SummerTech - Purchase, New York

Aasim K.

My 11 year old son spent a week at SummerTech camp - overnight option - and LOVED it.

The camp environment is unique and wonderful

-- given its reputation and large number of repeat campers, the kids at the camp are a kind and welcoming group

-- the camp counselors are amazing - almost all are graduates of SummerTech and their enthusiasm for coding rubs off on the campers. They make coding fun and also ensure that there are lots of non-coding fun activities.

-- the camp directors, led by founder and owner Steven Fink ensure that the camp is structured well, staffed well, and that things run safely and efficiently.

-- the long term options with SummerTech are exciting - after a few years, campers can become counselors, they can also volunteer via the SummerTech affiliated nonprofit, TeachForth,

Bottom line, one of the first things my son said after camp ended was asking if he can be signed up for 2 weeks overnight camp next year.

Lauren A.

Phenomenal program designed and run by phenomenal people. Having had no coding experience but wanting to challenge herself, my daughter agreed to try one week. She has had such an incredible experience, she has grown so much with her confidence and loves literally every minute at Summer Tech and has made lifelong connections. Not only did she want to sign up for more weeks, but she received such great support and feedback that now she is taking on a teaching role and working as a CIT. I only wish I had known about the program earlier. The enthusiasm about learning and the connections and friendships made (myself included) have been life-changing. Bless you Steven!

Seth K.

To put this review in context, I have a PhD from MIT. SummerTech was an absolutely fabulous experience for my kids. All 3 went in with some programming knowledge, and no Python experience, and by the time the summer was over one of my kids was writing his own network-based chat program with a user database. The instruction was top notch, and so was the curriculum. We have tried many STEM camps over the years, but SummerTech is the only one that actually delivers real, lasting, relevant skills. If you are looking for a STEM experience for your children, particularly for programming, look no further.

Tara R.

I've never seen my son so enthusiastic about a camp experience before in his life! We were beyond thrilled to have him participate in Summertech! We even signed up for an additional session! It’s no wonder the camp is filled every session because it’s clear that the kids are equal parts challenged and nurtured. My son came home each night (after opting to stay until 9 each night to enjoy all the activities provided!) having learned new things, being active outdoors, making new friends and being inspired to do more coding on his own. The Summertech director, Steven Fink, and all of the counselors have developed such a phenomenal program that brings back campers and counselors every year. My son will no doubt return next year and for years to come! Thank you Summertech!

Diana S.

This is an amazing camp. My son had his first overnight experience at this camp 3 years ago. The last couple years we weren't able to attend. Last year he went to a more traditional camp that was closer (we're over 4 hours away), but he went back this summer, and it was the best camp experience ever! He loved it! This camp has an unbeatable staff to camper ratio and provides the support and flexibility that budding, creative young developers need to figure out their niche. He switched from the 3D modeling that he had taken 3 years ago to Java and is eager to return next year. We were met with so much enthusiasm and welcomed with open arms, which is usually not our camp experience since my son is the classic, introverted, devil-may-care, mad scientist type. Here, he really found his tribe. We're looking forward to coming back every year we can.

Giles N.

The variety of tech programming and creative tech classes offered at SummerTech is amazing. My kids have taken Python, Java, Animation, 3-D Modeling and Web Design. Along with the technical skills they have so much fun! There are a variety of electives as well which can include things such as ukulele, film study, juggling, intro to other tech classes, games, and more. Theme nights are great. SummerTech may be a tech camp but its true strength is in its caring community. I feel like I have watched these campers grow up, returning year after year, eventually becoming counselors.

Steven H.

Wow! What a tremendous experience. This was our daughters' first overnight camp experience. Needless to say, we were very nervous. However, from the moment we arrived for the orientation, we were blown away by the professionalism, organization, and intellectual nature of this camp! Steve Fink and his team of counselors and teachers have created a real gem that has been grown over many years. All of the counselors were former campers which creates a wonderful atmosphere of mentoring. The counselors are great role models that took time to be with our children. They counselors are charismatic, funny, and great teachers. The out of class time is well-supervised and our girls always felt safe and secure. We were expecting many phone calls and homesickness. Instead, our girls were very engaged and we had to beg them to call home! Most importantly, our children were challenged to learn Python and at the end of the camp were programming some pretty advanced code examples. We are definitely going to be going back next year and will be spreading the word to our friends!

Rita F.

Both my son and my daughter have been going to SummerTech for the last couple of years and think it's fantastic. Not only have they been learning real world skills, they also have made some great friends and they have a lot of fun there. Everyone is super welcoming and every day there are different fun activities that they can choose to participate in. They also serve lunch and dinner with lots of options. The kids are looking forward to continuing at SummerTech this summer and summers thereafter.