Coding Camps & Summer Tech Programs in San Diego

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On Campus at UC San Diego

Day CampsOvernight CampsRunning from June 21 - August 6

iD Tech's summer STEM camps at UC San Diego in La Jolla, CA teach kids and teens ages 7-17 coding, game development, robotics, and 3D printing in a weeklong, in-person program. Students experience UCSD's campus among landmarks like Geisel Library and surrounding eucalyptus groves, participating in campus scavenger hunts, basketball at Sixth College, and board games. Outdoor breaks on UCSD's green spaces bring campers together for ultimate frisbee and capture the flag, all while taking in UCSD Triton pride!

The original and most trusted STEM camp

Register today at the top-rated tech camp for over 25 years! iD Tech is the very best experience built around your child—their interests, their skill level, their goals for the future. Trusted by the world’s top universities and over 1,000,000 parents, iD Tech is where kids and teens learn from the best—coding, game dev, Minecraft, 3D printing, AI, robotics, and more. 

  • Founded in 1999
  • 750,000 alumni
  • 4.3 star rating on Trustpilot
  • 8:1 average student-to-instructor ratio
  • Partnerships with BattleBots® and NVIDIA®
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The iD Tech experience at UC San Diego

coding camp shot with instructor and students
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Ages: 7-17
Duration: 1 week
Format: Day and overnight options
Skill Level: Beginner - Advanced
Price: Starting at $1,129 (payment plan available)

Our next-gen labs are a total vibe. Energetic instructors recruited from elite universities like Stanford and NYU bring their own flair, inspiring campers to transform ideas into reality—from apps and games to BattleBots® and custom 3D designs. Each session blends hands-on learning with campus exploration and traditions like dress-up days, raffles, and gaming tournaments. It's our one-of-a-kind recipe for summer magic.

 

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UC San Diego's La Jolla campus, near San Diego

University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093
Nearest Airport(s): SAN DIEGO: SAN (14 miles, 20 mins by car, 1 hr 10 mins public transit)

Getting to camp
iD Tech does not offer transportation to and from camp, including airport transfers. UC San Diego's visitor page might include local transportation tips and service options. Specific directions to camp, parking, and building information will be communicated after you register.

About iD Tech held at UC San Diego
At UCSD, sculptures and famous modern architecture can be found throughout campus. During outdoor activities and breaks between lab sessions, iD Tech students enjoy the beautiful Southern California weather and inspiring university setting. 

In addition to skill-building and friendships, each iD Tech camp offers students the valuable opportunity of exploring a prestigious university campus. At UC San Diego, this includes chowing down in Pines alongside future tech disruptors, taking in campus landmarks like Geisel Library, and basking in the sunshine during outdoor activities and games across UCSD's ample green spaces. The entire experience gives students an exciting glimpse into their own bright future. 

Learn more about UC San Diego here.

Campus life at UCSD

In addition to skill-building and friendships, each iD Tech camp offers students the valuable opportunity of exploring a prestigious university campus. At UC San Diego, this includes chowing down in Pines alongside future tech disruptors, taking in campus landmarks like Geisel Library, and basking in the sunshine during outdoor activities and games across UCSD's ample green spaces. The entire experience gives students an exciting glimpse into their own bright future. 

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Elite staff and experienced instructors

Passion for STEM. Unmatched expertise. Personality that brings out the absolute best in your child! The more positive, influential, meaningful mentors your child has, the better. That's why we hire the most elite educators who can’t wait to inspire the next generation of innovators.

  • 100% USA-based adult instructors
  • Recruited from top universities like Stanford and NYU
  • Rigorous background and reference checks
  • Extensive in-person and virtual training sessions
  • Adherence to American Camp Association accredited guidelines
     

From iD Tech to the biggest in tech

We pride ourselves on our exceptional team of elite instructors who are the mentors of today and leaders of tomorrow. Each year iD instructors go on to be hired by the most prestigious tech companies in the world like Google, EA, Disney, Microsoft, and more. When your child learns from the best, they’ll unlock opportunities to become their best. 

Aspen
Associate Designer at Bethesda Softworks

"The spirit of innovation and creativity I felt around my students while teaching Unity led me toward my career as a professional game designer. My time at iD Tech taught me that no dream is too big, and that brilliant ideas can come from anywhere.” 

Brian M. 
Software Engineer at Disney

"The opportunity to create an environment of collaboration, inclusion, and creativity was a truly special experience. The skills I honed while teaching at iD Tech led me to my software engineering roles at ESPN and the Walt Disney Company."

Cody R.
Software Engineer at Airbnb

"I never imagined that a summer job could have such a lasting impact on my career. Teaching kids to develop video games was extremely gratifying, and it reinforced my love of programming. The skills I honed at iD Tech led me to become an engineer at Amazon then Airbnb."

Caitlyn M. 
Technical Artist at Volvo 

"Working at iD Tech meant giving back the amazing experience I had as a camper. iD Tech is a place of inclusivity and innovation, and there’s never a dull day with all the creative ideas that get shared around!"

Most popular course topics

Craft a BattleBot, bring ideas to life with code, work with sensors and microcontrollers, and delve into autonomous driving. VEX robotics camps and more!

Real parent reviews

Frequently asked questions

While we are a tech program with the goal of transforming your child’s interests into real-world STEM skills, we are also a summer camp. Simply put, camp is a balance of learning and fun! Students learn in small groups in labs on a prestigious college campus and from expert instructors who are trained to engage and inspire.

