Panda Programmer’s Bethesda kids coding summer camp offers in-person,
hands-on programming classes for students in grades 1–8.
This summer coding camp in Bethesda, MD focuses on Scratch programming, robotics, Python, and game design, with small groups and experienced local instructors. Camps run weekly throughout the summer and are designed for beginners through advanced coders. Panda Programmer is one of Montgomery County’s leading coding programs for kids in grades 1–8, serving families across Bethesda, Gaithersburg, Silver Spring, and surrounding communities.
“The kids love it and look forward to class all week.” — Hoai D.
“…it is so good to see him working on his programming instead of just playing video games.” — Matt C.
“Programming classes like this should be a required part of K-12 public education.” — Shana O.
Panda Programmer specializes in small-group, beginner-friendly coding summer camps for students in grades 1–8. Unlike large national programs, our Bethesda, MD camp focuses on age-appropriate instruction, hands-on projects, and personal attention — especially for kids who are new to coding.
Families in Bethesda, MD choose Panda Programmer for our experienced instructors, hands-on curriculum, and small class sizes.
At our Bethesda camp, we introduce beginners to the world of computer science through Scratch. This visual-first approach allows students to build complex stories and interactive projects while grasping the mechanics of conditional statements and variables. It’s an excellent way for learners to develop a strong logical foundation, ensuring a smooth transition into professional programming later on.
Our Bethesda camp emphasizes the synergy between programming and engineering principles. Through hands-on experimentation with sensors and motorized movement, students learn to solve complex problems in real-time. We focus on a collaborative design process, encouraging kids to refine and “debug” their physical builds just like they do with code. This hands-on approach sharpens critical thinking and demonstrates to Bethesda families how coding skills translate directly into mechanical innovation.
At our Bethesda location, older students take on the challenge of syntax-driven programming. By exposing themselves to Python, kids develop a deeper understanding of software logic and data structures. Alongside Python, we introduce fundamental web development concepts, teaching students how to build the framework of a modern website. The course is carefully structured to push students’ boundaries and expand their technical literacy without the frustration of moving too fast.
Our Bethesda facility at the Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist church (9601 Cedar Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814) provides everything your child needs to learn comfortably and effectively.
Located in a family-friendly neighborhood, our Summer Camp location features modern classrooms with state-of-the-art equipment, safe study spaces, and ample parking for easy drop-off and pick-up.
Our Bethesda Summer Camp is perfectly situated for families in the area! Located on Cedar Lane, close to NIH, it offers a prime location that’s both central and convenient. Whether you’re coming from Bethesda, Washington DC, or the surrounding neighborhoods, drop-offs and pick-ups couldn’t be easier. Join us this summer for a camp experience that’s as hassle-free as it is fun!
To provide the best learning experience, we maintain a low student-to-instructor ratio. This ensures that every child receives personalized guidance and support throughout the course. With a 6-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio, no student is ever left behind.
All dates below are for Summer 2026 (Monday–Friday)
| Week Number | Start Date | End Date | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6/22 | 6/26 | |
| 2 | 6/29 | 7/3 | We’ll be open July 3rd! |
| 3 | 7/6 | 7/10 | |
| 4 | 7/13 | 7/17 | |
| 5 | 7/20 | 7/24 | |
| 6 | 7/27 | 7/31 | |
| 7 | 8/3 | 8/7 | |
| 8 | 8/10 | 8/14 | |
| 9 | 8/17 | 8/21 | Last full week of MCPS summer vacation |
Not sure which week or location is best? View our full Summer Camp 2026 overview (all locations, weeks, and discounts).
At Panda Programmer’s Summer Camp, we believe that learning should be both fun and challenging, no matter your child’s age. Our curriculum is carefully tailored to meet the developmental needs of each age group, ensuring that every camper enjoys a balanced mix of excitement and education.
For a more detailed description of all curricula, please visit our Curriculum page!
This group will dive deeper into coding with Scratch, building more complex projects that require higher levels of critical thinking and problem-solving.
As they progress, students will encounter new programming concepts like control structures and variables, which will push their skills further.
They’ll enhance their analytical abilities, learn to collaborate on projects, and develop a deeper understanding of how coding works.
After going through our Scratch curriculum campers will tackle advanced topics in Scratch and robotics.
These activities are designed to be intellectually stimulating, introducing them to advanced coding techniques and real-world applications.
Students will strengthen their logical reasoning, improve their coding proficiency, and prepare for high school-level computer science courses.
Advanced kids can learn Python and web development at camp to gain relevant, in-demand skills.
Python’s versatility and web development’s interactivity foster critical thinking and creativity.
Hands-on projects allow learners to build tangible, functional programs, deepening their understanding in a supportive environment while preparing them for future academic and professional success.
No. Camps are designed for beginners through advanced students.
Students in grades 1–8, typically ages 6–13.
Each camp session lasts for one week. That way families can sign up for the weeks that best suit their schedules.
Some campers sign up for the first 5 weeks of the summer. Others come for the first 2 weeks, and the last week of summer. And others come for just a single week!
And Panda Programmer always keeps track of campers’ progress, so they can resume learning regardless of when they return to camp (or Panda classes).
Scratch, introductory Python, robotics, and web development concepts.
Our Summer Camp is in-person only. We offer four convenient locations to choose from: Gaithersburg, Silver Spring, Bethesda (Montgomery County, MD), and Washington, DC.
Our team is available to help assess your child’s current skill level and recommend the most suitable program. We also provide brief assessments and trial classes to guide your choice.
We provide all necessary equipment, including computers and software.
While not mandatory, we encourage students to practice coding at home to reinforce what they learn in class. We provide optional coding challenges and resources for further practice.
Our 2026 Bethesda summer camp is located at 9601 Cedar Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814. It’s quite close to both 355 and the main NIH campus in Bethesda.
The Bethesda Panda Programmer summer camp offers the full-day schedule of 9 am to 4 pm. After-care is available until 6 pm if necessary.
Give your child the opportunity to develop essential tech skills and ignite their passion for technology with Panda Programmer’s Bethesda kids coding summer camp. Register today and set them on a path to success!
Questions? Feel free to e-mail us at info@PandaProgrammer.com or call us at 443-26-PANDA.
To register and sign up for a Class Click Here