ID Tech Camps at Emory University: A Local Guide for Atlanta Families

If you’re raising a tech‑curious kid in Atlanta, ID Tech Camps at Emory University are one of the better‑known options for summer and school‑break STEM programs. These camps bring together coding, game design, robotics, and digital creativity on a real college campus right in the city.

This guide walks through how ID Tech Camps at Emory work, what Atlanta families can expect, and how to decide if it’s the right fit for your child.

What Are ID Tech Camps at Emory University?

ID Tech runs weeklong tech camps hosted on college campuses across the country. In Atlanta, their programs are held at Emory University, giving kids and teens a chance to:

• Learn tech skills in small class settings
• Work on hands-on projects (like building games, coding apps, or designing 3D art)
• Experience a college-like environment, with classes in campus buildings and supervised recreation

The camps are designed for school‑age kids and teens, usually ranging from elementary through high school, with course groupings by age so beginners aren’t mixed with advanced students.

For many Atlanta families, the location at Emory is a key draw: it’s centrally located in Druid Hills, convenient to Decatur, Midtown, Virginia‑Highland, and East Atlanta, and is relatively accessible from other parts of the metro via major roads like Clifton Road, North Decatur Road, and the Emory/Clifton transit routes.

Where in Atlanta Are the Camps Held?

Campus host:
Emory University
201 Dowman Drive
Atlanta, GA 30322

ID Tech typically uses classrooms and labs in Emory academic buildings (these can vary year to year) plus nearby recreation areas for breaks.

Parking, drop‑off, and pickup details are usually shared directly with registered families before camp starts. In general:

• Parents can expect designated drop‑off zones on or near campus.
• Morning and afternoon traffic on Clifton Road can be heavy, especially during university hours and nearby hospital shifts, so it helps to plan extra time.
• If you rely on MARTA, the closest rail stations are typically Decatur and Lindbergh Center, with bus connections that get you near campus. From there, Emory’s shuttles or a short rideshare trip may be needed.

Who Are These Camps Best For?

ID Tech Camps at Emory generally serve:

• Ages: Elementary to high school (exact age ranges differ by course)
• Experience levels: From absolute beginners to advanced coders and gamers
• Interests:
  • Coding and programming
  • Game design and development
  • Robotics and engineering
  • 3D modeling, animation, or digital art
  • Sometimes cybersecurity, AI, or app development, depending on the season

They tend to be a good fit if your child:

• Is curious about technology or video games and wants to go deeper
• Enjoys project-based learning more than lectures
• Likes small groups and structured, supervised environments
• May be thinking about STEM classes in middle/high school or exploring future majors

Typical Types of Courses at Emory

Course offerings can change each year, but families in Atlanta commonly see options like:

• Coding:

  • Introductory courses (often using beginner‑friendly languages or block‑based coding)
  • More advanced courses in languages such as Python, Java, or related tech stacks

• Game Design & Development:

  • Designing and building games using popular engines
  • Level design, character design, and basic game mechanics

• Robotics & Engineering:

  • Building and programming robots
  • Problem‑solving and teamwork challenges

• Digital Media & Design:

  • 3D modeling and animation
  • Digital art, possibly some video or content creation courses

Some seasons also include specialized topics like AI concepts, cybersecurity basics, or app creation, depending on instructor availability and demand in the Atlanta area.

Day Camp vs. Overnight Options

At Emory, ID Tech often offers:

• Day Camps (most common for Atlanta families):

  • Structured daytime schedule (often around 9 a.m. – 4 or 5 p.m., though times vary)
  • Supervised activities all day, with parents handling drop‑off and pickup
  • Some weeks may offer extended day options for earlier drop‑off or later pickup

• Overnight/Residential Camps (when available):

  • Campers may stay in Emory residence halls under staff supervision
  • Includes meals and evening activities on campus
  • Often more appealing to older middle school and high school students, especially those wanting a “college preview” experience

Always confirm whether overnight options are offered in the current year at Emory, as availability can shift.

What a Typical Day Looks Like

While the detailed schedule may vary by course, a camper’s day at Emory often looks something like this:

1. Morning check‑in and warm‑up
   • Staff greet families, confirm attendance, and ease kids into the day
2. First instructional block
   • Instructor‑led lessons plus hands‑on project time
3. Breaks and movement
   • Short outdoor or common‑area breaks
4. Midday lunch
   • Lunch may be brought from home or arranged through camp, depending on the program
5. Afternoon project work
   • Deeper work on coding, robotics, or game design projects
6. Sharing and wrap‑up
   • Review what was learned, demo progress, and set goals for the next day
7. Pickup / extended day
   • Families arrive during the designated window; extended day students remain in staff‑supervised activities

For Atlanta parents juggling traffic and multiple kids’ schedules, the predictable daily rhythm and clearly defined pickup times can be helpful for planning.

