Summer camps for video gamers offer kids an environment where they can learn how to create their own video games as well as handle all of the design’s technical and creative aspects themselves. Despite a common misconception, a video game design summer camp focuses on creating, developing, and coding your own games, which has been noted to be the most important part of video game design.
What Lessons are learnt?
Summer camps all have an essential part in teaching critical life skills in an environment outside of the home and one’s comfort zone. Many camps have an overall experience to offer and though programs vary, they all have commonalities on these key video game design elements;
- Creativity
- Logic
- Sequencing
- Looping
- Variables
- Conditionals
- Platformer,
- RPG and physics-based game design
As such, it’s important to consider what each camp offers and if it’s something that might be of interest to the learner. Some camps may be overnight stays or sleepaways, so do keep that in mind. Usually, at such camps, there is much more to offer the kids than just the gaming experience. They get to mingle and socialise, something gamers are only sometimes known for. If you choose such a camp, make sure to also pack some bedding just in case. A camping sleeping bag is the best thing to carry. The Bay Flyer has some options for 24.99, which might be important to add to your gear as it’s just a smarter way of moving around.
National Computer Camps
https://nccamp.com/curriculum/
Age Groups: 6-18
National Computer Camps offers traditional camps, day camps, and virtual summer camps, thereby welcoming all levels of campers. They start in June and span about a week, but they allow kids to attend multiple sessions, where they teach a variety of programming languages, including Python, Scratch, Java, Javascript, and more. Here, learners pick up the skills necessary to construct 2D and 3D video games from scratch, adding things like levels, music, characters, and more. In addition to that, they also offer courses on other deeper subjects like animation, web design, and Arduino programming.
This camp stands out for its unique ability to guide and encourage kids well into their youth. They pick and train some of the standout previous camp attendees who have a passion for helping out as counsellors. They also have scholarship programs for kids who really want to pursue gaming as a career.
CodeWizardsHQ
https://www.codewizardshq.com/
Age Groups: 8 – 18
CodeWizardsHQ has been identified as a great place for kids to take their first steps using Python and JavaScript. CodeWizards allows them to use what they learn to create fun single and multiplayer games. Kids can take advantage of a Minecraft camp where they are taught coding and other basic concepts with the added flexibility of choosing from summer courses or year-round classes that meet once or twice each week.
Camp Integem
Age Groups: 5 – 18
Integem Holographic AR is one of the best camps to teach kids the concepts of augmented reality (AR) and coding. They teach 2D and 3D modelling, texturing, and rigging, and much more demanding concepts like multiplayer holographic AR game development. Students can learn more sophisticated techniques like using AI and holographic AR to create intelligent video games. This is the future of gaming, as we discussed in our Top 4 Trends in Video Game Design (2020 Edition). Both online and offline camps are available from Camp Integem. Since no prior experience with coding or game design is necessary, it’s a fantastic option for both novice and experienced campers.
GAME-U
Age Groups: 6-17
Game-U is an online and after-school program that was created by game industry professionals to impart skills to kids in a STEM-based curriculum. The courses are designed by gaming industry legends from companies like Microsoft, EA, and Sony and are all taught by expert instructors at a 4:1 teacher-student ratio. They cover various aspects of development, like level design, animation, coding, robotics, and 3D modelling and printing. They have additional courses that go deeper into programming, illustration, sound design, animation, and other life skills like creative writing, public speaking, and teamwork.
They have a few different camps, each demarcated by a minimum age requirement so as to focus on developing various types of skills. These are;
- Explorer camp – 8 – 10 years
- Voyager camp – 12 years and above.
At the end of the camp, the students are encouraged to publish their indie games on iOS, Android, or HTML5 platforms, which fosters a degree of accomplishment in the kids. They can also see their game’s real-time interest and deal with possible fixes and development work.
Power Up Tech Academy Programs
https://powerupta.com/schoolyear/curriculum.html
Age Groups: 8 – 16
Power Up Tech Academy is another excellent option for teaching kids the top languages, like Python and Unity, from beginner to advanced levels. They offer a one-week online camp with expert instructors at a 4:1 ratio. There is a video game art camp where you can create your own environments and characters. This is in addition to a Minecraft Modding camp, which allows kids to build minigames in Minecraft. This allows a more hands-on approach that ensures no student is left behind and encourages students to have real, playable games by the end of the program.
