Geek Squad Academy (GSA) is a hands-on learning program where Students 10-16 become “Junior Agents” and get hands-on experience with some of the newest and coolest technology. At camp, Junior Agents will have a chance to create their own music, learn about photography and production, explore 3D design, and learn about programming robotics. Classes focus on sharing our passion for discovery and de-mystifying technology to spark an interest in future career possibilities and opportunities.
Camps vary in size and number of classes. Most camps will need between 8 and 12 Instructors up to 2 GEAR officers for the 3 days of camp (Setup, followed by 2 instructional days), and up to 12 helpers for each of the 2 instructional days.
Helpers are welcome to register for either instructional day as a single-day helper, or for both as a 2-day helper.
All camps are attended by at least one Geek Squad Academy Event Manager, but typically two Event Managers are assigned to every camp.
For the more visually minded:
| Camp role | Typical camp needs (for around 100 students) | Time commitment |
| GEAR Officer | 1 (up to 2) | 3+ days (Optional pre-camp involvement, Setup, Day 1, Day 2) |
| Instructor | 8-10 | 3 days (Setup, Day 1, Day 2) |
| Helper | 8-10 per day | 1 or 2 days (Day 1 and/or Day 2) |
GEAR Officers are the local experts and have a job description that can’t fit into a single paragraph. GEAR officers help with and are involved in all of the camp preparation and behind the scenes work. From aiding in recruiting employees, doing pre-camp reconnaissance like taking pictures of the facility for remote Event Managers, joining pre-setup site visits and arranging inventory, the GEAR officer role is perfect for employees that are interested in the Event Manager role in the future or want to explore a leadership role at camp.
Instructors are our teachers during the event and make a commitment to attend both days of camp. Our Instructors will teach our Junior Agents on Computer Hardware, Music creation, Game Programming, Digital Photography, and more during both days of camp, as well as assisting with set-up and tear down. No special technical knowledge is required as the Instructor guides are written assuming no prior knowledge, and with audiences as young as 10 years old in mind.
Helpers play a crucial role in making each class a success by assisting our Instructors and Junior Agents. No technical knowledge is required, just a willingness to dig into each class with our Junior Agents and have fun!
Great question! No, Geek Squad Academy is a paid volunteer event to all Best Buy Employees. Full-timers, part-timers, and OS employees are all welcome. The only pre-requisite for an employee to be eligible is that they’re in good standing with leadership approval.
Thank you for your support! The following links are typically a great starting point:
Geek Squad Academy camps are added throughout the season as camps approach 6-8 weeks out.
Geek Squad Academy is proud to be able to pay all employees selected to participate at Geek Squad Academy camps*. We use and follow Best Buy’s Time and Labor policies and utilize reclassification of labor to compensate stores for each employee’s standard pay rate.
Employees that participate in camp will receive an email 24-48 hours after the conclusion of the Geek Squad Academy event containing a log of their hours on-site. These punches should be entered into TLC and reclassified to EVENTS or PRO2. Your location will receive a labor credit for the hours worked at the end of the month to your P&L.
Participation in Geek Squad Academy events is voluntary, however; employees are compensated for their time spent on-site during certain events. Any travel or lodging costs are the responsibility of that employee.
After seeking manager’s approval, applying, and being selected for participation, each employee should submit a request for unpaid time off for the dates required. Field employees should also request blocks on their routes to avoid conflicts. Each employee will receive the time and date needed based on the position they are chosen for – these confirmations happen typically 2 weeks before camp.
During the camp week, we recommend employees pay special attention to their hours on the clock to avoid unauthorized overtime. Often employees will need to be sure that they have at least two days off that week. Overtime pay is not reclassified and will be charged to that employee’s home location labor budget. Time at camp can vary from 4 to 9 hours each day, please confirm the schedule with the Event Managers for that camp.
Geek Squad Academy comes in three formats, and each of them is a little different.
*Geek Squad Academy in-a-Box is a volunteer event, and not part of the camp format. For more information on GSA in-a-Box, please email us below.