Summer Coding Camps are a great way for kids to learn how to code, which is an essential skill for the future and a great way to develop creativity and critical thinking skills. Great coding camps are also engaging and fun for kids, which makes them ideal activities for summer time. But what  camps are best for your child? We will review some key considerations and popular options available. 

How to Choose the Best Coding Summer Camp

Here are some key areas to consider to decide what’s best for your child:

  • Engaging Curriculum: Hands-on projects, built by tech and education experts.
  • Interests: Build on what your child is already excited about, such as robotics, Minecraft coding, space science, art, or artificial intelligence.
  • Qualified Instructors: are they experienced educators or just hired for summer? Create & Learn teachers work with us all year round as we have camps/classes throughout the year, and they are very experienced.
  • Class size: smaller class size means your child will get a lot more support. For instance, Create & Learn camps have at most 3-5 students per group. Many other camps have more than 10 or 20 students per group.
  • Online vs In-person: online camps offer more flexible schedules, students can learn from anywhere. In-person is needed for classes that require equipment that people don't have at home like VR headset or when both parents need to go to work during the day.
  • Reviews: Search for reviews on Google. Don’t just look at reviews posted on providers’ websites.

Discover The Best Coding Summer Camps

Explore award-winning coding camps created by experts from Google, Stanford, and code.org. This curriculum has been recognized by Minecraft Education, Code.org, HulaFrog and parents worldwide as the Most Loved Virtual Learning program and won Best of the year award from ActivityHero for multiple years! Check out all the Summer Coding Camps schedules or recommended pathways for students by grade level here: K-2 | Grades 2-4 | Grades 4-6 | Grades 6-9 | Grades 9-12.

Explore The Best Coding Summer Camps For Elementary School Kids

Learning coding is similar to learning a new language - the earlier you start the more you retain as you grow older. Check out the wide variety of camps geared towards elementary school kids in grades K-5.

1. Scratch Ninja

Scratch is the ideal way to introduce students to coding and get them more interested in how it works. In this fun interactive camp students learn the basics of how to code games and animations with drag-and-drop coding blocks! Students learn foundational coding concepts, and are encouraged to think critically and use their creativity while coding a special project in each session.

Format: Live online for 55 minutes per session

Best for: Beginner coders with no previous experience

Grades: 2-5

Prerequisite: None

2. Minecraft Redstone Engineering

Does your child enjoy Minecraft? If so, check this camp out! In this fun one-of-a-kind camp students learn how to identify and utilize the rare Minecraft element: Redstone - to engineer powerful inventions. In addition to engineering techniques in the world of Minecraft, students learn about real-world engineering concepts!

Format: Live online for 55 minutes a session

Best for: Students interested in Minecraft

Grades: 2-5

Prerequisite: None

3. Junior Robotics

Enjoy an introductory camp to robotics designed for kids. This VEX robotics camp teaches students how coding is used in robotics through fun, hands-on projects, and how robots can solve real-world problems. Students will be introduced to the basics of VEX Code and programming in a 3D virtual environment, and complete challenges in complicated virtual worlds with obstacles, using sensors. No physical robot is required for this class.

Format: Live online for 55 minutes a session

Best for: Kids that want to make something physical and enjoy smart devices

Grades: 2-4

Prerequisite: Students need to have completed Scratch Ninja 1 & 2

4. Minecraft Modding Quest

Built on top of the regular Minecraft game, Minecraft: Education Edition includes additional features to teach kids coding and problem-solving in an immersive environment where creativity and collaboration are encouraged. Our carefully designed online modding camp covers a broad set of coding concepts, from basic stacking commands to building complex structures and mini-games through coding. Build your own battle game that fights off zombies, and see who is better at the rock, paper, scissors game built you build in Minecraft!

Format: Live online for 55 minutes a session

Best for: Kids interested in Minecraft and game development

Grades: 3-6

5. Beginner Roblox Game Coding

This camp was designed to be an introduction to coding games in the ever popular Roblox gaming platform (with over 40 million games)! This specific Roblox coding camp is the only one of its kind to teach Roblox coding without the complicated game development tool Lua, which is most commonly used for Roblox coding. Students learn these skills through building multiple fun games in a supportive environment led by an expert teacher.

