Programming & App Development Courses Summer Computer Camp Courses
Programming – iPhone® & iPad® Apps in Xcode®
Programming – iPhone® & iPad® Apps in Xcode®
Ages 13-17
Min Age: Must turn 13 by 12-31-13
WEEKLONG | CO-ED | DAY CAMP | SLEEPAWAY CAMPS | INTERMEDIATE – ADVANCED
Introduction to the World’s #1 Tech Camp
We’re a family company, consistently ranked a Top Workplace* by our tech-savvy, adult-only staff. One of our big secrets? Ridiculously small ratios. Small ratios mean customized instruction—just 8 students per instructor or fewer—guaranteed!

About This iPhone & iPad App Programming Course/ Featured Software
Prerequisite: Solid understanding of a programming language such as Java, C++, or PHP. This is not a beginner course.
Are you ready to make your very own iOS® app? Our popular programming camps teach students the hottest trends in mobile computing – iPhone® and iPad® app development. You’ll be introduced to real-world application development for iPhone®, iPad®, and iPod touch®, learning Objective-C basics, as well as Apple®-specific development environments Xcode® and Cocoa®. This programming class for teens has limited space, so enroll early.
Is this app development course right for you? Click here to see “Top 10 Skills” and our recommendations (including multi-week packages).
Please Note: Camp projects are linked with Apple® Developer accounts registered to iD Tech Camps and have a fixed expiration date. Projects must be re-linked with a student’s own Apple® Developer account to be permanent. If you’d like us to try to copy your code to your iOS device, it must be officially supported and updated to the latest software version. iD is NOT responsible for lost, damaged or stolen equipment.
Want to read about success stories at iD Tech Camps? Check out our do something BIG stories, featuring real students, just like you! Learn about iD alumni who are using what they’ve learned at camp to do amazing things – like selling their own iPhone® apps in the Apple® store!
Other Related Programs
iD Tech Camps – Programming, Computer Science, Robotics Courses
iD Programming Academy – 2-Week Pre-College Intensive Teen Academy
View All Courses & ProgramsGaming Tournaments and Activity Time
Students receive approximately 5 hours a day of computer instruction, so there is still plenty of time for well-balanced activities like:
- LAN Gaming Tournaments (With BIG titles from Valve®, Ubisoft®, and others using NVIDIA® GeForce® gaming cards.)
- General Gameplay
- Sports, Chess, Games
- Campus Tours
- Teambuilding Activities
- Staying the Weekend? Check out our Ultimate Gaming Weekend.
Note 1: Gaming does NOT infringe on instructional time.
Note 2: Games with ESRB Ratings of E, T and M are used at our camps. We take our corporate responsibility and iD family values very seriously, but cannot guarantee that younger students will avoid complete contact with these games. Please know that we make every effort to minimize exposure to any games not appropriate for these age groups.*iD Tech Camps has been ranked in the Top 10 three years in a row by the prestigious “Top Workplaces” survey of the Bay Area News Group, publisher of the San Jose Mercury News.
Is This App Programming Course For You?
Skill Levels
Prerequisite: Practical and working knowledge of C++ or Java, including Object Oriented Programming, developing subroutines (ie. Methods), as well as an understanding of class structuring. Students must be open to learning a new programming language (Objective-C). Concepts to be familiar with:
- Basic data types such as int and float
- Header and Implementation files (C++)
- Method signatures and Class files
- Objects (i.e. Object Oriented Programming)This course is customized for intermediate to advanced learners ages 13-17 (Min Age: Must be 13 by 12-31-13). Curriculum at this iPhone® camp is delivered in small student clusters and individually tailored to each student at these academic camps for teens.
Top 10 Skills Gained
Conceptual Skills Development
- Introduction to smartphone application development
- iPhone®, iPad®, iPod Touch® (iOS) application development
- Application testing and bug fixing
- Coding syntax
Software & Hardware Skills Development
- Objective-C
- Xcode®
- Cocoa®
Soft Skills Development
- Project planning
- Creativity
- Problem-solving
Our Recommendations
This app camp is a specialty teen programming course designed for the ambitious programmer. This course can be repeated over several weeks, or combined with other courses. If you are interested in programming your own application or if you want to make your own iPhone® games, this is the perfect summer computer science camp for you!
All Courses for Ages 13 - 18
Staff Ratio Guarantee
The iD Guarantee
We guarantee ridiculously small class sizes, with a maximum of 8 students per instructor. Why? Because our teaching philosophy is premised on personalization – your path, at your pace. iD's passionate, adult-only instructors guide students through customized curriculum with 1-on-1 teaching. The immersive environment (typically 5, 6, 7 or 8 students – but never more than 8 per instructor) is ideal for fostering creativity.
