Yuma CAP Hosts its first CyberCamps
Yuma CAP Composite Squadron 508 sponsored a Standard
CyberCamp July 24-26 and an Advanced CyberCamp July 31-August 2 for
CyberPatriot training. Our site was just one of two participating in the state of Arizona. The camps are designed to provide initial and advanced training
in setting security configurations for two operating systems-Windows 10 and
Ubuntu 16. The Advanced Camp offers modules that introduce Cisco Networking. The
curriculum for the camp is supported by PowerPoint slides, Workbook exercises,
and operating system demonstration images. A simulated CyberPatriot competition
on the final day of the camp presents challenges to teams of attendees to
upgrade the security settings on virtual images of the two operating systems.
The Advanced Camp also has a Cisco exercise.
Campers joining the Standard CyberCamp had the opportunity
to interact with attendees from outside of their home CAP Squadrons. We had
visitors from Young, Arizona representing the Payson Squadron. They had not
previously sponsored a CyberPatriot team so their goal was to get a leg up on
starting their team. Their cadets were enthusiastic about computer science so
they were quick to learn how to configure the systems for more secure
operations. Our local course leaders were able to provide helpful pointers for the
senior members in attendance from Young. Although the full day camps were
demanding, the cadets maintained their concentration throughout so the format
worked well.
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| Standard Camp CAP cadets from Yuma and Young |
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| Working on the demonstration image |
We enjoyed lunches of Mexican food and a pizza buffet. Hungry
teenagers can put away an awesome amount of food!
The Advanced Camp was held the week after the Standard Camp.
Disappointingly, only local cadets and senior members attended. For Windows 10,
keyboard shortcuts were introduced that should make navigating the operating
system during competition more efficient. New and more in-depth training in use
of the graphical user interface dominated the first half-day. In the afternoon
session we delved into use of the command line in Windows 10. We learned about
some previously unused utilities. Ubuntu 16 was the focus of the afternoon
session. We found answers to some previously troubling questions so this training
was worthwhile. Delivery of the Cisco material was made more difficult because
it involved simultaneous use of PowerPoint slides, the Cisco website, and
incorporation of Cisco Packet Tracer software. Some of the technology did not
seem to function as intended.
This pilot experience with CyberCamps provided multiple
learning opportunities. It should serve as a useful guide if it is decided to
hold CyberCamps at our location in the future. To be most useful, ways to
augment participation/enrollments will be necessary. The Standard Camp offers
excellent support for getting a new CyberPatriot team started and providing
starting checklists. Likewise, the Advanced Camp is useful to experienced
CyberPatriot participants interested in enhancing their team competitiveness.