Format: Live online for 75 minutes per session

Best for: Kids that want to learn about Roblox

Grades: 3-8

Prerequisite: Completion of Scratch Ninja 4 or equivalent of advanced coding experience

Explore The Best Coding Summer Camps For Middle School Kids

Check out engaging and fun summer camps for kids in grades 6-8, for all skill levels.

6. Accelerated Scratch

Accelerated Scratch is a live online camp designed for the novice coder who is in grades 5-9. Studies have proven that students who are new to coding do better starting with block-based coding like Scratch. This class offers a series of compressed Scratch coding sessions that equip students with key coding concepts in just eight sessions, each with a fun project including games and animations.

Format: Live online for 55 minutes per session

Best for: Middle-school aged students who want to start coding

Grades: 5-9

Prerequisite: None

7. Mobile Coding for Apps and Games

This camp provides students with the skills to create their own unique mobile applications. Students will learn a variety of exciting skills including but not limited to design layout and UI, how to enable UI elements for event handling, how to use different mobile features like a touch screen, how to make multi-user apps, and much more! This is all achieved through building fun projects and games in a camp size of 2-3 students max, led by an expert teacher.

Format: Live online for 55 minutes per session

Best for: Kids that want to learn how to build mobile apps

Grades: 4-9

Prerequisite: Completion of Scratch Ninja 2 or equivalent coding experience

8. Create with ChatGPT Class

This live online interactive course designed by experts from Google, Stanford, and MIT, helps students understand what ChatGPT is and introduces them to effective ways of using ChatGPT. Together with ChatGPT, students will plan something fun, honing their systematic and critical thinking skills while developing essential executive functions. Moreover, they'll learn how to use ChatGPT to enhance their writing abilities and unleash their creativity, enabling them to craft captivating storylines, and they'll master the art of delivering powerful messages through well-structured sentences. Students will also have the opportunity to code their very own ChatBot using this remarkable technology. Throughout the course, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the power of ChatGPT, its practical applications, and the ethical considerations associated with AI usage.

Format: Live online for 55 minutes per session

Best for: Kids that want to learn a new technology

Grades: 4-8

Prerequisite: None required, Scratch recommended

9. Modern Website Design with Wix

Does the student in your life ever talk about wanting to create their own websites? Create & Learn made this camp to teach students all the skills they need to build their own website with the leading free website building platform, Wix. This class covers a wide range of web design topics including how to structure your website, design your layout, choose color schemes, and create an online storefront. Websites can be used as a virtual portfolio, to showcase school or community events, help local businesses or nonprofits, and really anything you put your mind to!

Format: Live online for 75 minutes per session

Best for: Kids that want answers fast and live guidance to learn how to build their own websites

Grades: 4-9

Prerequisite: None, but Scratch Ninja and Canva for Kids are suggested

10. Python for AI

Master Python, an essential coding language, in a supportive environment led by an expert teacher. In this advanced coding camp, students will learn not only the advanced coding language of Python, but also the elements of Python that are most relevant to the increasingly-important field of artificial intelligence. Python is used by companies like Netflix and Google for web development, game development, building apps, machine learning, and much more!

Format: Live online for 55 minutes per session

Best for: Kids who want to learn a real-world programming language

Grades: 5-12

Prerequisite: Advanced Scratch Coding or Minecraft Modding experience

11. Coding with Roblox Studio in Lua

Does your child love Roblox and have prior experience coding Roblox games? If so, this class is a great fit to equip your child with advanced Roblox coding skills! Students will learn how to use the advanced scripting language Lua to create games, solve puzzles, and more in this fun class. Special skills like how to configure properties of objects like color and texture, how to create multi-player games, and how to create economies are just a few of the exciting features taught in this class.

