bitcamp
Build With Purpose
April 12-14, 2019
University of Maryland
Xfinity Center
Bitcamp is a place for exploration.
You will have 36 hours to delve into your curiosities, learn something new, and make something awesome. With world-class mentors and 1,200+ fellow campers, you're in for an amazing time. Whether you're a seasoned hacker or completely new to the world of hacking, we'll have something for you. If you're ready for an adventure, see you by the fire!
Your challenge this year...
Compass Challenge
To go along with the theme, “Build With Purpose,” the Compass Challenge allows your team to focus on a cause that interests you. Just as each of the four cardinal directions of a compass direct travelers to a destination, the four directions of the Compass Challenge represent real-world social challenges that your team can help solve with technology. Your team will have the opportunity to work with local social change organizations from the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia areas who can provide valuable insight into the social challenge that your team focuses on.
Watch the film
Learn moreOther adventures waiting for you at Bitcamp
Hardware Village
Ever wanted to learn more about hacking with hardware? Hardware Village is a place where you can explore and learn cool things like soldering wires, building circuits, and programming microcontrollers. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, there will be something available for everyone! Volunteers will be on deck at all times to show you the ropes and be well equipped with all your electronics needs.
Minors Tent
If you’re still under the age of 18 by April 12th, you won’t be able to register as a normal hacker for Bitcamp 2019. However, if you’re interested in coming with a group of high school friends and a chaperone or two, email us at [email protected] for more information on how you can be a part of Minors Tent and join in on the fun as a minor!
Colorwar
Colorwar is a rapid-fire live-design competition and one of the highlights of Bitcamp. Compete in our online design challenge for a chance to draw in front of a live audience at Bitcamp for some cool prizes!
Tag @bitcmp at #colorwar2019
Design Den
Through this program, you will have the opportunity to submit a portfolio of your design work for the chance to participate in Bitcamp as a designer. You will act as a mentor and contributor to multiple teams at the event, while developing a portfolio of your designs (your Bitfolio) which will be judged at the end of the hackathon by design professionals.
Apply now
FAQ
What is Bitcamp?
Bitcamp is a hackathon that values participant experience and mentorship over competitiveness and points. Come to have fun with your friends, learn something new, eat s’mores, and have a generally awesome time. We have all sorts of crazy activities planned for you...come find out the rest!
What’s a hackathon?
A hackathon is a creative marathon all about building cool things. Students are encouraged to come with an idea, form teams, and then build out that idea into a product in 36 hours. We want you to take something you love (sports, art, camping, anything!) and combine it with technology to make something awesome. It's a great time to push the envelope and learn some new skills.
What have past Bitcampers created?
From Augmented Reality Human-Scale Pong to a research paper detailing vulnerabilities in Google’s reCaptcha system, the projects at Bitcamp span across all categories and interests. You can check out all of the amazing submissions at the Bitcamp 2018 Devpost!
What if I have no experience or ideas?
Don't be afraid if you don't think you have enough experience, a team, or an idea. Everyone has a first hackathon, and we would love for Bitcamp to be yours! Mentors who are well-versed in a variety of topics will also be there to help you, whether it be finding a team, fleshing out an idea, or just figuring out where to begin.
How else can I get involved?
We'd love to get you on our volunteering or mentoring teams! If you'd like to help, please fill out this form to mentor or this form to volunteer. Also, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates!
What is Slack?
Throughout the event, we will be using Slack as the main form of communication. Never used Slack before? Here's a quick introduction!
What is Devpost?
After the 36 hours, you’ll be submitting your project to DevPost for judging! New to Devpost? Here's a quick introduction!
What hardware will there be at Bitcamp?
Arduinos, sensors (ultrasonic, photoresistors, thermisters), inputs (buttons, switches), outputs (LEDs, piezo speakers, 7-segment displays, micro servo motors), passive components (resistors, capacitors, diodes), and wiring.
Timing
Participants will arrive between 6PM and 8PM on Friday, April 12th, 2019. Our Sponsor Fair will also be at 7PM, where you can spend time going around and check out our different sponsor booths. Hacking starts Friday evening after opening ceremony. Closing ceremony will begin at 3PM on Sunday, April 14th, 2019. For a better idea of the flow of the event, check out our schedule from Bitcamp 2018!
Location
We are proud to host Bitcamp at the Xfinity Center on the University of Maryland campus! This expansive sports arena is a unique spot for any event, and we’re excited to be back again!
Travel
We'll have buses covering the hike from many colleges. If there are many registered campers from one specific college, we will try to have a bus for it. We will be reimbursing any individual’s hiking expenses on a case-by-case basis. Please contact [email protected] for more information.
Packing List
Bring yourself, a photo ID, your signed waiver (if applicable), a change of clothes, toiletries, a sleeping bag/blanket, your hacker setup (laptop, charger, headphones, tablet for designers), and maybe an idea or two!
Teams
Projects are submitted by teams to DevPost. You don't need to finalize your team until project submissions are due during the event. You may work individually or in a team of up to four campers. Don’t have a team in mind? No problem! Hacking will kick off with an optional team formation event.
Who can apply?
Anyone over the age of 18 can apply.
If you’re still under the age of 18 by April 12th, you won’t be able to register as a normal hacker for Bitcamp 2019. However, if you’re interested in coming with a group of high school friends and a chaperone or two, email us at [email protected] for more information on how you can be a part of Minors Tent and join in on the fun as a minor!
Guidelines
Don't bring any firearms, knives, weapons, drugs, or alcohol. Don't use an old project. Start a new trail instead! Also, please read the Major League Hacking Code of Conduct and the Bitcamp Terms, Code of Conduct, and Release Waiver. Organizers will enforce this code throughout the event. We are expecting cooperation from all participants to help ensure a safe environment for everybody (TL;DR be nice).
Other questions?
Please send some mail to [email protected]!
