Active Learning Chess, Minecraft, and GameMaker Video Game Creation 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!

Video Game Creation Camps:

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

In this camp children build a game described as a "platform" game like Sonic or Mario. Children have a blast as their characters do the impossible, overcome obstacles and enemies and then conquer the Big Boss. The character progresses on a long path (like a journey) with the background scrolling behind it and adversaries, prizes, obstacles, are encountered as it goes. Lessons on the basics will be similar to the Arcade course in the very beginning, but the class diverges and different programming techniques are taught in order to build this Platform game. This is a half-day program. Students can add an additional program to make it a full day camp.

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.

Kodu Video Game Creation Adventure Style Ages 8 - 13, Introductory to Intermediate

Children will have the option of creating a video game on a Microsoft computer or learning how to program using a Microsoft Xbox controller! Students will create their own cool custom world and navigate through it. Within this world they will create tasks that need to be completed in order to progress to the next level. Some of those tasks include escaping a maze created by the student, a survival mode, outwitting rivals, creating decoys and collecting bonus items ! This is a half-day camp. Xbox controller is optional and supplied by the student. Students can add an additional program to make it a full day camp.

Scratch - Animation Ages 8 - 16, Introductory to Intermediate

Students are introduced to programming by creating short story animated movies with a focus on fun. Campers will create animated stories using the Scratch animated programming tool which allows them to program interactions between characters. They will use a gallery of characters, scenery and custom animations that are designed to help develop their story. The students will learn basic programming skills and have the opportunity broaden their imagination. This is a half-day program. Students can add an additional program to make it a full day camp.

USA Chess Camp - Ages 5-15 (half and full day) Offered at certain locations*