I'd try to frame it in a different way. I think the best way how to get someone excited about programming is to show them how to solve a problem they care about

I'd try to frame it in a different way. I think the best way how to get someone excited about programming is to show them how to solve a problem they care about. Kids like to play games, so creating their own game is a problem they will likely care about. If they spent past 10 hours trying to advance to the next level, then showing them how to hack their way to the next level is probably going to get them excited. If they are stuck in a system where everyone's focus is on their grades, showing them how to hack that system will likely get them excited. Even if it involves doing some math.