Read more about the 8:1 iD Guarantee.
How We Teach - Personalized Instruction
Most courses are beginner through advanced. Our innovative curriculum is premised on a blended learning strategy. Students receive blended (or hybrid) instruction through use of the brand new iD Game Plan engine along with live 1-on-1 instruction from our team of educators. Ridiculously small ratios (8:1) allow students to move along at an appropriate, customized pace. Students spend approximately 5 hours on the computer each day, but there is also plenty of off-computer time with Tech-Reation to give students a fun, well-balanced summer camp experience. Students take frequent breaks and have outside play. Up for an organized sport? So are we! Grab a disc and arrange a game of Ultimate Frisbee. Students also have the option for chess, board games, cards, and other traditional summer camp activities.
Adult-Only Staff, No Counselors-in-Training
Our entire staff is comprised of adults ages 18 and over. iD Tech Camps has respectfully created a no Counselors-in-Training (CIT) policy at our summer technology camps. Students learn best from adults who have mastered their skills in technology. Instruction is delivered by graduate and undergraduate students majoring in the fields of Computer Science, Computer Engineering, App Design, Film and other related fields.
Sample Day
Schedules may vary according to needs of specific groups and university locations.
7:30 am
Overnight students in our sleep away camps (boarding camps), along with Extended Day Campers, need fuel to exercise their brains! Eat breakfast in the dining hall. Breakfast on campus is normally all-you-can-eat, and consists of favorites such as sausages, pancakes, orange juice, cereal, waffles and fruit.
8:00 - 9:00 am
Day Camp Check In. All campers meet for morning announcements and ice breakers. A quick team-building exercise is such a great way to start out the day!
9:30 am
Break into course groups! Let the learning begin! Oops. Did we say learning? We meant...Let the fun begin!
12:00 pm
Lunch time! Overnight, Extended Day and Day Campers on the iD lunch plan typically eat in the dining hall. Students who bring their own bag lunch will either eat in the dining hall with the rest of the campers, or may laze under a shady tree outside with their instructors. Last year's favorites: lasagna, turkey sandwiches, pepperoni pizza, curly fries and chicken fingers. What's the dining hall serving up this year?
1:00 pm
Back to the labs! Yahoo! All rested and ready for round two!
2:30 pm
A game of Ultimate Frisbee, anyone? Capture the flag? Low-key board games? Gaming tournaments? How about some time to "chillax"? Our summer camp activities vary.
3:30 pm
Back to the labs again! Re-energized and ready to continue creating.
5:00 - 6:00 pm
Wrap-up your project!
Day Camp students depart for Pick-up Area. For Overnight Camp students and Extended Day Camp students, it's Open Lab time.6:00 pm
Dinner for Overnight Camp students and Extended Day Camp students.
7:00 pm
Extended Day Camp students go to the pick-up destination. Overnight Camp students explore supervised recreational activities such as sports, gaming tournaments, movie night and Capture the Flag, or maybe even continue working on projects. The bottom line is we want our campers to have the time of their lives!
10:00 pm
Lights Out! (Teens may have extended lights-out hours.)
11:00 pm
Good Night Teens!
iPhone App Camp Reviews
What Parents Are Saying
“My son learned a lot from this week’s course. He came home challenged and enthusiastic each day.
Minnie M., parent, Programming – iPhone® & iPad® Apps in Xcode®“As a parent, I could not ask for more. My children’s only complaint was that they wanted more time to learn programming.Seth P., parent, Programming – iPhone® & iPad® Apps in Xcode®
“Proud of my daughter, especially in light of her never having programmed before. See loads of growth just in this one week… Really believe she has a future in programming, if she so desires.(Which she now might!) Laryssa K., parent, Programming – iPhone® & iPad® Apps in Xcode®
“I thought the registration process was very efficient and appreciated the reminder emails. The camp was well run and my son learned a great deal. Christine C., parent, Programming – iPhone® & iPad® Apps in Xcode®
“Our daughter had a spectacular learning experience at iD Tech Camps. Throughout the school year, she enjoyed computer programming class but iD Tech Camps allowed her to explore programming at a more complex and challenging level. Her instructor was enthusiastic and well organized, allowing each student to explore and progress and his or her own level. He had expertise in a number of areas and was willing to help each student make their ideas come to life. Our daughter enjoyed the extra time allowed for programming as well as the recreational activities at night that gave students and counselors a chance to relax after busy days in front of the computer. I would definitely recommend this camp experience to students who want to move some of their ideas forward and develop a stronger foundation in iPhone and iPad application development. She is looking forward to applying her knowledge from this week to program development in the year ahead. Thanks for a great experience!