Format: Live online for 70 minutes per session

Best for: Tweens and teens who are familiar with Roblox

Grades: 6-12

Prerequisite: Advanced Scratch Coding or Minecraft Modding experience

Explore The Best Coding Summer Camps For High School Teens

Check out these award-winning, challenging, and diverse live online coding camps for high-school aged students.

12. Build Your Web

Learn the intricacies of how the internet works and how to contribute to the world wide web in this fun hands-on web building camp. Students will learn HTML and CSS, how to build websites with Javascript, and much more. If your teen wants to cultivate advanced coding skills through building websites this is the perfect camp for them!

Format: Live online for 55 minutes per session

Best for: Kids interested in building their own highly customized websites

Grades: 5-12

Prerequisite: Completion of Scratch Ninja 3 or coding equivalent

13. Data Science with Python and Pandas

Python and Pandas are a powerful combination of platforms that when used correctly provide students with superb data analyzation and drawing business insights. In this hands-on analytic camp students learn how to manipulate data. The ability to effectively analyze data and use it to inform decisions is a critical skill for a variety of professions including lawyers, doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, journalists, and more.

Format: Live online for 75 minutes per session

Best for: Kids who want to understand how to analyze complex data

Grades: 5-12

Prerequisite: Completion of Python for AI or equivalent experience

14. Unity Game Development

Did you know Unity is the most popular game engine in the world? If your child has ever wondered how professionals develop games with sophisticated features and design, this is it! This advanced game building camp covers a wide range of topics including how to navigate the Unity ecosystem to build 2D/3D games from scratch, complete behavioral and object scripting, and much more.

Format: Live online for 70 minutes per session

Best for: Students who want to learn game building

Grades: 5-12

Prerequisite: Basic knowledge of text-based coding such as Python, Javascript, or Java

15. AP Computer Science Principles (meets AP CSP College Board requirements)

In this preparatory class for the AP CSP Exam, students learn a broad range of fundamental exam topics including how to design and evaluate solutions, and how to apply computer science to solve problems through developing algorithms and programs. This class was developed by AP computer science educators and meets the requirements for the AP CSP exam as defined by the College Board.

Format: Live online for 70 minutes per session

Best for: Students who want to prepare for the AP CSP exam

Grades: 6-12

Prerequisite: Completion of Python for AI or equivalent coding experience

16. AP Computer Science Java (meets AP CSA college board requirements)

This rigorous Java class was adapted by Lead Curriculum Developer Jamila Cocchiola from the new Code.org AP CSA curriculum (certified by College Board) to better fit our online format and student needs. This class is a highly thorough introduction to Java programming and covers a wide range of topics like the design of solutions to problems, the use of data structures to organize large sets of data, and the development and implementation of algorithms to process data. These skills and many more are put into practice through fun project-based learning!

Format: Live online for 90 minutes per session

Best for: Students who want to prepare for the AP CSA exam

Grades: 6-12

Prerequisite: Completion of Python for AI or equivalent coding experience

What To Expect From The Summer Coding Camp Experience

Summer coding camps are great for learning new skills in a condensed period of time. Choose from structured weeklong camps (four - five consecutive days) available in multiple time zones, with both morning and afternoon start times. You can even request a class time to meet your schedule. After you've enrolled, just check your email or Create & Learn account to see the class Zoom link, and show up for the Zoom lessons led live by an expert!

Our camp instructors are our regular year-round teachers who have lots of experience teaching kids throughout the year. Each camp has a maximum of 3-5 students per instructor depending on the subject, which creates a highly personalized experience. Camps are very interactive, and students are encouraged to ask questions and share their creations. Once camp is complete, we celebrate with a personalized Certificate of Achievement to mark the milestone!

Also our summer coding camp programs are now more affordable than ever before—much less than other programs which also have bigger group size. Our commitment to accessibility and equity in education is reflected in our reasonable pricing, because we believe that every student deserves the opportunity to explore and excel in the exciting world of technology.

