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Frequently Asked Questions

About DesignYou! Code Camp

What are the Camp Dates?

  • For STUDENTS entering 6TH GRADE in Summer 2024, CAMP DATES are June 10 – 14, 2024.
  • For STUDENTS entering 7TH GRADE in Summer 2024, CAMP DATES are June 17 – 21, 2024.*
  • For STUDENTS entering 8TH GRADE in Summer 2024, CAMP DATES are June 24 – 28, 2024.

*Please note DesignYOU will not be held on June 19 in observance of Emancipation Day.

What is the goal of this camp?

The DesignYou! Camp Code is a week, no cost, academic, day camp for students entering grades 6-8 in Summer 2024 and is designed to provide a computer coding/programming hands-on experience that provides challenging and innovative concepts in learning, problem-solving, and analytical skills while fostering an interest in computer coding/programming and its relation to the fashion and retailing industry.

Who is organizing this camp?

DesignYOU! Code Camp is organized and planned by senior faculty of the Technology Division at the Cullen College of Engineering.

Who will be teaching my student?

We have 3 teachers serving as Senior Camp Counselors who are responsible for the instruction and supervision of the students. These persons are current math, computer, and technology students and graduates in Texas schools. With them, we have 3 undergraduate students serving as Mentors at the camp. These students major in education, computers, and technology. Your child will be assigned to a small group of 11 – 12 students. Teachers and counselors will help each student with their daily tasks and projects individually with direct supervision under the Camp Director. All are well-knowledgeable in their fields and are excited about working with your student.

Where is the camp location?

From I-45, exit Cullen Blvd. and travel south. The address of the camp “hub” is the Isabel Cameron Building, located at 4235 Cullen, Houston, TX. 77204. This building is located at the intersection of Cullen and Wheeler Streets.

What time does camp begin/end?

  • Instruction for each camp officially begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 4:00 p.m. daily.

What do students need to bring for camp?

  • Lots of ENTHUSIASM and a GREAT ATTITUDE!!
  • Appropriate clothes/shoes
    • Wear your camp t-shirt every day. Camp t-shirts will be distributed on the first day of camp.
    • Students should dress each day in accordance with their school dress code policies.
    • Closed-toe, comfortable walking shoes – NO flip flops or sandals, please! We will be doing a lot of walking each day.
  • A backpack or bag to keep personal items
  • A re-fillable water bottle
  • Personal snacks if your child is prone to being hungry before or after lunch
  • A jacket or sweater as many times the indoor classrooms are very cool
  • A small umbrella in the event of rain during a field trip or campus travels.

We have Theme Days! Your student does not need to prepare for any of these days.

Can my student bring valuables to camp?

  • Bringing valuables like electronic games, cell phones, etc. to camp for use during lunchtime, is at the discretion of the parent and the University of Houston is not responsible for loss or damage to camper's valuables.
  • Students may not use electronic devices during instructional time. Students may check/use their devices during lunch.

What about meals and snacks?

  • Lunch and snacks are provided.
  • All students will have approximately 45 minutes for lunch, with specific times varying by camp. All camps will eat somewhere between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
  • On some days, students will be eating lunch in the campus cafeteria, Moody Dining Hall, on the University of Houston campus.
    • The campus cafeteria has various food areas from which to choose:
      • Homestyle Section (traditional cafeteria options)
      • Salad Bar
      • Pasta/Pizza
    • Campers with food sensitivities and allergies are expected to choose menu items appropriate for themselves.
    • Meals are “all-you-can-eat” and come with unlimited drinks.
    • The cafeteria does not permit anyone to leave with any food items.
  • On other days, students will be eating lunches in the Cameron Building, catered from Chick-Fil-A, Subway, etc.
  • NO student is allowed to leave campus for lunch at any time during the day.
  • An afternoon snack will also be provided.

Can my child use the vending machines on campus?

  • No, students may not use the vending machines around campus during camp.
  • Students will be provided a healthy snack each day of camp.

What do I do in the case of an emergency?

  • Please call the Camp Director, Blake Mudd, at 713-743-4377.

What if my student gets injured or becomes ill during camp?

  • We will administer first aid, seek emergency care if needed, and contact you or your emergency contact designee immediately.
  • If your student is sick, you will be asked to pick them up immediately.
  • Please note that the Health Center at the University of Houston is not permitted to treat minors. In the event of illness, the parent/guardian or designated emergency contact person must be able to drive to the university to pick up the student from camp. In the event of an emergency, the student will be taken to the nearest emergency room, and the parent/guardian and/or persons listed as the emergency contact will be notified as soon as possible.

What are the behavior expectations?

