  Speaking about this upcoming adventure, 14-year-old participant Acerlia Bennett said she felt both nervous and excited. She said, “I like challenges in complex environments—the more challenging, the better it tests my ability to adapt and solve problems.”

　　  Camp Interactive is one of many organizations in New York City that offer extended learning opportunities for students. Recently, there’s also the week-long iD Tech Camp hosted by the City University of New York, which will begin next Monday. Children aged 7 to 17 will participate, creating iPhone, iPad, and Android applications, and learning how to modify images and edit software, among other skills.

　　  The tech camp and the trip to the Tech & Trek Center will be further enriched by showcasing the students’ app designs at major tech companies such as Google and Microsoft.