Full-Day Coding, Daily Wins
After two weeks of sun, dirt, and outdoor camps, Ford was ready for something different. Coding with Kids’ Full-Day Scratch Game Development Camp came at the perfect time. It was indoors, engaging, and gave him a whole new outlet for his creativity.
The camp, run by Coding with Kids (CwK), is held at Experiment PDX on Portland’s east side. The setting couldn’t have been nicer—despite being in the lower level of the building, the computer lab gets warm natural light through a spiral staircase, and the hallway decor gives Anthropologie-meets-tech-startup energy. It felt bright, calm, and well-designed for focus.
TL;DR for Busy Parents
- 💻 Full-day Scratch coding with game development focus
- 🧠 Knowledgeable, hands-on instructors
- 🏡 Beautiful, welcoming eastside space
- 📬 Daily updates (and honest ones!)
- 🎮 Final day demo to showcase student projects
- ✅ Great indoor option during hot weeks
What Made This Camp Stand Out
From day one, Ford was hooked. He came home asking to download a Scratch app on his iPad and eagerly showed us what he’d built. That excitement didn’t wear off. Each day brought something new to try—animations, characters, mechanics—and he couldn’t wait to share what he’d created.
We especially appreciated the daily email updates from the Coding with Kids team. They gave a real sense of what was happening inside the room—not just a generic summary, but thoughtful recaps that even noted when the energy was high or a bit chaotic. As a parent, that transparency matters.
Ford’s instructor, Oscar, struck a great balance: upbeat, tuned-in, and able to meet each kid where they were in terms of experience. Whether it was a first-time coder or someone more seasoned, everyone had the chance to build something meaningful.
The week ended with a short but sweet demo session, where campers presented their projects to proud parents. It was a great way to cap off a week of learning, creativity, and confidence-building.
Why Coding with Kids Works
This camp delivers on a few key fronts:
- Real skill-building: Kids leave with a functional understanding of coding logic, not just passive play.
- Creativity meets structure: Scratch offers a playful entry point, but the camp gives it focus and forward momentum.
- Great timing for mid-summer: Especially ideal for weeks when you want indoor programming, or a reset after physical camps.
- Parent-friendly communication: The daily touchpoints helped us feel connected to what Ford was doing, without micromanaging.
Final Take
Coding with Kids’ Scratch Game Development Camp is a stellar choice for curious elementary-age kids who love to create and parents who value a thoughtful, well-run program. It brought just the right mix of skill-building, creativity, and joy. Explore more Coding with Kids activities on schoolsoutapp.com. Not in Portland? Find locations near you on the Coding with Kids website.
