Being an Atari computer owner and user I am asked the question over and over again, "Why did you buy an Atari?" My reply, based on my knowledge of Atari and other computers, would be simply, "because it is the best." I've had four friends buy Atari's because of me, and all of them are happy they did so. The reason that I bought an Atari was that I too was influenced by a friend.
    If you own an Atari, you know the capabilities and power it has, and if you don't, let me know, and I'll be happy to list them for you.
    In the Article, "ROM Goes to the Summer Consumer Electronic Show" I gave quite a long list of just a few of the things that you can expect to see regarding the Atari in the near future. If you haven't read it, do so, and you'll be excited about all the new stuff coming out.
    One thing that I didn't mention in the article, but found disturbing, was the fact that a few of the smaller third party software companies were dropping Atari from their product line. When talking to some of the employees of these companies, I found their reasoning hard to understand and am prepared to counter any argument that they might advance. The Atari is the best machine for the money. I've used Apples, Commodores, IBM's, TI's, Radio Shacks, and none of them can compare to Atari.
    Now that I've got that off my chest, I can write about what I had planned from the last issue. "Atari Goes Camping." That may appear to be a strange heading, but is in fact quite in order. Atari has set up summer camps all across the country where young people can learn programming on the Atari in a camp atmosphere. There are comfortable dormitories and classrooms, beautiful surroundings, as well as a proximity to major cities and airports. Gymnasiums, pools, tennis courts, green playing fields, spacious lounges, recreation halls, and art facilities await campers at every site. Barbecues, picnics, campfires, movies, and field trips are all part of the camps.
    These camps, situated in strategic locations across the states, are run by fully qualified staff members. There are seven different locations from the Atlantic to the Pacific. They are: Greenfield, Massachusetts / Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania Glencoe, Maryland / University of North Carolina at Asheville / Faribault, Minnesota / San Diego and Danville California. Each camp is unique in its own way, some having things to offer that others don't and vice versa. For example, the one in Minnesota has a nine hole golf course.
    There is instruction on the Atari computer for the beginner, and for the intermediate, and advanced user, thus providing something for everyone. With this in mind, students can feel comfortable at their own level and will not be pressured into anything that may be over their heads. They will learn everything from graphics to sound, and from Basic to Pilot, thus becoming more familiar with programming. For more imformation call 800/847-4180 toll free in the US (except New York State) or 212/889-5200 in New York State or outside the US.
    This is just a small look at what is happening this summer. In the next issue I will be having a look at the peripherals and hardware available for the Atari.