Teen creates app displaying campsites throughout Utah


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EAGLE MOUNTAIN — A Utah teen decided to combine his love of camping and technology to complete his Eagle Scout project — an app listing Utah campsites.

Joshua Wilde, 17, of Eagle Mountain, said he has been developing and creating apps since he was in 8th grade. His parents, Clint and Rocio Wilde, said he grew up with a love for technology that continued to grow after they bought him an Apple book about basic iPhone tips. Joshua taught himself how to develop software, and now, a senior in high school, he’s developed five apps.

“I remember a couple times where he would say, ‘Mom, what do you think of this? Look what I did this time, Mom,’ ” Rocio Wilde said. “He was pretty young still and every time I would say, 'Clint did you teach him this?’ And he would say, ‘No, I didn’t even know he was doing that.’ He has always been kind of self-propelled in that area.”

Joshua said he loves camping with his family, and he felt an app that showed the different public campsites would be useful for Utahns.

The Campgrounds in Utah app displays an interactive map of 80 public campsites throughout the state, with information about each site, including the amenities, price and contact information to make a reservation.

The teen also worked with the Utah Office of Tourism while developing the app to help tourists know of areas to visit throughout Utah.

“It’s a unique app and we wanted to support it,” said Utah Office of Tourism public relations manager Emily Moench.

Joshua is working towards receiving his Eagle Scout award in February and hopes the app benefits locals and visitors to Utah.

“Looking at maps and stuff, I realized there are a lot more (campsites) than I even thought and a lot less well-known ones that people don’t even know about,” Joshua said.

The free app is currently only available for Apple phones and tablets.

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Faith Heaton Jolley

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