Active Learning Chess, GameMaker Video Game Creation and Scratch Animation Camps

Active Learning Services provides exciting and enriching summer camps for children ages 5-16. Programs include chess camps where professional chess instructors teach children of all abilities to play and improve their games. Also our popular video game creation and animation camps give children a great opportunity to learn the basics of game design and computer programming. Students can attend morning or afternoon half-day programs or combine two programs for a full day of fun. They will have a blast with excellent instructors and make new friends with other campers, all while learning and developing their minds!

Programs at this location include:

USA Chess Camp - Ages 5-15 (half and full day)

This summer USA Chess is offering our exciting and entertaining chess camp at more than 100 locations nationwide. USA Chess is the largest and premier chess camp organizer for children in the United States. The staff is comprised of the finest children's chess instructors in North America. Registration options include mornings, afternoon and all-day sessions. Campers experience chess instruction and play in a fun filled environment designed to improve their skills whether they are interested in casual or competitive chess. Tuition includes trophy, chess set and much more.

Video Game Creation Camps:

Video Game Creation - Arcade Style (Ages 8-16)

The Arcade course is a program where the game that is created has action for each level all on one screen similar to Centipede, Asteroids, or Pac Man. The main character (which the children create) can be anything. Other characters (enemies) pursue the main character from off the screen or move about the screen. The character dodges the attacks of the enemies while scoring points for picking up objects and destroying the enemy objects. Options are endless and children create level after level for a full week of fun. This is a half-day program. Students can add an additional program to make a full day camp.

The themes, music and format of Gamemaker games are virtually limitless and imagination and creativity rule the day!

Kodu Video Game Creation - Like Mario Go-Kart

Ages 7 - 16, Introductory to Intermediate

Children will create something similar to a Mario Go-Kart style game. What fun! Campers begin by designing their own world. Worlds can have mountains, valleys, lakes, hills, etc. or they can be a design unlike anything you have ever seen before. It's totally up to them! Next they place characters into the world and program them to move about, interacting with other characters, even talking using scripts written for the characters. They can program characters to pick up objects, engage opponents, and overcome villains. Children will use their creativity as they build a world full of racing tasks. Whether it is collecting enough diamonds before time expires, navigating through the challenging obstacle course, or racing against a friend they are sure to have fun! This is a half-day program. Students can add an additional program to make it a full day camp.

Modding, Networking and Hosting with Minecraft

Ages 8 ¿¿¿ 13, Introductory

Minecraft is hugely popular because it¿¿¿s collaborative, open-ended and moddable. Our program preserves those qualities and adds a large dose of fun! The week begins with learning the game, controls, recipes and a bit about hosting & networking. Next campers are connecting to different worlds hosted on our secure server and experimenting with character skins, mods and custom maps. By day three the kids are building in the Active Learning World that grows over time. Whether adding a room, building a moat or even creating a chessboard the possibilities are nearly limitless. This is a half-day program.¿¿Students can add an additional program to make it a full day camp.