91�����

July 10, 2025
Story by Maggie Harris
Photos by Barton Communications

91�����, in partnership with cybersecurity firm SOFTwarfare and workforce initiative Enterprise KC, recently concluded a cybersecurity camp for middle school students, immersing them in the world of digital security with hands-on activities designed to ignite curiosity and build practical skills.

Students participated in a range of engaging exercises, including decoding secret messages with cipher disks, experimenting with a “Pringles Enigma” inspired by World War II encryption devices, sending Morse code messages using micro:bits, and tackling beginner-friendly Capture the Flag (CTF) challenges that tested their problem-solving and teamwork.

Barton’s Dean of Workforce Training and Community Education Dr. Kathy Kottas said the camp’s design encouraged collaboration, critical thinking, and a practical glimpse into the field of cybersecurity.

“Our goal is to make learning engaging and to open doors to opportunities students may not have considered,” she said. “We’re grateful for the support of SOFTwarfare and Enterprise KC in making this camp a success.”

Hosted at SOFTwarfare’s facility in Great Bend, students got a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how a cybersecurity company operates. For the CEO of SOFTwarfare, Wyatt Cobb, it was about more than just a field trip; it was about building the future.

"At SOFTwarfare, we believe that securing our digital future begins with investing in the next generation of innovators," he said. "Hosting these bright young minds at our Great Bend facility and showing them firsthand the cutting-edge technology that protects our daily lives is an absolute privilege.”

Enterprise KC’s Director of the Heartland Cyber Range Chuck Gardner said the impact of the experience was immediate.

“One of the most powerful parts of this��camp��was watching students go from curious to confident in just two days. They weren’t just playing with cipher disks or tapping out Morse; they were realizing that��cybersecurity is something they can do. That spark, that shift in mindset, is what makes programs like this so essential.”

Cobb said the strength of the collaboration between 91����� and Enterprise KC is invaluable and a product of the shared commitment to fostering cybersecurity in Kansas.

“We are not just building software,” he said. “We are building a stronger, more secure community for the future, and it was truly inspiring to see so many students excited about the possibilities within this critical field."

Building on the success of the first camp and overwhelming interest, Barton, SOFTwarfare, and Enterprise KC will host a second camp 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. July 29-30. Priority registration will be offered to students who were on the waitlist for the initial camp.

The registration deadline is July 23. To register, call (620) 786-1108.