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,
Steven Fink
Founder
p.s. A full PDF version of this page can be downloaded here.
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, our dedication 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.
★ We Offer a 2:1 Camper-to-Teacher Ratio
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 promote radical acceptance
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.
★ We create leaders
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.
★ We help your child learn
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.
★ We fast-track their education
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
Ages: 13 – 17 recommended
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!
Read more
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.
Read more
Ages: 10 – 17 recommended
Advanced Courses
At SummerTech we take our learning very seriously and offer courses that you will not find on our website. Courses like Unity Game Design, Web Development, or App Development are just a few paths you can take. You can’t just sign up for these courses, but rather earn them by completing our foundational material. Our advanced courses are difficult and we want to make sure you’re ready. That’s our job!
Ages: 13 – 17 recommended
Electives
Each day’s classes concludes with a dedicated slot for your child to delve into fresh interests. Beyond their primary class, campers select a weekly elective after viewing presentations each Monday. These Electives, crafted and led by our instructors, often rotate, ensuring a diverse experience. From past sessions, here’s a glimpse of the electives we’ve offered. At the start of every week, we unveil the available electives, and that’s when you can make your choice. Always something exciting on the horizon! Read more
Select an elective that aligns with your interests. Interested in sampling another primary course? Opt for it as your elective. Every week, we present Intro to Code, Intro to 3D Modeling, and Intro to Animation for your consideration.
Read more
“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, 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.
Weekly Schedule Overview
Sunday: 2:00 PM to 6:00 (or as late as) 9:00 PM*
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 (or as late as) 9:00 PM*
Friday: 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
*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!
Evenings
Each night from the end of dinner to 9:00 PM, SummerTech instructors host evening activities that include gaming clinics, gaming tournaments, arts and crafts, trivia, live music, outdoor sports and more. What we’ve found over the years is that these “after hours” at SummerTech become some of the most meaningful and transformational moments. It’s where lifelong friendships are formed. If your child is able to attend, we highly encourage it. Even if you have to leave for any reason in the afternoon we invite you to come back and have fun with your friends in the evening.
Outdoor Recreation
Every day, we dedicate 90 minutes to outdoor activities, encouraging everyone to set aside their screens. This time is filled with lively recreational activities, social gaming, creative drawing sessions, engaging music, spirited Frisbee matches, and classic board games, among others.
“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
Q: Is it important to do consecutive weeks? Will my child miss any class content?
A: Not at all. All instruction is individualized and campers always pick up where they left off no matter when they are with us.
Q: Who are your teachers?
A: The vast majority of our teachers are home-grown through our leadership program. They were our former campers and have worked hard to get a staff role with us. You can read about our leadership program here. Also, here’s a great talk from a group of our alumni teachers (also all former campers) about their experiences as a Computer Science Major in college.
Q: My child has never been to SummerTech. If I sign up for a week and they love it can I add more?
A: 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.
Q: How important is it for my child to stay until 9:00 PM each night?
A: 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.
Q: What is the food like at SummerTech?
A: 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.
Q: Can campers have their phones?
A: Yes. During class we ask them to not 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 director’s phones.
Q: Can my child bring their own computer?
A: SummerTech provides each child with a dedicated computer along with the latest hardware and software available so that 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.
Still have questions? I’d love to hear from you!