Instead of mosquito bites, kids learn about megabytes and 3-D computer graphics at computer camp

From Correspondent Marsha Walton

ATLANTA (CNN) -- Welcome to a summer camp where the kids don't worry about mosquito bites -- only megabytes.

American Computer Experience (ACE), which calls itself the largest national provider of summer computer camps for children ages 7 to 16, runs one-week classes at 22 college campuses, including Emory University in Atlanta.

Working in groups based on experience, not age, the young computer campers learn how to design their own Web pages and get hands-on lessons in everything from 3-D graphics to CD-ROMs, says ACE co-founder Doug Murphy. ( 107 K/ 10 sec. AIFF or WAV sound)

Beginners learn to program in BASIC, one of the simplest computer languages, while the more advanced may move on to C++, a popular programming language for graphical applications.

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While such an ambitious schedule is challenging for some of the campers, others just want to play computer games, says instructor Andrew Fox. ( 125 K/ 11 sec. AIFF or WAV sound)

Teachers say they know they are on track when it's hard to tell the difference between "play" time and "learning" time.

Some of gear used at ACE computer camps, such as video conferencing software that lets campers on one campus talk to others across the country, is provided by high-tech companies.

Camp students learn about Web pages, computer graphics and interactive games

Those businesses also provide about 200 scholarships for youngsters who have the desire to learn, but may not necessarily have access to a computer during the school year, says Murphy. ( 76 K/ 7 sec. AIFF or WAV sound)

Like many traditional summer camps, the ACE curriculum stresses teamwork and self-esteem and includes outdoor activities, says Murphy. ( 82 K/ 8 sec. AIFF or WAV sound)

There's also an overnight program that gives campers a taste of what a college campus is like.

About 10,000 youngsters are expected to participate in ACE summer camps this year. For additional details, including schedules, visit the ACE Web site at -- what else -- http://www.computercamp.com.