Game-Based Learning… Supercharged!
Minecraft & Roblox Holiday Coding Camp
Fun game development & coding for kids aged 6-12 in the North Shore
"Learning to write programs stretches your mind, and helps you think better, creates a way of thinking about things that I think is helpful in all domains"
- Bill Gates
What is the Minecraft & Roblox Holiday Coding Camp?
It's game based learning, not just playing!
Minecraft & Roblox Holiday Camp is an innovative program that combines creativity and coding to inspire young learners.
Through game-based learning, kids engage in fun, hands-on activities, building virtual worlds and solving challenges.
This unique approach enhances problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork while reinforcing STEM skills.
By coding their own games, kids gain a deeper understanding of logic, algorithms, and computational thinking—skills essential for both gaming and real-world applications.
Special Offer. Limited availability. Limited time.
Why Choose Our Holiday Camp?
Fun and Educational: Combines gaming with coding lessons.
Small Class Sizes: Maximum 10:1 student-teacher ratio.
Project-Based Learning: Kids build their own games and characters.
Boost Problem-Solving: Encourages creativity, teamwork, and logical thinking.
Develop Essential STEM Skills: Prepares children for future careers in tech.
Say goodbye to boredom.Kids engage in fun, interactive coding lessons through their favourite games
Learn to code while creating!Children build their own games and worlds, developing critical thinking and coding skills along the way.
Prepare for tomorrow’s tech-driven world!Boost creativity and problem-solving with game-based learning
Small class sizes for big learning!Student teacher ratios of 10:1 or better.
Class Schedule
Convenient & Flexible - Choose any class on the schedule
Parents Camp Guide & FAQ's
Our Flexible Cancellation Policy
If you need to cancel for any reason, no problem, we're parents too and we know that things can change.
Full camp credit will be added to your account which can be used for future school-holiday camps. You can also use your credit towards any of our after-school coding classes, it's completely up to you.
We're happy to be as flexible as possible.
If your child cant attend, even right up until the day of camp, just let us know and we'll ensure you receive full credit for any other future events or classes; ua.moc.iarumaslliks%40olleh
In the event of a Government mandated COVID lockdown, the camps will move online, with the same live tutor support.Welcome Letter
Dear Parents,
Thank you for signing your child up this summer for our Skill Samurai Camps! We have been working hard all year to create excellent content and train our amazing staff to ensure an unmatched education experience for you child.
Our camps are about more than just teaching coding; they are designed to bolster camper socialisation skills and provide opportunities for leadership development through team building activities and group play.
Great staff and content are important, but your child's safety is our primary concern. Our excellent student/teacher ratio, highly-trained staff, and program policies and procedures are all designed with this in mind. We look forward to providing a safe, educational, and FUN camp experience for your child this school holidays.
Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Jeff HughesGlobal Camp DirectorSkill Samurai moc.iarumaslliks%40ffej506-899-3788What to Pack?
Backpack◼ Please label with camper's name.
Medications◼ They must be turned into Camp Coordinator at check-in (includes prescription / non-prescription)◼ They must be in their original packaging/bottle◼ You will be required to fill out a Medication Authorization Form
Closed-Toe Shoes◼ Campers will NOT be able to participate in running games without this footwear.
Sun Protection◼ Sunscreen◼ Hat ◼ Sunglasses (optional)
Water Bottle◼ We encourage our campers to drink between 5-8 glasses per day.
Snacks and Lunches◼ Please provide campers with snacks and lunch.
◼ Headphones.◼ USB stick or thumb drive to save their work◼ Mobile Devices. Students are welcome to bring their own mobile devices for use outside of camp class hours. Skill Samurai is not responsible for lost or stolen devices. Students should only play games that are rated "G" during camp hours to protect curious younger children.What does a typical day at coding camp look like?
A typical day of camp looks like this:
Check in between 8:30 and 9am
9:00am-10:30am Coding/Robotics Lesson10:30-10:50am Morning Tea10:50am-12:00pm Coding/Robotics Lesson12:00pm-12:20pm Cyber Bullying Discussion12:20pm-12:50pm Lunch12:50pm-1:30pm STEM Activity1:30pm-2:30pm Coding/Robotics Lesson2:30pm-2:50pm Afternoon Tea2:50pm-3:30pm Coding/Robotics Lesson
Pick up between 3.30 and 4pm
Please alert your Camp Coordinator if you are running late. 09 551 8990 (Wairau Valley)Coding camp Check-in and Check-out
Check-in is from 8:30am Early check in (from 7:30am) can be purchased from the booking page.
