About Bitcamp
Bitcamp allows hackers to explore different ways in which they can put their skills to use for the good of the society, and it operates under different themes, with the recent one being ‘Build with Purpose.’ The event takes place over 36 hours, during which attendees get to take part in various workshops and challenges. The winners walk away with amazing prizes at the end of their stay, some with tangible goods and others with a wealth of knowledge that will serve them for decades to come. Everyone is a winner in this camp, and if you want to satisfy your curiosity, this is the place to be.
The event hosts thousands of campers and tons of mentors who work together to create breathtaking projects that serve to solve some of the societal issues across the globe. Admission is open to anyone interested in being part of this life-changing event, regardless of whether you are a pro at hacking or are new to the field. It’s all about adventure, and the campfire awaits your presence!
Overview
The idea of the camp started when students from the University of Maryland thought it wise to fuse fun and technology and come up with an event that allowed attendees to enjoy the best of both worlds. The exhibition first took place in 2013, and since then, the goal has been to ensure that the activities taking place are in line with the initial values which were all about commitment to the experience, teamwork, and fun. Do these values appeal to you? If yes, you have what it takes to build with purpose.
Program
Each year, the event tackles a different societal problem through the use of technology. In 2019, the aim was to bridge the gap that exists between hackers and the community by showing that technology, if used in the right way, can have a positive impact on real-world issues by benefitting businesses and not-for-profit organizations.
2019
The event took place as from the twelfth of April till the fourteenth at the Xfinity Center in the University of Maryland.
Hardware Village
Also part of the program was the Hardware Village, which was of interest to anyone who wanted to have a feel of hacking with hardware. Here, attendees got to learn everything from how to build circuits to soldering wires as they explored the various ways in which they could exploit the gadgets on display. The workshop was open to both newbies and pros and with volunteers around at all times, they were able to pick up a thing or two which they could use during and after the camp experience.
Minors Tent
This activity was ideal for interested attendees who were younger than 18 by the time of registration. The attendees were required to arrive as a group of friends or with a chaperone, provided they provided their information by the deadline. It was an exciting part of the event as minors got a feel of what it felt like to be a hacker and how they too could be part of the change that is imminent in the present world.
Colorwar
For artistic people, as well as people skilled in coming up with fantastic designs, this was the place to be as the competition was quite stiff and the excitement in the air was undeniable. Participants competed in an online draw which determined who got to come up with a design in the full glare of other attendees. And it was not only for the street cred but also for the fantastic prices that were in store for the winners.
Compass Challenge
It was possible for campers to work on finding solutions for societal issues in 2019 as they got to work with numerous social change organizations which shed light on the challenges in society, leaving it to the various teams to decide how best they could tackle the situation at hand.
Design Den
For designers, this was a great place to display previous works and stand a chance to walk away with amazing prizes. Designers were able to participate in the camp as contributors and mentor to the various teams in play as they worked on their portfolio, which was subject to judging at the end of the event.
2018
In 2018, attendees were encouraged to mark their trails, which was the theme of the event, and they had several opportunities in which they could apply their interests to technology, using the competition as a means to mark their paths. There were various trails, based on the level of expertise and field of interest, and all eligible attendees were able to showcase their skills during the event.
There are tons of exciting events each year, with more people coming in to revel in the wonders of technology. Be sure to watch our updates on timings and registration procedures to ensure that you are part of the action in 2020. See you there!