What is the difference between Standard and Advanced camps?
Standard Camps are designed to teach beginner students the basics of cybersecurity. No prior cybersecurity knowledge is required for participants. More information on curriculum can be found here.
Advanced Camps are designed to build upon content from the Standard Camp. Advanced Camp participation requires successful completion of a previous AFA CyberCamp, participation in the CyberPatriot National Youth Cyber Education Program, or equivalent educational experience.
What will I learn?
We use curriculum provided by the Air Force Association's CyberPatriot Youth Program. The first two days of the standard camp will cover the basics of cyber ethics and systems security, with the following two days diving deeper into cybersecurity in Windows and Linux (Ubuntu). Friday is competition day - students compete to fix vulnerabilities on Windows 10 and Ubuntu 16 images.
Do I need any previous computer or technical experience?
Standard camp students do not need to have any prior knowledge of cybersecurity to participate. Some basic knowledge of computer hardware (knowing how to use a mouse, browse the internet, identify common computer icons, etc.) is helpful. If students would like to brush up on their computer skills ahead of time, we recommend the Carnegie Library DigitalLearn tutorials. "Using a PC (Windows 10)" and any of the modules under the "Being Safe Online" category will be useful to review before the camp. If interested in 1:1 instruction, email info@carnegielibrary.org.
Advanced camp students must possess some prior knowledge and participation requires successful completion of a previous AFA CyberCamp, participation in the CyberPatriot National Youth Cyber Education Program, or equivalent educational experience. Most of the Advanced curriculum builds on material covered by our Standard camp and also draws from the activities/tasks in the CyberPatriot competition.
What is the age range for the camp?
Students entering 9th-graduating 12th grade are eligible to attend.
Do I need to attend all five days of the camp?
Yes - students are required to attend all five days.
What is the time commitment?
The camp will be held in person from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Monday-Friday with the exception of a 1:30 PM dismissal on Friday. Class instruction begins at 9:00 so we do recommend students arrive 10-15 minutes early in order to make it to the computer lab on time.
Is there a cost?
No, the camp is free thanks to our generous sponsors and partners - EQT Foundation, Grable Foundation, and Pitt Information Technology.
Is food provided?
Light snacks will be available during the week. We encourage students to eat breakfast before the camp if possible. If food allergies are a concern, please feel free to pack your own snacks. Lunch will be available for students on Friday.
Do I need my own computer?
When in-person, students do NOT need their own device. We use the Pitt Information Technology computing lab computers.