Question 1

How do I sign the child waiver?

Accepted Answer

Fill out the form here: keytoamaze.com/waiver

Question 2

What is the STEP experience like?

Accepted Answer

With a small group size, each student will have access to their own custom PC and VR headset. This will allow for exclusive hands-on practical application without the need to share equipment. The goal is for your teen to explore these new and immersive technologies and have fun transforming their interests into real-world skills.

Daily kickoff starts with a quick introduction for all, an overview of the day's activities followed by a non-course group activity. From there they will jump into a morning class followed by hands-on practical application. After a bit of hands-on, there is a follow-up and then lunch. Lunch is usually off site and weather permitting we may take a short walk to; the Charles River Esplanade, Fenway Park, Kenmore Park, Clemente Field, or to a local attraction for a field trip.
 
Upon returning, we jump into a class followed by more hands-on time for exploring and working on projects. As the day wraps up, we will recap and engage in discussion as to what we have learned and questions teens may have moving forward.

Emerging Technology can be daunting. Our goal is to provide a safe, fun, and engaging experience that will not overwhelm your teen, but rather inspire them to learn more!

Question 3

What is the age range for participants in the summer tech enrichment program?

Accepted Answer

The program is designed for teens aged 14-17

Question 4

Is the program good for beginners and what will participants

Accepted Answer

The 5-day program is designed to be inclusive of entry to intermediate levels of knowledge and will build on knowledge gained over the week.

Students will gain valuable high-level insights into; Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and the hardware and software that powers these amazing new technologies. Activities will include; class instruction, hands-on sessions, demonstrations, in-headset time to explore various Virtual environments/use cases, and PC time to explore and understand Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain.

And of course, there will be free time to engage with new friends in headset, on PC, or over a game of Jenga, Chess, and other real-world games.

Question 5

Who are your instructors and what is the staff-to-student ratio?

Accepted Answer

William Ferraro and Jonathan Ferraro will be the dynamic team that will lead your teen on a unique hands-on learning experience they won’t forget. Read more about William and Jonathan in the About Us section of the site. Each session will have a staff-to-student ratio of 1:8 or less.

Question 6

What is the program schedule?

Accepted Answer

The program is 9 am - 3:30 pm with options for extended day as needed.

Sample schedule
9:00–9:20 am Check-in and social time
9:20 am Daily overview/ announcements, group icebreaker, and bonding activities.
9:45 am-12:00 pm Morning coursework and hands-on practical application
Noon Eat lunch off-site 
1:00 pm  Afternoon class and hands-on practical application
2:30 pm Tech break for real-world activities; Snack, Chess, Giant Jenga, Darts, Socialize.
3:00 pm Back to the labs to continue working on course projects. 
3:30-4 pm Wrap-up for the day, pick up or head out (with parents pre-approval)
*This varies as we may have off-site visits in the afternoon to relevant attractions*

Question 7

What are the safety measures in place during the program?

Accepted Answer

Safety is our top priority! Key to Amaze is a functioning Event venue and destination for thousands of guests annually. We take their safety as seriously as we do our students both in and out of the headsets, and offsite.

A staff-to-student ratio of 1:8 or less, allows us to provide continual supervision and communication.

Boston is a unique and diverse community and we embrace that. We do not tolerate bullying of any kind and promote an environment that is inclusive, safe, and welcoming for all.

Question 8

What do participants need to bring?

Accepted Answer

We provide all hardware and equipment related to the program. We do not provide lunch but you may order it daily through the camp.

Students may bring their cell phones, to reduce distractions they will not be allowed to have them during class and hands-on sessions.

Question 9

Do you have a payment plan or scholarships and discounts?

Accepted Answer

We have flexible payment options, scholarships, and sibling and friend discounts.

Payment Plan: For as little as $200 per student you can register today! We also offer flexible payment options, call before registering to inquire. 
Scholarships: Giving back to our community is crucial. Contact us to learn more about scholarships.
Referrals: Refer a friend and you both save $30!
Siblings/Cousins: Have 2 teens who love tech! Sign up 2 or more and get $50 off per teen!

Question 10

What are the expected outcomes for students and what will they take home?

Accepted Answer

Students will take many things with them including, new friendships, great memories, and a far better understanding (and hopefully a passion) for the emerging technologies that they will be encountering over the week. These technologies are here to stay, we aim to ignite curiosity and passion for your teen to help them steer the future using this passion.

Additionally, each teen will get a T-shirt, USB 3.2 flash drive, lanyard, and photos to remember their experience with.

Question 11

How will the program accommodate students with special needs?

Accepted Answer

The facility is ADA compliant, however we do not have staff specifically trained for special needs participants. If your teen is special needs, please call to discuss prior to enrolling.

Question 12

How much time will my teen spend on the PC and in a VR headset daily?

Accepted Answer

Students will spend about 3-4 hours daily in the headsets or using a PC. This time is broken up with group instruction and other activities. Although we are not a camp, we do blend camp-like activities such as; gaming and real-world tournaments (chess, Jenga, etc.), outdoor time, sports, and social time.

Question 13

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

You can review our cancellation policy here.

Frequently Asked Questions