Python + AI2 Coding Camp
Join us in Kearny Mesa, San Diego for an in-person summer coding camp — July 28 to August 1, 2025!
Empowering Middle and High School students to explore Python and AI through hands-on, creative learning.
Overview
- Summer coding camp for Middle and High School students, focused on Python and Artificial Intelligence.
- Dates: Monday, July 28 to Friday, August 1, 2025.
- Enroll preferably by July 1st for primary consideration.
- Time: Morning option: 9am – 12pm (Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri); Afternoon option: 3pm – 6pm (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu).
- No prior programming experience required; all levels welcome.
- Hands-on learning: students build a text-based game, first in Python, then enhanced with AI-powered features. Emphasis on practical, curiosity-driven, and AI-enhanced learning.
- Direct interaction with bleeding-edge Large Language Models (LLMs) integrated into the curriculum.
- All activities are browser-based; students only need to bring a laptop (no installation required).
- Hosted at the Italian School of San Diego, Kearny Mesa.
- Pre-enrollment required; spots confirmed upon payment.
- Cost: $360
- Led and taught personally by Dr. Andrea Zonca, Lead of Scientific Computing Applications at the San Diego Supercomputer Center within UCSD.
We welcome and actively encourage students from underrepresented genders and communities in tech to join us. Our camp is designed to create a supportive, inclusive space where every student can discover the power of coding and AI.
Summary
Python + AI2 (pronounced "Python plus AI squared") is a summer coding camp designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of programming using Python. Python is widely recognized as the best starting language for learning programming due to its readability, simplicity, and versatility in both education and industry. It is also the primary language of the AI community, making it the ideal foundation for exploring artificial intelligence concepts.
The camp explores AI in two ways: first, by leveraging an AI coding assistant to help students understand, write, and document their Python code; and second, by integrating an external AI service to create an AI-powered opponent for a game project.
The main application will be a popular text-based game. Students will first implement the game in Python for player-vs-player mode, and then extend it to include an AI-powered opponent.
This program was conceived and developed by Andrea Zonca in 2025. The curriculum is deeply integrated with the latest advancements in artificial intelligence, including direct interaction with bleeding-edge Large Language Models (like ChatGPT). Instruction will be provided personally by Dr. Zonca, ensuring a high-quality and engaging learning experience for all participants.
Requirements
- No previous programming experience is required. Kids with prior Python experience are also welcome—there is still plenty to learn!
- Each student must bring their own laptop. No installation is needed; all resources will be accessed via a web browser.
- No tablets or phones. Any Windows laptop, MacBook, or Chromebook is acceptable, as long as it has a functioning browser.
Schedule
Dates: Monday, July 28 to Friday, August 1, 2025
- Morning option: 9am – 12pm (Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri)
- Afternoon option: 3pm – 6pm (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu)
We will ask for your preference during pre-enrollment and select one of the two options based on the students' preferences.
Location
The workshop is hosted at Italian school of San Diego4550 Kearny Villa Rd suite 202
Kearny Mesa, San Diego
How to Enroll
Ready to join? Submit your pre-enrollment to reserve a spot for your student. We will review all applications and send an invitation to enroll as soon as possible, at the latest on July 1st.
Enrollment is confirmed upon payment of the invoice. The cost of the program is $360 for the first student in a family; each additional sibling receives a 10% discount.
FAQ and Contact
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What should they bring?
Each student should bring their own laptop (fully charged), a water bottle, and a snack for the 15-minute break halfway through the session. Please ensure the laptop is fully charged before each day. -
What if my child can’t attend one day?
We’ll do our best to catch them up. Each day builds on the previous, so full attendance is encouraged. -
Can I get a refund if my child can’t attend?
We’ll issue a 50% refund if notified at least 14 days before camp starts. -
Do students get a certificate or completion proof?
Yes, every student receives a personalized certificate and access to their completed code and game. -
Can parents observe the class?
For the best learning atmosphere, we don’t allow drop-in visits. However, the students will have access to all of the teaching material after the camp. -
Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?
We are seeking sponsors to offer scholarships. Please contact us if you are interested in financial aid. -
Is parking available at the venue?
Yes, there is a large parking lot around the Italian school building at 4550 Kearny Vilal Rd Suite 202 -
What is the class size?
We will target between 8 and 12 students. -
Is lunch or a snack provided?
No, lunch or snack is not provided. Please ensure your student brings a snack for the break.
For any other questions, please contact us at:
Philosophy
The world of programming is evolving rapidly, and thanks to the support of AI, a hands-on, practical approach to learning is more effective and accessible than ever before. At this camp, we believe the best way to learn is by doing: experimenting, exploring, and learning from mistakes. Rather than focusing on abstract theory, we encourage students to dive in, get their hands dirty, and build real projects. This active, experience-driven method—now enhanced by AI tools—not only builds confidence and problem-solving skills, but also fosters curiosity and a genuine love for coding.
Instructor profile
Lead of Scientific Computing Applications
San Diego Supercomputer Center
- Started learning Python during grad school in Astrophysics in 2005.
- Started teaching computing in 2014 through Software Carpentry, focusing on a hands-on approach for early career scientists.
- Has been teaching "Python for HPC", version control, and other topics at the San Diego Summer Institute—a week-long event on High Performance Computing and AI for graduate students, postdocs, faculty, and staff every August since 2015.