20 Summer Classes for Budding Programmers, Game Designers and More!

Your child is already playing with his gadget for hours on end. Why not encourage him to actually create his own game and apps? There’s a global consensus that children should (and can) be taught how to code at a very early age. Coding enhances children’s creativity, problem-solving skills, critical thinking and develops patience. It is an effective learning tool and a life skill that can be used across all industries. The demand is also high for jobs that involves coding especially when it comes to software development, one of the most highest-paying industries in the world. 

Gabe Newell, founder and president of Valve (Dota2 and Counter Strike) says it best, “The programmers of tomorrow are the wizards of the future. You're going to look like you have magic powers compared to everybody else.” 

Our children can very well be the next great wizards. Here’s how to give them that magic wand. 

CODING4KIDS
Started in 2014, Coding4Kids offers private tutorials by Arvin Encarnacion, a computer science graduate of UST, web developer, former Computer Science and Information Technology college professor and Lego artist. Programs are offered year-round and are designed based on various British Code Club courses. The Robotics Engineering program uses the same elements as the UK Computer Education system. Lego robotics systems are also available. 
VENUE: Private home tutorials within Makati and Mandaluyong; or California Garden Square in Mandaluyong
RATES, PROGRAMS & SCHEDULES:
Programs are projects-based with a minimum of five meetings lasting between 1-2 hours each. Schedules are pre-booked and subject to availability as there are only two schedules per day: 9:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. 

The Game Developer Program (from 5 years old), P2,000 
Designed to teach kids various computer programing concepts through video game projects. 

The Robotics Engineer Program (from 7 years old), P2,000 
Designed to introduce kids to robot design and programming concepts through various robot projects. 

MOMMY TIP: If you have more than one child, Arvin extends a P500 discount for each additional student, with a maximum of 3 students per session.  

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ICODE ACADEMY
Think Computer Science for kids, and this organization can help you. It has been known to push for programming as an important skill in kids, the same way you view reading and writing. It is popular for its game programming and creating Minecreaft mods, a foundation for programming skills. 
CALL: 0918-658-3150
EMAIL: info@icodeacademy.com.ph
RATES, PROGRAMS & SCHEDULES:

Makerspace Pilipinas: Minecraft, April 8 and 22, 1-4 p.m. 
Design and program your own game!
VENUE: Mind Museum, Bonifacio Global City
To register, email makerspacepilipinas@themindmuseum.org

Minecraft Modding Levels I & II (10-15 years old)
P6,800 per level, April and May, 2-week sessions, T-TH, 12-3 p.m. 
Kids will learn how to program while “modding”—or add custom features—to the Minecraft game culminating with students create their own mini-game project at end of the Level II class.
VENUE: The Forum, 4/F Fully Booked, Bonifaco Global City. 
Register here 

Game Programming with Scratch (8-12 years old)
Kids will learn programming using Scratch Visual Studio to create their own personal digital game.
VENUE: Valle Verde 2 Function Room
Register here for rates and schedules.

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JUNIOR ACADEMY FOR CODING KNOWLEDGE, INC. (JACK) 
Opened in March 2016, Junior Academy for Coding Knowledge, Inc. (JACK) is a learning center for kids with a mission to provide the highest quality learning experience in a fun and engaging environment. JACK trainers are graduates of the University of the Philippines and are current IT industry practitioners. 

VENUE: Penthouse, East Tower, Philippine Stock Exchange Centre, Ortigas Center, Pasig
EMAIL: learncoding@jack.com.ph
CALL: +63977-841-0482
RATES, PROGRAMS & SCHEDULES:
Programs are designed for students ages 7 to 16. They can select programs depending on their interests and continue their progression after each course. Rates include snacks and equipment (except Game Salad).

SCRATCH: WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF CODING 
P8,500 April 3-7 and May 1-5, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. 
Learn the fundamentals of coding, this is recommended for beginners. Students learn to make their own stories, animation and games. 

SWIFT PLAYGROUNDS P8,500 May 1-5, 8 a.m-12 p.m.
Using fun and interactive activities, students are introduced to Swift, a dynamic programming language used by Apple. This is also recommended for beginners.

A TASTE OF GAME SALAD 
P8,500 April 17-21 and April 24-28, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Students will design and execute their own games and publish it on the App Store and Playstore. For this class, kids are required to bring their own MAC laptops.

