Release your inner (code) ninja at Oxford’s newest summer coding camps
To the delight of video game loving kids in Oxford, brand-new coding dojo, Code Ninjas, is set to run a range of summer camps to transform children’s love for technology into an exciting learning adventure.
From 12th July, Code Ninjas Oxford’s coding camps will provide various programmes throughout the school holidays for kids aged 8-14. Through hands-on education, children learn how to code by building robots and creating their own games that friends and family can play at home – all during the course of a week-long workshop at the Iffley-based coding hub.
Run by local dad-of-two Howard Lee-Smith, the Code Ninjas camps aim to provide a facility for kids to learn exciting new skills in a fun and inspiring environment. “I can’t wait for our coding camps to get underway next month,” said Howard. “with technology use intrinsic to all our daily lives, it’s clear that our kids’ lives will be hugely enriched by understanding how coding works. The future is exciting, but our children need to be ready for it.”
Howard, who works as an architectural lighting designer, has always had a passion for technology and decided to start Code Ninjas for his own children Orlando and Lola. “My children love consuming technology, and I thought why not turn all that time they spend looking at screens into something positive? Coding is under-resourced here in schools across the UK. So, I saw the opportunity to help benefit their understanding of technology by starting up my Code Ninjas studio.
“As parents plan for the long summer break, many are already on the hunt for fun, enriching activities that don’t break the bank. Our coding camps deliver all that and more!”
As you can imagine, things are done a little differently at Code Ninjas. Centres are called dojos, teachers are called Code SenseisTM and students are called ninjas. Spanning the course of a full week, our half-day camps offer ninjas the chance to fully explore one particular area of digital development. Themes range from ‘Program and play in Python’ to ‘Robotics bootcamp - using Lego education solutions’ and ‘Become a Roblox developer’.
“The fundamentals of coding can’t be taught in just one hour – like any other form of educational enrichment, knowledge is gained over the course of an extended period of time. And because at Code Ninjas we emphasise the importance of fun through learning, camps offer their Code Sensei the chance to deliver the sessions in a relaxed environment, customised to a pace that suits each child.
“Summer camps not only promote invaluable life skills, like team-building and communication, they also encourage ninjas to become independent learners. Through working independently as well as in a collaborative setting, kids stay mentally engaged and focused during the summer months,” explained Howard. “Each camp presents a set of unique activities aimed at preparing kids for a future in technology and allows them to develop new skills and have a great time with friends. It will be an unforgettable learning experience!”
Ahead of the studio’s official Grand Opening party in September, the team are also running daily game-building taster sessions throughout the summer holidays for those interested in the after-school creative coding program. If you’d like to find out more, please visit: https://www.codeninjas.com/locations-list/gb/oxf/oxford
Editors notes:
For more information, or to speak with the Howard, contact Jacob Turner on 07730 727475 or email jacob@revpr.co.uk
Images available: An image of Howard and his son Orlando.