How it Works
A Letter from our Founder
As the school, year winds down and we pause to reflect on the diligent efforts behind us, the canvas of summer stretches out, ripe with potential. You might find yourself, as I often do, wondering: “What’s next?”
Being a parent myself, I deeply understand the challenges we face in crafting a memorable and enriching summer for our children. In this era, there’s an abundance of choices for summer activities, and deciding on the perfect one can seem overwhelming. How can we ensure our child will have fun, feel accepted, and learn something valuable?
Every child deserves a place that recognizes and nurtures their potential, just as we, their parents, do every day.
This is where SummerTech comes in. Our camp isn’t just about teaching coding, animation, or 3D modeling; we equally emphasize leadership and personal development. Our commitment to holistic learning has distinguished us as the “gold standard” among tech camps, a sentiment echoed by our peers, numerous parents, and some of the nation’s leading schools.
But, rather than ask you to take my word for it, I encourage you to delve deeper. Discover for yourself why so many families, year after year, entrust their children’s summers to SummerTech.
If you have any questions or would just like to chat about our offerings, please give me a ring at (917) 674-6291. I genuinely look forward to the possibility of speaking with you.
Best,
Why SummerTech?
It’s a good question.
Over the past 23 years, we’ve been honing our answer to this very question.
SummerTech isn’t just another tech camp; we’re an experience, a community, a transformational journey. From our initial days, our commitment was unwavering: to stand out as the premier tech educators in the industry. Our expertise in the curriculum was unparalleled, and our dedication was unmatched.
However, as we delved deeper, we realized our students yearned for more than just coding knowledge. Beyond the algorithms and codes, they sought inspiration, a sense of belonging, and moments of sheer joy. They didn’t just want to be trained; they wanted to be understood, mentored and celebrated.
Thus, the SummerTech evolution began.
While we proudly maintain our reputation for having the industry’s top-tier instructors, enrolling at SummerTech today is an invitation for your child to flourish. Not merely as a coder or a developer, but as an individual ready to make their mark in the world.
Read on to find out how we get such great results.
Did you realize that many summer camps maintain a student-to-teacher ratio of 20:1, and if you’re lucky, 10:1? Picture yourself in the shoes of that instructor. How effectively could you cater to each camper’s individual needs?
We champion the uniqueness of every individual, encouraging campers to freely express themselves. Instead of seeking conformity, we embrace their authentic selves. It’s in this space of authenticity that true growth and genuine enjoyment emerge.
While your child may enter as a participant, they’ll depart in a transformed role. At SummerTech, we weave leadership principles and opportunities throughout our program. This ensures that when they’re poised to, they can transition from the screen’s shadows, embracing the innate leader they’ve always been.
Many summer tech camps predominantly offer what’s commonly termed “Edutainment” in the industry — a blend of education and entertainment. While it’s attractively packaged, its educational depth can be limited. At SummerTech, we go beyond mere screen time. We’re committed to genuine instruction. It’s no surprise that several of the tech industry’s luminaries initiated their journeys at SummerTech.
Whether your child seeks pure enjoyment, a fresh experience, or aims to establish a cornerstone for a tech career, SummerTech provides the robust foundation they require to thrive in subsequent tech endeavors. Looking to ace AP exams? Bypass university-level courses? Distinguish themselves to prospective employers? SummerTech is the key.
The Details
Every week, from Sunday through Friday, we offer unparalleled learning experiences for youngsters aged 10 to 17, all within a secure, supervised day or overnight setting.
Opting for a day camp?
No worries. Our adaptable timings accommodate both morning and evening routines, with early drop-offs and late pick-ups as standard!
Upon registration, we personalize the curriculum to fit your child’s chosen course. Some campers opt for multiple weeks at SummerTech to master a specific domain like Animation, 3D Modeling, or Coding. Others switch their focus weekly.
Regardless of your duration with us, the complete SummerTech experience awaits, boasting an impressive 2:1 camper-to-teacher ratio from the moment of your arrival.
Courses
At SummerTech, campers can freely choose their main course each week, adjusting their selection even on the camp’s first day. This primary course begins with a session during our Sunday orientation and continues for three sessions daily from Monday to Thursday, and two on Friday.
Additionally, after the Monday presentations, each camper selects an elective. This elective class is conducted as the day’s fourth session from Monday to Thursday.
Let’s take a closer look at these choices.
Python
If you’re just beginning your coding journey or haven’t yet reached high school, Python is the perfect starting point. We’ll introduce you to the fundamental programming concepts universally employed by coders, whether they’re just starting out or are seasoned experts.
