Code Ninjas Libertyville teaches kids to code by building video games!

LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. - Aug. 10, 2018 - PRLog -- Code Ninjas, a new kids education center for children aged 7-14, celebrated its Grand Opening on Saturday July 28^th, 2018 with over 250 attendees. The Libertyville Code Ninjas center is the first in Illinois, however, there are over 265 Code Ninjas centers in the USA already open or scheduled to open soon across 32 states.  The Grand Opening celebration included a Ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Libertyville Mayor Terry Weppler and GLMV Chamber of Commerce Board members. Families were welcomed with various technologies for kids to try – programming games on laptops, 3D modeling and printing, circuits and robotics, and Virtual Reality experiences.

Owners of the Libertyville Code Ninjas center, Noreen and Ayaz Merchant, 10-year residents of Libertyville with IT and Finance backgrounds, are proud of this new establishment as it will help address the growing need for STEM-based activities for children.  The Merchants became interested in this business after looking for coding classes for their own son, Aydin. "He had attended several summer coding camps but there weren't any good programs available close to home that were year-around and specifically for kids," says Noreen. "Code Ninjas not only provides a robust curriculum to learn how to code in a fun game-based environment, but it also the helps kids learn critical thinking, problem solving, and teamwork – skills that are important to help them prepare for the future."

The ninja concept is an interesting mix with coding education. Ninjas start at White Belt and keep progressing to higher belts as programming and robotics skills are learned.  Black Belt is earned when a child can develop an idea into a custom developed game from concept to delivery for App Store distribution. Senseis (coding mentors) guide the Ninjas on their journey as they work in the Coding dojo on a flexible 'drop-in when available' schedule. Code Ninjas also offers camps, workshops, and Parent Night Outs.

Parents Ryan and Megan Hampsey, who enrolled their son for the Belt program as well as the Game Builder's Club summer camp say, "Our 10 year old, Jack, is not a sports kid. We had been looking for coding and robotic classes for some time. Code Ninjas fills a need for parents like us."  Hope Bagshaw, enrolled her son Tyler because of the flexibility - they can drop in for sessions anytime as there is no scheduling of classes.

The Merchants say they are excited to be able to offer this unique STEM and computer-coding program to help equip children for a successful future. "We want it to be a happy learning place for kids."  Looks like they are on track with kids like Jack saying, "I cannot wait to get to Code Ninjas and I never want to leave!"

Find out more: https://www.codeninjas.com/locations/il-libertyville/