Course Overview

Is This Course For You?

Staff Ratio Guarantee

Sample Day

Camp Reviews

FAQ

Adventures in Game Design

Ages 7-10

WEEKLONG | CO-ED | DAY CAMP | SLEEPAWAY CAMPS

Introduction to the World’s #1 Tech Camp

We’re a family company, consistently ranked a Top Workplace* by our tech-savvy, adult-only staff.  One of our big secrets?  Ridiculously small ratios.  Small ratios mean customized instruction—just 8 students per instructor or fewer—or you get a free week of camp, guaranteed!

About This Course/ Featured Software

Don’t just play games! Make them! Create your own video game in this fun, stimulating video game camp for kids. We introduce students to the awesome world of video game creation in a non-competitive, step-by-step process. This kids summer camp will teach the basic principles behind making arcade and platform games – the fun ones you’d find at your local arcade. Design your own arcade and platform games using the drag and drop ease of Clickteam^® Multimedia Fusion 2 Developer^® and industry-standard Adobe^® Photoshop^®.

Advanced students will add sound and music to enhance gameplay, as well as build more complex game rules for sophisticated games.  In this unique video game camp for kids, we supply the dragons, ninjas, backgrounds, power-ups, and other objects in order for you to make your own 2D game.  Build custom characters from Spore™ Creature Creator and import them into your game at our summer kids camps.  After learning how to make a game, students will take home a copy of their final project to play at home.  This junior kids camp also includes new Techtivities where students will have the opportunity for additional summer fun.

Is this course right for you? Click here to see “Top 10 Skills” and our recommendations (including multi-week packages).

Want to read about success stories at iD Tech Camps?  Check out our do something BIG stories, featuring real students, just like you!  Learn about iD alumni who are using what they’ve learned at camp to do amazing things – like founding their own independent gaming studios!

Other Related Programs

iD Tech Camps – All Video Game Camps
iD Gaming Academy –  2-Week Pre-College Intensive Teen Academy
View All Courses & Programs

Gaming Tournaments and Off-Computer Time

Students typically receive 5-6 hours per day of computer instruction, so there is still plenty of time for well-balanced activities like:

• LAN Gaming Tournaments (With BIG titles from Valve^®, Epic Games^®, Ubisoft^® and others, using NVIDIA^® GeForce^® gaming cards.)
• General Gameplay
• Sports, Chess, Games
• Campus Tours
• Teambuilding Activities
• Staying the Weekend? Check out our Ultimate Gaming Weekend.

Note 1: Gaming does NOT infringe on instructional time.
Note 2: Games with ESRB Ratings of E, T and M are used at our camps. We take our corporate responsibility and iD family values very seriously, but cannot guarantee that younger students will avoid complete contact with these games. Please know that we make every effort to minimize exposure to any games not appropriate for these age groups.

*iD Tech Camps has been ranked in the Top 10 two years in a row by the prestigious “Top Workplaces” survey of the Bay Area News Group, publisher of the San Jose Mercury News.

Is This Course for You?

Skill Levels

This course has no prerequisites, other than a love for video games!  The curriculum is customized for beginner to intermediate learners ages 7-10. Curriculum is delivered in small student clusters and individually tailored to each student at this video game camp.

Top 10 Skills Gained

Conceptual Skills Development

1. Introduction to video game development
2. 2D animation
3. Character creation
4. Introduction to programming

Software & Hardware Skills Development

5. Clickteam® Multimedia Fusion 2 Developer®
6. Adobe® Photoshop®
7. Spore™ Creature Creator

Soft Skills Development

8. Storyboard creation
9. Creativity
10. Problem-solving

Our Recommendations

This summer camp for children is perfect for active and imaginative younger students wanting to explore game-making. The fun drag and drop interface of the Adventures in Game Design course makes it easy for students to catch on quickly, and the curriculum is a good choice if you’re considering video game design schools. These fun kids summer camps are a great choice for students just beginning to discover the power of technology, and can be repeated over several weeks to build up skills.

Sample Multi-week Package Combinations

Junior Courses
Ages 7-12 learn a broad range of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) skills! Repeat the same course over several weeks to gain a deeper skill set, or add a week of: Adventures in Game Design (7-10) RPG Game Design & Graphic Arts Hybrid (8-12) Adventures in Robotics (8-12) Adventures in Programming (7-11) Movie Making Camp (9-12) Intro to Web Design & Photography (9-12)

Staff Ratio Guarantee

The iD Guarantee

We guarantee ridiculously small class sizes, with a maximum of 8 students per instructor. Why? Because our teaching philosophy is premised on personalization – your path, at your pace. iD's passionate, adult-only instructors guide students through customized curriculum with 1-on-1 teaching. The immersive environment (typically 5, 6, 7 or 8 students – but never more than 8 per instructor) is ideal for fostering creativity.

If we ever go over 8 students per instructor, you get a free week of make-up camp! Read more about the iD Guarantee.

