California Summer Camp Locations Summer Camps: Santa Clara University Computer Camps
Santa Clara University Computer Camps
- Camp Overview
- About This U & Maps
- Staff Ratio Guarantee
- Safety & Peace of Mind
- Sample Week
- In the News
- Testimonials
- FAQ
Computer Camps Held at Santa Clara University
iD Tech Camps, Ages 7-17WEEKLONG | CO-ED | DAY CAMPS
COURSE TOPICS: VIDEO GAME DESIGN, PROGRAMMING, APPS, WEB DESIGN & MOREAbout Our California Computer Camp Courses
Ignite your internalDrive and do something BIG this summer! iD Tech Camps is a family company – and our company is a unique place. Some call it magical. We’re the World’s #1 Tech Camp – consistently ranked a Top Workplace. One of our big secrets? Ridiculously small ratios. Small ratios mean personalized instruction – just 8 students per instructor or fewer, guaranteed! Our adult-only staff are tech-savvy undergraduates, graduate students and professionals, passionate about teaching game design, film, computer science and more.
This is our 15th season hosting summer camps at our Santa Clara University location in Silicon Valley, CA. We strike the right balance between off-computer activities (creative games, sports, life skills, etc.) and essential technology education to foster STEM skill development (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Our popular SCU summer camps are among a handful of elite CA summer camps in the South Bay accredited by the American Camp Association.
We offer a variety of cutting-edge summer camp courses for beginner through advanced learners. Kids and teens learn one course topic per week, specializing in video game design, iPhone® app development, programming, video editing and more – using the best brand name products from Adobe®, Apple®, Autodesk®, Google, Microsoft® and beyond. Come explore the college campus and gain skills that will last long after summer camp ends. Continue to Step 2 for Course Availability, Tuition & Dates.
About Santa Clara University
NOTE: Looking for our exact location on campus? You must first be enrolled; you can then access that information through My Account. Not yet enrolled? Go to Step 2 to enroll. The maps included here are for general information only.
Many students use their summer camp experience with iD Tech Camps to explore colleges that they’re interested in attending in the future. Learn on campus, eat in the dining halls and ages 10+ can even stay overnight (at most campuses).
We have chosen Santa Clara University to host our summer kids computer camps and teen camps in the South Bay because of SCU’s beauty, outstanding reputation and commitment to rigorous curriculum in the arts, sciences, business and engineering. If you are considering flying in to this location, the San Jose International airport is just minutes away. Also, there is a Cal Train stop directly across the street from the university. Come check out our summer camps!
Santa Clara University
Founded in 1851, Santa Clara University is California’s oldest institution of higher learning. The campus lies on “The Alameda,” a famous stretch of road that connected Northern California to Southern California, and beyond. SCU was one of the very first iD Tech Camps locations, hosting our computer camps as early as 1999. This SCU Silicon Valley computer camp is a campus oasis in the midst of the bustling South Bay, boasting Spanish-style architecture and beautifully sculpted rose gardens and lawns. Convenient to Downtown San Jose, Santa Clara and the rest of the Silicon Valley area, SCU is the perfect summer day camp location.
Santa Clara University Facts
Nickname: The Broncos
Founded: 1851
Schools at Santa Clara University: There are six different schools at Santa Clara University: College of Arts & Sciences, Leavey School of Business, School of Engineering, Jesuit School of Theology, School of Law, and finally the School of Education, Counseling, Psychology & Pastoral Ministries.
Student Population: Santa Clara University has over 8,000 total students comprised of 5,000 undergraduates and over 3,000 postgraduates. The campus is a suburban oasis in the heart of Silicon Valley, making it the perfect location for our summer day camps for kids and teens.
Rankings: On the West Coast, Santa Clara consistently ranks second in master’s universities according to U. S. News & World Report. The U.S. News & World Report also ranks part-time MBA programs, and Santa Clara ranks 13th and its executive MBA program 19th in the nation. The Leavey School of Business was ranked 27th in the nation by Business Week. According to payscale.com, undergraduate alumni of Santa Clara University have a mid-career median salary of $111,000, making it the 20th highest among colleges and universities in the U.S.A.
