William Christian has over a dozen years professional experience leading software teams and training new developers with no prior programming experience.  He is a former university professor who taught Java Programming and a former web developer and consultant. Dr. Christian earned a Ph.D. in Computational and Applied Mathematics from Rice University.

What languages will I learn?

This year, we are developing projects that will use Python, Java, and JavaScript.  In addition, we will learn about HTML and CSS, which technically aren’t programming languages.  While some other camps will teach you a particular programming language, by interspersing multiple languages, we teach you how real coders code.

Do I need my own computer?

Yes, camp participants are required to bring a laptop computer to camp each day.  Just like having your own instrument when learning to play music, we believe that you will learn the most when you can learn, practice and experiment on the same computer.

If you do not have a laptop computer, we can lease one to you for the duration of Learn To Code camp.  Contact Us for details.  Alternatively, many retailers offer very reasonably-priced (i.e., $200 or less) refurbished laptops.

How much does camp cost?

Up-to-date pricing is displayed on our Registration page.

Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?

Despite our expenses, we have a limited ability to offer aid or discounts on a case-by-case basis.  If you want to Learn To Code and receive free or reduced meals at your school, please contact us for details.

How old do I have to be to be registered for Learn to Code Camp?

Enrollment isn’t restricted by age. However, students must be entering grades 9-12.

Do I need any experience?

No, you do not need any programming experience before you begin to Learn To Code.  However, we do have a set of familiarization lessons that we require you to complete before you show up for camp.  These lessons are designed to get you comfortable with coding and to make sure your computer is set up before camp so you can hit the ground coding.

What is the daily schedule going to be like?

The Learn To Code day starts at 8:30 and ends at around 12:30.  Each day may vary slightly, but you can expect two interactive lessons and time between and afterward for hands-on learning and exploration.

We also recommend practice after lessons are done for the day.

Is there a full-day option?

We decided to go with a half-day schedule for a number of reasons.  It allows participants with summer jobs to work in the afternoons.  If necessary, it allows parents and guardians to drop-off participants on their way to work.  Lastly, it allows time for participants to practice and experiment in the afternoons.

Is there an overnight residential option?

Learn To Code is a half-day camp. Although we find hanging out with creative and engaged youth to be so much fun, we do not have a residential option.

What if I can’t make it to all the days of camp?

Each day’s lesson builds on the skills from previous lessons.  So we strongly discourage missing days or even the interactive lessons.  That being said, if you absolutely must miss some instruction time, please let us know (preferably before-hand) and we can try to help you close the gap before you get back to camp.

We do not offer refunds or prorating for days missed.

Will meals be provided?

Learn To Code will finish at around 12:30 pm each day.  No meals will be provided; however, there will be a variety of snacks throughout the morning.  Historic Savage Mill has additional dining options of which your student can take advantage after each day’s sessions.

How does the wait list work?

In order to provide the best educational experience, we must limit the number of students that we can accept.  Once the camp registration is full you may pay the deposit and be added to the waitlist.  If anyone cancels their registration, we will admit students from the waitlist on a first-come, first-served basis.  All waitlist decisions will be made by June 2 and those from the waitlist whom we cannot accommodate will receive a full refund.

What are the Learn to Code camp rules?

View the Camp Rules.

Pay securely after registration with PayPal.