My three boys have been involved with SummerTech for years (two are now counselors, one approaching his CIT stint with great excitement) -- the camp and the "camp family" has become one of their favorite parts of every summer. Between them they have taken (and taught) html, C++ and other programming languages, web design, game design and also film making, improv comedy and animation. One has become a part-time computer consultant, web designers and tutor (in high school), partly because of what he learned at ST. The small classes cater to every camper's level of knowledge, from total beginner to whiz kid, and the more artistically inclined also have activities like Flash or film making. Whether or not programming is essential for today's young person, I more appreciate that learning to code or design a website enhances organization, planning, logic, self-esteem, and even language skills. The camp also offers many electives and outdoor activities like Capture the Flag. Summer Tech has a friendly, laid-back atmosphere that is hard to describe, but the camaraderie and mutual support for all is tremendous. Steve, the director, is a lovely person. We've enjoyed the flexibility of being able to sign up for a week at a time. Also the optional overnighting during the week proved to be both convenient for the parents and highly enjoyed by our campers. The SUNY Purchase dorms are pleasant. Before they overnighted they also enjoyed the "bonus" time after dinner before being picked up. On the minus side, as you might expect, there's a lot of video gaming, though in a very sociable context. There's also a lot of conversation and laughing and fun, and my kids camp friendships have carried over into their "real lives". I've always made sure the kids balance their summer with outdoor experiences and sporty activities. But they always want to come back to SummerTech! read more

Wow! What a tremendous experience. This was our daughters' first overnight camp experience. Needless to say, we were very nervous. However, from the moment we arrived for the orientation, we were blown-away by the professionalism, organization, and intellectual nature of this camp! Steve Fink and his team of counselors and teachers have created a real gem that has been grown over many years. All of the counselors were former campers which creates a wonderful atmosphere of mentoring. The counselors are great role models that took time to be with our children. They counselors are charismatic, funny, and great teachers. The out of class time is well supervised and our girls always felt safe and secure. We were expecting many phone calls and homesickness. Instead, our girls were very engaged and we had to beg them to call home! Most importantly, our children were challenged to learn Python and at the end of the camp were programming some pretty advanced code examples. We are definitely going to be going back next year and will be spreading the word to our friends! read more

I applaud Steven Fink and his cast of counselors. Knowledgeable, professional, enthusiastic, and many are previous campers who "get it" and use that to teach, mentor, and keep the kids engaged and au courant in the IT world. The first day I texted him at 6pm and said are you ready to be picked up and he said 9pm definitely and oh, can I switch to a sleepover. I had to drag him out of there every night by 9:00pm and then I had the pleasure of non-stop chatter of how his entire day went on the car ride home. Usually a parent asks "how was your day?" "Fine" Not here. Amazing, awesome, etc. And yes, outdoor activities, like-minded thinking, and great chicken parm. "He has found his people!" You can bet he'll be back next year with at least one week as an overnighter, and hopefully an additional week just because he loves it so much. This camp has really given him a leg up, confidence and a more serious view for a career, and he's only 11. Thank you Summertech! read more

Kudos to Steven Fink of SummerTech for finding the perfect blend of summer fun and computer technology! I have to admit, I was skeptical at first (computers over the summer?), but SummerTech is that perfect mix of delivering challenging, cutting edge computer skill in a fun and friendly atmosphere. This camp has more than doubled in size from last summer, yet the warm, personalized attention has remained it's hallmark. We haven't found any other camp that can keep our son happily occupied, engaged, and meeting new friends from 9am to 9pm! Our son loves the sleepover option even more. Using a primarily "home grown" staff of young, bright, computer "non-geeks" is brilliant, and the comradery between everyone is contagious! The Friday afternoon ceremony gives parents a glimpse into just how caring, creative, and highly individualized this camp really is. Thanks to SummerTech for running a great camp, and thanks to our son (now a SummerTech CIT), who found it! read more

My 11-year-old son has attended SummerTech for the past two years and will likely go for a third and more. He gained skills in Flash Animation, Web Design/HTML and also picked up some Javascript. He also had the opportunity to sign up for elective classes like Chinese and Ukelele; he chose and enjoyed a week each of Comedy Improv and Gaming Analysis. Just as important as the skills he gained was a newfound self-confidence, having gone to sleepaway camp for the first time to a place where he arrived knowing no one and left with friends who shared common interests--some of whom he stays in touch with all year long. The facilities are fantastic at SUNY Purchase, the counselors are caring and funny and bright and as founder and director, Steven Fink has been incredibly responsive, from my first inquiry to anytime I wanted to check in while my son was in the camp's care. SummerTech is a place where all kinds of kids can learn and have fun--and feel like they belong. read more

