Program Information
We provide quality niche instruction from Game Professionals to help students learn useful skills while relating to something they are passionate about. Designed by game industry veterans from LucasArts, Microsoft, Sony, EA, and Activision, Game-U’s summer camp curriculum gives kids a fun, inspiring, hands-on learning experience!
Camp Features
- Locally Owned
- 4:1 Student Teacher Ratio
- Flexible Schedules
- Oculus Rift
- 3D Printing
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
- Year Round Programs
2D Illustration Jr.
Ages 6 - 12
Turn your doodles into works of art through the skills learned in our 2D Illustration Jr. camp! Start with traditional drawing skills with pencil and paper, learning the techniques it takes to make your art better than ever. Then, once you’ve mastered the classical style, take your abilities onto the computer to learn digital art with our drawing tablets and digital art programs.
3D Art + Design
Ages 12+
Take your art to the next dimension! With a focus on 3D Art and Design, students will be using programs such as Maya and Blender to create their own 3D models. They will learn the entire 3D pipeline from modeling to rigging, UV unwrapping, animating, texturing and more, in order to make game-ready assets for game design programs such as Unity and Unreal.
Advanced Robotics
Ages 10+
This camp challenges advanced roboticists to wire circuit boards, reverse-engineer household appliances, program robotic interactions, and build functioning devices. Roboticists also learn basic 3D modeling skills as they incorporate this into their final project.
Adventurer
Ages 6 - 8
Designed to excite and inspire, the Adventurer Camp introduces our youngest students to the wonders of game design, robotics, and 3D modeling. Adventurers tackle a wide range of challenges as they build games, practice illustration, learn electronic circuits, program robots, and create and print 3D models. Get ready for an adventure!
App Development
Ages 12+
In this introductory programming camp, teens will explore how code can build apps, websites, games, and more! Through hands-on projects, they learn universal programming principles relevant to a wide range of applications at a higher level than the Kids.Code camp. All experience levels welcome!
Art
Ages 8 - 11
Artistically inclined? Immerse yourself! Whether it’s 3D, 2D, digital, or traditional, art plays a major role in game design. Campers learn fundamental art techniques and concepts in a variety of mediums, creating 3D models, digital and traditional illustrations, character art, and more. All experience levels welcome!
Creative Writing
Ages 10 - 12
Every game needs a great story, so learn to write the story! Creative Writing teaches campers narrative principles, character development, plot design, and writing style while exercising their imaginations. They practice how to develop the lore behind a game with fun writing prompts, team-based brainstorming sessions, and storyboarding. Let our instructors help your campers write their stories!
eSports
Ages 10+
Learn to play games like Overwatch, Rocket League, and Fortnite at a high competitive level and in a team-based environment! Campers train to excel at each game, picking up expert tips, strategies, and coaching, while learning more about how pro eSports leagues work.
Explorer
Ages 8 - 10
Explore the world of game development to build your own game! Campers use tools like Project Spark, Roblox, Piskel, and TinkerCAD to learn what goes into a real game. They get hands-on practice with level and character design, programming, and mechanics. Everything builds towards the final project as campers create games of their own!
Intro to Robotics
Ages 7-11
Learn engineering and robotics through hands-on experience with the Lego Mindstorms EV3 system! Participants create customized robots and learn programming fundamentals as they work together in small groups to complete engineering design challenges.
Kids.Code Jr
Ages 8 - 11
In this introductory programming camp, kids explore how code can build apps, websites, games, and more! Through hands-on projects, they learn universal programming principles relevant to a wide range of applications. All experience levels welcome!
Minecraft Modding
Ages 8 - 12
For our younger Minecraft fans, it’s time to go all out! We’re taking Minecraft to the next level. Start learning how to “Mod” (modify) Minecraft using age-appropriate, easy-to-understand methods. Create your own original mods that you can share with your friends in multiplayer!
Pioneer
Ages 10 - 12
Create full-length, 2D side-scrolling adventures, space shoot-em-ups, puzzle games, Minecraft mods, and more on pro game tools! Pioneers use editors like GameMaker and Construct 2 as they study the fundamentals of game design, computer programming, and pixel art – with the option to publish their games for iOS, Android, or HTML5. Their only limit is their imagination!
Teen.Code
Ages 12+
Take the black box that is coding and blow it wide open! Campers study syntax, variables, conditionals, and more while developing functioning applications. Build a Choose Your Own Adventure game, publish an online portfolio, and design your own app as you learn what it takes to be a programmer. Come away with new skills and a better understanding of the power of code!
Virtual and Augmented Reality
Ages 12+
The future is here! VR (Virtual Reality) is the next big thing in gaming. First learn how to augment reality with digital creations, and then go a step further – build a whole new virtual reality to explore!
Voyager
Ages 12+
Love gaming? Wondering what goes on behind the scenes? Come find out! Take apart popular game genres like Action-Adventurer or Auto Racing and learn to build your own video game using Unity, a professional game editor. Our Voyagers dive headfirst into the exciting world of coding as they write game interactions in C#. At the end of the week, they become published indie game designers by sharing their work on the iOS, Android, or HTML5 platforms. No previous experience is required!
YouTube/Twitch Camp
Ages 11 - 15
Learn to share your love of games with the world on YouTube & Twitch! Campers learn how to create quality instructional videos and an appealing brand, as well as practice techniques to present a fun, engaging, and relatable on-camera personality.
Frequently Asked Questions
- My child does not meet the age requirements for a camp. Can we still enroll?
To ensure that all our campers are engaged and challenged throughout the week, we tailor curriculum to each age group. However, because we know each child is different, we consider accepting campers outside of the camp age limits on a case-by-case basis. Give us a call to discuss options or complete the enrollment online through the Parent Portal. Our system will process the enrollment as a request and you will not be charged unless the request is approved.
- What previous experience is required to attend a camp?
No previous required is required. Our camps use project-based curriculum to challenge beginners as well as more advanced students.
- What will my child do in camp all day?
Our camps follow carefully planned curriculum that includes learning periods, project work, breaks, lunch (for full-day campers), and free time.
- Are there recreation periods for campers?
Yes! Depending on what is available in each studio, these periods may be indoors or outdoors. Outdoor activities are weather permitting and usually take place during the campers’ lunch hour.
- Should my camper bring a lunch?
Yes. Each full-day camper should bring lunch, one snack, and sunscreen for any outdoor activities. Lunch is typically from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM and is supervised by our staff.
- Do you offer before care or after care?
Please contact your specific studio for options on before care or after care.
- I have to cancel my camp enrollment. Do you offer refunds?
After May 1st, we do not offer refunds for camps. However, any cancellations made after this date will be saved as GAME-U credit for one year. GAME-U credits can be applied towards other available camp openings, classes, or events.
- I applied the promo code but do not see the discount taken off my balance. Did I receive the discount?
If you applied a promo code to your camp enrollment prior to May 1st, you will pay a 50% deposit up front. The discount will come off your remaining balance. If you are not sure the promo code was applied correctly, please contact your home studio and a staff member can look into the situation.
- Will my child have projects to take home?
Usually, yes! We want your child to be able to show off his or her new skills to friends and family. Whether a 3D model, a USB with project files, a story, or an art portfolio, your camper should come home with the results of a fun, productive week.
- I want to talk to someone about which camp is the best fit for my child. Who do I call?
If you call your home studio or use the Contact Us page to send an email explaining your question, a staff member will be happy to help you.