Camp Hours & Activities

For all Coding camps & STEM – Movie Makers camp: families are encouraged to supply their own device, ie. a laptop -or- a tablet with keyboard + mouse. Alternatively, Codezilla rentals of a laptop + mouse are available ($10/day).

For half-day camps: please bring a nut-free snack, flip-top water bottle, sunscreen, hat. 

For full day camps: please bring a nut-free lunch + 2 snacks, flip-top water bottle, sunscreen, hat and swimsuit/towel for water days.

As a mom-run business, we know that outdoor playtime (aka screen-free time) is important. Campers follow a school-based schedule, eg. 1 x 60 min lunch, 2 x 20 min recess break (AM + PM) for plenty of fresh air and outdoor recreation at local parks, splash pads and nearby green spaces.  

Our camp hours are 9 – 4pm. 

Optional extended care is also available:

• Early-drop off: 8:30 – 9am
• Late pick up: 4 – 5pm

For full day camps, we host ‘Family Friday’ from 3 – 4pm. Families are welcome to watch their child(ren) present their coding and/or STEM projects. It’s a tech-rific, STEM-tastic end-of-camp party!

We operate small-size camps to ensure that every child has a personal and positive experience. Our STEM camps and Coding camps average 12 children per camp. Both camps operate on either end of a large classroom, totalling 24 children with a 1:8 instructor-child ratio or better.

When it comes to coding, age is less important than prior coding experience.  

• Roblox and Minecraft are creative options that many kids already enjoy playing at home. Note: Roblox camp has more advanced coding challenges. Prior Roblox experience is recommended.
• Game Makers Level 1 (Beginners) is ideal for kids who are new to coding (computational thinking) or who have limited coding experience at school. This is taught using MIT Scratch software. 
• App Makers is the next level up from Game Makers, as it uses MIT App Inventor. It’s more advanced but a kid-friendly introduction to app development.
• Python coders is more advance, text-based coding. Recommended for campers ages 10+ or with advanced coding experience. 

Tech Requirements for Coding Camps (does not apply to STEM camps):

• If you are bringing your own laptop to Coding camp, please don’t forget to bring a charger!
• If you are bringing a tablet to Coding camp, please include a keyboard. 

Software Used for Coding Camps:

• Game Makers: Please make sure you have a browser (safari, google chrome, microsoft edge, etc) installed and updated. You can test running the program by going to https://scratch.mit.edu.
• App Makers: Please make sure you have a browser installed and updated. You can test running the software at https://appinventor.mit.edu. If you have Google Play, we also suggest installing MIT AI2 Companion.
• Minecraft: Please install the latest version of Minecraft: Education Edition. Campers will be given Codezilla education accounts. Campers are able to export their projects to their own accounts afterwards.
• Roblox: Please install the latest version of Roblox Studio, and create a Roblox account for your child if they don’t already have one. This ensures their hard work is accessible on their own device forever!
• YouTubers: Please make sure you have a browser installed and updated. You can test run the software by going to https://www.capcut.com/login. Please also make sure your device has a working camera and microphone. This can be tested by going to https://www.recordcast.com.
• Python Game Makers: Please make sure you have a browser (safari, google chrome, microsoft edge, etc) installed and updated. You can test running the program by going to https://www.pytch.org/app/suggested-tutorial-demo/script-by-script-hello.

IMPORTANT: not all computers can run these softwares. If you are providing your own device, please ensure that your computer can run the necessary software before camp. This helps alleviate unnecessary stress on Day 1. 

If you need to rent a Codezilla computer (and haven’t yet done so), please let us know ASAP by emailing codezilla@codezillakids.com so we can reserve one for you! There is a small rental fee of $10/day.

Our goal is to run a caring and inclusive camp where all children have ‘Educational Fun’. Please contact us to discuss your child’s individual needs if the answers below don’t address your concerns. 

For  younger children or those new to camp: parents can receive a text or email and photo update about their child. We love to over-share!

For children with learning disabilities or special needs: If your child is already comfortable in a classroom setting, they may adapt well to camp. Many children who are on the spectrum and high functioning have enjoyed our camp.  

For children who require 1:1 support: if your child has a support worker, they are welcome to attend camp alongside your child. Although we are a small camp, we are unable to provide 1:1 support to individual children. This includes both indoor and outdoor support.

Please note:

• although our staff receives training on how to best support a variety of children, we do not have specialized counsellors or educators on site.
• Due to all-camper safety ratios, our staff cannot stay inside during lunch or recess to support an individual child.
• Have questions? Please contact us directly if you need to discuss your child’s needs.

We know that parents know their child best. Your child may be suitable for camp if they are close to the listed age range (ie. within 6 months of turning 5 years old), comfortable in a classroom environment, possess reasonable maturity levels and academic capabilities and/or has an older sibling attending camp that week. Please contact us to discuss your child’s individual needs.

If your child doesn’t like Codezilla camp for any reason, we offer a full refund of days remaining, minus non-refundable 2.4% credit card fees.* 

If you decide to cancel your camp purchase prior to the camp start date:

• 4+ weeks prior to camp start, 100% refund (minus $25 admin fee + 2.4% credit card fees)
• 2-4 weeks prior to camp start, 50% refund (minus $25 admin fee + 2.4% credit card fees)
• 1 week prior to start, no refund 
• No refund due to missed camp days 
• No refund if your child is asked to leave camp due to dangerous or threatening behavior

* Note: Codezilla’s ‘Happy Child Guarantee’ refund policy does not apply if your child is asked to leave camp due to bad behaviour. Codezilla has a 3-strike policy to address behavioural issues at camp. 

If we had to summarize it in 2 words, it would be Codezilla Cares💚

As a mom-run and teacher-led business, we promise a week of Educational Fun – from STEM to presentation skills – that also includes safe screen-time and plenty of outdoor play.

Some Codezilla features that we’re especially proud of:

• Our camps appeal to all kids! We typically have a 60/40 boy-to-girl ratio – a rarity in STEM and coding!
• Smaller camp size = nice camp environment! Our staff really get to know your child, and campers are guaranteed to make new friends.
• Extra TLC for younger campers or special needs kids. Since we operate smaller-size camps, Codezilla can offer more support for first time campers or high-functioning children on the Spectrum.
• Teacher and Mom-approved: our biggest champions are principals, teachers and moms, including Parent Councils. Codezilla is invited to return to their school year after year.
• Community Support Every year, we donate summer camp certificates to 50+ schools in our local communities, as well as individual camps to select families.