It’s the time of year when parents start summertime planning for their little ones. For kids who have shown a passion for tech, there’s a great option right here in Guelph.
Code Ninjas Guelph offers 1-day and week-long (half-day and full-day) summer camps with a wide variety of programs, open to children aged 5-14. Some topics covered include coding in Minecraft and Roblox, 3D design, graphic design, stop-motion animation, YouTube channel design, video editing, and —new this summer— LEGO robotics. The camps have proven to be a fun summer activity and a valuable learning experience.
“Coding and STEM are important because tech isn’t going anywhere,” says Pam Pandit, owner of Code Ninjas Guelph. “Every job and field you go into, you have to have that knowledge. A doctor, an architect, an engineer, or even a lawyer,” she adds.
Pam says that many parents reach out whose children love gaming, design and have a great imagination, but they’re not sure which way to focus their interests. The Code Ninjas camps expose campers to all kinds of activities to find out what most ignites their enthusiasm. One Code Ninjas student ended up designing topographical maps of Guelph; others might be more interested in making their own videos.
The camps’ youngest age group is 5-7 years (juniors), which offers an introduction to coding. Children in this age group do not have to know how to read, and the camps mainly focus on hands-on building activities that use crafting supplies, as well as introducing them to basic-level coding. The 7+ group is for children who have worked on a laptop or tablet before, and encourages the campers to become more involved and confident with these skills. They work on stop-motion animation using clay and LEGO, as well as other activities.
For the 8+ group —which is the majority of Code Ninjas campers— the camps offer an introduction to AI, coding in Minecraft and Roblox, graphic design, 3D design, an introduction to YouTube channel design, and more. They will also be learning about robotics with Code Ninjas’ newly acquired LEGO robotics kit, due to popular demand.
The 10+ group is for older children and/or kids with a generally higher level of computer experience. They focus on more advanced 3D Design, Roblox coding, web development and LEGO robotics using Python. Within these age groups, however, the camps also offer different activities for different levels of experience.
Code Ninjas Guelph has many neurodivergent students, and the staff focuses on treating each child as an individual who learns in their own unique way. “We take the time and make the effort to make sure every child feels comfortable and understands what we’re teaching,” says Pam.
Pam also emphasizes how STEM programs can appeal to and benefit neurodivergent children. “With ADHD and autism, they’re able to focus themselves on something, with problem-solving. It helps kids open up and centre themselves.”
Tuitions for Code Ninjas week-long camps start at $199 for a half-day and $439 for a full day, and registration is currently 15% off until March 31st with the discount code “CNGC15.” There is no need for campers to bring their own computers or electronic devices, as Code Ninjas provides them.
Code Ninjas Guelph are also offering school field trips, which have recently changed to being 100% free for the schools. Many schools have added coding to their curriculum, but there isn't always a teacher on staff with a background in that field. Pam and her team decided to make the lessons free because they feel strongly about teaching more kids about coding and STEM. These 90-minute field trips offer children the chance to build a game and ask any questions that they might have about coding.
For more information about the Code Ninjas Guelph summer camps, or to register your child, visit here.