Athletics: Santa Clara University excels in soccer and volleyball, consistently ranking among the top twenty teams nationally. The men’s soccer team has reached the championship match of the College Cup three times. The 1992-1993 Santa Clara men’s basketball team (led by future NBA MVP Steve Nash) was one of four #15 seeds to defeat a #2 seed in the NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament. The president of iD Tech Camps can often be found at Bronco games rooting on the basketball team.Meals
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.
Maps/Carpool
See maps and driving directions in My Account for detailed directions on how to get to our exact location on campus. Want to Carpool? Go green and save some green when you carpool to camp! Sign up for our Carpool app in My Account to see the other families in your area that are interested in carpooling.
8:1 Staff Ratio Guarantee
iD Guarantee - Small Class Sizes
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.
Adult-Only Instructors
iD Tech Camps recruits energetic, adult-only instructors to teach our technology courses and supervise our students. Our summer staff is passionate about technology. We do not cut corners by employing Counselors-in-Training. We recruit from top colleges and universities to find staff with great credentials in game development, filmmaking, web design, programming, photography, etc.
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. Our approach allows students to move along at an appropriate, customized pace.
Project-Based Curriculum
We encourage a hands-on, experiential approach to technology; students learn by doing. Each student is provided with a computer and works with the same products that professionals use in their fields. Students complete a project showing off their new technology skills. By focusing on practical skill development of STEM topics (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) iD prepares students to take their new tech knowledge back into the real world.
Staff at this Location
Meet some of the amazing instructors that have taught at Santa Clara University over the years.
- “Pouches”: Pouches first joined iD Tech Camps for two summers as a game design student, and has continued to “mess around” with game design ever since. Now the West Valley College student has returned as an instructor, putting his programming, art and 3D animation knowledge to use as he teaches students the ins and outs of tech. He has had extensive experience teaching fencing and tutoring Japanese. As a volunteer, he has traveled with NVIDIA and Electronics Arts to Las Vegas, San Jose, and Seattle. His hobbies include blacksmithing, rock-climbing, swordfighting, and video games.
- “Player 1 (Red)”: Player 1 (Red) went to iD Tech Camps as a student and enjoyed it so much that he returned as a teacher. He is kind, caring and humorous, and can’t wait to teach fun and interesting tech subjects! Player 1 (Red) will be attending UC Santa Cruz this fall with a major in Computer Science: Computer Game Design. He has a strong background in photography and commercial art. His love of video games has driven him to pursue a career in video game design.
- “Jakalope”: Jakalope is a returning instructor at iD Tech Camps with a lot of experience in the summer camp industry – over 5 years of experience at Girl Scout camps, to be precise. A Film Production major at Chapman University, she has also been an avid gamer her entire life. She loves teaching game design classes, robotics, programming and more.
- “Swarley”: Swarley studies Neuroscience at UCLA and as a former camper, knows iD Tech Camps inside and out. His constant use of programming to create web sites and graphic art has given him the experience to utilize computers to their full potential. His love of music gives him yet another way to communicate with campers, and he loves working with students!
- “Kazooie”: Kazooie is currently studying Biomedical Engineering at UC Davis. In high school, she was an International Baccalaureate candidate and received a full IB diploma for upon graduating. She has been a Girl Scout for over 12 years, during which she earned her Gold Award and spent over 6 years as a camper. She is very well acquainted with computers and video games and has a thorough understanding and love for all the programs she is teaching!
Safety & Peace of Mind
Risk Management
Adult staff and instructors supervise all activities. iD has a policy of never using Counselors-in-Training (CITs).
American Camp Association® Accreditation
iD Tech Camps is accredited by the ACA at multiple locations, meaning we have met over 300 health and safety requirements. All camps follow ACA guidelines.
Background Checks
We conduct criminal background checks, sexual offender background checks, multiple reference checks and identification checks on all summer staff.
CPR & First Aid
All camps have Directors and Staff that are CPR and First Aid Certified.
