FAQs

Zen Code Camp is a summer camp for kids ages 7–12 that blends real coding with mindfulness and creative tech challenges. Campers build their own games, apps, and 3D-printed creations while also learning to slow down, stay focused, and feel confident in who they are.

It’s hands-on, high-energy, and designed to stretch both sides of the brain.

Your child will learn how to code real apps and games using professional tools and programming logic, not just drag-and-drop blocks. They’ll explore 3D printing, game design, and creative problem-solving through hands-on tech challenges designed for curious minds.

But that’s just the beginning.

They’ll also learn mindfulness techniques to help manage stress, boost focus, and build emotional strength. Through daily movement, team activities, and guided reflections, they’ll grow their confidence, communication skills, and sense of self.

No. Our summer camps are designed for kids ages 7–12 of all skill levels. Beginners will learn the basics of real coding in a fun, supportive way, while more experienced campers can take on advanced projects and creative challenges at their own pace.

We combine real coding with mindfulness. Campers build their own apps, games, and 3D-printed creations using professional tools. Just as important, they learn how to stay focused, manage stress, and feel confident in who they are. We balance tech with movement, creativity with calm, and individual learning with community connection. It’s brainy, playful, and full of purpose.

There’s no other camp quite like it.

We kick off each morning with energizing icebreakers to help campers connect, feel seen, and ease into the day. After that, kids launch straight into coding. Real tools, real logic, real projects.Kids work on building their own apps and games, then team up for coding challenges that build collaboration and creative problem-solving.

After lunch, we recharge with mindfulness activities, movement, or outdoor play. The afternoons are for continuing coding projects, diving into 3D printing, and prepping for end-of-week presentations.

We end each day with a group share or reflection so campers leave feeling proud, calm, and connected.

Nope. Not even close.

While kids spend part of the day on laptops coding and building digital projects, we intentionally break up screen time with movement, mindfulness, creative challenges, and hands-on 3D printing.

Each day is designed to balance deep focus with play, tech time with real-world interaction. Campers move, laugh, collaborate, and recharge. Because learning happens best when the whole child is engaged.

We keep things fast-paced, hands-on, and full of variety. Every day mixes solo coding time with team challenges, movement breaks, mindfulness, and creative projects like 3D printing or game design.

Campers get to explore their own ideas, build projects they’re proud of, and present them on stage at the end of the week. We also shake things up with surprise challenges, group games, and plenty of space to move, laugh, and connect.

The vibe is playful and high-energy. Everything we do has a purpose.

Yes! Campers will take home a completed app or game they’ve created, a 3D-printed project, and a personalized completion certificate. 

Show & Tell is our big end-of-week celebration, held every Friday on the last day of camp. Campers take the stage to present what they’ve created, from video games and apps to 3D-printed inventions.

It’s high-energy, camper-led, and full of pride. Kids get to share their work, cheer each other on, and show off everything they’ve learned.

Yes, parents are absolutely invited. In fact, we encourage it. Bring your phone, bring your applause, and get ready to be blown away.

We’ve designed each day to balance focus, creativity, and calm. Mornings are all about coding. Campers work on their own games and apps, then team up for collaborative coding challenges.

Afternoons mix it up with 3D printing, design projects, and mindful recharge time. Campers might journal, stretch, meditate, or just take a moment to pause and reset before diving back in.

Every part of the day is structured to support both sides of the brain. It keeps kids engaged, helps them manage their energy, and builds real-world skills in a way that feels fun and empowering.

Mindfulness isn’t about sitting still and saying “om.” It’s about teaching kids how to pause, notice what they’re feeling, and respond with clarity instead of overwhelm.

Through movement, stretching, breathing exercises, journaling, and short reflections, campers learn how to manage stress, stay present, and bounce back from frustration. These are tools they’ll use not just at camp, but in school, at home, and in life.

Coding and 3D printing teach more than just tech skills. They teach kids how to think.

Through these tools, kids learn how to break big problems into smaller ones, test ideas, adapt when things don’t work, and bring their wildest ideas to life. It’s creativity and logic working together.

Whether they go on to be engineers, artists, entrepreneurs, or anything in between, these skills build confidence, critical thinking, and resilience.

That’s totally okay. Zen Code Camp is designed to be welcoming, low-pressure, and supportive for all personality types.

We start each day with gentle icebreakers and small group activities that help kids ease in, build trust, and feel comfortable at their own pace. No one is ever forced to speak in front of a crowd or participate in a way that feels overwhelming.