Ages: 10 – 17 recommended
Java
Java is a widely embraced coding language in high schools, universities, and the professional realm. Our Java course offers an in-depth introduction to coding, priming high school students for AP Computer Science and their subsequent academic pursuits.
Ages: 13 – 17 recommended
2D Animation
Many Animation courses can limit creativity, but not at SummerTech. We empower you with skills ranging from digital drawing to creating and animating your own films. The possibilities are endless, and we provide the tools and expertise to realize them, featuring the renowned, industry-standard Toon Boom Harmony software!
Ages: 10 – 17 recommended
3D Modeling
Discover the essentials of crafting digital 3D models with the renowned software, Blender. From precise modeling to intricate texturing, sculpting, and animation, we impart both the creative and technical knowledge embraced by the globe’s top art, engineering, and architectural firms.
Ages: 10 – 17 recommended
Advanced Courses
At SummerTech, we offer advanced courses like Unity Game Design, Web Development, and App Development that you won’t find on our website. These courses are earned by completing our foundational material, ensuring you’re ready for the challenge.
Ages: 13 – 17 recommended
Electives
Each day ends with a slot for your child to explore new interests. On Monday, campers choose a weekly elective after presentations. These rotating electives, created by our instructors, ensure variety.
Each week, we offer Intro to Code, Intro to 3D Modeling, and Intro to Animation. Choose an elective that interests you, or sample another primary course!
“Some of the best times of my life have been at SummerTech. Learning code and animation, meeting new friends, making crazy videos, taking improv classes, competing in the SummerTech Olympics, living in a dorm, and playing in gaming tournaments. All this and it also helps you ace AP Computer Science!”
—Matt, alum
Our Week at a Glance
Arrival and Schedule Overview
Commuters
Should arrive each Sunday at 2:30 PM to check in and get oriented. SummerTech begins at 3:00 PM with an opening ceremony for campers and parents followed by group icebreakers with staff and campers, first class, fun activities and games. Dinner is served at 6:00 PM. The intention of our orientation is to give you a little taste of everything while getting to know each camper, academically and socially, so that when you arrive back on Monday morning we’re ready to go. If you can’t make it on Sunday, no worries, we’re good at this, but it definitely helps.
Overnighters
Arrive on Sunday at 2:00 PM to check in and get situated in their dorm rooms where you’ll have plenty of time to make up your room. From there we will give you a tour of our labs and spaces and, at 3:00 PM SummerTech begins with our opening ceremony.
Commuters are welcome to stay as late as 9:00 PM for evening social activities which include our famous SummerTech events plus open gaming and outdoor events.
Monday through Friday commuters can be dropped off as early as 8:00 AM. Classes kick-off at 9:00 AM but many usually enjoy arriving early so they can squeeze in some extra free time.
SummerTech officially ends at 2:00 PM each Friday with a closing ceremony where we honor each camper’s accomplishments and achievements from that week. We strongly encourage parents and/or family members to attend!
Two-Week Overnighters will of course, stay through the weekend and being their special weekend programming.
*We invite you to stay as late as 9:00 PM from Sunday through Thursday for a full dinner, evening gaming, and famous SummerTech events. There’s no extra cost – this is our gift to you!
“SummerTech changed my son’s life and gave him focus and direction. It fueled the flames of my son’s passion for computers and gaming. My son found himself, his passion, and lifelong friends at SummerTech. The best program ever for techie kids!”
—Judy, Mom
FAQ's
Not at all. All instruction is individualized and campers always pick up where they left off no matter when they are with us.
Maybe! Some weeks sell out early, particularly weeks C, D, and E. While we love to earn your business we can’t promise there will be space to add as you go.
SummerTech is nonstop fun and learning, so, by 5:00 PM, we understand if campers want to go home and rest. But for those interested, SummerTech after-hours provide some of the week’s best opportunities for your children to let loose, have fun, and participate in instructor-led activities that range from gaming tournaments to talent shows to indescribable out-of-the-box experiences.
It’s pretty good! Like a college student, we eat our meals in the Purchase College dining facilities which offer them a wide variety of hearty, nutritious meals. On Sunday night, we have a traditional pizza dinner together, but, otherwise, your child is able to eat their favorite meal.
Yes. During class, we ask them not to be on their phones; their teacher is right next to them the whole time. If they don’t bring a phone, they can always reach out to you on one of our directors’s phones.
SummerTech provides each child with a dedicated computer along with the latest hardware and software available, so you won’t have to worry about bringing your own computer. Our computers are outstanding, high-end gaming computers. That said, we won’t keep you from bringing your own tech, but we don’t recommend it, and we can’t be responsible for any personal items that are lost, stolen, or damaged.
