ID Tech is a summer camp and year-round program that teaches coding, game design, and digital skills to middle and high school students
ID Tech (originally called iD Tech Camps) runs in-person and online courses where students learn programming languages like Python, Java, and C++, along with web development, app creation, and game design using engines like Unity and Unreal. The program operates during summer break at university campuses across the United States, and also offers online classes during the school year. Most courses run one to two weeks in the summer, though some online options are shorter or longer depending on the track.
The program is designed for students ages 7 to 18, with different course levels for beginners through advanced learners. Students work on real projects — building games, websites, or apps — rather than just learning syntax. Classes are taught by instructors who work in tech or are studying computer science, and class sizes are typically kept small so students get individual feedback.
Key Takeaways
- ID Tech offers summer camps at university locations and year-round online courses in coding, game design, and web development for middle and high school students.
- Summer programs run one to two weeks and cost between $1,000 and $3,000 depending on location, course type, and whether you choose residential or commuter options.
- Online courses are available year-round and typically cost less than in-person camps, with flexible scheduling that fits around the school year.
- Students build actual projects — games, websites, or mobile apps — rather than completing isolated coding exercises.
- The program accepts students at all skill levels, from those who have never coded before to those with prior programming experience.
Summer Camp Structure and What Courses Cover
ID Tech summer camps run at universities in cities including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, and others. A typical week-long camp meets for five days, usually 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with lunch and breaks included. Students choose a specific track — such as Game Design with Unity, Web Development, Python Programming, or Mobile App Development — and stay with the same instructor and cohort for the full week.
The curriculum focuses on one language or platform per course. For example, a Python course teaches the basics of the language through small projects, then moves into building a larger program by the end of the week. A game design course using Unity walks students through the engine's interface, teaches C# (the language Unity uses), and has students create a playable game they can take home. Web development courses cover HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, with students building a website they can publish online.
Residential options are available at some locations, meaning students stay in dorms on campus for the week. Commuter options mean students attend during the day and go home at night. Residential camps cost more but include meals and housing; commuter camps are less expensive but require daily transportation to campus.
Online Courses and Year-Round Learning
ID Tech also runs online classes that meet during the school year and summer. These are typically shorter than in-person camps — often two to four weeks, meeting two to three times per week for one to two hours per session. Online courses cover the same topics as summer camps but at a slower pace to fit around school schedules.
Online students log into a video call with an instructor and a small group of peers, then work on coding projects in real time while the instructor answers questions. Students can usually record the sessions if they miss one, though attendance is expected. The cost of online courses is generally lower than summer camps because there is no facility or housing cost.
Some online options are self-paced, meaning students work through video lessons and projects on their own schedule within a set timeframe. These tend to be the least expensive option and work well for students who want to learn but cannot commit to fixed class times.
Cost and What Is and Is Not Included
Summer camp costs vary by location and course type. A typical one-week commuter camp costs between $1,000 and $1,500. A residential camp at the same location costs $2,000 to $3,000 or more because it includes housing and meals. Online courses usually cost $500 to $1,200 depending on length and intensity.
The price includes instruction, course materials, and access to software during the program. Most camps provide laptops if students do not have one, though some ask families to bring their own. The price does not include transportation to campus (for commuter camps) or travel to the university city (for residential camps).
ID Tech occasionally offers need-based discounts or payment plans, though these are not may provide. Some families use 529 education savings plans to pay for the program, since it counts as an education expense. Scholarships are sometimes available through local organizations or school districts, though the program itself does not run a formal scholarship program.
Who Teaches the Courses and What Experience They Have
ID Tech instructors are typically college students studying computer science, software engineering, or a related field, or recent graduates working in tech. The company trains instructors on its curriculum and teaching methods before the summer season starts. Instructors are not required to have years of professional experience, but they do have working knowledge of the languages and tools they teach.
Class sizes are kept small — usually 8 to 12 students per instructor — so that students get feedback on their code and can ask questions without waiting long. This is different from a typical high school computer science class, which may have 25 or more students. The smaller group size is one reason families choose ID Tech over free or low-cost school programs.
How to Decide If ID Tech Is Right for Your Student
ID Tech works well for students who want hands-on coding experience in a structured setting with peers who share the same interest. It is useful for students who do not have computer science classes at their school, or who want to go deeper than what their school offers. The program also appeals to students who learn better in small groups with direct instructor feedback.
The main drawback is cost. A week-long summer camp is a significant expense for many families, and it is a one-time event rather than ongoing instruction. Students who want to continue learning after camp will need to find another program or teach themselves. Some students also find that a week-long intensive is too fast-paced, especially if they are new to coding.
Before enrolling, consider whether your student has expressed genuine interest in coding or game design, or whether you are pushing them toward it. Students who choose to attend tend to get more out of it than those who are sent. Also check whether your student's school offers computer science classes or coding clubs — those are free and may be sufficient if your student is just exploring the field.
Alternatives to ID Tech Summer Programs
Many universities run their own summer coding camps for high school students, often at lower cost than ID Tech because they are subsidized by the university. Check whether schools in your area offer these. Some are free or very low-cost for local students.
Code.org, Codecademy, and Khan Academy offer free or low-cost online coding courses that students can take at their own pace during the school year. These do not have the instructor feedback or peer community of ID Tech, but they are free and cover similar languages and concepts.
High schools increasingly offer computer science classes, AP Computer Science, or coding clubs. If your student's school has these, they may be the best starting point because they are free and meet during the school day. Some schools also run their own summer programs at lower cost than private camps.
Coding bootcamps are another option, but they are designed for older students (usually 18+) and are much more intensive and expensive. They are not a replacement for ID Tech but rather a next step for students who have already learned the basics and want to pursue coding professionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know how to code before attending ID Tech?
No. ID Tech offers beginner-level courses for students who have never coded before. The program accepts students at all levels, and instructors teach the basics from the start. If your student has prior experience, there are intermediate and advanced courses as well.
What programming language should my student choose?
Python is often recommended for beginners because the syntax is straightforward and it is used in many fields. Java and C++ are more complex but are industry-standard languages. Game design courses use C# (for Unity) or C++ (for Unreal). If your student is unsure, Python or a game design course is a good starting point.
Can my student attend if they do not have a laptop?
Most ID Tech locations provide laptops for students who need them, but you should confirm this when registering. Some camps ask families to bring their own device. Check the specific camp location's requirements before enrolling.
What happens after the camp ends?
Students receive the code and projects they built during camp and can continue working on them at home. ID Tech does not offer ongoing mentorship or follow-up classes as part of the camp fee, though the company does offer year-round online courses if your student wants to continue learning.
Is ID Tech worth the cost compared to free online coding resources?
ID Tech offers instructor feedback, peer interaction, and a structured curriculum, which free resources do not. The trade-off is cost. If your student learns well independently and has access to free resources, those may be sufficient. If your student benefits from direct instruction and a classroom environment, ID Tech's cost may be justified.