Safety, Supervision, and Staff

ID Tech Camps aim to provide a structured, supervised environment on Emory’s campus. Families typically find:

• Background‑checked staff and instructors
• Small student‑to‑instructor ratios, which supports more personalized guidance
• Clearly defined pick‑up procedures, so children aren’t released to strangers
• Emphasis on appropriate online behavior, especially when kids are using computers and collaborative tools

Because camps are hosted on a university campus, camp staff (not university faculty) are usually the main supervisors. Emory’s own campus security and policies may also provide a safety framework around buildings, public spaces, and residence halls.

Costs, Discounts, and What’s Included

Pricing changes over time and can vary by course, week, and whether your child is a day or overnight camper. In Atlanta, parents usually notice:

• Tuition per week that covers:

  • All instruction
  • Use of on‑site computers/tech equipment (when provided)
  • Project materials and any included software during camp hours

• Additional potential costs:

  • Extended day options
  • Meals (if not included)
  • Overnight housing and meal plans (for residential sessions)

Families sometimes look for:

• Early registration pricing
• Sibling or multi‑week discounts
• Occasional promotions or limited‑time savings

Because prices can change, Atlanta parents often compare ID Tech with other local STEM camps (such as programs at Georgia Tech, Fernbank Science Center, or local coding academies) to see what fits their budget and their child’s learning style.

Logistics for Atlanta Families

Getting to Emory

Traffic in and around Emory can be busy, especially:

• During morning rush hours (I‑85, Clairmont Road, Briarcliff Road)
• Midday and late afternoon shifts near Emory University Hospital

To make things smoother:

• 🚗 Build in extra time for the first day of camp so you can find the correct drop‑off area.
• 🚌 If using MARTA + Emory shuttle, check both schedules in advance since shuttle frequency may differ in summer.
• 🚶 Families who live near Druid Hills or Decatur sometimes combine drop‑off with a morning walk or errands nearby.

What to Pack

Depending on your child’s specific course and whether lunch is included, common items might include:

• Comfortable clothing and closed‑toe shoes
• Water bottle
• Packed lunch and snacks, if required
• Any medical information or medications the camp needs to know about (provided through the camp’s official forms and check‑in process)

Laptops, software, and specialized tech equipment are typically provided on site, though this can vary by program.

How to Register and Get Details

While exact steps can change, Atlanta parents usually follow a similar process to enroll:

1. Choose the Emory University location when browsing ID Tech’s options.
2. Select dates and course topics that match your child’s age, skill level, and interests.
3. Create a family account to enter camper information and emergency contact details.
4. Complete registration forms, including any medical or special‑needs information.
5. Review pre‑camp communications, which normally outline:
   • Check‑in/pick‑up procedures
   • What to bring
   • Building locations on Emory’s campus
   • Any campus‑specific rules

If you’re uncertain whether your child is ready for a particular course level, it’s common for families to contact the camp directly and describe their child’s experience (for instance, whether they’ve used Scratch, done any Python coding, or built games before).

How ID Tech at Emory Compares to Other Atlanta Options

Atlanta has a wide range of STEM and creative camps. ID Tech at Emory stands out for:

• The university campus setting in a central, well‑known Atlanta institution
• A strong focus on technology and digital skills specifically, rather than general STEM or science alone
• Small class sizes and project‑based learning

Other metro‑Atlanta options parents often consider include:

• University‑linked programs at Georgia Tech, Georgia State, or Kennesaw State
• Science‑focused camps at places like Fernbank Museum of Natural History or Tellus Science Museum (farther up I‑75)
• Private coding schools or robotics clubs spread across neighborhoods like Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, and Peachtree Corners

Many families mix and match: one or two weeks at ID Tech at Emory plus additional weeks at local recreation centers, arts programs, or sports camps.

Quick Snapshot: ID Tech Camps at Emory for Atlanta Families

For families living in or visiting Atlanta, ID Tech Camps at Emory University offer a way for kids to build real tech skills while getting comfortable on a college campus they may see often in city life. With a central location and a wide range of course topics, it can be a strong option if your child is especially interested in computers, gaming, or digital creation and you want something more specialized than a general day camp.