July 28, 2009

The Saint Louis University department of athletics, in cooperation with Best Buy electronics and Girls on the Run, hosted a three-day seminar called the "Geek Squad Summer Academy." The GSSA is a technology camp that de-mystifies technology for kids and tries to interest young children in the computer field.

"The camp was great, and this will definitely be something that we will want to continue in the future," Best Buy Store 30 general manager Megan Stewart said. "It showcased a different way in which Best Buy and Geek Squad can give back to their local communities, and I appreciate all of the hard work and effort put in by Saint Louis University, Best Buy and Geek Squad Associates, Girls on the Run and Junior Achievement."

During the GSSA, students learned about the components of a computer and built a functioning desktop computer. Campers took a class to create Web content as well as how to be safe on the Internet. A portion of the camp taught the basic concepts of computer networking, and students learned how to use technology to create music on a computer.

The mission of Girls on the Run is to educate and prepare girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living. Girls on the Run is an experiential learning program for girls ages eight to 13. The programs combine training for a 3.1-mile running event with self-esteem enhancing and uplifting workouts to encourage positive emotional, social, mental, spiritual and physical development.