Sample Week
A typical day varies depending on session and location, but it might look something like this:
SUNDAY MONDAY - THURSDAY FRIDAY 7:30 am
Extended Day Campers – Check In
Overnight & Extended Day Campers - Breakfast8 am
Day Campers - Drop Off & Arrival Activities
9 am
Welcome & Opening Activity
Finesse Projects to Gold Version
9:30 am
Instruction – Jump on the computers!
10 am
11 am
Friday Activity
12 pm
Lunch – Overnight and Extended Day Campers eat in the campus dining hall. Day Campers can choose to bring a bag lunch or purchase the meal plan.
Picnic Lunch
Raffle
1 pm
Instruction – Back to the labs, woo hoo!
Showcase Prep
2 pm
2:30 pm
Techtivities – Ultimate Frisbee? Apples to Apples anyone? Gaming tournaments? We’ve got it all!
3 pm
Family Showcase*
3:30 pm
Instruction – Back to the labs!
4 pm
All campers - Check Out
5 pm
Day Campers - Pick Up & Closing Activities
Overnight & Extended Day Campers – Open Lab/Free TimeUltimate Gaming Weekends – Option available at select locations.
5:30 pm
6 pm
Overnight Campers - Check In
Dinner
6:30 pm
Welcome
Evening Activity - Movie Nights, Local Outings, Gaming Tournaments & more!
7 pm
Dinner
Extended Day Campers – Pick Up
7:30 pm
Evening Activity
Evening Activity – cont’d.
8 pm
8:30 pm
Drills
9 pm
Chillax
10 pm
PreTeen Lights Out
11 pm
Good Night Teens
Off-Computer Camp Activities
Students spend approximately 5 hours on the computer each day. iD Tech Camps is careful to balance technology and fun - giving students Tech-Reation time. When they're not on the computer, students participate in fun summer activities like organized sports, gaming tournaments, and more.
Family Showcase
Every Friday afternoon, we invite parents and friends to come and experience iD Tech Camps. See the labs where students learn, explore campus, meet our staff, applaud students' course projects and attend the personalized diploma ceremony. *At Stanford, Pre-Teen Family Showcase: 2:30 - 3:30 PM, Teen Family Showcase: 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Hours/ Camp Options
Day Camp - Day Camp runs Monday through Friday, with drop off between 8 - 9:00 am and pick up between 5 - 6:00 pm (3 - 5:00 pm on Fridays, varies by site).
Extended Day - Extended Day Camp runs Monday through Friday, with check-in between 7:30 am and pick up at 7:00 pm (3 - 5:00 pm on Fridays, varies by site).
Overnight Options - Overnight camps are available at most locations for students ages 10 and up. Overnight camp runs Sunday through Friday, with check-in between 5 - 6:00 pm on Sunday and pick-up at 3 - 5:00 pm on Friday (varies by site).
Ultimate Gaming Weekends - Stay the weekend and game with us. UGW is fully-supervised and includes housing, meals and supervision. It is available at the end of an Overnight Camp week or as a bridge between two consecutive weeks of Overnight Camp. Not available at all locations.Attention SCU Teens!
Our teen summer camps in California at Santa Clara University just got even cooler for our teen students. We have specialized teen activities including free time to hang out, movie nights, extra project time, and as always, plenty of gaming. Check out our other cool teen-only programs like the iD Gaming Academy, iD Programming Academy, iD Visual Arts Academy and Ultimate Gaming Weekends (offered at select locations).
iD in the News
Santa Clara University News
Mar 25th, 2013
Stanford Summer Camp Trains Kids in Tech - NBC News
Jul 9th, 2012
iD Tech Camps Gives Kids a New Way to Play - Article as Appeared in The Wall Street Journal Online
Jul 4th, 2012
Watch iD Tech Camps on NBC's Today Show with Kathie Lee and Hoda!
