What Are AI Summer Camps, and Are They Worth It?

We live in an age where careers are being augmented rapidly. According to the World Economic Forum, artificial intelligence and big data are the fastest-growing skills. Pairing technology literacy with creative thinking, resilience, agility and curiosity is the path forward for today's youth. 

For younger kids, AI summer camps can be a good way to introduce this technology and thinking to them -- in a fun and engaging setting that doesn't require them to be glued to a screen. Get them talking to teachers, not a bot. 

If you're a parent and AI is new to you, learn how to ask AI questions, how to use chatbots and how to train an AI tool. This ChatGPT beginner's guide is a good place to start. 

A lot of the learning will happen at home, so it's helpful to know the basics. This is the era of the lifelong learner, no matter your age. 

So, what is an AI summer camp? 

It's exactly what it sounds like: a summer camp to learn about artificial intelligence. These curriculums are designed to introduce kids and teens to AI. Like a summer camp, they are group-focused, hands-on and activity-led. 

Similar to STEM summer camps, AI camps focus on machine learning, coding, AI applications and real-world projects. 

These programs are ideal in the summertime and during school breaks, when kids have free time to dedicate to such programs. Some kids might even be eager to learn, given how popular AI is. If they respond by saying they can just teach themselves with ChatGPT, push back. While self-education should be celebrated, the value of these boot camps is the soft skills and co-creation. 

The different types of AI summer camps 

There are in-person and online AI summer camps, or boot camps, throughout the year. Providers include universities, community colleges, tech companies and online education websites. You'll also find programs for various age groups, usually from age seven and up. 

Here are some options: 

• Code Wizards HQ: AI and Machine Learning, The Fundamentals
• ID Tech: AI and Machine Learning Camp 
• AI Club: AI Made Fun
• Research Ignited: AI Scholars Program 
• The Coder School: Rise of the Machines
• iCode: Battle of the Bots
• AI Camp: AI Bootcamp 
• Create & Learn: AI Creators, Computer Vision & ChatGPT Class 
• University of Minnesota: Run the World 
• Princeton University: PrincetonAI4ALL

If a summer camp is in-person, you might have to enroll ahead of time to secure a spot and plan travel. This might be a smart annual investment during your child's formative years. It could help support their study and career choices at a time when it's hard to plan for the future.

What will they learn at an AI camp?

Each AI camp will have its own course material, but usually it's a combination of theory and hands-on activity. Practical tasks can include:

• Experimenting with AI tools to complete school-related tasks.
• Building and launching a product using LLMs.
• Creating a chatbot.
• Troubleshooting and improving AI integrations.
• AI competitions and challenges.

AI summer camps and bootcamps fill a knowledge and skills gap that isn't necessarily covered in school tech classes. The rapid speed of AI advancement means school curriculums can't keep pace with its progress, so these dedicated camps could be a valuable (and continuing) learning resource for kids.

Some programs are free, some are fairly priced, and others are costly, so do your research and decide how much you want to spend. There are plenty of program options to choose from, based on your location and budget. 

With many of these programs led by top tech talent and professors, your kids are in good (human) hands.