More than a summer camp: how Tenerife became home to the next generation of AI talent

What happens when you bring together more than 100 young people from around the world who share the same passion for artificial intelligence, mathematics and competitive programming?

For two unforgettable weeks, the Tenerife Summer Camp, organized by Harbour.Space and Leagues of Code, answered that question. More than an AI summer camp, it became a place where students aged 10 to 20 challenged themselves academically, discovered new interests, and built friendships with peers who shared the same curiosity and ambition.

Students arrived from different countries, cultures and educational backgrounds. Some were taking their first steps into artificial intelligence, while others were preparing for international competitions in AI and competitive programming. Regardless of their experience, everyone came with the same goal: to learn, create and grow.

The academic program was designed to support students at every stage of their learning journey. Before the camp began, participants were assessed and placed into tracks that best matched their skills and goals.

Beginners explored the foundations of AI through the AI Explorers and AI Fundamentals programs. Intermediate students strengthened their programming and mathematical knowledge, while advanced learners studied machine learning, linear algebra and AI development. Those preparing for the International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence (IOAI) and the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) followed dedicated Olympiad training led by experienced instructors.

With small groups, expert mentors and hands-on activities, every student received the support and challenges they needed to make meaningful progress throughout the two weeks.

What makes a great summer camp for AI students isn’t only the curriculum—it’s everything that happens around it.

After lectures and coding sessions, students swapped their laptops for surfboards, explored the landscapes of Mount Teide National Park, visited Tenerife’s historic towns, practiced yoga, played sports, painted, relaxed by the pool and experienced the island’s unique culture and nature.

These shared experiences created something that cannot be taught in a classroom alone. Classmates became teammates, teammates became friends, and conversations about algorithms often continued during hikes, dinners or sunsets by the ocean.

One of the most valuable aspects of the Tenerife Summer Camp was its international community.

Bringing together talented students from across the world created an environment where ideas flowed naturally. Participants learned not only from instructors, but also from one another, exchanging perspectives, solving problems together and discovering that curiosity speaks a universal language.

This is what makes an international AI camp for students so impactful. Beyond technical skills, students develop confidence, communication, collaboration and friendships that often continue long after the camp ends.

Summer is often associated with holidays, beaches and relaxation. While Tenerife certainly offers all of that, this experience proved that a summer camp can be much more.

It can be a place where academic excellence meets adventure. Where learning feels exciting rather than obligatory. Where students discover that studying artificial intelligence, mathematics and programming can be just as rewarding as surfing a wave or hiking a volcano with new friends.

The Tenerife Summer Camp was built on the belief that education extends far beyond the classroom. When young people are surrounded by inspiring mentors, like-minded peers and unforgettable experiences, learning becomes something they genuinely look forward to every day.

As this edition comes to a close, we want to thank every student, instructor, mentor and member of the Harbour.Space and Leagues of Code teams for making this experience possible.

The projects created, the friendships built and the confidence gained over these two weeks are only the beginning. We look forward to welcoming the next generation of young innovators to Tenerife for another summer of artificial intelligence, discovery and adventure.