June 17 began like any other day for sixteen central Iowa teenagers as they boarded a van and were transported to Iowa State University. But these teenagers were about to experience a two-day camp unlike any other, an experience in virtual reality. As the groups arrived at Friley Hall on the Iowa State Campus they were greeted by members of the I.S.U. residence hall department as well as their hosts for the camp, representatives of Iowa State University, Iowa Central Community College and Des Moines Area Community College. Together they would explore the technology behind virtual reality and experience first hand the power of creating a virtual model for themselves.

Lunch is always a hit with teenagers but the U.D.C.C. outdid itself and impressed even the most timid of campers, this was not your usual beans and hot dog camping experience! After lunch the group visited Howe Hall were they were treated to a presentation explaining virtual reality by VRAC graduate student, Ronald Sidharta. The students enjoyed a virtual boxing game but also learned about the technology that made it possible. How do I know they learned? Later during the VRAC tour when one of our guides was asking the group of freshman and sophomores questions about virtual reality technology, they actually knew the answers. These young people were amazing and a real pleasure to work with during the camp experience.

After our introductory lesson and an interesting parade of virtual reality models back at Industrial Education II, the students were ready to get down to the reality of camp and get their hands dirty. However, since this was a technology camp, that meant getting their hands on the computers. Our head camp masters Travis Green and Neil Pederson and Shana Smith guided the campers through experiences building pieces and then models that resembled the legos that many of them had played with during their younger days. Our camp masters made the experience so much fun with their patience and humor and the campers rose to the occasion surprising all of us with how quickly they picked up the software and got busy on their own models. Travis, Neil and Shana were supported by fantastic helpers in the labs and I’m sure the campers will agree that Jesse, Carrie and Kyle made the ‘virtual’ experience one they will never forget. (Nevermind the fact that few of them got much sleep as they worked on the other important task of the camp, socializing with new friends).

After our hands on time, the group headed to yes, dinner and a speaker but this was no ordinary dried out buffet and boring guy in a suit. The campers and staff were entertained by Dr. Roger Smith impressed upon the students the importance of surrounding yourself with those who will help you succeed. As the students heard about making good choices and the importance of future education we were greeted by our next speaker. Another boring guy in a suit? No way, Dr. Adrian Sannier was in the house and did a great job of capturing the attention of each and every camper as he drove home the point that technology is our future and the importance of being ready for it in our careers! I’d never before seen a college professor jump straight up in the middle of a talk, but I’m sure this is one talk none of the visitors to I.S.U. will ever forget.

The Virtual Reality CAVES at Iowa State are well known throughout the world of Virtual Reality Engineering and our campers got a real treat. Not only were they lucky enough to get to experience each of the CAVES but they took the controls and could ask questions from our talented and knowledgeable guides as they experimented with virtual part assembly, a virtual cotton picker, a fire cave and an underwater experience. The experience left some of us wondering if the person we were standing next to was real or a virtual image.

Bowling was next and the campers got to try out the infamous Memorial Union Bowling Lanes. For those of us who are alums of I.S.U., yes they still are that bad but they are also just as fun as we remember. The kids had a great time getting to know each other and trying to navigate the often less than straight lanes. With the intention of wearing them out, the staff then returned the group to Friley hall and tucked them in for a night of sweet dreams, NOT. This group can talk for hours and spent the evening socializing and getting to know each other.

Our last day of ‘virtual’ camp was capped off with finishing up the virtual models and converting them into file formats that would allow the models to come alive and jump off of the screen when viewed with our special VR glasses. Even the pink and green, North High car seemed to come alive, but

some of the neatest models were the ones that didn’t get finished or were changed in creative ways by some of the students. The van ride home was a bit sleepier and quieter than the ride to the camp but good friends were made and a lot was learned about virtual reality and possible careers and education in this exciting areana. A great time was had by all, staff and campers and we can’t wait to repeat the experience next year.