5 Top Summer Computer Camps

Today's children are growing up in a world surrounded by high tech gadgets and have a natural curiosity about how these things are made and function. The listed summer computer camps are dedicated to satisfying young minds, instilling life skills and preparing them for this ever changing world of technology. They will obtain hands-on instruction on subjects that interest them most, spark new interests and inspire creative thinking.

ID Tech's summer computer camps offer several computer concentrations for a wide range of levels for ages 7 - 18 at over 60 universities throughout the United States. Programs include game and web design, robotics, game programming and computer animation. You can choose from a weekend program, starting at $325 or weeklong academic programs starting at $700 - $800. Both experiences include room and board, meals, campus activities and adult supervision. If you register your child with a $200 deposit before 1/31/2009, you will receive $75 off the total package. Request a catalog.

User Review: My son has been attending iD Tech Camps since he was seven, he is now eleven. Every year proves to be another fantastic experience with new and exciting things for him to learn. Outside of the classroom, the kids have a blast playing board games, capture the flag, swimming, and other great activities that I wish I could have played at camp when I was a kid. The only thing more I can ask of this camp is to create a camp where I can attend as an adult! I look forward to upcoming years!

Digital Media Academy's summer computer camps are offered at several locations on prestigious college and university campuses across America; one being Stanford University in Stanford, California. The program is design to enrich the computer skills of children ages 7 - 13. Fees start at $795 for commuters. Room and board is available; meals are extra. Receive a $75 discount if registered by February 20. Financial assistance is available.

User Review: My teen goes to the Digital Media Academy camp and my younger kids go to their adventures program. They have so much fun that it is all I can do to get them to come home for the summer! The staff is always professional and I the teachers are top-notch! five-Stars all the way!

Emagination's summer computer camp offers programs at four locations. Emagination's computer camp program is designed for ages 8 - 18, by introducing children to digital art, game programming, video game design and robotics. Costs start at $2,390 for 2 - week session; room and board included. $250 deposit required, which is refundable until June 1, minus a $90 admin fee. Request a brochure

User Review: Emag is my life. Everyone I know spends their whole year waiting to go back to camp. Yeah, okay, it's a little expensive. Totally and completely worth it-- a lukeparty!

Giant Campus offers computer summer camp programs at 48 locations nationwide. Giant Campus is dedicated to creating a rich learning environment which is both fun and educational for ages 8 - 17. Campers learn animation, game design, digital photography and Web design. Cost start at $299 for one week; a $50 discount is available is registered by January 31. Online computer camps available.

User Review: This camp was very good compared to camps I've previously been to. It is a somewhat small group so you have enough attention and the staff is nice. In fact, every night we stayed there, we played Capture-the-Flag at night, usually around 11:00PM (2300 for those that use this type of time). It's well worth it and it's a good experience. Hope for the following counselors: RJ, Snafu, Curly, and Alladin. Despite your final decision, keep this camp in mind

DigiPen Institute of Technology's summer computer camp programs consist of several workshops dedicated to introducing children to the fundamentals of game programming, 3D computer animation and robotics. Each workshop is $995. There is a $50 non-refundable application fee and a $199 non-refundable deposit.

User Review: Jeremy was excited but nervous about starting his classes at Digipen. After the first day he couldn't wait to go back to class and couldn't stop talking about all he had learned! The instructors were patient and encouraging. I couldn't imagine a more positive educational experience for either a child or an adult!!