Judy B., parent, Programming – iPhone® & iPad® Apps in Xcode®What Campers Are Saying
“Our counselor had a never ending supply of information on the subject of App development; he could fix any problem we had. I had a great time and learned a lot. Julian V., student, Programming – iPhone® & iPad® Apps in Xcode®
“It was very fun to connect and interact with kids who enjoy programming as much as I do.Samuel N., student, Programming – iPhone® & iPad® Apps in Xcode®“I’ve done iD Tech Camps for several years, and they are easily the best weeks of my year.Shaan B., student, Programming – iPhone® & iPad® Apps in Xcode®
“It’s a great camp for anyone who wants to learn more about computer sciences. The counselors always are really energetic and are always ready to help you. It always turns out to be an amazing week. You learn so much and make a lot of friends. Thomas R., student, Programming – iPhone® & iPad® Apps in Xcode®“I had an amazing time learning how to make apps for iOS devices. This course helped significantly with my understanding of how apps operated and were organized. Michael C., student, Programming – iPhone® & iPad® Apps in Xcode®
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is iD Tech Camps the World’s #1 Tech Camp?
We offer:- Guaranteed staff ratios of 8 students per instructor.
- Innovative curriculum powered by iD Game Plan.
- The latest tech products.
- Highly qualified, adult-only staff.
- A university experience.
- Age appropriate kids camps plus more intensive Teen-only programs.
See Why iD for more information.
Where is this course offered?
We have 60 university locations nationwide. Go to Step 3 for detailed information about where this course is offered. You’ll be able to see our exact location on campus in My Account once you register.How much do your camps cost?
Tuition varies depending on course, location and camp options. Go to Step 2 for pricing information and our cancellation policy.What are the dates of camp?
Our summer computer camps start in June and run through August. See a specific university page for detailed information about session dates.What if I get sick or have summer school?
Our cancellation policy allows you to cancel your session up to 3 weeks prior to the start of camp. You’ll get your tuition back, minus the non-refundable deposit per week/per student.How do I find out if the course I want is still open for enrollment?
You can view the “Real Time Availability” of all of our courses, locations and dates online! Just select your university or college of interest on our locations page.How do I register?
Go to Step 3 and pick a location to register.I loved this course! Can I take it again?
Yes, you can take a course multiple times. Many students choose to take the same course over again so that they can build on their skills. Our curriculum is very deep, and has enough challenging content for a full summer. Another popular option is to enroll in a different course each week, thereby gaining a comprehensive introduction to a certain tech genre. We have suggested track programs in video game design, programming, photography & filmmaking, web design and more.What do campers eat?
All meals are included with our overnight and extended day programs. Day campers have the option of purchasing the lunch plan or bringing a sack lunch. The lunch plan is recommended, but not mandatory. If the lunch plan is purchased, lunch is provided Monday – Friday. Many university dining facilities do not permit outside food to be brought into the dining hall; students bringing bag lunches may eat outside of the dining hall with their classmates and instructors. Lunch is provided to all students on Fridays, as part of an iD-style picnic.What if my student already has experience?
Experienced students and iD Alumni – we have the perfect challenge for you! With our continually evolving curriculum, students will be able to move along faster and more independently, or collaborate utilizing our customized lessons while still receiving our gold standard 1-on-1 instruction (maximum of 8 students per instructor, guaranteed).Do you have any teen programs?
iD Tech Camps has a Teen Scene that provides older students with a more independent experience on campus. Teens enjoy extra privileges appropriate for their environment and maturity levels, and although we maintain standard supervision ratios, teens will feel a sense of freedom. Special Teen Scene activities include computer gaming tournaments and Gamingpalooza.iD also offers specialized iD Teen Academies in Gaming, Programming and Visual Arts at select locations across the country. These teen camps are intensive, two-week courses with tours of nearby industry hot spots and bi-weekly portfolio building workshops. See our iD Teen Academies page for more information.
Do I need to bring my own computer?
No, students do not need to bring personal computers to camp. Each student is provided with a computer at camp; students never have to share computers.Do you use Macs or PCs at iD Tech Camps?
