Thank you for your interest. Registration is closed. Please check back again this summer.
Looking for something to do for Spring Break? No, we aren’t suggesting a trip to a warm beach, but something even better! Sign up for Spring Break Programming Camp at Life Connection Church and learn an essential skill that will last a lifetime.
About the Camp
In our Spring Break Programming Camp, teens will have the opportunity to learn real programming in Python, the programming language that dominates the world of Data Science! With hands-on guidance from an expert programmer and experienced instructor, campers will learn programming fundamentals and skills that will equip them for success in an increasingly digital world.
About the Instructor
The Camp will be led by William Christian, a pastor at Life Connection Church. Pastor Bill--or Dr. Bill as many know him--earned a Ph.D. from Rice University where he studied Computational and Applied Mathematics. He is a former university professor who taught programming and math. He was a web developer and consultant in the early days of the Internet. And he has nearly two dozen years of professional experience designing algorithms and software, leading teams, and training new developers with no prior programming experience.
And he’s super excited to offer this opportunity!
Answers to Some of Your Questions
Do I need my own computer?
Yes, camp participants are required to bring a laptop computer to camp each day. Just like having your own instrument when learning to play music, we believe that you will learn the most when you can learn, practice and experiment on the same computer.
What programming language will we learn?
Most of the lessons will be using the Python programming language. However, the concepts and programming fundamentals apply to all languages.
What is Python?
"For over 20 years, Python has been used successfully throughout the world as a programming language in industry, in the service sector, and also in research and science to meet a wide range of different requirements. In this time, the language has changed many things.
"The Python programming language is easy to learn. It has blurred the boundaries between users and developers. Increasing numbers of scientists, engineers, financial experts, and others with little programming experience are using Python to solve specific complex technical problems." (Python Brochure vol. 1)
Is programming experience required?
Spring Break Programming Camp is ideal for teens with a strong interest in coding but not necessarily future computer scientists. Programming is an essential skill in other areas like finance, mathematics, business, chemistry, physics, and communications. Prior experience is not required, but students should be comfortable with computer basics and elementary algebra (e.g., variables, substitution, order of operations).
Is it for teens only? What if I’m not a teen?
We defer to parents as the best judge of their children's interest and comfort level. However, we do not recommend our Spring Break Programming Camp for children not yet in middle school.
If you're interested in adult lessons, talk to Pastor Bill.
How much does camp cost?
The Spring Break Programming Camp only costs $190. Yes, it's a steal and stealing is a sin but this time it's ok.
It gets even better, though! If you register and pay by March 6, you can pay only $160.
What is the daily schedule going to be like?
Camp will run from 9 am to 5 pm during the Anne Arundel County Public Schools Spring Break (Monday through Friday, April 2-7). Portions of each day will be dedicated to computer programming lessons and time for campers to experiment with what they're learning, but each day will also include time for lunch (of course) and snacks, and time for some regular camp games and time around the fire pit.
Will there be religious instruction? Do you need to be a Christian to participate?
No, you do not need to be a Christian to participate. While our Spring Break Programming Camp is not a Bible camp, our love of God undergirds everything we do at Life Connection Church. So where there are obvious connections between lesson content and truths of Scripture, Dr. Bill may be inclined to point it out.
Will lunch be provided?
Snacks will be provided each day. For lunch, we will order from local restaurants. Campers can bring a lunch or opt in for ordering lunch on a daily basis; a schedule will be provided.
Register Now
Thank you for your interest. Registration is closed. Please check back again this summer.
