Looking for a summer coding camp in the Denver area. I want something hands-on, not just watching videos. Preferably game design or something that keeps them engaged rather than purely academic coding. Any personal recommendations? Price isn't the only concern but also not trying to drop $2k for two weeks lol
Might also check if any local game dev studios do camps. Denver's got a decent indie scene and those tend to be way cooler and more engaging than generic coding camps.
Denver area has some decent options but they fill up fast. I'd call around this month honestly. STEM camps in Colorado are popular and summer sessions go quick.
Look into Code.org camps if they're in your area - all hands-on, you can usually do game design modules. Also check if any local colleges do youth workshops. University of Denver might have something in that age range.
Just avoid the ones that are really expensive and mostly watching online content. My kid did that and learned nothing and I wasted $400. The hands-on game design camps are usually worth it though.
Are you looking for full week camps or half-day? That might affect what's available and what makes sense logistically. Also game design vs pure coding makes a huge difference in engagement at that age.
Game design is smart because it keeps them motivated. My kid did a straight coding camp and lasted two weeks before checking out. With game design he was invested in actually finishing something.
The "not just videos" requirement is key. So many camps are just kids watching YouTube tutorials and calling it learning. You want hands-on stuff where they're actually building and breaking things.
Check with local colleges too—CU sometimes runs summer programs and they're way more legit than the franchise camps. Also usually cheaper.
Definitely look into DaVinci CoderSchool if they have Denver locations. My 10yo did game design there and actually stayed engaged the whole time, not just staring at screens passively.
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Game design is the way to go for keeping them engaged. My 10yo did a camp that was Scratch-based game design and he was obsessed. Way better than straight coding tutorials. Denver area should have options, check Parks and Rec too.