BB-8 DROID: CODE AND PLAY 
P9,500 April 3-7 and May 8-12, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. 
If you’re a Star Wars fan, then you’ll love that this uses a real-life droid that can recognize your voice! Program a BB-8 to make 2D head movements, follow paths, avoid obstructions and race with other droids.

THE ENGINEER: CODING AND ROBOTICS
P9,000 April 24-28, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Experience the world of robotics through coding and implementation of your program design using Lego bricks with microcontrollers, servomotors, and smart sensors.

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MAKER CAMP 
Mind Museum is launching its first “Maker Camp,” a three-day summer class that teaches kids to tinker and learn new skills. Prticipants will receive a Maker Kit, which includes all parts and items they'll need to do their projects during the camp -- such as a rover robot! All projects made during the Maker Camp will be showcased at the first ever Manila Mini Maker Faire happening on June 10-11, 2017. 
DATE: April 21-23, 1-5 p.m.
VENUE: Mind Museum, Bonifacio Global City
Register here for rates 

TECH BOOTCAMP FOR KIDS AND TEENS (TBC4K)
TBC4K started in 2014 and is organized by the UP System Information Technology Foundation, in collaboration with the UP Information Technology Development Center (UP ITDC). All teachers are graduates of the University of the Philippines and are IT practitioners. 
VENUE: RM303, 3/F Vidal A.Tan Hall, Quirino Ave. cor Velasquez St., University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City 
CALL: 788-5898
RATES, PROGRAMS OFFERED & SCHEDULES:
April 3-7 and May 8-12, Mondays to Fridays, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. All courses are five days each. Rates are P9,000 for each course, inclusive of snacks and equipment.

Scratch: Create Your Own Story and Game (6-10 years old)
Recommended for beginners, this course teaches the fundamentals of programming, animation, and object-oriented programming through a software called Scratch. Perfect for kids who love digital games. 

Digital Visual Arts (7-10 years old)
A course on 2D Digital Arts, students are taught graphic development principles and techniques so they can create their own digital art. Programs introduced are GIMP, Adobe Creative Suite  and Inkscape. 

My First Book: Create Your Own Adventures with the iBooks Author (6-10 years old)
If Scratch teaches kids how to create a game, iBooks Author from Apple allows kids to create their very own digital story book. 

Code Combat: Save the World with Programming (6-10 years old)
Students learn through Code Combat, a live coding strategy game for beginners where every movement requires players to code their commands. It’s so exciting, gaming fanatics won’t even realize they’re learning programming concepts!

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YOUNG CODERS LEARNING CENTER  
Started in August 2016, Young Coders is an after-school program co-founded by Stephane Vea, an Information System graduate of College of St. Benilde with a Diploma in Computing from Nottingham Trent University, UK; and Sarah Gabriel, a licensed preschool teacher who majored in Child Development and Education in UA&P. 

VENUE: 2nd Floor G-Square Building 212 Wilson Street Brgy. Greenhills, San Juan City 
EMAIL: youngcodersph@gmail.comCALL: 0956 419 2869
RATES: 
P6,500 for 6 sessions (package)
P4,000 for 3 sessions
P1,500 for 1 session (assessment/trial)
*Students are required to bring their own laptop/tablet. 
PROGRAMS OFFERED & SCHEDULES:
Summer classes start on April 3 and will run until August. Lessons are individualized so students can start at any date. Each program requires six classes to progress to the next level. 

Code & Play (3-4 years old)
Mon-Wed-Fri, 10 am.-12 p.m. 
Learn the basics of coding through hands-on play and simple digital games using Cubetto and Osmo.  

Code & Explore (5-7 years old)
Tues-Thur-Sat, 10 am.-12 p.m.
Explore basic coding concepts through different kid-friendly programming languages such as Hello Ruby and Scratch Jr. 

Code & Animate (8-10 years old)
Mon-Wed-Fri, 1-3 p.m. and Tues-Thur-Sat, 3-5 p.m.
Animate characters and create digital stories with basic program applications using Scratch.  

Code & Design (11-12 years old)
Tues-Thur-Sat, 1-3 p.m.
Design simple, interactive games on different platforms using Scratch.

Code & Construct (13-15 years old)
Mon-Wed-Fri, 3-5 p.m.
Construct program application and websites using major programming languages such as C++, Java, Python

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