If you’re looking for a way to occupy your kids over the holidays, there just might be a Code Ninjas camp for you.
Code Ninjas Guelph is a local learning centre that teaches children and youth not just coding, but all kinds of STEM-related skills. Their programs are run year-round and are available for kids 5-14 years old.
“I tell parents that I’m not trying to make your kid a coder. But we’re giving them the knowledge for them to choose what they’d like to do,” says Pam Pandit, owner of Code Ninjas Guelph.
Code Ninjas programs are monthly, with the option for parents to sign their kids up for 4 or 8 hours per month. Ages 5-7 is the junior program, in which children —who don’t have to know how to read— learn to code on iPads. The program for youth aged 7+ is called CREATE, and focuses on developing “ninja coding skills” and building their own video games.
The holiday camps are independent from the regular program, and don’t require a membership. All children aged 7-14 are welcome and do not need any coding experience. The camps available are Stop Motion Animation, Dojo Design & 3D Printing With Blender, Become A Youtuber, and the popular Minecraft and Roblox camp. Code Ninjas instructors all have experience with the platforms, so prior experience is not required for campers.
In the stop motion animation camp, kids learn how to make their own stop-motion films using lego, clay, and more. The 3D design and printing camp has campers create their own designs for 3D printing, which the camp then prints for the kids to pick up and take home.
The “Become a YouTuber” camp is designed to be a fun way to keep youth safe who are interested in becoming a YouTuber. Campers learn about copyright, privacy, and dos and don’ts. “They’re in a safe environment. We have an experienced instructor who has their own YouTube channel and can give an example of what to do,” says Pam. “It’s coming from someone who has their own channel, so they listen more.”
There is a stereotype that gaming and tech is for girls, and Pam says that this isn’t true. She encourages girls to not be dissuaded, and to learn STEM and enjoy gaming. “It gets intimidating when there’s a lot of boys,” she says. “I try to show that it’s for everybody. It’s not a gender thing, it’s for everybody to do.”
While gaming is sometimes looked down upon, Pam points out that kids learn important skills from games, like hand-eye coordination and problem-solving. In 2024, STEM in general is beneficial for all sorts of occupations, like doctors and graphic designers. “You don’t have to be a coder to know STEM,” Pam says. “There are so many apps and programs. If you don’t have the basic knowledge of them, it’s difficult as you get older to learn them.”
Pam is from Guelph originally and attended University of Guelph, where her father taught for over 40 years. As an engineer, she finds meaning in giving back to her community through Code Ninjas. “I love seeing kids come out of their shell,” she says.
Code Ninjas has many families whose kids are neurodiverse, and sometimes their parents can’t find suitable camps for them. Those parents get to see their children thrive in the Code Ninjas programs and camps, focusing and enjoying themselves in a supportive environment. Pam loves seeing kids do well and be proud of what they’ve created.
“You’re happy when you go home because you made a difference.”
For more information or to register your children for Code Ninjas camps, visit here.