First off, I really don’t consider myself a “coder.” Most of the time, I can look through a Javascript or PHP script and manipulate it to my liking, but I’ve only dabbled with creating my own code. I’m more of a web developer if anything. So, I was a little hesitant to go to camp. Less than an hour and a half drive and the awesome price of free convinced me that it was worth my Saturday.

For anyone that hasn’t been to a code camp, there are no tents or firewood involved. Basically, it’s a conference with a keynote and tons of breakout sessions. I chose the following topics:

All of the presenters did a great job and I couldn’t believe how much I learned. My favorite, of course, was the WordPress session as I was able to understand it best. It filled in a lot of gaps for me and sparked my interest in developing new themes, which is pretty much what the code camp is designed to do, I’m guessing.

In many of the conferences I’ve attended, the discussions between sessions are often as helpful as the presentations themselves. The same was true with Iowa Code Camp. For example, I was able to talk with Kenny and Andy for a while before and after their session and found each more than ready to answer any question I could come up with. I’m very grateful for their time and willingness to share their expertise. Thanks, guys!

I also met a couple of people that shared some of the same challenges as I’ve faced. Through those types of discussions, problems are not always solved, but new perspectives often lead to solutions or workarounds.

I had a great time and learned a ton, and the crew that put the event on did a nice job. I’m already looking forward to the next code camp and am excited about WordCamp Iowa that Kenny is organizing for early August.

Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the light snacks and refreshments as you cheer on your favorite driver (hopefully Kevin from Backslash!). I’ll be trying to race my way into the finals, and eventually the Championship, but I do have another chance in case gravity and physics win. The top four fundraising drivers automatically will advance into the finals. You can still donate here or on-site at the event, too, in case you wish to take pity on me after watching my undoubtedly dismal performance. So make sure to bring a few bucks with you!

Tell your friends, bring a neighbor, and cheer for Team Backslash!

Well, we’re going to the Lee County Speedway Car Show and Kick-Off Party, of course! Starting at 1pm, race car owners and drivers from all around are going strut their stuff as they show off new rides for the 2010 racing season (which starts NEXT WEEK, by the way!).

If you even have a mild, passing interest in racing of any kind, you need to make the short drive to Donnellson and check this out. Heck, they even have FREE hot dogs and Pepsi products (although *I* would much rather have a Diet Coke), so you could make a lunch stop out of it!

Last year was the most fun anyone’s ever had at a car show, and it was pouring down rain at times. Dozens had to squish together under a pop-up tent during the event for a while. This year, though, God has smiled on Lee County Speedway and blessed us all with sunshine and 80 degree weather! They’re going to cram a ton of cars into the parking lot next to the Pilot Grove Savings Bank, that’s for sure.

And I haven’t even told you about the “Kick-Off Party” part of this shindig! So, right across the street from the Car Show, there’s a quaint little place called the Stumble Inn (which, seriously, has to be one of the best names for a bar that I’ve ever heard). It’ll be a shorter-than-a-Frogger-level walk to the party place, after the Show ends around 5pm, where many will close the bar early the next morning.

What are you doing today? Stop out and say “hi” if you have a few minutes. You don’t have to stay long, even though you’re welcome to. Lots of people stop by, grab a hot dog and a Pepsi (or bring your own Coke), and take a half hour to walk around, enjoy the sunshine, look at the cars, and meet the drivers. It’s an awesome experience for the kids, too, so don’t forget yours and the neighbor’s (ask first).

We’ll see you all there!