AI is here to stay—and it will undoubtedly become a part of our daily lives, at least for the foreseeable future. Its seemingly limitless abilities, often appearing to surpass human counterparts, have sparked two extreme reactions. On one end, there is an unrealistic dependence on AI—where students may blindly trust it to complete their homework or even guide major life decisions. On the other, there is fear, resistance, and aversion toward anything AI-related.

Neither of these responses will serve us well in the era ahead—an era where AI will be integrated into nearly every facet of human life.

So, what is the right attitude toward AI?

At Northern Lights AI Summer Camp, we believe the answer begins with understanding. Rather than just using AI, we empower students to explore it from the inside out—to create AI, to understand its remarkable applications, and just as importantly, to recognize its limitations.

In an age where AI threatens to replace many future jobs, we also face a timeless question with renewed urgency: What makes us human? What qualities, experiences, or values can never be replicated by a machine?

I believe the answer lies in what I call the “human touch”—not only the physical presence we bring, but also the intangible values that define us: our emotions, empathy, relationships, creativity, and faith.

That’s why our camp goes beyond just coding and AI projects. Our camp is one of the few that blends AI education with arts and emotional intelligence. We host debates around the bonfire. We stargaze, paint, play music, and dance. Through these activities, we encourage students to reconnect with their humanity and imagine futures where their uniquely human intelligence matters most.

Ultimately, our goal is not just to help students navigate a world with AI—but to inspire them to find meaning, purpose, and a path where they can thrive as genuine humans in a technologically advanced world.

We hope you’ll join us on this journey!

We can’t wait to see you at camp.

Warmly,

Dr. Anh Cao