From March 10th to March 20th, I had the chance to attend a Competitive Programming (CP) camp led by Kamil (kamilszymczak1). Over 10 intense yet fun-filled days, I improved my problem-solving skills, learned new techniques, and bonded with fellow participants. Here's a quick overview of my experience:

Daily Structure: Coding, Learning, and Fun

Each day, we started with a contest from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, featuring 3 problems that challenged our programming abilities. After the contest, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, there was an editorial session where participants who scored 100 points on at least one problem explained their solutions. This was a great chance to learn different approaches and earn chocolates for explaining the problem!

In the evenings, we had lectures on algorithms and techniques to help us with the day’s problems. Afterward, we were free to upsolve or practice on Codeforces, or even play sports to unwind. By 9:00 PM, we’d order some fast-foods, usually from KFC or Max-Way, and relax together.

The Last Day: Special Visits and Prizes

On the final day, we visited parks and centers, followed by a meeting with the Minister of Education to discuss the importance of competitive programming. We also explored IT-Park and Uzinfocom, gaining insights into the tech industry. To wrap it up, we were awarded prizes for our efforts during the camp.

Key Takeaways

• Time Management: Learning how to manage time during contests was crucial.

• Collaboration: Sharing solutions in the editorial sessions was a great way to learn from others.

• Industry Insights: Visits to IT-Park and Uzinfocom showed how competitive programming skills can apply in real-world tech jobs.

• Balance: The mix of coding, free time, and fun food moments made the camp an enjoyable experience.

Final Thoughts

The CP camp was a fantastic way to improve my skills and meet other passionate programmers like Timosh. Thanks to Kamil (kamilszymczak1), I now feel more confident in tackling tough problems. If you're looking to boost your competitive programming skills, I highly recommend joining such a camp. It’s a perfect mix of learning and fun!