byoclogo smest

 

 

camp byoc title

 1 Sheakley Way, 45246

Office - 513-549-8308
Cell - 513-377-1679

                

                

About Us

 

Camp BYOC (Build Your Own Computer) was founded in 2014 by Robin Walker, President and CEO of TTM Technologies—a computer sales and service company dedicated to providing comprehensive support and product solutions to consumers and small businesses.

The inaugural camp welcomed nine students, ages 11 to 14, who each built their own computer while exploring the science behind hardware and software integration. Not only did they gain hands-on technical skills, but they also took home the computers they built—an empowering first step into the world of technology. In 2017, BYOC officially became a nonprofit organization, expanding its mission to serve youth more broadly.

Since its founding, BYOC has engaged over 1,000 youth between the ages of 8 and 17, offering immersive experiences in a wide range of technologies. More than 100 students have built and kept their own computers, and in Summer 2025 alone, 95 youth participated in BYOC programs. Our reach spans 25 communities across Greater Cincinnati, including Avondale, Price Hill, Bond Hill, West End, Mason, Forest Park, Downtown, Cheviot, Covington (KY), Oakley, Mt. Healthy, Fairfield, Springdale, West Chester, College Hill, Finneytown, Kenwood, Pleasant Ridge, Sharonville, Blue Ash, Liberty Township, Woodlawn, Bridgetown, Colerain, and Hartwell. We've also welcomed students from Missouri, Michigan, North Carolina, and Texas, who traveled to Cincinnati to take part in our transformative classes.

In 2024, BYOC proudly hosted its third Youth Tech Summit, continued the Robotics Club, and launched two new initiatives: the Media Production Club and the Coding Club, further expanding our commitment to hands-on, future-focused learning.

Our growth would not have been possible without the visionary support of Father Trevor Babb, who championed BYOC from the beginning. Through his leadership, we established a vital partnership with St. Simon of Cyrene Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio. Father Babb’s personal investment and advocacy helped secure foundational funding, allowing us to exceed our initial goals and set the stage for long-term impact.

 

BYOC Staff and Board Organization

BYOC Exec Director

Robin Walker - Cell - 513-377-1679

 

BYOC Director of Operations

Jasmine Clark - Office - 513-549-8308

 

BYOC Executive Assistant and Marketing Managers

Genise Turner - Office - 513-549-8308

Deliyah Thomas - Office -513-549-8308

 

BYOC Teachers

Eddie Bassin

Jasmine Clark 

Gina Laster

Robin Walker

 

Parent Committee

Gina Laster

Michelle Davis

Jessica DeMarcia

 

Board of Directors

Robin Walker - Chairperson

Jasmine Clark - Secretary

Cassandra Fowler

Elonda Bradley

Charles Shuford

Past BYOC Camps

 

Since beginning in 2014, Camp BYOC has invested and trained many students to build and maintain their own computers. Each year we have improved the program to add younger students and grow the skills and experiences of returning students.  We now have camps all year round designed for different age groups, skill levels and maturity. In the future we plan to expand the beyond Cincinnati to other major cities/communities.

  • 2014: PILOT Jr Engineering Camp, Ages 11-14 
  • 2015: Expanded Engineering Camps, Ages 12-14; Associate Engineer's trip to Silicon Valley
  • 2016: Added Sr Engineering Camp
  • 2017: Added the Exploratory Camp, Ages 9-11; Continued Engineering Camps-Ages 12-17,
  •           2nd Trip to Silicon Valley
  • 2018: Expanded Exploratory Camp and Started Saturday Club Sessions
  • 2019: Expanded All Camps, 3rd Trip to Silicon Valley.  The largest camp size with 87 youth across 8 weeks
  • 2020: Added virtual Camps and limited Camps to small in-person sizes with lots of protective protocols due to Covid-19
  • 2021: Added STEM Fundamentals to the Explorer Camps
  • 2022: Hosted the first BYOC Youth Tech Summit
  • 2023: Added youth age 8 to the Explorer Camps and held the largest size with 150 youth across 8 weeks. Visited Silicon Valley for the 4th time. Launched the Robotics Club and hosted the second BYOC Youth Tech Summit.
  • 2024:  Added new coding classes, launched the Coding and Media Production clubs.  Hosted the 3rd BYOC Youth Tech Summit.  Visited Silicon Valley for the 5th time.
  • 2025:  Added the AR/VR and Cybersecurity classes.  5 youth became security certified with Infoblox, a Cybersecurity company. Served over 1000 youth.