  • Students are expected to obey rules and instructions given by camp staff/directors.
  • Students are expected to adhere to the dress code at all times.
  • Students are expected to actively participate in all camp classes and activities.
  • Students are expected to be in groups and accompanied by a camp staff member.
  • Students should let at least one camp staff member know where he/she is at all times.
  • Students are required to be in their assigned class at all times. Bathroom breaks are to occur only between classes and during scheduled breaks.
  • Disruptive behavior in classes will not be permitted.
  • Dangerous or threatening conduct, disrespectful behavior, bullying (persistent, offensive, abusive, intimidating, or insulting behavior, which causes the recipient to feel upset, threatened, humiliated, or vulnerable), and hazing (conduct that causes or intends to cause psychological, emotional, or physical harm to any person) will not be permitted.
  • Possessing, using, storing, or transporting firearms, other weapons, explosives, bombs, fireworks, ammunition, or dangerous chemicals (including replicas) are prohibited.
  • Relatives and friends are not permitted to pick up students during the week unless advance notification is provided to the Camp Director.
  • During instructional time, students are not allowed to use cell phones, hand-held gaming devices, and other electronic devices unless otherwise instructed by camp staff.
  • Any student who possesses uses, or is under the influence of any drug prohibited by law, or any student who gives, sells, or supplies to any other student any of such prohibited drugs or products in, on, or about the University, bus, or field trip property, shall be subject to disciplinary action. Prohibited drugs include marijuana, narcotics, and/or hallucinatory, hypnotic, or sedative drugs, or any chemical, alcohol, or similar product not expressly prescribed by a licensed physician. Improper use constitutes the use of any chemical substance intended to cause euphoria or a sense of well-being or possession of any substance intended for that use. Students are not permitted to possess or use vaping and tobacco products on campus grounds or in any school building
  • Students are encouraged to bring and wear a mask and discourage the transmission of covid.
  • Students are not permitted to take photos of other campers without permission.
  • Students are not permitted to share or post photos of other campers on social media sites without permission.

Appropriate Computer Uses Include the following activities

  • Use for educational purposes during instructional time.
  • Limited personal use during non-instructional time to check personal emails is allowed. The use of any other websites and/or social media outlets must be approved by a Camp Director.
  • Use for saving, downloading, and/or transferring of specified files onto the computer desktop/laptop is allowed for instructional purposes only. These activities must be approved by camp staff.

Inappropriate Computer Uses Include, but are not limited to, the following activities

  • Use for personal purposes during instructional time.
  • Viewing, downloading, or accessing materials that are deemed obscene, sexually oriented, threatening, abusive, harassing, and/or illegal.
  • Downloading or using copyrighted information without permission from the copyright holder.
  • Saving, downloading, and/or transferring curriculum files onto the computer desktop/laptop or personal storage devices including digital storage without approval is strictly prohibited.
  • Hacking, unauthorized access, and/or other illegal uses of resources.
  • Borrowing someone else's account or computer resources.

What happens if there are weather-related closures at UH?

  • If the University of Houston closes for any reason, the camp will be canceled.
  • Please visit the UH ALERT Emergency Site at http://alerts.uh.edu/ for the latest notifications to students, faculty and staff in the event that there is a condition which may threaten the health or safety of those on campus.
  • You can sign up to receive alerts in a variety of ways. Visit http://alerts.uh.edu/update-contact-information/general-public/ to sign up.

What are the field trip details?

Field trips/excursions to outside locations will be scheduled. These trips will be made by bus. The dates, times, and destinations information will be shared on the first day of each camp.

What is a Reward Ceremony?

You and your family members are invited! The principals and counselors of the participating school have also been invited! We gather on the last day of the camp to recognize the success and achievements of our students. They will showcase their work and receive certificates and awards. Please plan on coming, if able, to celebrate your student’s accomplishments.

For the Camp Reward Ceremony
STUDENTS entering 6TH GRADE in Summer 2024, CAMP DATES are June 10 – 14, 2024 Friday, June 14, 3:00 p.m.
STUDENTS entering 7TH GRADE in Summer 2024, CAMP DATES are June 17 – 21, 2024* Friday, June 21, 3:00 p.m.
STUDENTS entering 8TH GRADE in Summer 2024, CAMP DATES are June 24 – 28, 2024 Friday, June 28, 3:00 p.m.

*Please note DesignYOU will not be held on June 19 in observance of Emancipation Day.

Contact Information

For all camp questions or if you need additional information, please contact the DesignYou Camp Director, Blake Mudd, at 713-743-4377 or designyoucamp [at] uh.edu (designyoucamp[at]uh[dot]edu) and a member of our staff will return your email or call as soon as possible.

How will any additional information be communicated?

Changes can happen! Updates and reminders will be sent by email, so make sure to check your Inbox every night for any last-minute notifications before and during your student’s camp.

Thank you! for your interest in and support of DesignYou! Code Camp students at the University of Houston. Our staff is very excited to work with your student and we know that this will be a great experience!

Blake Mudd
Your Excited Camp Director!