John D. | Jul 11 2025 - 8:39 am PT
Seattle, WA – A growing number of savvy Seattle parents are quietly staging a summer revolution. Instead of letting their teenagers fritter away sunny days on endless TikTok loops or video game marathons, these parents are enrolling their kids in cutting-edge “tech camps” at the University of Washington. The results? Teens who once only consumed technology are now creating it – building apps, coding robots, designing video games – all while getting a taste of college-level learning. Thanks to a unique partnership between the University of Washington Continuum College and Circuit Stream — a leader in tech education — local teens are trading passive scrolling for something far more valuable: real skills that could transform their futures.
Turning Tech Obsession into Tech Talent
Let’s face it – today’s teens live on their screens. The average teenager now spends over 7 hours a day staring at a screen (almost half their waking hours). But for a growing group of parents, that screen time isn’t a problem. It’s an opportunity.
“If you can’t beat the screens, make them a learning tool,” jokes one Seattle mom. In these tech summer programs, screen time turns into skill time: Minecraft and Roblox obsessions evolve into coding skills, and social media scrolling transforms into graphic design and video editing know-how. They’re building video games. Coding AI. Designing apps. And discovering tech careers they didn’t even know existed.
These aren’t your typical summer camps. Circuit Stream’s programs are beginner-friendly, but rooted in real tools used by professionals. Teens as young as 13 learn Python, Unreal Engine, Raspberry Pi, and even ethical hacking — all while building real projects they can showcase.
And it’s not just the skills. It’s exposure, confidence, and the moment they realize: “I can do this!” that is hard to teach — and impossible to ignore once it clicks.
“She came home talking about neural networks,” laughs Darren, a father from Bellevue. “I had to Google what that meant. She’s now obsessed with AI. That’s the kind of spark you want.”
The same device that can zombify a teen can also ignite their passion for STEM and AI. with the right guidance.
“I wanted something fun, but meaningful,” says Melissa K., a mom from Capitol Hill. “My son loves gaming. So when I found a camp where he could build one? He was hooked.”
Set them up for the world of tomorrow
The future is arriving fast — and parents know it. With Seattle booming in tech, many are asking: Will my teen be ready? Traditional camps offer fun, but they don’t teach Python, AI, or app development. That’s where tech camps come in.
STEM jobs are growing nearly 3x faster than other fields, and they pay double. Teens who start now don’t just get a head start on college — they build skills that lead to real careers. One dad said it best: “Soccer camp taught teamwork. Coding camp taught teamwork and Java. Guess which one pays the bills?”
Real Skills. Real Credentials. Real Confidence.
Tech camps aren’t just fun — they’re a launchpad. Teens walk away with certifications, real-world projects, and confidence. Whether it’s coding a Python app, building AI tools, or designing a game, students leave with skills they can use — and proof to back it up.
Explore UW & Circuit Stream tech camps and grab a spot while you can.
The Prestigious Campus Experience That Inspires
Held on the University of Washington campus in partnership with UW Continuum College, these camps give teens early access to a world-class university environment. They explore real labs, collaborate in professional spaces, and experience college life firsthand.
Students also earn a co-branded certificate from UW and Circuit Stream — a powerful addition to any college application. Instructors include pros from companies like Ubisoft and EA, while guest speakers from Amazon and Microsoft often drop in to mentor.
Teens come home energized, confident, and talking about careers in AI, game development, and cybersecurity — all with a prestigious university experience under their belt.
5 Reasons Seattle Parents Are Choosing Tech Camps Over Traditional Ones
Career Head Start: STEM jobs are booming and high-paying. Tech camps give teens hands-on experience in coding, AI, and design.
Turns Screen Time into Skill Time: Instead of gaming or scrolling, kids build apps and games. It’s productive, creative, and brag-worthy.
Boosts College Applications: Teens walk away with real projects, certificates, and a UW-backed credential that stands out.
Industry Mentorship & Exposure: Learn from pros at companies like Microsoft and Amazon. Real-world insights, Q&As, and inspiration included.
Fun, Friends & FOMO: It’s not just educational — it’s exciting. Teens choose the topics they love, build cool projects, and bond with peers who share their interests. No wonder so many come back each year.
