// pre-camp prep
15 minutes. Three tools. You'll show up to camp ready to build — not fumbling with downloads.
// tool 1
Create an account
Go to claude.ai and sign up with your email.
Download the desktop app
Mac or Windows — grab it from claude.ai/download.
Sign in with your email
Same account you created in step 1.
Upgrade to Pro ($20/mo) for the best experience
Pro unlocks the most powerful models and higher usage limits. Free works fine for camp — you can always upgrade later.
Why Claude?
Best for deep thinking, research, strategy, and long-form writing. When you need a thought partner who can hold context across a long conversation, Claude is the one.
// tool 2
Create an account
Go to chat.openai.com and sign up.
Download the app
Available on iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows. Search "ChatGPT" in your app store or visit openai.com/chatgpt/download.
Sign in
Use the account you just created.
Plus ($20/mo) unlocks GPT-4o and image generation
The free tier is solid for trying things out. Plus gives you the full model, image generation, and custom GPTs.
Why ChatGPT?
Most versatile, huge plugin ecosystem, great for quick tasks. If you only install one tool, this is the safe bet — it does a bit of everything well.
// tool 3
Go to Gemini
Visit gemini.google.com and sign in with your Google account.
Check your existing tools
Already on Google Workspace? Look for the Gemini icon in Gmail, Docs, and Sheets — it may already be there.
Advanced ($20/mo) unlocks the full model
Includes Gemini Ultra, 1M token context window, and integration with all your Google apps.
Why Gemini?
If your company runs on Google Workspace, Gemini is already in your tools. It works inside Gmail, Docs, Sheets, and Slides — no copy-pasting between apps.
// bonus tools (optional)
You don't need these for camp, but they're worth knowing about.
AI-powered search with citations. When you need answers you can verify, not just vibes.
perplexity.ai →AI code editor. For the builders who want to write software with AI as their copilot.
cursor.com →Build apps in your browser with AI. No install needed — just describe what you want and watch it happen.
replit.com →// quick test
Open any of the three tools
Claude, ChatGPT, or Gemini — whichever you installed first.
Paste this prompt
I'm a CEO preparing for an AI workshop. In 3 sentences, tell me the single most valuable thing I should learn first.
If you get a thoughtful answer, you're ready for camp.
That's it. No trick questions. If AI responded with something useful, your setup works.