Day camps kick off with icebreakers and team-building before jumping into morning coursework. When it’s time for lunch, your child will walk from the computer lab to the dining hall as they take in the beauty of campus. Students return to the learning labs in the afternoon for more exciting coursework, followed by an afternoon break where they will have the chance to take part in outdoor game time and more campus discovery before wrapping up with instruction!

Overnight campers work until dinner and then go off to create deeper connections and memories while gaming, watching movies, and more. Your child will experience the magic of camp during days and nights filled with learning and adventure that builds lifelong friendships.

Day camp runs 9am to 4:30pm Monday through Thursday, with check-in beginning at 8:30am and pick-up available until 5pm. On Friday, camp ends after Family Showcase, which runs 2–3pm. Overnight campers check in Sunday at 6pm and are also picked up Friday between 2 and 3pm.

Students spend approximately five hours per day on the computer, taking breaks to engage in recreational activities throughout their sessions.

iD Tech held at UC San Diego offers weeklong day camps for ages 7–17, with overnight camp available for ages 10 and up. Teens ages 13–18 looking for an intensive, two-week, pre-college experience can attend an iD Tech Academy, including programs held at Caltech in Pasadena.

Our instructors are recruited from top universities, but more importantly, they are elite mentors who understand kids, share their interests, bring first-hand experience, and serve as real-life role models for what the future holds. They are trained extensively in-person (and virtually) to differentiate engaging content to campers’ needs, connect to each child, and inspire them to pursue their dreams.

All instructors are adults (no high school counselors-in-training), fully background-checked, and trained in safety and first aid. Campers learn in small groups with a 10:1 average student-to-instructor ratio, split first by age and then, as needed, by experience level. Instructors monitor group dynamics closely and will move a camper to a different seat or class section right away if a pairing isn't working. Every camper agrees to our Code of Conduct, and staff are trained to step in quickly.

Yes! You can register today for as little as $375 per student and pay the balance in convenient monthly installments. You can save $50 by registering for multiple sessions, and you can earn $25 in credit when you invite a friend to join camp (your friend saves $25 when they sign up too!).

All computers, equipment and software are provided in our camp labs, so your child doesn't need to bring a laptop or tablet, or download anything ahead of time. They should wear and/or pack comfortable clothing and shoes (preferably athletic shoes), a jacket or sweatshirt, sunscreen for outdoor activities, and a clearly labeled or identifiable water bottle (if students don't bring one, we'll have disposable cups). If your child has an account for games like Roblox or Minecraft, have them bring their login information to camp. Overnight campers should check their pre-camp details, since room setups and whether bedding is included vary by location.

Headphones are optional: students may bring their own, but we do not provide them. Spending money is optional too. Some locations allow for purchasing vending machine snacks or souvenirs in the campus bookstore, but we don't guarantee these opportunities each week and recommend that students not bring more than $30–$50.

At the conclusion of your child's course, they will receive an iD Tech diploma as well as a transcript outlining everything they learned over the week. They’ll also take home a USB with their course project files, along with access to installation and setup guides so they can continue working at their own pace.

In addition to valuable tech skills, kids and teens leave camp with new relationships, resilience, critical thinking opportunities, and an even greater love for tech (if that’s possible!).

Day campers can bring a bagged lunch or add a lunch plan when registering (cost and menu vary by location). Overnight campers eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the campus dining facilities. Our staff accompany students to meals and help them find the right food stations. Dining halls typically offer vegetarian options at each meal, though we can’t guarantee specific items in advance. For allergies or other dietary needs, let us know before camp so we can make arrangements. Call us at 1-888-709-8324 or email hello@idtech.com.

As courses frequently sell out, we recommend registering early to secure your child's spot. You can make unlimited changes with no fees up to 28 days before the start of your session. If you need to cancel before March 1st, you will receive a full refund of the amount paid. If you cancel after March 1st but still 28+ days before your session, you will receive a refund less the additional fees (if applicable) and a $250 cancellation charge per week. Within 28 days of your session start date, changes are subject to a fee, and no refunds are provided for cancellations.

Overnight campers stay in campus residence halls, housed by gender on separate floors or sections. Staff stay in their own rooms on the same floors and are present at all times, including overnight, with about one staff member for every 10 students and nightly sweeps. Evenings bring structured activities like movie nights, talent shows and video game tournaments until lights out. Room layouts and bathroom setups vary by campus.

When registering for overnight camp, you may request a roommate, and we’ll make every effort to accommodate. If you or your friend have already registered but did not specify a roommate upon registration, you can add one in the “Group With Request” section of your My Account up to two weeks before the start of your session. Otherwise, your child will be assigned a roommate based on their age and gender.

You can also always call our Program Specialists at 1-888-709-8324 or email hello@idtech.com to assist you with making this request.

We welcome students of all abilities. If your child needs accommodations or extra support, contact us at least three weeks before camp so we can talk through their needs and plan ahead. Our Program Specialists are here to provide you with the best experience. Call us at 1-888-709-8324 or email hello@idtech.com.

Other options and resources

Virtual Summer Camps

Virtual Summer Camps feature small-group sessions led by expert instructors. Live teaching, cutting-edge curriculum, peer collaboration, and more!

View Virtual Camps

BattleBots® at Home

We’ve taken BattleBots® (our most popular camp for 3 summers running!) and transformed it into our dynamic private lessons experience.

Learn more

STEM Stats & Facts

If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a thousand times—millions of STEM jobs are projected to go unfilled in the near future.

STEM Stats

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Start planning an unforgettable summer by downloading our brochure today.

 
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