"It's hard to keep my kid engaged in summer camps. Even if the camp is fun, it's not fun enough to want to do a second time. This is the first camp that is awesome enough to want to do a second time and even recruit a friend to join! Although this is not an inexpensive camp, it is well worth the investment. The information learned, the excitement gained about computers and technology, and the extension of opportunities to engage beyond camp has been invaluable. It's January and we are still talking about last summer's iD Tech camp and getting excited for what this summer will bring."
Most summer camps are forgotten by Labor Day. The real test of one worth paying for is the thing this parent describes: whether your kid is still talking about it in January, and asking to go back.
That's the lens that actually matters when you're weighing iD Tech against free YouTube tutorials, a $200 rec-center camp, or just letting your kid sleep until noon. The price tag makes plenty of parents think twice. The question isn't whether it's expensive, because it is, relatively. The better question, though, is whether the investment matches what your kid needs this summer, and where they'll be six months from now.
What you're paying for at iD Tech
Let's start with the line items, because "expensive" without context is just sticker shock.
- Small class sizes that allow for personalized learning
- Adult-only staff recruited from top universities
- Instructors who complete rigorous background checks, and in-person and virtual training
- University campus access with camps held at top universities
- Exclusive curriculum and in-demand topics like AI, game design, and cybersecurity
- Tech stack access and training with industry standard products
- Finished project to take home, plus a certificate and Family Showcase
And there's something you can't itemize: track record. iD Tech pioneered tech camps back in 1999, and 25 years later we have taught over 700,000 students and earned the trust of more than a million parents. That's not just a fun historical fact, but a reminder that we have been doing this a long time, and with time comes constant refinement and iteration on top of what has been working for years.
When you're weighing the cost, that history is part of what you're actually buying.
There are certainly less expensive camps. If all day free play, games, and crafts is what you value and what your kid needs during the summer, then that route makes perfect sense.
But for a camp model built around learning new STEM skills, using the tools the pros use, and leaving camp with something concrete (a game, an app, a portfolio piece kids and teens can show colleges, friends, or future employers) - all while on a college campus - then the math starts to look different.
This is also a good place to mention that in addition to offering promotions throughout the year (where you can save up to $200 at times), iD Tech also offers tuition assistance, scholarships, and payment plans to help spread the cost of camp out over time.
What parents and campers actually say about iD Tech Camps
Let's talk reviews. The real ones, not the highlight reel.
And let's also address the fact that, while we aim for every one of the tens of thousands of summer experiences to be perfect each season, there will be bumps and kinks to iron out.
That's how we get better after all.
But as a whole, iD Tech's reviews average a 4.4/5 on Trustpilot with 3,400+ reviews, 84% of which are four-star or five-star ratings.
That's not just mostly good—it's mostly great.
Check them out, and you'll see a handful of themes including:
The repeat-camper effect, with students returning for years on end.
"iD Tech has been the best part of my child's summer since he started attending. Everyone that we have encountered from counselors to administrators have been kind, thoughtful and inclusive. They seem to have great knowledge of what it is they are teaching, and the educators are great with kids. This is Penn's third year at iD Tech and we will definitely be back for a fourth, and fifth and sixth........"
The college experience that allows kids to experience campus life.
"My 13 yo came home the first day and said this is the best camp he has ever had. There was a good combination of guidance and allowing campers to pursue their own interests. I love that the camp was on a college campus so he could get that exposure. The teacher provided thoughtful comments and kudos for my son for the certificate ceremony. I also liked that there was forced non-screen, just hang out time."
The small class sizes that result in personalized learning and more.
"My son really loved the small class size and having adults take his gaming seriously as a skill. He had fun with the other kids and instructors and now knows he can study game design in college. He wants to go 2 weeks next year"
The portfolio piece, where projects can be showcased on college applications.
"Fantastic instructor! My son really enjoyed working with his instructor, Ethan "Dave" in the Game Design and Development 101 camp at NYU. He was very encouraging and my son left feeling motivated and excited about his accomplishments. We were blown away by the end result which will be useable as a portfolio piece for college applications this fall."
The friendships with likeminded peers who share similar interests.
"We love iD Tech! It gives my son an opportunity to connect with other likeminded students and get some great support in building his skills and game design with the wonderful teachers they provide. Def recommend for children who enjoy digital innovation."
The "a-ha" moments where kids discover a new interest.
"Absolutely great camp! My 9 year old son was excited to attend every day and is still using the Roblox Studio skills he learned two weeks later. It definitely sparked a new passion in him. Great teachers, well organized and he said lunch was tasty too!"
Next step: Find the right session for your kid
So, are iD Tech camps worth the cost? For the right kid and situation, the answer the reviews keep circling back to is yes—not because the price is low, but because the return shows up long after the week ends. A finished project. A new skill kids keep using. A campus that suddenly feels possible. And a child who's already asking about next summer.
It won't be the right fit for every family, and that's understood. But if you want a summer that builds something - skills, confidence, momentum - rather than just filling the calendar, this is where the math starts to make sense.
Ready to see what fits? Take a look at our locations and courses to find the session that matches your kid's age, interests, and schedule. Still have questions? We're happy to answer them.