Apr 12th, 2012
As appeared in Bloomberg Businessweek - Computer Camp: No Canoes, Just Coding (and Kickball)
Aug 4th, 2011
Testimonials From Santa Clara University
What Parents Are Saying
“A very friendly, approachable staff and overall program. Very suitable for the Silicon Valley culture without being too aggressive. John S., parent, Santa Clara University
“My daughter had a great time here and is coming away with a new love for robotics and teamwork. Thanks for making the experience fun and interesting for her. Sowmya R., parent, Santa Clara University
“My son was extremely excited throughout the camp week. He was actually excited to learn how to program in C++ and wouldn’t stop coding even after reaching home. Milind K., parent, Santa Clara University
“My son had a very positive and learning experience at this iD Tech Camps. He learned new concepts and renewed his interest in computer programming. I am quite pleased with the highly enthusiastic staff and their ability to motivate the kids in this area. Mahesh V., parent, Santa Clara University
“I am very impressed. My son enjoyed himself and learned quite a bit. Being in the computer industry, it makes me happy to see such a well constructed class and enthusiastic young teachers interact with your teens. Irma P., parent, Santa Clara University
What Campers Are Saying
“It was great fun learning programming at iD Tech Camps. The teachers were well informed about the subjects. I am very pleased with the program because I am now comfortable with C++ programming. Thank you so much! Naoki T., student, Santa Clara University
“iD Tech Camps was great! My week at camp helped me learn and gave me a positive and comfortable place to get into something I am interested in. Can’t wait for next year! Danielle A., student, Santa Clara University
“Camp was great and I really learned a lot about web design and flash animation. When I needed help, I received help. I love coming to iD Tech Camps and I hope to return next year! Sunyoung P., student, Santa Clara University
“My caring and kind instructor directed me through the course of my amazing week at iD Tech Camps. I learned things such as Flash Animation and how to use Photoshop. When I asked for help, my instructor always patiently explained the solution. He seemed to know everything there was to know about the programs we used. After one week at one of the best camps I have ever been to, my very own website turned out to be even better than I thought! David H., student, Santa Clara University
“My experience with iD Tech Camps was fun, memorable and educational. I am definitely returning next year. Nicholas B., student, Santa Clara University
Frequently Asked Questions
What courses are offered at this location?
Go to Step 2.When does camp start?
See Step 2 for the dates of our weeklong university summer computer camps.How much does camp cost?
The cost of tuition varies depending on the course, location and camp option that you choose. Basic Day Camp ranges from $779 to $999 per weeklong course. There are additional costs for program add-ons including lunch, overnight camp, and weekend stays.How can I save on tuition?
There are many ways for you to save!- Register early to take advantage of our seasonal promotions.
- Refer-a-Friend and you and your friend both save $50.
- Sign up for multiple weeks to save $50 off each additional week.
- Register multiple siblings and save $50 for each sibling.
Do you offer financial aid?
iD Tech Camps is proud to offer tuition assistance for families who qualify. Application deadlines are announced each year in the Spring.What is your cancellation policy?
Balance payments, less the non-refundable deposit, are refundable up until 3 weeks prior to the start of the confirmed camp week/session. No refunds will be issued for cancellations or withdrawals within 3 weeks of the start of confirmed camp weeks/sessions. All cancellations must be made online in My Account or submitted in writing to the internalDrive Inc. office no later than 3 weeks prior to the start of camp. For more details, please see our Terms & Conditions.Does my child need to have a high computer IQ?
No, our courses are for beginner to advanced students. Because of our small ratios, instructors can work with students 1-on-1 and personalize the curriculum for each student's level.Should my child bring a personal laptop to camp?
No, students do not need to bring laptops to camp. We provide a computer for each student to use for the week. All materials necessary for the course will be provided.Do you have any teen programs?
Yes. We have weeklong teen-only courses at iD Tech Camps, plus two-week pre-college Teen Academies. iD Tech Camps is for ages 7-17, and our courses and activities are divided between teen courses and pre-teen courses. In some cases, teens and pre-teens will study in the same lab (but will not be mixed in the same class). Students will be supervised at all times, but we attempt to strike the right balance of independence. Teens enjoy extra privileges appropriate for their environment and maturity levels. Special Teen Scene activities include computer gaming tournaments and Gamingpalooza.iD also offers specialized iD Teen Academies in the topics of Game Design, Programming, Film and Photography 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.
How do I register? How do I contact you?
To register, find 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 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.