We use both platforms at our summer computer camps. We attempt to mirror the industry standard in each of our summer camp courses. For example, our programming courses are typically taught on PCs and our digital video courses are generally taught on Mac computers. We find that it is an important skill to be proficient on BOTH platforms.What “off-computer” activities are there?
We are a summer computer camp, but are we in the labs all day? No! Balance is the key to every week at iD. While we are in the labs a majority of the day, we certainly take time out for outdoor activities and Tech-Reation. Tech-Reation activities may include organized outdoor games, movie nights, talent shows, additional gaming competitions and the ultimate university experience. Activities are divided by age and interests whenever possible and may vary by location. Imagine a traditional summer camp with a technology focus – that’s what we are.Where do your instructors come from?
At iD Tech Camps, our staff is family! Each member of our team comes to us with a blend of spirit, energy, enthusiasm, knowledge of technology and experience with kids and teens. Our goal is to ensure that every location is comprised of experienced returning camp counselors along with new individuals who bring a fresh perspective to camp.Many of our instructors are graduate and undergraduate students in Education, Engineering, Computer Science, Film and Programming. Often, these instructors come from the same recognized universities where we host our summer programs including Stanford, MIT and Columbia University. We also employ tech coordinators, teachers and principals from various school districts, and seasoned professionals on sabbatical to train students in their respective industries. Staff members undergo in-person training as well as extensive background checks each summer. We have a great crew that comes back year after year to create a unique and high-energy environment.
Why don’t you use Counselors-in-Training?
Distinguishing ourselves from most summer camps, we’ve respectfully created a “No CIT” policy. This guarantees that each student is instructed and supervised by paid adult staff members, ages 18 and older, not teenagers of camp age. CITs, we feel, can be an asset to some camps, but not iD Tech Camps. Read more about how we teach.Do you provide transportation for students? What about Carpooling?
We do not arrange transportation for our students. For your convenience, we have created a new, user-friendly carpool application located in My Account. All transportation to and from camp is the responsibility of the parent/guardian. There are child transportation services that past campers have utilized, which can be found through a web search. iD Tech Camps is not affiliated with any such company and thus cannot be held accountable for clients’ use of outside transportation services.How do I register? How do I contact you?
We suggest you start by finding the course availability at the location you desire, and you’ll be guided through the process. Registering online is the fastest way to get into camp. Or, you can phone us as at 1-888-709-TECH (8324) or 1-408-871-2227. You can also email us at info@internalDrive.com. And, if you’d like a brochure sent to you, please click the brochure link.
Tuition & Hours
What's Included?
Course Instruction, supervision, camp T-shirt, flash drive with take home project, campus tours, hardware/software discounts, free year-round online workshops, and optional sports, chess and gaming tournaments. Campers also take home exciting raffle prizes, a personalized diploma of graduation and impressive new tech skills.
Registration for our 2013 Season is live! Refer-A-Friend and save $50!
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DAY CAMPSAges 7-17 | CHECK-IN: 8AM-9AM MON-FRI. |
Make new friends, explore a college campus, and eat in dining halls. New Flex Hours! At check-in and check-out there is an hour of flex time - a convenience for commuting parents. |
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EXTENDED DAY CAMPSAges 7-17 | CHECK-IN: 7:30AM MON-FRI. |
For commuting parents who need a bit of extra time, we offer extended camp hours. Our extended day program runs from 7:30AM to 7PM and includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. |
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OVERNIGHT CAMPS*Ages 10-17 | CHECK-IN: 5PM-6PM SUN. |
This option is for ages 10+. The ultimate collegiate experience! Overnight campers stay in student housing on campus and eat meals in the dining hall, starting with Sunday dinner - Friday lunch. |
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ULTIMATE GAMING WEEKENDS**Ages 12-17 | A BRIDGE BETWEEN CONSECUTIVE WEEKS OF CAMP. |
This option is for ages 12+. Most families use it as a bridge between two consecutive weeks of Overnight Camp. Stay the weekend and game with us! Meals, housing, gaming, and supervision are all included. |
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iD TECH 365All Ages | ONLINE LEARNING 24/7, 365 DAYS A YEAR |
The perfect add-on to our summer programs. Keep learning year-round with our online subscription service. Learn from tech tutorials, compete in gaming tournaments, and stay connected through community forums. |
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*Overnight iD Tech Campers must be 10+. No exceptions, please. **Students ages 12+ can stay the weekend at select locations for $349. Students at Stanford, ages 10+, can also stay the weekend. Continuing Education Units (teens only) are available for purchase. All prices are quoted in U.S. Dollars and include all taxes. |
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Select a location below for availability, dates, and to enroll.
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