10 Reasons Why You Should Send Your Teenager to Camp 3D!

Is it possible to learn and have fun at the same time? According to last year’s GSC Camp 3D! attendees, the answer is a resounding…YES!

Camp 3D! is a four-day “summer camp” for students in grades 7-12 that offers an introduction to 3D modeling using SOLIDWORKS through classroom and hands-on instruction. It’s a great opportunity for students to get an early start using this powerful 3D engineering software to create parts, assemblies, and drawings. 

Admittedly, when we revived our summertime educational program last year as the rebranded Camp 3D!, we weren’t sure how well it would go over with a newer generation of young people. Luckily, we discovered it went GREAT! So much so, we’ve doubled the number of sessions we’ll offer this summer – two sessions are scheduled for the GSC Technology Center in Germantown with another two at scheduled for our Oakbrook Terrace office and training facility.

So, you’re wondering, “Why should I send my teenager to Camp 3D!?” Drumroll, please!

1. They’ll explore their interests.
   Camp 3D! is a low-pressure way to explore their interest in engineering and learn if it could be a future career option. 
    
2. They’ll get an early start. 
   Give them an early start at learning SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD software, which is used by nearly 250,000 companies. They’ll develop highly-valued professional skills and join the community of 3.25 SOLIDWORKS million users worldwide.
    
3. They can use the skills they learn in the real world. 
   Whether they’re prepping for college or looking for an advantage for their next robotics competition or other STEM activity, Camp 3D! teaches students real-world skills sought out by leading employers. 
    
4. They’ll walk away ready to take the Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate (CSWA) exam.
   Upon the completion of Camp 3D!, attendees will take the practice test in preparation for the exam to become a certified user, if they so choose. The CSWA certification will help them stand out from the crowd in today’s competitive job market by proving their SOLIDWORKS expertise. Please note: students must be 18 to take the certification exam. 
    
5. They’ll learn from the best.
   Students will learn from our industry-leading expert instructors who have close to 60 years of combined engineering and teaching experience. 
    
6. They’ll learn about and use cutting-edge technology. 
   Students will not only learn how to model 3D parts in a true CAD system, they’ll also learn how to design models for real-world applications. Students will get to see our 3D printers in action and learn how augmented and virtual reality is used by engineers to bring their designs to life. 
    
7. They’ll keep their SOLIDWORKS course book.
   Students get to keep the SOLIDWORKS course book, which means they can continue to reference what they’ve learned. 
    
8. They’ll design and print their own 3D printed keepsake. 
   Not only will they design their own original model, they’ll also learn how to prepare the file for 3D printing. At the end of the class, they’ll walk away with a 3D printed keepsake they made themselves.  
    
9. They’ll make new friends.
   Camp 3D! is a great way to get out of the house and learn with other students with similar interests.  
    
10. They’ll have a lot of fun!
    While our instructors are experts, they have a true passion for what they do and have a lot of fun doing it. Mixed with the cool technology students will be exposed to, it’ll be hard not to have fun. 

Camp 3D! is open to students in grades 7-12. To ensure the students get the most out of their camp experience, there will be separate sessions held for students in grades 7-9 and students in grades 10-12. This will allow us to better cater the courses to the experience levels of each age group. To register, visit one of the following links for the session location and grade group you desire:

Grades 7-9 & Grades 10-12

Camp 3D! is priced affordably at $150. Yes, you read that right! GSC is a strong believer in community service, especially when it comes to STEM programs, and so we have intentionally set this very reasonable price for these sessions. And, based on the feedback we got last year, we know the students – er, campers – made new friends, enjoyed learning new skills, and…had a lot of fun!