2
Summer cohorts
Just another coding camp.Build what you imagine. Ship what you build.
A one-week collective where kids build real projects with AI and develop creative agency.
Two one-week summer cohorts. Limited spots.
5
Days to project launch
Small
Mentor-led pods
Build with agency
Kids identify a problem they care about, define what to make, and lead their own execution.
Create with AI
They learn how to use AI as a thinking and building tool, not just a place to ask for answers.
Ship in public
Every team launches something by Friday and presents it at demo day.
Program format
One Week, End to End
Day 1
Choose the mission
Pick an idea, form teams, and define what success looks like.
Day 2
Prototype quickly
Build first versions with mentors and ship rough working demos.
Day 3
Test with users
Collect feedback, debug, and make the product easier to use.
Day 4
Polish and prepare
Refine quality, sharpen the story, and rehearse demos.
Day 5
Launch day
Present projects to families and invited builders.
For families
How HackerCamp Works for Families
Clear structure
Each day has a defined learning block, build block, and demo/reflection block.
Mentored pods
Kids work in small groups with direct mentor access, not large lecture-only sessions.
Visible outcomes
Families see progress through daily updates and final demo-day presentations.
Seattle community
Beyond the classroom
Present at UW
Select campers present their projects at the University of Washington.
Pitch at Founders Live
Top teams get a slot at a Founders Live Seattle event.
Local mentor coaching
Seattle business leaders visit camp to give feedback and coaching.
For the community
Support the next generation of builders
HackerCamp is built by and for the Seattle community. If you are a local business leader, founder, or professional who wants to help kids learn to build, we would love to hear from you. Mentor a pod, sponsor a cohort, or volunteer your time during demo week.
Why this exists
From our kitchen table to yours
HackerCamp started when I saw how fast the world was moving and how few places were helping kids build with that reality. I began by teaching my own kids, and quickly realized they wanted more than lessons. They wanted peers who loved creating as much as they did.
After conversations with other families, it became clear this should be a collective, not a one-household experiment.
Questions
Parent FAQ
Everything you need to know before your kid spends a week building with us.
Does my child need coding experience?
No. We accept complete beginners and experienced builders. Pods are grouped by age and confidence level so everyone can make progress.
What ages is this for?
We currently run cohorts for ages 10-14, with age-appropriate mentorship and project expectations.
How is safety handled?
Small mentor pods, structured schedules, clear check-in/check-out flow, and parent communication throughout the week.
What does my child leave with?
A shipped project, a demo presentation, and a practical understanding of how to turn ideas into real outcomes.
How do applications work?
Families submit a short application. We review fit, motivation, and cohort balance. Decisions are sent quickly so parents can plan summer logistics.
What if my child is shy or unsure?
That is common. We use structured icebreakers, pair-building, and mentor coaching to help students build confidence fast.
Ready to apply for HackerCamp?
Start with the family application. It takes about 5 minutes.