The question of whether to teach computer programming to elementary and secondary students has been widely debated. This study examines the relationship between computer programming experience, mathematics experience, and general variable skill. The sample consisted of 46 students (aged 9 to 17) at a summer computer camp. The programming level was determined from results of a camp placement test as novice, intermediate, or advanced. Mathematics experience was defined as the number of years of algebra-and-above courses that students had completed. Variable skill was determined from scores on the General Variable Skill Test. This study reports that both computer experience and mathematics experience were significantly correlated with general variable skill. Further, the relationship of computer programming experience with general variable skill was stronger than the relationship of mathematics experience with the variable skill. (YP)