Camp offers youth taste of technology

North Dakota youth will have an opportunity in June to learn about building robots, using global positioning system technology and making maps.

The North Dakota State University Extension Service is holding a GEAR-Tech-21 (Geospatial and Robotics Technologies for the 21st Century) Camp on the NDSU campus in Fargo from June 17 to 20.

The camp is open to youths who will be entering grades five to eight this fall. Youth do not need to be a 4-H member to attend the camp.

Participants will be able to:

· Build and program robots

· Operate a hand-held GPS receiver

· Apply robotics, GPS and geographic information system technologies to geo-tracking, navigation and map making

· Learn about information technology’s role in natural resources and precision agriculture

· Explore the outdoors

· Learn about careers in science, technology, engineering and math

· Complete fun challenges and take part in a virtual competition with youth across the U.S.

The cost of the camp is $200 per participant. That includes all meals, overnight housing, and a camp workbook, supplies and T-shirt. Youth who will be riding the designated 4-H bus to camp will need to pay an additional $50.

The registration deadline is June 1. The camp is limited to 12 youth. Register online at https://nd.4honline.com.

For more information, contact Linda Hauge, 4-H youth development specialist, at (701) 231-7964 or linda.hauge@ndsu.edu.