GenCyber High School Camp 2025 - FAQ

Arrival & Departure

Check-In is takes place from 3-5p on Sunday June 8, 2025 in the Beacom Institute of Technology on the campus of Dakota State University. Directions are below! Get some gear from our team, move into your room, and prepare for a great week! You can park really anywhere on the East side of campus for checkin, but if you drove yourself to camp, we'll guide you to parking after you check in (we'll hold your keys for the week too).

Check-Out is at 12p on Friday June 13, 2025 in the Beacom Institute of Technology.

The Beacom Institute of Technology is on the East side of the campus of Dakota State University. Directions are available here.

Computer & Technology Info

Campers are provided a Fujitsu or Lenovo tablet PC for the duration of the camp. All required materials for camp are provided on this machine. If you want to bring your own mouse or keyboard, please do! A backpack will be provided to move everything around campus.

Have a phone/computer/game console you want to bring? Totally cool! We have a wireless network just for your devices. You can stay connected across campus on all your devices. Don't forget a charger!

All campers will receive a single board computer to take home with them. It will work in all buildings used for lecturing (but not necessarily in the dorms).

Environment

Dakota State University (DSU) is a 4-year public institution specializing in computer technology. Check out our programs here!

South Dakota weather varies - but anticipate daytime temps in the 80s and overnight lows in the 60s. All campus buildings, including the residence halls, have climate control. The setpoint of the climate control in each building will vary, so pack layers!

Madison is small, with a population of around 6500 people. People around town love the campus and having visitors in the summer so campers and families will feel welcome.

Residence Halls & Behavior

Single and double rooms are available for camp. Most campers will share a room with one other camper. Information on roommate selection will be provided via email.

DSU no longer provides linens for summer campus housing. You must bring your own sheets, blanket, pillow, and towel(s). The beds are extra-long twins. Freshman housing info might be helpful.

Every residence hall has access to a TV and one or more microwaves, but refrigerators are not provided. If you have something that absolutely must be refrigerated (ex: insulin, etc.), let us know!

Residence halls are staffed at all times by DSU students. Campers must follow the specified code of conduct documented in the participant packet, which includes restrictions related to curfew, as well as any instructions from camp staff. Campers that deviate from allowed behavior will be removed from camp.

Camp Structure

Each morning, campers participate in core activities related to programming, networking, and security. Cyber security concepts are explored in each session in depth.

In the afternoon, campers are able to participate in elective activities of their choosing. Electives are available for selection around lunchtime daily. Options vary from camp to camp depending on staff and material availability, but examples include:
  • Programming with Python
  • Password Cracking
  • Web Development
  • Procotol Analysis
  • Programming in Assembly Language / Shell Coding
  • CTFs
  • College & Careers
  • Intro to Microcontrollers
  • Personal Safety Online
  • RF

What to Bring

Be sure to bring:
  • Clothes (6 days/5 nights) - casual, comfortable, layers
  • Towels
  • Bedding - sheets, blanket, pillow, etc.
  • Shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.
  • Deodorant
  • Chargers for devices

Thing you might want to bring, but don't have to:
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect Repellent for outdoor activities in the evening
  • Gaming systems/PCs
  • Games, books, cards, etc.
  • Money - all meals are provided, but you're welcome to get snacks and beverages and may want some money to do that. Small bills are best for vending machines.

Campers will have some free time to socialize in the evening. Several scheduled activities will occur, but unstructured activity is possible too. Want to play games with friends? Cool! Want to tear apart some computers we provide? Also cool! Looking to workout? Great, head to our Community Center for free. For real, you'll be busy.