[VLM]

You're talking about jumping into the pool in the middle or deep end, or climbing into a completely different pool. But you haven't ever been in a pool. And that's OK. My suggestion would be wade into the extreme shallow section of the pool at:

http://www.codecademy.com/learn

then click on the "learn to program in ruby" or maybe alternative.

In a couple days you'll have run thru all the free lessons and either have sworn off this programming stuff forever, or be ready to invest more than a couple hours in something a little more formal, like a semester long class or a whatever.

If you really hate the ruby class, obviously there's something wrong with you (no wait just kidding), seriously just try another language, maybe you're better off starting in python or the php class. Its like joining band class, if you hate the clarinet, that doesn't mean you can't be a excellent drummer.

Good Luck!

(also edited to add, its not totally off subject as you suggest. Just kind of appearing on the step of a bootcamp having never done anything is going to be more difficult than having "some" experience.)