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Civic Data Camp – Decode Your City | Data Samurai
July 2025  ·  Virtual  ·  High School

Decode Your City.
Think with Real Data.

A 2-week virtual experience where high school students explore real Baton Rouge civic data, uncover insights, and present findings that matter.

Reserve Your SpotLearn More →
EBR Library Card Holders receive a special discount.Serving all 16 branches across the parish.
About the Camp

This Isn't a Coding Camp.
It's a Thinking Camp.

Civic Data Camp gives high school students the tools to understand the world around them through data. Using real public datasets from Baton Rouge, students explore how their city actually works — from service requests and infrastructure to community trends.

No advanced technical skills required. Just curiosity, willingness to ask hard questions, and a desire to communicate ideas with confidence.

Students walk away with a finished presentation, real analytical experience, and a new way of seeing the world around them.

  • Data Literacy
    Read, interpret, and question data like a professional analyst.
  • Critical Thinking
    Challenge assumptions, identify bias, and ask better questions.
  • Problem Solving
    Move from raw information to insight to recommendation.
  • Communication
    Build and deliver a polished presentation to a real audience.
  • Civic Awareness
    See how decisions get made in your community — and where you have a voice.
How It Works

10 Days. Real Data. Real Outcomes.

Each week builds on the last — from data literacy foundations to presenting a polished recommendation to a real community audience.

Week One
Foundations + Exploration
Build curiosity through real Baton Rouge data
  • Day 1
    What is Civic Data?
    Explore Open Data BR — 311 requests, budgets, library usage, community trends
  • Day 2
    Data Literacy Basics
    Types of data, misleading stats, correlation vs causation
  • Day 3
    Asking Better Questions
    Turn curiosity into a real civic question your team will investigate
  • Day 4
    Analysis + Visualization
    Build your first chart — what makes a visual clear vs confusing
  • Day 5
    Week 1 Demo Day
    Present your question, dataset, and early insights
Week Two
Problem Solving + Storytelling
Turn data into insight, recommendation, and story
  • Day 6
    Deeper Analysis
    Trends, comparisons, outliers — expand to 3+ visuals
  • Day 7
    Critical Thinking + Bias
    What could be wrong with your conclusion? Missing data. Assumptions.
  • Day 8
    Problem Solving Framework
    Problem → Evidence → Insight → Recommendation
  • Day 9
    Storytelling + Presentation
    Build your final deck: Problem · Data · Insight · Recommendation
  • Day 10
    Final Showcase
    Present to community leaders, library partners, and stakeholders
Live Group Sessions
60–90 min interactive instruction, demos, and guided activities Mon–Thu
Team Project Work
90–120 min independent or team exploration, analysis, and building
Office Hours
Coaching, Q&A, and 1-on-1 feedback for data, visuals, and presentation
Program Leadership

Led by Practitioners.
Built for the Next Generation.

Designed and led by professionals who have built real data systems at scale — bringing that experience directly to Baton Rouge students.

Robert Ayala
Founder & CEO, Data Samurai

20+ years leading data and technology initiatives at Dell, Walmart, Salesforce, and Centene. Now focused on helping Louisiana communities and students unlock the power of civic data.

20+ Years ExperienceDell · Walmart · SalesforceLSU Innovation Park EIR
Guest Roundtable
Community & Industry Leaders

Students will hear directly from civic leaders, data practitioners, and community decision-makers throughout the program. Roundtable guests to be announced.

GovernmentNonprofitTechnologyCommunity
Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need to Know

Have a question not listed here? Reach out directly.

About the Camp
Civic Data Camp is a 2-week virtual learning experience for high school students focused on data literacy, critical thinking, problem solving, and communication using real Baton Rouge civic data. Students explore public datasets, identify patterns, ask meaningful questions, and present insights about real community issues.
The camp is designed primarily for high school students (grades 9–12), curious learners interested in technology, business, or community issues, and students who enjoy problem solving. No advanced technical experience is required.
No. While students will work with data and technology tools, the focus is not software engineering or advanced programming. The emphasis is on understanding information, thinking critically, solving problems, and communicating ideas clearly.
No prior experience with data or analytics is required. Students will be guided through the concepts step-by-step in an accessible and supportive environment.
Camp Structure & Format
The camp is fully virtual. Students will participate through live online sessions, guided project work, office hours and coaching, and final presentations.
The camp runs for 2 weeks. Students should expect approximately 60–90 minutes of live instruction per day, plus additional project work and optional office hours.
Students will need a computer or tablet, reliable internet access, the ability to join video calls, and access to Google Sheets, Excel, or similar tools.
Some instructional sessions may be recorded for students who miss a session, though participation in live discussions is strongly encouraged.
Learning Experience
Students will explore real civic datasets from Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge Parish, including community services, public requests, budget information, community trends, and other publicly available data.
Students will complete a short presentation that includes a real civic question, supporting data and analysis, visualizations or charts, key insights, and a recommendation or proposed solution.
Yes. Students who complete the program will receive a certificate of participation.
The camp helps students build future-ready skills that apply across college preparation, research projects, business and entrepreneurship, STEM pathways, public speaking, and civic leadership. Students also gain experience working with real-world information and presenting their ideas professionally.
Registration & Logistics
Pricing and registration details are available on the registration page. Discounts may be available for East Baton Rouge Parish Library card holders, early registration, and group participation.
Yes. To maintain an interactive and collaborative experience, enrollment is limited. Reserve your spot early to secure your place.
Absolutely. We welcome conversations with schools, libraries, nonprofits, STEM organizations, community groups, and local businesses. Interested organizations can contact us directly for collaboration and sponsorship opportunities.
Get Involved

Ready to Decode Your City?

Space is limited. Small cohorts mean real coaching, real feedback, and a real experience. Reserve your spot or request our full information pack.

Reserve Your SpotGet the Info Pack

Library card holders: apply your discount code at checkout.

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From Chaos to Clarity

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