At CMAP we take pride in our Code Camps. We strive to bring the best information to the most people possible using the best speakers around. We make every attempt to bring these camps to the community twice a year; in the spring and in the fall. Sometimes we forego a season to bring other special events to the community, but there is always another code camp waiting for the next season.

We always host the CMAP Code Camps in the Central Maryland region. This is typically in or around Columbia MD. As per the Code Camp Manifesto, we hold the camps on a Saturday, a non-work day for most. Our Code Camps are always free, and our speakers are all local or regional presenters.

Originated by Thom Robbins, NED Community Developer Evangelist

The original code camp was a conglomeration of ideas by many different people across the development community. The idea was simple-provide an off-hours forum for the development community to speak and share ideas for them to come and enjoy. The results continue to astound.

What is a Code Camp?
The answer is actually simple. In order to qualify as an official Code Camp, follow these simple protocols:

1. By and For the Developer Community
   Code Camps are about the local developer community. They are meant to be a place for developers to come and learn from their peers. Topics are always based on community interest and never determined by anyone other than the community.
2. Always Free
   Code Camps are always free for attendees.
3. Community Developed Material
   The success of the Code Camps is that they are based on community content. All content that is delivered is original. All presentation content must be provided completely (including code) without any restriction.
4. No Fluff – only Code
   Code Camps are about showing the code. Refer to rule #1 if you have any questions on this.
5. Community Ownership
   The most important element of the Code Camp is always the developer community. All are welcome to attend and speak and do so without expectation of payment or any other compensation other than their participation in the community.
6. Never occur during work hours
   Code camp recognizes that many times people can’t leave work for a day or two to attend training or even seminars. The beauty of the Code Camp is that they always occur on weekends.