For those who have never head of Camp Interactive, I strongly urge you to check it out. It's really fantastic. In short: "a not-for-profit organization that empowers inner-city youth through the inspiration of the outdoors and the creative power of technology. When urban teenagers step back into nature and forward into technology they gain invaluable skills, heighten their academic standing, and begin to realize more of life's possibilities."
Camp Interactive is also the beneficiary of the Pepsi/Foursquare Leaderboard Challenge that is ending this evening.
We all had a lot of fun. While we all did not get paired with a camper, the fact that we were able to come and show our support, open our wallets to help with every one's participation(instead of putting it towards the traditional Sunday beer) and network with other folks in the community made it all worth it. Little things like this bringing together people who get along (and discuss similar things) for a cause seem like a no brainer.
One conversation developed around the tech community here in New York and all of the great things that we contribute to. While it's easy for us to quickly log on to a website and send a quick donation, there really hasn't been particular event that has brought everyone to one place purely for a cause. (Note, many events like Charity Water and Social Media 4 Social Change directly are planned for the cause, but there wasn't the 1:1 interaction with the charity. Call me out if I'm wrong here of course)
I think this inaugural event really set it off and I think others should be planned soon. I'd be interested in helping organize an event similar to this. If you're interested, shoot me an email and we can plan something. Special thanks to the organizers of this event Adam Gillman & Simon Kirk. Taking the time to plan and organize takes skill and time.
If you're not familiar with other charitable events organized by NY Tech folk, check some of these out.
To think, smart, innovative, friendly, tech savvy AND charitable all on one island? Who knew! :)
And now, while I didn't capture much, some photos and a special video to show you just what you missed.
Photos and video include super talented ice skaters: Alli Mooney, Joe West, Brooke Moreland, Maury Postal, Charlie O'Donnell and Jason Schwartz.
#techiesgiveback from Kristin Maverick on Vimeo.