Our instructors are trained to notice and support quieter campers, helping them feel seen, heard, and included. Often, those are the kids who end up surprising themselves. They find confidence in their work and connection in the community.

Being introverted isn’t a barrier here. It’s just another way of being awesome.

Safety is our top priority. All staff members are background-checked, trained in CPR and first aid, and experienced in working with kids. We keep a low camper-to-instructor ratio to make sure every child gets personal attention and support.

Our daily routines include secure check-in and check-out procedures, clear safety protocols, and ongoing supervision in every zone. Whether kids are coding, creating, or just taking a break, they’re always being looked after.

We also maintain open communication with parents throughout the week, so you’re always in the loop and never left wondering how your child is doing.

We maintain a low ratio of 7:1 to ensure every child gets personalized attention and support throughout the week.

If your child feels unwell or gets injured during camp, we’ll take immediate action to make sure they’re safe and comfortable. All of our instructors are trained in CPR and first aid, and we have clear protocols in place for managing everything from minor scrapes to unexpected illness.

You’ll be contacted right away, and we’ll keep you updated throughout. If needed, we’ll work with you to coordinate pickup or next steps.

We take every precaution to prevent injuries and illness, but if something does happen, your child will be in experienced and caring hands.

Complimentary early drop-off starts at 8:00 AM, and pick-up is from 3:00–4:00 PM. Our team ensures a secure and smooth process, with clear instructions and designated areas for parents. Camp officially starts at 9:00 AM each day and ends at 3:00 PM each day. 

Zen Code Camp is designed for kids ages 7 to 12. Our curriculum and activities are tailored to meet kids where they are, whether they’re total beginners or already love coding and tech.

We group campers by age for certain activities and challenges, so everyone feels included, supported, and appropriately challenged.

Yes, we group kids by age and experience to ensure they’re comfortable, supported, and appropriately challenged.

Kids with experience can take on more advanced challenges or refine their skills by creating complex apps and games. Our instructors adapt the experience to meet every camper’s needs.

Absolutely. Zen Code Camp is designed for all types of kids, not just the tech-obsessed.

We combine hands-on projects with movement, mindfulness, and creativity. Campers spend time coding, but they’re also building, playing, collaborating, and exploring in ways that feel fun and engaging.

Even if your child hasn’t shown much interest in tech before, they might enjoy the chance to create something of their own in a playful, low-pressure environment. Our goal is to make it approachable, balanced, and fun.

Yes! When registering siblings, you’ll also receive $50 off each additional child.

If your child is attending with a friend and they’d like to be grouped together, just let us know during registration and we’ll do our best to make it happen.

We’re hosted at three world-class schools across Chicago:

‍West Loop/Fulton Market:
Bennett Day School
Email: [email protected]
(872) 326-2580

‍Rogers Park/North Side
Rogers Park Montessori School
Email: [email protected]
(872) 335-2220

‍Evanston/North Shore:
Roycemore School
Email: [email protected]
(872) 275-4910
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‍Each location offers the full Zen Code Camp experience with professional instructors, beautiful facilities, and all the tech, supplies, and support kids need to thrive.

Camp runs Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with complimentary early drop-off starting at 8:00 AM and late pick-up available until 4:00 PM.

Yes. Healthy, allergy-friendly lunches and snacks are included every day. We accommodate common dietary restrictions, so just let us know during enrollment.

Your child should bring a reusable water bottle and wear comfortable clothing for active learning. All other materials, including laptops and 3D printing supplies, are provided.

We accommodate dietary needs and ensure allergen-free options are available. Please provide details during enrollment so we can plan accordingly.

Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is recommended. Sneakers or closed-toed shoes are required for safety.

Enrollment is easy—just visit our website and select your preferred location and camp date(s). Early bird pricing is available until May 1st. 

Camp tuition is $849 per week. That includes all meals and snacks, coding tools, supplies, 3D printing materials, and early/late care. No extra fees. No surprises.

We also offer a $200 early bird discount if you register by May 1. Plus, families booking multiple weeks get $100 off each additional week per child.

Sibling Discounts - We offer an additional $50 off for each additional child.

Yes! We offer a $50 discount for each additional child attending camp.

Yes, save $200 when you enroll by May 1st.

The cost covers all coding and mindfulness activities, healthy meals and snacks, use of technology (Chromebooks) while at camp, at-home access to our online coding platform, and take-home items like a 3D-printed creation, a camp swag kit, and a camp completion certificate. 

Refunds are available up to two weeks before your camp start date. After that, credit can be applied to a future camp session.