'Kids 4 Coding' Camps Expanded By Gwinnett Tech

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA — Kids' screen time will get smarter this summer as Gwinnett Technical College makes plans to host a wide range of new technology camps.

The camps will be taught by Kids 4 Coding, metro Atlanta's leader in technology and design youth education programming. This year camps will be offered for students ages 7-15 at Gwinnett Tech's Lawrenceville and Alpharetta campuses.

The addition of more Kids 4 Coding summer camps comes as requests increase for computer science and programming education for young students. Basic technology instruction in public schools combined with what young people self-teach through digital app use cannot alone create a tech-ready generation, the program's backer say.

Last year, the National Assessment Governing Board released a study showing that less than half of America's eighth graders are considered proficient when tested on technology literacy.

"Digital literacy goes beyond the ability to use apps and communicate online,: said AnnMarie Laramee, Kids 4 Coding co-founder. "The next generation must feel comfortable navigating new technology and understand tech concepts to solve problems and collaborate, no matter their field of study or career path."

Highly interactive modules – new every summer – are developed by Kids 4 Coding in collaboration with teachers and industry professionals to lead campers through fun, age-appropriate projects and challenges that develop skills in game creation and modification, programming techniques, robotics, and other computer science and engineering areas.

Camps are supervised by certified teachers and taught by experienced instructors who are passionate about technology. Students enhance their logical thinking, problem-solving, mathematics application and creative abilities in a collaborative, entertaining format.

"Whether students are modifying a game or learning a program, they're developing skills needed to navigate new technology, which will be invaluable in whatever field of study or career they choose," said Kids 4 Coding co-founder Denise Detamore.

Kids 4 Coding summer camps at Gwinnett Tech will run from Tuesday, May 30 through Friday, July 28.

Half and full-day session options include:

• Building/Coding Drones & Game Design
• Game Design & Programming (including Python & JavaScript)
• Encryption & Raspberry Pi
• Minecraft Modding & Robotics
• 3D Design (Architecture)
• Mobile Apps & Games Design
• Website Design

Camp fees include a tshirt, healthy snacks and a certificate of completion. The ratio of students to instructor is 9 to 1, and space is limited. For full details, including tuition, session dates and registration details, visit the Kids4Coding website.

Photo courtesy Kids 4 Coding