SummerTech is an amazing place for children who are passionate about technology. My son found this camp on line when he was 8. He has spent the last five summers learning and growing about computers and coding, but more importantly, learning and growing from the staff and other campers. It is perfectly designed and executed by Steven Fink and his brilliant staff (many of whom are former campers). There is a warmth and connection that is traditional of any summer camp, but not necessarily expected from a "computer" camp. This is not just a place to learn about code, but rather a place to make friendships that will last. For my family, SummerTech was a true gift. It has given my son a place he feels comfortable, welcome, and happy. It has done the same for me. I can't say enough about Steven, SummerTech or the overall experience. read more

Our daughter went to SummerTech for a week early August with no prior experience in programming. After 5 days of this camp, she is able to install and find her way around a Java development environment and do some rudimentary coding. The counselors did a great job introducing the kids to coding. There was nothing intimidating, no abstract barriers or an unnecessary presentation of dry concepts - instead, there were blocks of 1-2 hours of intense work and gathering experience around learning how to code. Concepts can be formed and extracted later, especially with a young crowd. Our daughter very much enjoyed going there. The atmosphere was friendly, safe, encouraging, productive - all good. Towards the end of the week, we were cautiously approached by our child if it would be ok if she went back next year. Deal. read more

SummerTech provides kids with incredible learning experience. I signed up one week of camp for my 13-year old son, who is very selective in camps that he wants to attend. He learned to write encryption programs in C++ during the first week. To my amazement, he requested for an additional week to learn Java. My 9-year old daughter saw how much fun her brother had and insisted to also attend SummerTech. Steve, the director of the camp, was very kind and provided the flexibility for my daughter to attend as much as our schedule allowed. She enjoyed animation, craft and friendship with her instructors at camp. The camp season is sadly over for my children. However, my daughter continues to enjoy animation at home and my son continues writing encryption programs. They both will return to SummerTech next summer. read more

I did a lot of research trying to find the right computer camp. I stumbled upon Summertech last year. I was impressed with the director Steven Fink (who answered all of my questions), their camper to teacher ratio, the breath of topics that the kids could choose from and decided to sign my son up for a week. You know a camp is great when your kid texts you after just a couple of days and literally begs to come back for the next week. The experience was great for my son and has given him a possible career choice for the future. Needless to say he returned this year for two weeks and was greeted by many of the same teachers and counselors who have created this amazing camp. read more

My older son attended two different computer camps in the Summer of 2012. When I asked him what he would like to do Summer of 2013, he said he wanted to go to Summertech every week that they had available. He did and loved it. It is a great group of instructors/counselors and the kids who attend seem to be an intelligent and nice group of kids who really want to learn. My younger son decided to try it the second to last week of the summer session and liked it so much he went back for the last week as well. I highly recommend Summertech. It is a camp that feels so much more like a community than just a place to learn programming. read more

Tiger went to ID camp last year and we chose SummerTech this year because one of his friends recommended it. He loved it better than last year and wanted to go back immediately. In addition to tremendous fun, he also learned a lot about java programming. One thing that impressed me is the counselors. Some of them are not much older than Tiger, and some of them are prior-campers themselves. So they have a lot of common languages. These counselors are hard-working, knowledgeable and responsible. I like them a lot. In a word, I'd highly recommend them. You wouldn't regret it. read more

My two sons ages 13 and 11 had a great experience at Summertech this summer. The staff was welcoming, the atmosphere friendly and the courses informative. The director, Steve, does a great job creating a family-like and fun atmosphere and the staff/camper ratio is excellent. I would recommend Summertech to any families who have an interest in computer science. It's a shame school systems do not offer more opportunities for students to learn these important 21st century skills and Summertech does a great job bridging the gap! read more

Our son had a great first year at SummerTech. He is hoping to come back next summer as a Counselor in Training. We didn't hear from him by text or email all week-- which is how we know he was happy-- no complaints!!! Very glad we stumbled upon this program and decided to sign him up. Highly recommend. Also, Staff was very flexible and helped us with travel arrangements (as we are out-of-towners). All in all a great experience for that slightly geeky, computer-obsessed, gaming child in your life. read more

Our son had an amazing first year at SummerTech. We signed up for the program on a friend's recommendation and we couldn't be happier. The staff was very professional and my son ended his first week with a solid knowledge of basic coding in Java (this program was definitely worth the money). At the same time, they were very welcoming and the atmosphere was informal and not intimidating. Our son is looking forward to going back next year! Jay T. read more

Steven Fink's Summer Tech Computer Camp is by far the best camp my son Ethan has ever attended. He is an advanced 10 year old (he built his own server last year) and is rarely challanged as he was at Summer Tech. The facility and especially the staff was beyond professional and caring. Ethan was ecstatic and will most definatlely be returning. Thanks Steven and the entire staff!!! David Hale read more