2009 Summer Camp Information

Nebraska 4‐H is offering a series of 5‐day GEAR‐Tech‐ 21 summer camps for middle‐school students covering the basics in robotics, GPS, GIS technologies. Two types of camp setting are available – day and overnight, see our listing to find the camp that fits your summer schedule.

Camp Levels:

Camp.1.0: GEAR Explorers – A week‐long day or overnight summer camp program for participants new to the program. Camps are coordinated by Nebraska 4‐H and by local volunteers.

Camp.2.0: In‐High GEAR – The second week‐ long day or overnight summer program for middle‐school students. It is for participants who have complete the Year 1 curriculum by attending regular meetings throughout the school year. The camp experience will explore higher level use and integration of robotics and GPS.

Nebraska 4‐H is sponsoring these camps and encourages the creation of new Robotic Club in schools and communities throughout Nebraska and the United States. Camp participants have the opportunity to help organize Robotic Clubs affiliated with 4‐H.

The camp experience will include the use of Lego MindstormsTM NXT robotics, and activities to gain knowledge of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).

Activities included in the camp programs:

• Building and programming a robot using the Lego MindstormsTM NXT kit.
• Learning about the principles of GPS and their application to a variety of settings and careers.
• Operation of a handheld GPS receiver for “geo-tracking” and navigation.
• Learn about the use of aerial photography and its use as a tool for developing a "land surveillance system."
• Learn about the basics of GIS, digital cartography, and their application to agriculture and natural resource management.
• Synergize a NXT robot with a GPS receiver for geo-reference navigation.
• Explore career opportunities in the fields of robotics, GPS/GIS, natural resource management, and the use of technology in agriculture.

How to Register for Camp:

Download the Youth Camp Registration Form.
Download the Adult Camp Registration Form.

You will receive a confirmation e-mail with additional information and instructions about camp, and required forms and permission. If you do not receive this email, your registration is incomplete.

The Form must be completed and signed by parent and camper to attend. Complete and mail the registration, permission and health form and payment to:

State 4-H Office
Robotics/GPS/GIS Camp
114 Ag. Hall
University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Lincoln, NE 68583-0700

Full camp fee is required at the time of registration. After we receive your registration, you will receive confirmation no later than two (2) weeks after the registration is processed.

Please Note: Campers who want to room together should list each other’s name on their registration forms and should send their registrations together.

All cancellations are subject to a $25 processing fee. No fees will be returned if the camp being attended is not notified 10 days prior to the camp session commencing. Camps fill on a first-come, first-served basis so please do not delay your registration.

Transportation: Many counties coordinate group transportation/car pool to the 4-H camps. Please contact your county extension office (see phone book under County Government Offices) to inquire.

Leaving Camp Early and/or "Coming and Going": It is our goal to make your child's stay at 4-H Camp one of the highlights of the summer. We strive to create a community in which all campers are actively involved 100% of the time. This is difficult when campers leave for sporting events or other engagements. Please try to make arrangements within your schedule so your child can remain at camp for the entire session.

For additional information, please contact:

Kevin Kramer
4-H Youth Development
114 Ag Hall
Lincoln, NE 68583-0700
Email: kkramer3@unl.edu
(402) 472-2718