By Ricky Bennett, iD Tech parent, Head of Education & Chief Product Officer and Suze Buesing, Lead Curriculum Developer
To our iD Tech families,
If it feels like AI is showing up everywhere these days—you’re right. It’s in the tools we use, the headlines we read, and the conversations we’re having with friends and coworkers. This rapid change can feel exciting and full of possibilities, but it can also bring questions about how our kids can engage with AI safely, creatively, and responsibly.
As a company made up of parents and educators, we understand the mix of curiosity and questions that come with new technology. But more than anything, we feel hopeful. At iD Tech, we see AI as an incredible opportunity. When guided thoughtfully, AI can spark curiosity, strengthen problem-solving, and inspire creativity. Our mission is to ensure your kids don’t just experience AI—they understand it, use it ethically, and build confidence in their ability to shape the future of tech.
Rest assured you will not have to figure out this ever-evolving tech landscape alone. AI is becoming a natural part of the world kids are growing up in, so we’re transforming it into a natural part of how they learn. It’s our job (and our passion!) to understand these changes, stay ahead of them, and help your family navigate them with confidence.
We hear you, and we’re here for you
Our parent community is central to how we design and evolve our programs. Recently, we surveyed our parent community about AI and their kids’ education. Here’s what we learned:
Parents overwhelmingly agree that understanding AI literacy is becoming essential—much like learning to code was over a decade ago. Families want their kids to have the skills, literacy, and confidence to engage with AI as it becomes a part of everyday life. At the same time, parents shared that they want this learning to happen in a guided, ethical, and age-appropriate way. We couldn’t agree more.
We believe the students who thrive as AI continues to advance won't just be the ones who know how to use these tools—they'll be the ones who understand how to build them, question their outputs, and shape them for the future.
We're committed to preparing your kids for that future—and to keeping you informed every step of the way because your input is invaluable. It’s directly shaping how we create, evolve, and expand our AI courses for Summer ‘26 and beyond. We want you to know that everything we build is informed—not just by trends happening in the tech world—but by what our community needs and what will best empower your kids’ futures.
Our promise to you
Being entrusted with the next generation's STEM education is a responsibility we take seriously. To show you how we’re going to continue showing up for your family, iD Tech is making three promises to you as we move deeper into the AI era:
- Students will learn how to use AI responsibly. When kids use AI tools at iD Tech, they do so under the guidance of an experienced instructor who will emphasize ethics, privacy, and responsible usage throughout the course.
- Students will have more opportunities to learn AI. We've offered dedicated AI courses since 2022—before the current boom—and this year, you'll see AI tools woven into courses across multiple disciplines. Students will learn to use AI the right way: to support their work, not do it for them.
- Humans will continue to teach our students. For more than 25 years, iD Tech camps, academies, and private lessons have been taught by an experienced, live instructor. That will not change.
How we’re keeping our promise
At iD Tech, AI courses are age-appropriate and tailored to each skill level. Every iD Tech course is researched, written, and refined by our team of human educators. We use AI the way we teach students to use it: as a tool to enhance human creativity, never to replace it. That means real experts deciding what matters, what's developmentally appropriate, and what will actually prepare kids for the future.
As you browse our Summer ‘26 lineup, you’ll see AI incorporated in ways that are appropriate for all ages. You’ll also see clear labeling of any AI tools used, along with detailed descriptions, so you know exactly what your kids will experience. Every camp emphasizes ethics, safety, and critical thinking, ensuring students engage with AI in meaningful ways.
Ages 7–9: Explore tech through play
For our youngest learners, AI and STEM are introduced through playful, gamified experiences. Kids strengthen foundational skills while experimenting with coding, building games, or exploring virtual worlds—all under the guidance of our expert instructors. The emphasis on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration problem-solving, helps students gain confidence and discover the joy of learning.
What kids ages 7-9 will experience at camp:
- Fun, interactive projects using platform-native AI tools
- Introductory coding and visual programming exercises
- Small group challenges that build teamwork and creativity
- Guided discussions about how machines “learn”
- The role of human decision-making
AI-focused courses for kids ages 7-9 include:
Ages 10–12: Build foundational tech skills
At this stage, students expand their technical skills and begin exploring AI in ways that connect to real-world applications. Courses are designed to foster exploration, strengthen critical thinking, and empower creativity, while students practice ethical and responsible use of technology. This age group focuses on building a strong foundation in STEM that will support any future path, with hands-on projects that are challenging, engaging, and collaborative.
