What Is AI, Really?
Myths get busted, AI gets spotted in everyday life, and campers figure out what makes a computer "smart."
AI Scavenger Hunt
Myth vs. Fact
Spot the AI
✦ Summer 2026 · 5 Days of Hands-On Fun
Where curious kids discover the future of AI and Machine Learning.
A 5-day AI camp for ages 8-12. No experience needed. just curiosity. We skip the fancy words and get straight to the fun stuff: how does your phone know what you're saying? How does YouTube know what video to show you next? Can a computer actually learn from its own mistakes? Let's figure it out together.
Ages 8–12
5 Days
Hands-On
No Coding Needed
What is this camp?
Five days to get good at thinking about AI and machine learning.
Kids ask "how does this actually work?" all the time. Tech Explorers is a week of answering that question together, with real examples, real games, and very little sitting still. Everyone starts from zero and builds up to a mini project worth showing off.
Campers learn what AI is (and isn't), how machines find patterns, how to talk to chatbots well, and what responsible use looks like. Half the day is discussion and demos; the other half is hands-on challenges: sorting, predicting, prompting, debating, and creating.
5 DaysMon–Fri, 9am–1:30pm
Ages 8–12Small groups
Every DayHands-on projects
The Week At A Glance
Five days, one big "aha!" after another.
Each day builds on the last. By Friday, every camper has built something they can explain to anyone and probably teach a few people something new too.
How Machines Learn
Campers train a tiny "AI" using sticky notes and silly examples. Turns out learning = spotting patterns.
Pattern Sorting
Training Game
Bias Detective
Talking to AI
Great prompts = great answers. Kids learn to ask, remix, and refine.
Prompt Lab
Story Remix
AI & the Real World
Where AI helps, where it hurts, and how to use it responsibly.
Ethics Debate
What If?
Train & Showcase!
Kids design, train, and demo their own mini machine learning model at a family showcase.
Model Demo
Showcase
Pizza Party 🍕
What we actually do
Six kinds of hands-on fun.
Nobody just sits and listens. Every activity has props, teams, and a question worth chewing on.
Final Showcase & Mini Project Build
The grand finale. Each camper picks a problem and designs a tiny AI-powered solution: a chatbot persona, a pattern-spotter, a story generator, then demos it on Friday. Counselors help; kids drive.
AI Scavenger Hunt
Campers navigate through a pre-made scavenger hunt to find hidden AI in everyday things.
Pattern Sorting Games
Low-tech card games that teach how a model "learns." Sort, predict, shuffle, repeat.
Prompt Lab
Write, test, refine.
Ethics Debate Circle
Real scenarios, two sides, and a timer. Kids learn to defend an idea and change their mind.
Trainer Lab
Train a real model.
Who's this camp for?
Built for kids who ask "but why?" a hundred times a day.
Perfect for kids who...
- Ask wild "how does that work?" questions
- Already use ChatGPT, Alexa, or Gemini
- Love building, making, or tinkering
- Want to understand tech instead of just using it
- Get a kick out of games, puzzles, and debates
No experience needed if...
- They've never written a line of code
- They're new to computers or are shy at first
- There's no fancy laptop at home
- They're not "the techy kid". most campers aren't
- The goal is curiosity, not burnout
A day at camp
What a typical day looks like.
Two focused blocks every day: AI first, then hands-on machine learning.
-
9:00 — 11:00 am
AI Session (2 hours)
The day starts with deep-dive AI learning: concepts, demos, discussions, and interactive activities. Each day covers a different topic, building from basics to real-world applications.
-
11:00 — 11:30 am
Snack Break
Stretch, refuel, and recharge before switching gears. Snacks provided.
-
11:30 am — 1:30 pm
Machine Learning Session (2 hours)
Hands-on machine learning time. Campers work in teams to train, test, and refine real models using beginner-friendly tools — applying what they learned in the morning session to models they actually run.
The people behind the camp
Meet the Team.
Two people who care deeply about giving kids their best summer ever.
CEO and Founder
Nikhil Nagaraj
"My goal is to turn a strong vision into a structured, engaging experience where every child can learn and grow with confidence."
