camp byoc

About Us

Camp BYOC (Build Your Own Computer) was founded by Robin Walker, President/CEO of CDM Technologies, a computers sales and service business that focuses on delivering a full range of support and product offerings that cater to both consumers and small business enterprises.

The first camp was held in August 2014 and had 9 students ranging in age from 11-14. Students built their own computer while learning the science of how hardware and software interact and integrate to produce one of society's most important tools.

CDM is thankful to Father Trevor Babb who championed the program and helped establish a sponsor and partnership with St. Simon of Cyrene Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio. Father Babb invested his personal time and worked with the Episcopal Diocese to fund a significant portion of the program. What we accomplished that first year was well beyond our goals and objectives.

 

Camp Staff

Director - Robin Walker

Camp Administrator - Jasmine Clark

CDM Technologies Staff

 

Contact Us

513-549-8308

513-377-1679

 

Past Camps

Since beginning in 2014, Camp BYOC has invested and trained approximately 50 students to build and maintain their own computers. Each year we have improved the program to add younger students and grow the skills and experiences of returning students.  We now have 4 camps designed for different age groups, skill levels and maturity. Our short term goal is to support up to 60+ students; in the future we would like expand the beyond Cincinnati and Indianapolis to other major cities/communities.

  • 2014: PILOT CAMP, Ages 11-14, 2 weeks
  • 2015: Jr Engineering Camp, Ages 12-14, 2 weeks, Associate Engineering Camp, returning students from 2014; Associate Engineer's trip to Silicon Valley
  • 2016: Jr Engineering Camp, Ages 12-14, 2 weeks, Associate Engineering Camp, returning students from 2015, 2 weeks; Sr Enginneering Camp, returning students from 2014, 2 weeks, and Club BYOC, every other Saturday

Testimonials

"I never dreamed that I would ever build my own computer, but I did."
-- A. Rodriguez, Cincinnati

 

"It was the excitement, creativity, curiosity and accomplishment of each youth that made the program transformative and equipped them with a life skill"
-- Father T. Babb, Cincinnati

More Articles ...

Camp Info

We have four camps available to youth of various ages. The price breakdowns and age ranges are described below. If you have any questions or inquiries regarding the camp or its operation, please do not hesitate to contact us via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Contact Us.

Who Should Apply?

Youth between ages 10-16 who:

  • show interest in computers or technology
  • are strong academically
  • are analytical
  • like to tinker
  • like science
  • want to understand how technology works

 

Camp Application

Students are selected based on age and interest and completion of the application process. We are looking for students who want to learn the science of computer technology. Three steps must be completed to comply...

Past Camps

Since beginning in 2014, Camp BYOC has invested and trained approximately 50 students to build and maintain their own computers. Each year we have improved the program to add younger students and grow the skills...

  • Ages 10-11
    • One Week
    • Monday - Friday, 9 am - 5 pm
    • Understand Computer Components
    • Beginner Programming
    • Learn Raspberry Pi - Micro Computer
    Cost: $215
  • Ages 12-16
    • Two Weeks
    • Monday - Friday, 9 am - 5 pm
    • Programming and 3D Printing
    • Learn Rasberry Pi - micro computer
    • Apply Technology Skills to Rasberry Pi Projects
    • Build Your Own Computer

    Cost: $350

  • There are 2 camps for returning students - Associate Engineering and Senior Engineering

    Ages 13+
    • Two Weeks
    • Monday - Friday, 9 am - 5 pm
    • Intermediate Programming & Web Development
    • Apply Technology Skills to Project(s)
    • Mentor Pre- and Jr.- Engineering Camp Students
    • Trip to Silicon Valley to see tech companies first hand
    Cost: $300
  • Ages 10-16
    • Twice a Month During the School Year
    • Saturdays 12 pm - 3 pm
    • Beginner Programming
    • Learn Computer Concepts
    • Learn Rasberry Pi - micro computer 

    Cost: $35/session

    All summer camp participants are eligible to join.

    Interested youth (10-16) who are not past camp participants can apply.

    Interested youth who are not past camp participants and are older than 16 can contact us to discuss options.

About The Founder
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About The Founder →
Camp BYOC History
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Camp BYOC History →

"I never dreamed that I would ever build my own computer, but I did."
-- A. Rodriguez, Cincinnati

 

"It was the excitement, creativity, curiosity and accomplishment of each youth that made the program transformative and equipped them with a life skill"
-- Father T. Babb, Cincinnati

Your Help & Support Is Critical

Volunteer Help And Support

We need volunteers to assist with running the camps, teaching students, updating the camp course curriculum, fundraising, and marketing. Our biggest and most challenge endeavor is an "end of summer camp" trip to Silicon Valley for select Jr. & Sr. Engineering students, chaperons, and camp administrators.

Fundraising efforts are key to providing financial aid to the students for the trip and for helping to reduce other student expenses, like hardware and software.

Camp BYOC has several working committees that assist with operations:

Fundraising
Marketing
Special Events

If you would like to support us by joining one of our Camp BYOC committees, please click the volunteer button below.

Submit Volunteer Application