Most Kids Use Technology… But Don’t Understand It
Kids spend hours on screens watching videos, playing games, and using apps. But very few learn how these systems actually work.
Afterschool Programs At Parkway Chula Vista Recreation Center
Our hands-on engineering programs are coming to your neighborhood, in collaboration with Chula Vista Parks & Recreation.
Fall 2026Final dates and enrollment are published by Chula Vista Parks & Recreation. Registration is completed directly through their system.
Promo Videos
Watch what kids can really do. These are my three children — Simon, Samuel and Summer — building projects with Python and Raspberry Pi computers.
Samuel Writes His First Python Program
Watch Samuel install Python and write his very first program, the classic “Hello, World!” Before students build robots or AI, they start with the same simple step every programmer takes.
PiCar Face Recognition
The PiCar plays a game called “Hello” with Summer, Samuel and Simon. It uses its camera and AI to recognize each kid’s face and greet them by name.
Summer Demos The California Burrito Shop App
Watch Summer walk through the California Burrito Shop app — customizing orders, adding tips, placing orders, and checking the day’s sales data. The same Python-powered app every camper builds.
Program a Remote Control for PiCar
Students learn to program the remote-control interface that drives the PiCar, connecting coding, camera input, and robot movement.
From Our Studio
We produce all of our own characters, curriculum, and content in-house. Meet Korra, Korra Jr., and the development team.
Meet Korra
Korra is the Programming Journeys AI teaching assistant. She guides students through programming, electronics, math, science, and engineering.
The History Of Computers
From room-sized vacuum tubes to the AI we use today. Korra Jr. walks students through five generations of computing innovation.
Korra Jr.: From Screens To Systems
The difference between simply using technology and understanding how it works — how software, devices, and connected systems come together in the real world.
Meet The Development Team
These are the twelve roles involved in building real software, and the twelve roles students will learn to take on.
Watch Our Students In Action
How Technology Actually Works
Artificial Intelligence
Develop AI-powered programs that respond to user input and automate tasks.
Systems
Build servers and applications modeled after professional systems.
Software Engineering
Write and structure real code the way working engineers do.
Hardware
Control devices and sensors, connecting software to the physical world.
Learn Python: The Foundation To Everything We Build
Every camp in our program, from streaming servers to AI robots, runs on Python. It is the language that powers engineering systems at companies like Google, Meta, and NASA, and the skill that connects every camp in our pathway.
No prior experience required. All camps are open to beginners.
The LanguageThe Learning Journey
Each camp represents one step in a larger engineering pathway.
Programming
Write Python code to solve problems and build applications.
Build A Streaming Server
Build a streaming server inspired by how platforms like Netflix and YouTube deliver content.
Understand The Internet Of Things
Learn how devices communicate.
Build An AI Agent
Create your own intelligent software system.
Build An AI Robot
Bring software into the physical world.
Python runs through every camp. The other four steps are offered as standalone camps, so students can start with whichever topic interests them most.
Programs Built Around Real Engineering Systems
Don’t Just Play It. Build It
Every video game is built with logic, rules, and code. Students design and program their own playable video games in Roblox while learning the logic behind every game they love.
They will:
- Design their own levels and characters in Roblox
- Apply programming logic to create game mechanics
- Debug and test their own creations
- Taught by a college professor and an engineer
- Small Class Sizes (1:8 Instructor Ratio)
The Language Behind Everything We Build
Before building robots, AI, or servers, students need to learn how to code. The starting point: students learn to think and write in Python, the language behind everything we build.
They will:
- Write real Python code from day one
- Learn programming fundamentals: variables, loops, functions
- Build small projects and solve problems with code
- Taught by a college professor and an engineer
- Small Class Sizes (1:8 Instructor Ratio)
Build Your Own Robot. And Take It Home
Most students use technology. Here, they build it. Students design, build, and program a PiCar robot. Then take it home.
They will:
- Master engineering fundamentals
- Apply programming logic
- Solve real-world problems
- Taught by a college professor, a university lecturer, and an engineer
- Small Class Sizes (1:8 Instructor Ratio)
Do Not Just Use AI. Build It
AI is everywhere, but very few understand how it actually works. In this program, students build their own AI agent from scratch.
They will:
- Learn how AI makes decisions
- Create their own intelligent system
- Understand the technology behind today’s tools
- Taught by a college professor and an engineer
- Small Class Sizes (1:8 Instructor Ratio)
Build a Streaming Server From Scratch
Students do not just watch content. They learn how it is delivered. In this program, they build a streaming server using a Raspberry Pi.
They will:
- Build a personal streaming server that uses the same techniques
- Understand how video streaming works
- Learn how large platforms deliver content
- Taught by a college professor and an engineer
- Small Class Sizes (1:8 Instructor Ratio)
Control Devices From Your Phone
Smart homes. Connected systems. The Internet of Things is everywhere. In this program, students build systems that communicate through the internet.
They will:
- Connect physical devices
- Learn how systems communicate
- Build a web interface that controls the system from your phone
- Taught by a college professor and an engineer
- Small Class Sizes (1:8 Instructor Ratio)
Not A Franchise. Not A Coding Club.
We produce all of our own characters, curriculum, and content in-house. Meet Korra, Korra Jr., and the development team.
Taught By A College Professor And An Engineer
SWC: Programming, Computer Organization, and Architecture · SDSU: Microprocessors
16+ Years Of Real-World Engineering Experience
NIWC Pacific, Unmanned Systems, Software Design
Students Use Real Tools And Technologies
Python, Docker, Raspberry Pi, Networking
University-Level Concepts Adapted For Students Ages 8–14
Rigorous curriculum, not watered-down activities
Students learn from someone who actively builds real-world systems.
A STEM Program Built Around Your Needs
We don't just bring a pre-packaged curriculum. Programming Journeys designs and adapts STEM afterschool programs to what your school or center actually needs, led by a college professor and engineer with 16+ years of real-world experience.
- Choose from our existing programs, or request a custom STEM program
- We adapt content, level, and schedule to your students and site
- We provide the instructors, curriculum, and equipment
- DVBE & Small Business certified · Chula Vista based
What Your Child Will Build
A Working Python Program
Students write Python code that runs and solves actual problems.
A Real Streaming Server
Students build a working server modeled after how real platforms deliver content.
A Functional AI Agent
Students create an assistant that can respond to input and perform useful tasks.
A Connected IoT System
Students connect sensors, hardware, and code into one working system.
An AI-Powered Robot
Students bring software into the physical world through an intelligent robot they build.
These are not simulations. They are real systems built with professional tools.
What Your Child Gains
Problem-Solving Skills
Think through challenges like an engineer.
Logical Thinking
Build structured reasoning that transfers to any field.
Real Technical Experience
Hands-on with the same tools professionals use.
Confidence
Build something real and see it work.
Portfolio-Ready Work
Projects they can show and talk about.
Understanding Technology
Know how the modern world actually works.
Give Your Child A Head Start In Technology
Afterschool Programs
Weekly programs during the school year at Parkway Chula Vista Recreation Center. Enrollment through Chula Vista Parks & Recreation.
Seasonal Camps
Immersive seasonal camps at Southwestern Community College: summer, fall, winter, and spring. Join the waitlist for our next camp.