Camp FAQs
What if my child requires special accommodations?
Because of our 1:4 teaching ratio and the supportive nature of our staff, TIC has had success with children who have mild learning disabilities (dyslexia, ADD, ADHD). We have also served children with physical disabilities (e.g. deafness or spina bifida). However, our staff is not trained in special education. Therefore, parents of children with behavioral conditions which require very close supervision must, before submitting an application, discuss with us whether TIC is appropriate for their child. If your child requires any special accommodations or receives services in school (such as an IEP), it is hugely helpful to us if parents note that on their registration and communicate with their Site Director prior to their child starting at TIC. The more we know ahead of time, the better prepared we can be to ensure your camper has the best possible experience with us!
Why should my child take programming?
We believe that programming is an essential part of learning to do anything really powerful and creative on the computer. Many kids come to technology camp wanting to design “video games.” That’s what programming teaches! (Of course, game design is not the only thing one can do in programming.)
Are you accepting friend requests?
Yes! When you register, you are required to complete a “Camper Info” Form. This is where you will write the names of your friends. Friends will be able to be in the same group or room for the whole day as long as they are in the same technology option, otherwise, friends requests will only be able to be honored during the athletic portions. Please note: Friend requests of two grade year differences or more, may not be able to be honored.
What is the TIC Mutual Aid Fund?
TIC's Mutual Aid Fund is how financial assistance will be funded at camp. Throughout the pandemic, many families have been financially impacted in a negative manner, which may prohibit them from being able to attend camp. The Mutual Aid Fund is a way for us to make camp accessible to all. Therefore, 1% of every registration will be directly donated to the TIC Mutual Aid fund, and 100% of the fund will be used to financially assist families who need access to it. Camp is a community and it is our duty to help those who are in need in our community.
Where can I see my camper’s project?
During the two week session, campers take their learnings and interests and produce a final project. Projects can be several, small accomplishments or one, larger undertaking. Projects vary greatly by tech option. On the last Friday of each session, caregivers and friends are invited to attend the TIC Open House to see their campers projects and athletics in action. The times vary by site but generally run 1:30-3:00pm. Projects are also uploaded and links provided so families can save for eternity.
What is TIC’s tax ID#?
TIC’s new tax ID# is 46-0767005. It is also printed on every statement we send you.
What are “Juniors” and “Seniors”?
Our campers are ages 7 to 15 years old. In DC and MD, Juniors are elementary school age kids, rising 2nd through 5th graders, Seniors are secondary age kids, rising 6th graders and up; in VA, Juniors are rising 2nd through 4th and Seniors are rising 5th graders and up. For campers “on the cusp,” between junior and senior, we will change their groups to keep friends together.
Then within the Juniors and Seniors, campers are grouped by tech option and age. The group designation is more important in sports than in technology. Because of our individualized instruction, campers will learn what they are ready for and proceed at their own pace in either Junior or Senior technology. In sports, it is important to play with other kids the same age and size, so we always group them appropriately by age first.
Can my preschooler or kindergartner come to camp?
Our program is appropriate only if campers know how to read, at least on a minimal level. Also, having been to first grade gives them the added socialization skills that are necessary for collaboration in the computer lab and teamwork on the field. In VA, The Langley School offers their own program for Pre-K thru 1st grades. More information when their registration opens.
Is there an Extended Day program?
Yes! Please visit our Extended Day page for more information.
Tell me about the lunch program.
TIC provides the option to order a lunch through a third party vendor. Families order and pay for lunches online and they are then delivered to camp prior to lunch.
How does TIC deal with bullying?
Bullying is not tolerated at TIC. Our staff is trained to be alert to any evidence of bullying. A camper who bullies other campers is sent to the office and parents are called. Depending on the severity of the incident, the camper may be asked to leave camp, with no refund of tuition.
What if my child isn’t into or doesn’t like sports?
Don’t be intimidated by the word “sports.” We just want to get the kids moving and expose them to a wide array of activities, including traditional and non-traditional sports. There is something for everyone, and we make sure both experienced and reluctant athletes are happy. Most kids who have had a negative team experience thrive at TIC because we make it FUN! We also offer plenty of indoor games, which can include dance, yoga, four square, gymnastics, and lots of crazy games. In addition, we encourage our Athletics staff to learn which activities their group enjoys the most so that we can include those on our flexible schedule.
Why can’t my child take more than one extra cost option in the same session?
Extra cost options occur during the athletic portion of the day, therefore have conflicting times. Due to this constraint campers are only allowed to sign up for one extra cost option at this time.
What is “tech space”?
Tech Space is similar to a makerspace offered during the tech portion of the day with tech adjacent activities that campers can choose to participate in.
Why does my camper share a computer in technology?
Part of TIC’s philosophy is giving camper’s the opportunity to practice and enhance their “soft skills” such as collaboration, communication, compromise, etc. Sharing a computer gives campers a chance to do this in an intentional way. Our campers constantly talk about how this approach elevates their experience because of the bonds they are able to create with their technology partner.
Does my camper have to take programming first?
Programming is not required for any other tech option. All other options are available without programming knowledge. Please consider your child when registering for technology options. Kids as young as 7 years old can definitely benefit and thrive in programming but if your child has a hard time sitting for long periods of time, then we would suggest beginning with a session of digital photography or animation first. It is also important to note that Programming requires basic typing skills.
Is it possible to go half days or for only one week in a session?
We do not recommend this because your camper will only experience our real “product” by attending the full two weeks due to our technology schedule and the fact that they work with a partner or in a small group. We also do not pro-rate sessions for partial attendance.
Can I choose more than one tech option per session?
At TIC, campers don’t just get a “taste” of each technology. They learn to master one skill at a time by following through on a project of their own design in just one chosen tech option. Campers may, however, choose to do a different option in each TIC session they attend, or deepen their skills if they repeat a tech option in another session. Since the instruction is individualized, there is never any repetition— they learn only what they want or need at any point. Many skills from different tech options can also be used to enhance projects in new tech options.
Do campers usually register for 1, 2 or more sessions?
About 40% of our campers attend for only one session, but come back summer after summer. Approximately 30% attend for two sessions since the instruction is individualized and there is no repetition. Campers either choose to dive deeper into their favorite tech option or take another program to add to their learnings. 30% attending three or more sessions. In VA, campers may not attend more than three sessions per state licensing limitations.
Is TIC licensed?
TIC is accredited by the American Camp Association. ACA is the only national accrediting body for camps of all types. ACA's accreditation standards focus on health, safety, and risk management, and are used as benchmarks by government entities. ACA accreditation provides public evidence of a camp's commitment to the well-being of campers and staff. In MD, this designation allows us to also be licensed by the Maryland Department of Health and Human Service. In VA, TIC is exempt from licensure under the provision, Code § 22.1-289.030, Section A.1 which states “A program of instructional experience in a single focus, such as, but not limited to, computer science, archaeology, sport clinics, or music, if children under the age of six do not attend at all and if no child is allowed to attend for more than 25 days in any three-month period commencing with enrollment.“