Canberra students will be dabbling in coding, making music and filming their own animations as part of some high-tech school holiday camps.
As parents look for ways to keep their little ones occupied for the two-week winter break, Code Camp chief executive and co-founder Ben Levi said his company's school holiday offerings have filled a gap in the market.
"Code Camp really began with kids coming to us saying, 'I've got this great idea but I have no idea where to start.' And really the only opportunity they had at the time was to go online and teach themselves," Mr Levi said.
"And so we created really fun and engaging programs to teach kids how to be creative with technology and not just consumers with technology."
While many parents might be wary of endless screen time during the break, Mr Levi said not all screen-based activities were negative.
"We're really trying to push for the real positive screen time, which is kids problem solving, [using] logical thinking, creating and just learning the skills which will help them achieve so much in the future."
At Code Camp, first-timers are introduced to block coding by using the logic and problem-solving skills behind coding to create a DC Superhero Game.
As they advance in their skills, students are introduced to syntactical coding where they can learn to write real code.
This year Code Camp expanded their offerings to include DJ Camp, YouTube creators and animation camps.
"At DJ Camp, each kid gets to choose a couple of songs and mix them together using real DJ decks and then on the final day we have a program called Codechella, where the kids have like their own little dance party in the classroom," Mr Levi said.
In YouTube creators, participants get to create their own YouTube video and Animation camp teaches kids to create stop motion movies.
"They walk away in the end with either a game, a website or an app that they could share with anyone around the world, or a YouTube clip with which they can share, or their music. It's just a lot of fun."
Mr Levi said it was also a great way to introduce girls to software programing.
"That's a big push for us because the girls who come to code camp have the best time ever. But there still are preconceived ideas that coding or tech is for boys. We definitely want to change that stereotype."
Booking early online is the best way to secure a spot in any school holiday program. Keep a close eye on the latest COVID-19 health advice.
ACT school holiday activities:
- Code Camp programs will be held at the ANU, Maribrynong Primary School, Canberra High School and Burgmann Anglican School on various dates. See codecamp.com.au
- Book a skating session at South.Point Shopping Centre or at the Wintervention in Civic Square.
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National Archives of Australia is inviting kids to explore some original records then do a fun craft project. 10am-11:30am daily, costs $5 per child.
- Soccer, basketball, AFL, netball and rugby union camps are on at the ANU Acton campus on Tuesday to Thursday. See australiansportscamps.com.au
- Make a mini museum diorama at the National Museum of Australia. Costs $15 per child, sessions start 10am and 11.30am.
- The Communities@Work school holiday programs are held at 12 schools around the ACT. The first week is fully booked but there are places in the second week. Book by 28 June to secure a spot.
- Explore Australia's megafauna at the Australian National Botanic Gardens. The MegaFAUNA: Once there were giants! exhibition continues until July 25. The gardens open 8.30am to 5pm daily. Entry is free.
