While some teens across the Tennessee Valley are playing video games over fall break, 24 will be making their own thanks to a programming day camp being offered by the Tennessee Code Academy.
"It's a pretty general education of programming languages and what their uses are," camp coordinator Sammy Lowdermilk said in regards to the camp's curriculum, which also includes guest speakers and app development. "It's fall break, though, and we want them to have fun. We'll teach them how to build a game and the databases associated with it."
The camp is open to teens ages 13-18 and runs Oct. 21-25 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. each day at WTCI studios, located at 7540 Bonnyshire Drive. Applications, however, are due by Oct. 14. Visit tncodeacademy.com/code-camp to apply.
"What we're trying to do is spur interest in the field of programming," said Lowdermilk. "We want teens to realize you can get paid to make apps, create websites and develop games."
He said computer programming and development is one of the fastest growing career fields in the world right now and experts predict there will be 1 million new jobs created by 2020.
"If programming is an interest they have, we can expose them to career opportunities for the future," Lowdermilk said in regards to potential campers. "It's a good base education to build upon for the future, whether that's a tech job or college."
At the end of the camp, participants will showcase their work during a demonstration day open to parents.
"They'll tell about their experience and the game will be the final product," said Lowdermilk.
Cost to attend the camp is $500 per person but an anonymous organization with a presence in Chattanooga has provided a $200 scholarship for up to 24 participants in the camp.