What kids ages 10-12 will experience at camp:
- Platform-native AI tools applied in game design, coding, or VR projects
- Guided experimentation that encourages problem-solving and iteration
- Team projects that emphasize creativity, ethics, and collaboration
- Reflection on how AI impacts the world and the decisions students make
- Opportunities to present or showcase their projects, building confidence and communication skills
AI-focused courses for kids 10-12 include:
- VR Camp: Roblox and Meta Quest
- Roblox Developer: Imaginative Game Design
- Roblox Developer: Lua Coding and Game Design
Ages 13-17: Stand out from the crowd
Teens have the opportunity to specialize, explore passions, and create advanced projects. AI-focused courses, which have been a part of our offerings since 2022, introduce teens to machine learning, full-stack engineering, and project-based problem solving—all under the mentorship of expert instructors. Teens will finish with practical skills, creative portfolios, and confidence in applying technology ethically and responsibly.
What kids ages 10-12 will experience at camps and academies:
- Advanced AI and STEM projects that integrate coding, design, and analysis
- Collaborative problem-solving with peers who share their interests
- Ethical discussions and guided decision-making around AI applications
- Hands-on opportunities to build a portfolio of projects that can support college and career pathways
- Mentorship and guidance on real-world applications, including how projects can translate to internships, competitions, or college applications
AI-focused courses for teens 13-17 include:
- Python Coding & AI Agents
- Full-Stack Engineering & AI Academy
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- NVIDIA® AI and Machine Learning Academy
Why hands-on AI learning matters
We know that learning is about striving towards mastery. But it’s also about gaining confidence, exploring curiosity, and discovering what your kids are truly capable of. At iD Tech, we’ve seen kids of all ages light up when they solve a tricky problem, build something from scratch, or see their ideas come to life. That "lightbulb" moment is what sticks with them long after camp ends.
When your kids engage with hands-on AI projects, they’re learning for the future. They’re building the skills to code and use industry tools, and they’re also learning how to think creatively, make thoughtful decisions, and see themselves as capable innovators. Guided by instructors who care deeply about ethics, responsibility, and growth, students learn that technology is not just something to use—it’s something they can shape, improve, and create with purpose.
We’ve watched kids tackle challenges they didn’t think they could, collaborate with peers they’ve just met, and leave with a portfolio of projects that makes them proud. And beyond the technical skills, they walk away with confidence, curiosity, and the reassurance that they can take on whatever the future holds—AI, STEM, and tech that doesn’t even exist yet.
For us, there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing eyes light up as they realize: “I can do this. I can create. I can make a difference.” That’s what our courses are designed to do: empower every student to approach technology, creativity, and learning with confidence and joy.
How to talk AI at home
As a parent, you also play an essential role in your kids’ AI learning journey. Exploring AI together can be fun! Talk through everyday examples of AI, like how a recommendation system works in a streaming app, or play around with ChatGPT by practicing prompts that help create new family recipes or game night ideas.
You can also guide conversations about AI usage ethics and responsibility. Pose questions like, “If you use AI to help you with homework, how can you ensure it’s still your work?” or “What could happen if AI made a decision without human guidance?” These discussions help kids develop critical thinking skills while understanding the impact of technology on the world around them.
By staying involved and curious, you’ll become a partner in your kids’ exploration, helping them connect the hands-on lessons at iD Tech to even more real-life understanding and growth.
Moving boldly into the AI era
The AI era might feel big and fast-moving, but you don’t have to face it with uncertainty. iD Tech is right here with you, listening to our community, evolving our curriculum, and staying true to our mission, as we have for over 25 years.
While AI might be changing the world, it’s also opening doors to opportunities that don’t even exist yet. With guidance, creativity, and human connection at the center, we’re so excited to prepare our students for that big, bright future.
Ready to start the AI journey? Join camp today.