Summer Coding Camp Reviews: What Parents And Students Can Expect

Parents and students can expect quality coding classes with excellent instructors and personalized attention at Create & Learn's summer coding camps. Our instructors are patient, supportive, and knowledgeable, making the camps fun and exciting for kids. The camps encourage creativity and problem-solving skills, and kids will learn coding concepts while working on coding exercises and projects that build their confidence. The small camp sizes provide an excellent learning environment, and instructors give personal feedback to both students and parents. Additionally, Create & Learn offers select free sessions that help parents and students choose the right camp at the right level.

Here's what a few parents have said about summer coding camps:

"The curriculum was well designed and taught methodically. I was impressed that within a week, my children both became Scratch savvy. Most importantly, they developed a strong interest in coding, and continued to work on projects after class without being asked to do so."

"My 10 year old son tried the AI explorers class this Spring. As parents who work in tech, we realize that kids his age don't have the mathematical foundation to understand the algorithms. Our goal was to expose his to various applications and possibilities that AI can unlock. The course and the teacher did an excellent job covering a breadth of fun and relatable examples, including image recognition, training AI to play games, and creating music."

"I am very impressed with Create & Learn. The instructor is a wonderful teacher and so patient with my son. My son is exploring coding and learning how to create logical commands. Thank you for a great experience!"

Discover The Benefits Of Attending Coding Summer Camp

From top tech companies such as Google and Apple to successful startups like Airbnb and Dropbox, many of today's leading companies were founded by individuals who started coding at a young age. With summer coding camps, kids can develop valuable skills that will benefit them for years to come, and even lay the foundation for a future career in technology. Let's take a closer look at some of the benefits of attending a summer coding camp, and how it can set kids up for success.

  • Exposure to new programming languages, technologies, and tools
  • Hands-on experience with coding projects and challenges
  • Networking opportunities with other aspiring programmers and industry professionals
  • Mentorship and guidance from experienced coding instructors
  • Development of problem solving and critical thinking skills
  • Potential to improve job prospects and career opportunities in the tech industry

Some well known in-person summer coding camps and how they compare

iD Tech - iD Tech is likely the technology camps that have the latest physical footprint in the country and is also among the most pricey ones. They host a good number of camps in universities, although the program itself is not affiliated with universities. If cost is not an issue and there are specific hardware related camps you are interested in, iD Tech is a good option. This Reddit thread captures reviews from some parents and previous instructors. 

Camp Galileo - Galileo Camps give kids a lot of options on their daily activities and students can choose what they want to do. They have rich STEM activities, but do not teach coding generally. 

TechKnowHow - This is a Bay Area favorite. They run high quality coding camps in about ten cities in the Bay Area. Many of the instructors come back each summer so they are better trained. The pricing is less than half of that of iD Tech in the Bay Area

Get Started With The Best Coding Summer Camp for Kids in K-12

Many options are offered for kids to learning coding. You've probably considered downloading an app, sorting through YouTube videos, or buying some books for your child. However, live camps or classes offer some of the most compelling benefits when comparing key factors such as supportive help, interactivity, and thoughtful accurate learning paths that set students up for success. The opportunity to foster their passion for computer science is so important that careful nurturing is needed.

Live online camps are a great solution for helping your student explore computer science and discover how it aligns with their interests. They are likely the best shot your student has at gaining real coding skills soon, because passionate teachers will hold students accountable, support them, and adapt the material to kids' learning styles. Learning quickly and accurately in live online camps will best equip your student to gain valuable computer science skills.

Finding the right summer coding camp for your child can be an exciting and rewarding experience. By considering factors such as the camp's curriculum, instructors' qualifications, class size, and teaching approach, you can help ensure your child has a positive and enriching coding camp experience. It is also essential to involve your child in the decision-making process and encourage them to explore their interests in coding. Here at Create & Learn, you can pick and chose the camps your child enrolls in based on their schedule and interests: which can easily match your child's preferred time engagement and growing passions.

With careful research and planning, you can find the best summer coding camp that provides your child with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed in the exciting world of technology. Get started discovering the magic in technology with our free coding classes today.