About The Founder - Robin Walker

robin sm

I have been an IT professional for over 30 years. I worked for Procter & Gamble for 24 years developing, managing and supporting technology for many business units both in the U.S. and abroad. Created technology strategy and implementation plans to enable business success. Worked with associates in Europe, Asia and Mexico to build global technology infrastructure and applications which supported global business models in product development and manufacturing.

Building on my Procter & Gamble experiences, I created Business & Gaming Technologies, Inc. to offer technology solutions to small and medium sized businesses in the Greater Cincinnati area and Indianapolis.

We offer computing/networking technologies, web solutions, and office technologies to businesses. We sell hardware components and provide repair services to retail customers at CDM Computers (local retail stores) in Cincinnati and Indianapolis.

I founded BYOC Camps and Clubs for several reasons. I have always looked for ways to give back to the community through my business. BYOC allows me to share my skills and experiences with the upcoming generation giving them a head start in technology. As an African American woman, I know the challenges African Americans and women face in technology. Besides there being too few people in technology overall, very few are women or minority. The statistics haven't changed in over 30 years. BYOC gives me the opportunity to impact those statistics and help prepare others like me for the journey. The excitment of learning technology, the joy in seeing ideas come to life, the determination to overcome technical challenges, BYOC is preparation ground for the future.

Testimonials

What Parents/Students/Supporters Say

The trip to California (2015) was a tremendous experience! Being able to visit five different major companies had one common effect on me and that is dreams really come true! This great opportunity put me on a different road to greatness, to make a difference in the world. I'm now a dream maker and catcher, this trip will always live with me! --K. Lee, Cincinnati, OH 2015 (note: K. Lee is now pursuring her dreams and recently graduated from Cincinnati State)

K. Lee - 2015

In shouting our good news about my grandson choosing to major in computer science, I neglected to give props to Robin Walker, whose summer program, Camp BYOC (BUILD YOUR OWN COMPUTER) was the wind beneath my grandson’s wings. Robin’s summer program was intense but created for youth. In this program, Adam found his future by learning the intricacies of computer science, and yes, he did build his own computer through this program. Thank you Robin Walker, because of your dedication and your vision, my grandson’s path and future have been laid before him. Jenny Laster – 4/21/21

Jenny Laster - 2021

A great testimonial from Channell, a parent! I can't express how life-changing this has been for my daughter! Once struggling with her grades and unsure of her future, she discovered her passion for computer engineering after attending BYOC CAMPS summer engineering program. Her grades soared, and now she's thriving as a member of Fairfield High School's Women in STEM Club and BYOC's Coding Club. At just 14, she even interned as a coding instructor's assistant and traveled to Silicon Valley to tour tech companies and talk and shadow IT Leaders. We need your support...volunteer...sponsor....

Channell-2025

Camp BYOC has been phenomenal for my daughter. She is really strongly considering a career in technology and enjoys the time she gets to spend learning this new language. Ashley F. - Cincinnati, OH 2018

Ashley F.- 2018

My time at BYOC has been amazing. I was apart of the associate camp (2015)... ,Camp BYOC Forever!!!!!! --K. Thomas, Cincinnati, OH 2015

K. Thomas - 2015

Camp BYOC is a great opportunity for students and was a great success this year (2017). I started off as a student in 2014 and came back as a volunteer for the past two years. --D. Fowler, Jr., Cincinnati, OH 2015 (note: D. Fowler, Jr. is now a grad student in Computer Science. 2021)

D. Fowler, Jr - 2015

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