Check-Out is 3:30pm-4pmNo curb-side pickups. Parent/Guardian must come inside to check-out camper.Must show photo ID and be on the Check-Out Authorization Form.If your plans change and your camper will be picked up by someone not on the Check-Out Authorization Form, you must notify us in writing. Email your Camp Coordinator.Meds must be returned to the parent/guardian. They will not be sent home w/ campers.
Late Check-Out PolicyEarly Drop-off available from 7:30am $20
Late Pickup available up to 5:30pm $20
Both early drop-off AND Late pickup $30Coding Camp Behaviour Management Policy
At Skill Samurai, we believe that a positive, respectful environment is essential for effective learning and personal growth. Our Behaviour Policy is designed to ensure that all students feel safe, supported, and valued while participating in our programs. Learn more.
Lost & Found
As part of the daily routine, staff encourages campers to take responsibility for their belongings and will display Lost & Found.Any items left at camp after the session are kept at that location for 2 weeks. To claim lost items, please call/email your Camp Coordinator. Once camp has finished for the season, we will be unable to return lost items.
Have a description of the item(s) including:
camper's full namephone numbercamp session datesClaimed items will be held for two weeks and must be retrieved from camp. Please assist us with Lost & Found by labelling everything with your camper's full name. Valuables and meaningful items should be kept home for safe keeping.
Skill Samurai is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged items.What is a Coding Camp?
A coding camp is a great way to introduce your kids to computer science. Learning to code boosts creativity and the ability to solve problems. It helps kids view the world in new ways.
Coding camps are generally small groups of kids that share a similar interest... Often the camps are conducted over multiple days, generally 2-5 days. It's not a sleep-over camp. Kids come to the campus each morning and are picked up at the end of each day.
Kids work in teams on special projects. We take regular breaks and unplug from devices with other fun learning activities.
We get it, all parents want their child to have every possible opportunity to succeed. At Skill Samurai our coaches are equipped to help your child thrive in the digital age.How can Summer Camp can help my children thrive?
Students attend school year after year with the same peers, which can lead to labelling and being 'stuck' with a particular perception. A child may become known as studious, quiet, etc., when, really, they can be boisterous in another setting. Children who go to day or week-long camps meet a whole other group of people in a different environment. Often times, a child will break out of his supposed categorization if given the chance.This can help your child grow and develop.
I’ve heard it a million times from campers: “I’m in my element” or, “I’ve found my people!” Students who interact with like-minded peers are able to easily build friendships (potential lifelong friendships) founded on similar interests. These relationships can lead to even more, as students are essentially networking, and have friends to call on when it comes to doing a side project, finding an internship, or even starting a new businesses with the friend they met at robotics camp or coding camp.If your child is obsessed with Smartphones, gaming, robotics or YouTube, enrol them in our upcoming summer camps… It might open a whole new world for them.Is this too much screen time?
Today's children spend more than 7.5 hours a day engaged with technology, which often takes the place of vital hands-on activities and socialization opportunities. Our camps are designed to be project based to encourage team problem solving… We also interrupt the tech sessions with plenty of fun “unplugged STEM activities” (Activities where we don’t use anything electronic).
Taking a break from technology allows children to:• Communicate • Develop teamwork and leadership skills• Build confidence by speaking and working with others• Reinvent themselves amongst new people
Coding camps are a great way to keep your children engaged and learning, while discovering a healthy balance!Are your Coding Camp Staff Trained?
Summer camp can be an exciting experience for most kids.
The problem is, how can you trust that the camp leaders are suitably trained or qualified?
At Skill Samurai, out Camp Leader training is as important as our curriculum. Your child’s safety and experience are paramount.
All team members must undergo rigorous training before they are allowed to work with your child.
Here are some of the training topics that we cover;
• Becoming a Youth Development Professional• Bullies and Targets• Mental, Emotional and Social Health (MESH)• Safe Touch & Safe Talk (Acceptable behaviour)• Helping Awkward Children Fit In• Autism Spectrum Disorder• Cross-Cultural Agility• Day Camp Dynamics• Cultural Competence in Youth Programs• Gender and Sexuality in Youth Programs• Programming For All (Differently Abled Youth)• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder• Preventing Gossip and Relational Aggression• Child Welfare and Protection• Cyberbullying and Sexting• Duty of Care• And more!
Plus, all of our coaches are certified by STEM.org.
As you can see, our training is comprehensive. At Skill Samurai, we believe in creating a fun and safe space for your child… That’s why we insist on world class development of our staff.