Summer Coding Camps & Tech Academies Held at UCLA

The iD Tech experience blends serious learning with the fun of summer. Students learn in small groups in computer labs with instructors who know how to explain complex ideas in an engaging, age-appropriate way. Days often begin with icebreakers and team-building, helping students feel comfortable collaborating before diving into coursework.

After lunch, participants return to the lab to continue building, testing, and refining their projects. Breaks are intentionally built into the schedule, with time for outdoor games, friendly tournaments, and campus exploration. This balance helps students stay energized while continuing to make meaningful progress.

Those staying overnight typically continue working until dinner, then shift into evening activities focused on connection and shared experiences. Two-week academies for teens are more intensive and assignment-driven, offering greater independence and a stronger pre-college feel. Students in these programs also leave with a project portfolio connected to their course focus.

Accommodation

The program offers both day and overnight options. Students in the overnight format stay in university residence halls and experience a supervised version of college living. Room assignments are typically based on age and gender, and families may request a specific roommate during registration. If a roommate request wasn’t added at sign-up, it can be updated in the account area up to two weeks before the session starts.

UCLA’s campus is located in the residential neighborhood of Westwood/Bel Air in Los Angeles. Students move between labs, dining areas, and outdoor spaces as part of the daily rhythm, with time for walking, landmarks, and supervised hangouts. Some groups may also have chances to explore nearby Westwood Village spots, which adds a fun “college town” feel.

Day students do not stay overnight, but they still spend full days on campus for instruction, meals, and activities.

Meals

Meals are organized for both formats.

Day camp includes lunch as part of the program day, so students don’t need to pack a full lunch unless they prefer to. Families may still want to send a small snack, especially for kids who get hungry between activities. A refillable water bottle is a smart everyday item.

For overnight sessions, all meals are included and served in on-campus dining halls. Dining time is also social time—students step away from screens, talk about their projects, and reset before the next block of the day. Options are varied, which helps with different tastes and many common dietary preferences.

Safety

Safety is built into the program at every level, starting with the people who work directly with students. All instructors and staff members are adults—there are no counselors-in-training or junior assistants. This means students are guided by experienced mentors who are hired, trained, and paid as professionals. Every staff member completes thorough background and reference checks before working with students.

Staff training happens in person and is designed to prepare instructors not only to teach technical skills, but also to manage groups, support different learning styles, and respond appropriately to everyday situations. By the first day of the session, instructors are confident, prepared, and ready to create a safe, engaging learning environment.

Daily supervision is consistent throughout the schedule. Students are with staff during instructional time, meals, transitions between buildings, and outdoor activities across campus. Clear routines and expectations help maintain a calm, organized atmosphere. For overnight programs, residence hall guidelines are clearly communicated, with staff present during evening hours and overnight to support safety and well-being.

Health & Medicine

Families provide relevant health information during registration so staff can support individual needs appropriately. This may include allergies, medical conditions, or accommodations that affect participation.

Students spend around five hours per day on the computer, with breaks built in for movement, outdoor time, and social resets. Staff encourage hydration and regular breaks, which helps students stay comfortable and focused during longer learning blocks.

If medication needs to be taken during program hours, families follow the program’s established procedures for safe handling and administration. Parents or guardians are informed if any health-related concerns arise during the session.

Camp Traditions

One of the defining traditions of this program is mentorship. Students learn from experienced, all-adult instructors who are deeply passionate about STEM and excited to share what they know. These educators are recruited from leading U.S. universities and bring real academic and industry insight into every lesson. Their role goes beyond teaching skills—they model curiosity, confidence, and what it looks like to pursue a future in technology.

Instructors actively pass on their experience through hands-on guidance, thoughtful feedback, and daily encouragement. Students are invited to ask questions, think critically, and see how technical skills connect to real-world paths in innovation and problem-solving. The goal is not just to complete a project, but to help students understand how and why things work.

This strong mentorship culture is supported by rigorous hiring standards, thorough background and reference checks, and extensive in-person and virtual training. Staff members also follow established guidelines aligned with American Camp Association–accredited practices, helping create a safe, structured, and inspiring environment where students can grow.