iD Tech Camps

This camp was not well organized as the price would suggest. Very disappointed in the lack of information: The Standford GSB got a bomb threat and was evacuated this morning. It took 3 hours for ID Tech to email a notice to parents. Even though the evacuation was limited to the GSB, this is very, very concerning. 8÷14÷15
There has been a bomb threat at the Graduate School of Business /​Knight Management Center. Out of an abundance of caution, the area has been evacuated while police search the area. Stay away from all areas around Arguello Way, Campus Drive, and Serra Mall.

My sons have done three ID Tech camps at Stanford:
1. Lego NXT in 2011 (9 year old camper)
2. iOS Game Development in 2013 (11 year old camper)
3. Racing Game Development in 2013 (9 year old camper)
There were some notable highlights and lowlights; overall I’d describe our experience as «pretty good.» Given that there are not a lot of other comparable tech camp options for kids this age, there is a decent chance we will be back.
Highlights:
— Exposure to computer programming in a dedicated environment
— Socialization with other kids who think science and programming is cool
— Counselors are bright and try hard to keep things fun/​light
— Campers learn some new specific technical skills they can take home
— My boys had fun and were happy to go each day
Lowlights:
— Not much direct instruction (8:1 counselor ratio sounds great, but in reality counselor spends most time trouble shooting and with whoever’s further behind)
— Our counselors were not very experienced with the software in question (in all 3 classes, they couldn’t answer my son’s questions once past the basics)
— Fair number of technical problems with no backup solution (e.g., wifi out in iOS class, so kids couldn’t download; NXT brick breaks and no replacement available)
— Poor check-​in/​out process — took 30 – 45 minutes to get them out each day
— Very expensive relative to other camps in the area; not always obvious why

ID Tech summer camp has been nothing but a wonderful experience for our family. My 11 year old son attends both the Stanford and UC Berkeley locations and has found the instructors to be both knowledgeable and entertaining. We find the cost commensurate with the quality of instruction and individualized attention. We do not hesitate to sign him up for different courses.
Today, however, we had a misstep in communication. To be completely honest, I was absolutely livid when I called the Campbell Headquarters to complain. I spoke with a supervisor, Jamad (Sp? apologies), who handled my tirade with professionalism and courtesy (well beyond his years). Not only did he remain calm and composed, but he asked appropriate questions. He balanced excellent customer service all while protecting corporate interests. We knew that ID Tech hired skilled instructors, however, I was pleasantly surprised to learn they also put much effort into training their customer support staff as well.
Without hesitation, I can say that ID Tech Summer Camps are the absolute best in customer service. We have loved this camp for content and quality, but we also learned that when something goes wrong they handle it.

This is part one of a two part review of ID Tech Camp’s programming lab at Stanford. I felt compelled to write a review about Jason, an employee at headquarters. Jason was immensely helpful and patient on the phone as I worked through the right program and location for our 16-​year-​old. We live in Chicago and our son had attended a previous program at nearby Lake Forest College (wonderful!) This time we wanted Max to stretch his wings and be in a different environment. Jason was simply outstanding as he listened to a brief description of our son and narrowed in on Stanford. Jason is one of the best active listeners I’ve come into contact with. He went well beyond «good» customer service to anticipate my questions and help ease my concern about sending our first of four sons across the country on his own. I can’t say enough terrific things about him. What an incredible ambassador for ID Tech Camps!

My 12 year old son has been going to ID Tech for the last two years and plans to go again this summer. Every year it is the highlight of his summer! The staff are very friendly and encouraging to kids of all ability levels. Any time we’ve had an issue or special request, the staff has been more than happy to accommodate and work with us. My son has gone from knowing nothing about video games (other then he loved playing them!) to creating several of his own. His skills have improved each year, and he has a total blast! It’s not the cheapest camp in town, but you do get what you pay for here, and their scholarship programs are wonderful for anyone who needs a little extra help.

My older son has been going to this camp since age 11. He learned C ++, Java, Web and Game Design and many other things I do not understand because I do not speak Nerd. My son went to the day and overnight camps.
My son is very quirky kid and naturally, I was little bit worried but he did great thanks to very supportive and enthusiastic staff. ID Tech camp has very small instructor to student ratio. The quality of instruction and supervision my son received was simply amazing. Every day my son would tell me how happy he was in this camp. He loved the instructors, the subject matter, equipment, food and all the social activities as well as his camp mates. He formed some really good long distant friendships. Staying overnight at Stanford dorms and spending time on that beautiful campus inspired him to graduate High Shoo early.
However, ID Teach camp is great place not only for kids who breath and live code like my older son. My younger son also went to ID Camp. While he is not planning to be computer scientist, he very much enjoyed learning how games are designed and had an excellent time.
ID Tech is not a cheap camp but I consider my money very well spent .
ID Tech allowed my older son to dvelop his interest and aquire real skills. The skill my son leared in this camp allowed him to do many interesting and cool things in life such as Robotics team, making pocket money as web master and teach support, volunteering at Mindcraft conference, internship with a gaming company and understanding of computes beyond simply playing «Halo» for hours or posting on Facebook. ID Teach teaches kids skills they can use IRL! +1 to ID Tech. Like.
He is entering college at 16 and is planning to major in Computer Sceince.