As CEO and Founder, I lead the vision and operations of the camp — from schedules to activities — ensuring everything runs smoothly, efficiently, and with plenty of heart.
Invested in AI
I'm deeply invested in AI and captivated by its capabilities. I create structured environments where students enjoy learning without confusion, keeping them motivated and excited.
Beyond the Program
I served as a member of the Sunnyvale Teen Advisory Committee during the 2024–2025 school year, where I advised the city on constructive programs and activities for local teens. I currently serve on the Santa Clara County Office of Education's (SCCOE) Student Wellness Advisory Group (SWAG) for the 2025–2026 school year and beyond. I'm a multiple-time hackathon winner over the past two years, and I bring a hands-on, builder's mindset to every project I take on.
I'm deeply passionate about giving back to the younger generation and my community. I've created many educational videos for Seesaw, a global online learning platform, where I teach K–8 students about math, science, and social studies.
My goal is for every child to feel included, supported, and encouraged.
Chief Program Officer
Samanyu Rayala
"My mission is to prepare the next generation for a world where AI is booming"
I've always loved coding and have been coding for 6 years. Now with the rise of AI, I feel that it is very important to educate people about it, which is why I am helping host the camp.
Beyond the program:
- Gaming: I love playing Minecraft, especially pvp
- Coding: I love coding projects, because I can make whatever I want
- Playing the guitar: It's very relaxing
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
Siddharth Senthil
Hi! I'm Sid, a rising junior at Fremont High School and a longtime technology enthusiast. I've been building programming projects since elementary school and currently serve as Vice President of Software for my robotics team, the Firebots. I'm also a founding member of my school's Hack Club chapter, where I help students explore software, hardware, and hands-on engineering projects.
I'm especially interested in AI and how it's changing the way we solve problems and create new technologies. Through Tech Explorers, I'm excited to help younger students learn how AI works, discover what they can build with it, and develop the skills to use it thoughtfully and creatively.
Getting Here
Located in the heart of Sunnyvale.
🗺️ Open in Google Maps
📅 Dates
June 15-19, 2026
⏰ Hours
9:00 am – 1:30 pm
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions.
We primarily teach ages 8–12, but we're flexible! If your
child is close to this range and you're interested, please
contact us at
nikhil.p.nagaraj@gmail.com
to discuss options.
Your child doesn't need any coding or technical experience to
enjoy and learn at the summer camp. The activities are
designed for curious beginners, and kids who like puzzles,
games, and figuring things out tend to feel right at home.
It is recommended that your child brings their own personal
laptop. A charger can be provided if necessary. Families
without a laptop at home will be able to use some of our
provided laptops at the class.
Camp runs 9:00 am to 1:30 pm, Monday through Friday. The
classes will include a total of 2 hours of AI split into 2
with a 10 minute energy break every hour followed by a 30
minute snack break, and ending with a total of 2 hours of
machine learning with a 10 minute energy break every hour. We
are planning on hosting a pizza party on Friday for your
child. Snacks are provided.
The camp is going to be in person only. However, in the event
that your child is unable to attend a day, a video recording
will be provided. There will be games, debates and an
interactable kit.
A tiny AI-powered project of their own choosing: think a
chatbot persona, a "which cereal are you?" quiz, a poem
generator, or a trivia game. Every camper designs, builds, and
demos it at the Friday showcase for family and friends.
Fill out the form below; full details, pricing, and the
payment link arrive within one business day. This is our
inaugural summer: capped at 12 kids, and we expect spots to
fill by May.
All registrations are non-refundable. Please make sure the
dates work for your family before signing up. If you have
questions about whether this camp is the right fit, reach out
before registering: we're happy to help you decide.
Tech Explorers is not liable for any injuries that may occur
during camp activities. By registering, families acknowledge
that participation involves inherent risks associated with
hands-on activities. We take safety very seriously and
maintain appropriate supervision and safety protocols at all
times.
Summer 2026 Registration
Ready to explore AI?
Fill out the form below to register. Full details and the payment link will arrive within one business day. Early bird price: $100 for the full week (register and pay by 5/23). After 5/23, the price is $150. You can also add our snack plan for $25 extra — we'll provide croissants, muffins, popsicles, juice, and more throughout the week.
For students near Sunnyvale, California.