6 Best Summer Tech Camps in the US for 2022

Children are far more capable than we can imagine. Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget, known for his research work on child development, had proved it long back. He discovered that “children are active builders of knowledge-little scientists who construct their theories of the world.” 

Quite true. If you want to discover the creative side of your children, engage them with some kind of activity, and give them a free hand to complete the task. They will surprise you with their knowledge quotient, their approach, and creativity. 

Activities are opportunities for children to grow, enhance creativity and skills. Regrettably, they couldn’t do much in the year 2020. Lockdown and social distancing posed many challenges, especially for the young ones who were cooped up in the house all day long; a lifestyle not recommended for children. Being inside could do more harm than good. 

With summer vacations around the corner, you can now plan activities for your children so that they can utilize this time for fun and learning all the same. And one of the popular activities is camping. Summer camps are organized during long vacations to make holidays advantageous.    

The definition of camps and camping has evolved in the last few years, and the scope has widened. Depending upon the interest of the child, you can choose from leisure, sport, educational, or tech camps. 

Nowadays, tech camps are quite popular. The technological evolution has accentuated its importance in making children future-ready. Thoughtfully designed tech camps come with several desirable benefits, especially for those who have a technical bent of mind and want to mingle with like-minded people who are passionate about technology or STEAM (Science, Technology, Art, Engineering, and Math) learning. The benefits are plenty. 

History

Yes, there is a history behind the tech camp, and it all started in 1977. According to National Computer Camp (NCC), it is the brainchild of Dr. Michael Zabinski, who was awarded several federal grants to train teachers at Fairfield University to integrate computers into their classrooms.

 In 1977, to reach young people personally, he established the first of these educational summer camps coining the phrase “Computer Camps” and founded NCC and the computer camp industry.

NCC is America’s first computer camp and is described as unique because it allows campers to attend one or multi-week sessions with a continuous curriculum that covers all aspects of computer literacy and includes an optional sports program. These camps are ideal for both experienced and first time campers.

What is a Tech Camp/Computer Camp?

As the word indicates, a tech camp, usually organized during the long vacation, focuses on technology education that includes STEAM learning, video game design, artificial intelligence, robotics, programming, etc. 

What has made them so popular is that at these camps children get hands-on experience, exposure to the latest tech, a brush with futuristic skills, and a vision for higher studies. The experience helps them in shaping their future. 

In a few months, summer vacations will start and if you are looking for a fruitful engagement during upcoming vacation for your children who are interested in technology and curious to know and explore the tech world, tech summer camps could be one of the best options. 

The tech camps have already started rolling out their schedules and curriculums. We have shortlisted six tech camps that may help you in planning your holidays. They are:

1. NCC

One of the oldest and the best, NCC tech camp offers fun and learning, creative computing along with recreational sports programs under the leadership of the best from the industry. A pioneer in the field, it has established a name for itself and is one of the most trusted ones.

Age Group: 8 to 18 years

2. Digital Media Academy Tech Camps

Digital Media Academy is another viable option. The academy collaborates with top colleges and universities in the US and Canada. It has been in this field for over two decades, and the tech camps organized by them are project-based that allows children to complete a project. 

According to the academy, it is the best place for children to kick off their careers as designers, developers, programmers, engineers, animators, musicians, filmmakers, and creators.

Age Group: 9 to 18

3. Club Scientific Summer Camps

Club Scientific Summer Camps are known for hands-on learning and the experience of learning science in a fun manner. Each student gets one-on-one attention, and the course is designed to encourage critical thinking in children. The camp offers multiple themes such as Robotics camps, Jr. Medical Doctor camp, and Jr. Game Developer camp, etc. Parents can choose the theme according to the interest of their children.

Age Group: 6 to 12 years

4. ID Tech Camps

Those who are not comfortable sending out their children can choose virtual camps by ID Tech Camps. In popularity, the tech camps by ID are sought after. The camps offer different programs such as coding, building websites, designing video games, robotics, etc. 

One of the highlights of the camp is that it helps students get excited about topics they may initially be “unsure” about.

Age Group: 7 to 19 years

5. AstroCamp

AstroCamp is a science camp for both kids & teens. What sets it apart from others is that the camp has mixed science and space exploration along with adventure. Children learn communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills during the one-and two-week programs. 

Activities like telescope observations, rocketry, and planetary and solar science help in enhancing their knowledge about science and space exploration. At the same time, they get a chance to indulge in adventurous experiences through mountain biking, archery, rock climbing, and bouldering.

Age Group: 8-17 years

6. MoonCamp

This new entrant on the list is loaded with every learning hack you are looking for in a camp. An arm of Moonpreneur’s Innovator Program, the tech-based activities at this instructor-led virtual camp will introduce children to futuristic skills. 

Also, the time spent at the MoonCamp will help children in preparing for college and the future of work. You can pick from the bouquet that includes subjects such as future tech, robotics, home automation as individual courses or go for a combination of future tech and robotics, and future tech and home automation. The most interesting part of the camp is a hands-on learning experience and learning via gamification.   

Age Group: 9-17 years

Any kind of experiential learning is beneficial for children and these camps help them meet peer groups with similar aspirations and ambition. And together they explore and discover learning techniques and skills that they can leverage for the future.