Why AI Camp?
A letter to parents in the Pasadena & La Cañada area who want to prepare their kids for the future, not just protect them from it.
If you're a parent feeling uncertain about AI, you're not alone. And your instinct to be thoughtful about it? That's exactly the right instinct.
AI brings real questions that don't have easy answers. Questions about creativity, authenticity, privacy, and what skills will actually matter for our kids' futures. We're navigating uncharted territory together.
But here's what we know for certain: AI is not going to just go away or disappear. It will increasingly become part of every aspect of our lives, from how we work and create to how we communicate and learn.
The question isn't whether your child will encounter AI. The question is whether they'll be prepared when they do.
We've Been Here Before
Remember when the internet was brand new? People were similarly uncertain, even afraid. Would it rot our brains? Destroy real relationships? Make us forget how to think for ourselves?
Many teachers and schools took a cautious approach. You might remember hearing things like:
- "The internet is not a valid source."
- "You can only use one internet source for your paper."
- "Wikipedia doesn't count."
- "You need to learn to do this without a computer."
Those teachers meant well. They were trying to protect academic rigor and critical thinking. But looking back, the educators who best served their students weren't the ones who banned the internet. They were the ones who taught kids how to evaluate sources, think critically, and use these new tools effectively.
For better or worse, the internet came and changed every part of our lives. The kids who thrived weren't shielded from it. They were guided through it.
What We Believe
Understanding Beats Fear
Kids who understand how AI actually works, including its capabilities and its limitations, make better decisions about when and how to use it.
Creators Over Consumers
There's a difference between passively consuming AI-generated content and actively directing AI as a creative tool. We teach the latter.
Healthy Skepticism
Knowing when to question AI, spot its mistakes, and think independently is a skill. We build it through hands-on practice.
Our Promise to You
We're not here to turn your kid into a tech bro or convince you AI is all sunshine. We're here to help you empower your child with skills and understanding they'll use for life.
Real Understanding
Your child will learn how AI actually works. Not magic, not scary, just technology with strengths and weaknesses.
Creative Confidence
They'll create things they're proud of and learn that AI is a tool to amplify their ideas, not replace them.
Critical Thinking
They'll practice evaluating AI output, catching mistakes, and knowing when human judgment matters most.
Safe Exploration
Age-appropriate tools, guided instruction, and a focus on creation over consumption. No unsupervised AI access.
Who Are We?
The people behind Spark AI Camp use AI every day in their work. They want to share that knowledge with the next generation.
Nathan Tyler
Co-Founder
Nathan was born and raised in San Marino and now has a 5-year-old daughter in La Cañada schools. He builds business software for a living and uses AI daily in his work. On weekends, he does AI art projects with his daughter, who loves creating with these new tools.
Watching her grow up in this rapidly changing world, Nathan sees firsthand the importance of preparing kids to understand and thoughtfully use AI, not just consume it passively. Spark AI Camp grew from those weekend projects into something he wants to share with other families.
Natalie MacLees
Co-Founder
Natalie and Nathan have been business partners for over 11 years. She ran the Los Angeles chapter of Girl Develop It!, an organization dedicated to teaching women to code. Her passion for accessible tech education runs deep.
Together, Nathan and Natalie work with AI every day in their businesses. They want to bring that real-world expertise to children and families in a way that's fun, safe, and genuinely educational.
Ready to Empower Your Child?
Join families who want their kids prepared for the future, not just protected from it.