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Android Camp 2013: Not your typical summer camp
July 15, 2013
For the third summer running, 29 rising sophomores and juniors were given the opportunity to attend
Android Camp
, a week-long summer program at Google’s Mountain View headquarters focusing on
Android Development
from June 9th-15th. The program includes a collaborative curriculum to provide a practical introduction to developing applications for the Android operating system. In addition, students explored the concepts behind Android, the framework for constructing an application, and the tools for developing, testing, and publishing software for the platform.
Android campers, almost all currently pursuing degrees in computer science or computer engineering, worked in groups to brainstorm and conduct market research in order to choose an idea for an application. Campers collaborated to create the application itself along with a design proposal and final presentation. Throughout the week, teams reviewed each other’s code and had the opportunity to work with Android Developer Relations at Google to get feedback and support. There were also structured lectures with demos and code labs for supplemental learning. They were each were given an inside perspective into the technical world of Google, interacting closely with full-time software engineers and eventually presenting their final works.
When the campers weren’t busy coding, they were offered career panels and tours around campus, and even had a “make your own pizza” event. They also enjoyed a trip to the
California Academy of Sciences
and a boat cruise when we spent a day in San Francisco.
We asked two of our campers to share their experiences and insights from the week at Android Camp.
Andrew Fang, sophomore, UC Berkeley
Kyle Suarez, sophomore, Rutgers University
How did the camp help you build/develop your coding skills for Android or in general?
Andrew:
In addition to the courses that taught me the basics of Android, I was given the opportunity to practice my Java and XML coding skills to develop a product of my own. It’s one thing to be given an assignment to fill in lines in a Java file to get classes and functions to work in a predetermined matter; it’s another thing to bring a product of your own imagination to life. This desire to create something great really drove me to learn by looking through the internet and by asking the Google engineers. Most of all, this opportunity allowed me to code up something I envisioned in a team setting.
Kyle:
Android Camp taught me how to make real Android apps - apps that I would be proud to put on the Play store. Before I played around with Android as a hobby; now I feel like I've got the skills to make something substantial. And it's made me a better programmer in general, learning how to work with other people in a team.
What were you able to learn from the Google engineers and from the classes?
Andrew:
I learned a little bit of everything from the Google engineers and from the classes. In the journey towards building our app, I came across several roadblocks and each time, I would ask one of the Googlers who were there helping out. They gave me insight into topics ranging from XML formatting to project structure, to Git. These little tips and tricks not only helped me complete my project but will be useful for my future projects.
What was your experience like meeting and working with other students?
Kyle:
Every student I met had some unique skill or an interesting background to bring to the table. I can genuinely say I enjoyed working and meeting all of them. It's amazing being surrounded by other people who share your dreams, passions, and hobbies.
Share with us your favorite moment outside of the lessons and hacking.
Andrew:
On the very last day, we went on a beautiful boat cruise around the bay. This sunset cruise was not only beautifully picturesque, but it was a fun adventure with all of my new friends. We talked, we laughed, we danced, and we took pictures, commemorating the end of a fabulous week.
What advice would you give a student that is considering applying to Android Camp?
Andrew:
Don’t consider it; DO IT. This experience is extraordinary, and will only come once in your lifetime. You will meet so many great people, learn a plethora of new skills, and get an insider’s look at the Google campus. If you have a passion for technology and want to go into this industry, convey that in your application and hope for the best. Once you get in, celebrate and make the most of your time at Android Camp.
Kyle:
Don't expect to be the best or make the latest and greatest app. If you come ready to learn, and learn new things well, you'll succeed not only in Camp but also be better off for the rest of your programming career.
Do you want to be a part of Android Camp 2014? Please keep an eye on our Google Students job site in January for applications to open!
Posted by Tony Nelli, University Programs Coordinator
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