Palm Beach Gardens student-led tech camp quadruples in a year

A free, peer-led computer camp founded by 12-year-old Heath Neer expanded from five students in 2025 to 20 students this year in Palm Beach Gardens. The program gave Riviera Beach and West Palm Beach students hands-on experience building computers and learning AI, while taking home the machines they assembled.

Why it matters: - Kids Teaching Kids Academy is expanding access to hands-on technology education for younger students in Palm Beach County. - The program pairs computer building with AI and digital literacy, skills that can shape future school and career opportunities. - Every participant left with a computer, turning the camp into both a learning program and a resource for families.

What happened: - Twenty students from Riviera Beach and West Palm Beach attended the second annual Kids Teaching Kids Academy this month in Palm Beach Gardens. - The free camp was founded and run by 12-year-old Heath Neer, a Palm Beach Gardens student entrepreneur entering seventh grade. - The 2026 camp was taught entirely by students, including Heath and five sixth graders he trained before camp began. - Each participant built a computer and took it home at the end of the weeklong program.

The details: - The camp started in 2025 with five students and one instructor, Heath. - Year two expanded to five student teachers and 20 students. - The curriculum added artificial intelligence and digital literacy alongside computer hardware and assembly. - Heath spent more than 100 hours preparing curriculum, lesson plans, training materials and instructional resources for the camp. - The week ended with a graduation ceremony where students received their computers. - Heath and one instructor celebrated the end of camp with a pie-in-the-face moment. - Brian Neer, Heath’s father and founder of Neer Venture Partners, said the program began around the family kitchen table and has grown into something much bigger. - Brian Neer said The Weiss School provided a supportive home for the camp.

Between the lines: - The camp’s growth suggests strong demand for peer-led, hands-on STEM programming that feels accessible to younger students. - Heath’s role as both founder and teacher gives the program a credibility that traditional adult-led camps may not match for some children. - The focus on student teaching suggests the model is designed to scale without losing its youth-led identity.

What’s next: - Planning is already underway for 2027. - Kids Teaching Kids Academy is exploring ways to expand programming, increase participation and build new partnerships. - The organization is seeking support from technology companies, educational institutions, community leaders and individuals. - Potential support could include equipment donations, sponsorships, mentorships and guest speakers. - For more information about Kids Teaching Kids Academy, contact Brian Neer at brian@neerventurepartners.com.

The bottom line: - A child-led camp built around computers, AI and confidence is scaling fast, and its next phase will depend on outside partners willing to help it grow.