Science and Coding Camp Internet, Power and Device Backups

A camp should have a useful plan when technology fails. The backup should still support the learning goal.

Keep approved offline materials, printed instructions, sample files, and non-screen tasks ready. Test them without internet. A page visited once is not proof that every feature will work offline.

Microsoft's MakeCode documentation describes offline options and limits, including cases where extensions or compilation may need online support.¹ Test the exact tool, extension, device, and project you will use.

For power failure, follow the site's safety plan first. Do not keep running an unsuitable room with improvised electrical arrangements. If the program cannot continue safely, use the reviewed closure and communication process.

For a failed device, use a spare or an honestly planned shared activity. Preserve the learner's work through the backup system. Do not make one child spend the day watching because their assigned laptop failed.

Write a decision point for switching to the backup. Repeatedly saying “five more minutes” can waste the whole morning.

Your task: Run an internet-off rehearsal and a device-swap rehearsal before opening.