How We Teach - Personalized Instruction

Our ever-evolving curriculum is designed for beginning through advanced learners. The ridiculously small ratios allow students to move along at their own pace with customized lessons and tons of 1-on-1 instruction. Students spend 5-6 hours on the computer each day, and instructors blend class time with Tech-Reation to give students a fun summer experience. Students take frequent breaks and have outside play.

Adult-Only Staff, No Counselors-in-Training

Our entire staff is comprised of adults ages 18 and over. iD Tech Camps has respectfully created a no Counselors-in-Training (CIT) policy at our summer technology camps. Students learn best from adults who have mastered their skills in technology. Instruction is delivered by graduate and undergraduate students majoring in the fields of Computer Science, Computer Engineering, App Design and other related fields.

Sample Day

Schedules may vary according to needs of specific groups and university locations.

7:30 am	Overnight students in our sleep away camps (boarding camps), along with Extended Day Campers, need fuel to exercise their brains! Eat breakfast in the dining hall. Breakfast on campus is normally all-you-can-eat, and consists of favorites such as sausages, pancakes, orange juice, cereal, waffles and fruit.
9:00 am	Day Camp Check In. All campers meet for morning announcements and ice breakers. A quick team-building exercise is such a great way to start out the day!
9:30 am	Break into course groups! Let the learning begin! Oops. Did we say learning? We meant...Let the fun begin!
12:00 pm	Lunch time! Overnight, Extended Day and Day Campers on the iD lunch plan typically eat in the dining hall. Students who bring their own bag lunch will either eat in the dining hall with the rest of the campers, or may laze under a shady tree outside with their instructors. Last year's favorites: lasagna, turkey sandwiches, pepperoni pizza, curly fries and chicken fingers. What's the dining hall serving up this year?
1:00 pm	Back to the labs! Yahoo! All rested and ready for round two!
2:30 pm	Apples to Apples anyone? Perhaps a game of Ultimate Frisbee? Capture the Flag? Gaming Tournaments? Our summer camp activities vary.
3:30 pm	Back to the labs again! Re-energized and ready to continue creating.
5:00 pm	Wrap-up your project! Day Camp students depart for Pick-up Area. For Overnight Camp students and Extended Day Camp students, it's Open Lab time.
6:00 pm	Dinner for Overnight Camp students and Extended Day Camp students.
7:00 pm	Extended Day Camp students go to the pick-up destination. Overnight Camp students explore supervised recreational activities such as sports, gaming tournaments, movie night and Capture the Flag, or maybe even continue working on projects. The bottom line is we want our campers to have the time of their lives!
10:00 pm	Lights Out! (Teens may have extended lights-out hours.)
11:00 pm	Good Night Teens!

Game Design Camp Reviews

What Parents Are Saying

“Excellent opportunity for your child to learn what it takes to make the games they play every day! It is work your child will love to do! Michael I., parent, Adventures in Game Design

“Our daughter loved it! It was a great boost for her self confidence and helped her develop skills that she can enjoy for a long time.Nancy G., parent, Adventures in Game Design

“My son is now more than ever excited about computers and the infinite possibilities that they afford. It also taught him to use his imagination when using computers and not to rely on what already exists. This has been an overall wonderful and exciting experience for him. It is one that he will never forget. He came home everyday talking about it. He usually describes his experiences as good. This time I got details.Lisa H., parent, Adventures in Game Design

“Our daughter had a great week here! She loved applying her creativity in new ways and the opportunity to make new friends.Robyn L., parent, Adventures in Game Design

“Our son really blossomed at iD Tech Camps this year. Our normally quiet and shy child talked and talked about how great his instructor was and even commented about other classmates being helpful along the way.Heather P., parent, Adventures in Game Design

“Wow, can’t believe how much the kids learned in one week…from knowing NOTHING about the game application, to walking out with a completed game, amazing! My son loved being at iD Tech Camps! Nicole Q., parent, Adventures in Game Design

“After the first day my son’s evaluation of camp was “concentrated heaven.” Thanks for a great experience!
Libby F., parent, Adventures in Game Design

“The first day of camp, my son came home and said that he finally met kids that were like him. He’s never been so excited about ANYTHING before. He’ll be back. Gina K., parent, Adventures in Game Design

“Great camp experience. Very well organized. Loved the efficiency and security of drop off and pick up. Kids loved having the lunch option to eat at the student cafeteria. We would definitely do this camp again.Ellen I., parent, Adventures in Game Design

“You took my son who doesn’t seem to fit in anywhere and made him come alive. We will definitely be back.Daun W., parent, Adventures in Game Design

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is iD Tech Camps the World’s #1 Tech Camp?
We offer:

• Guaranteed staff ratios
• Innovative curriculum
• The latest tech products
• Highly qualified, adult-only staff 
• A university experience 
• Intensive Teen-only programs

See Why iD for more information.

Where is this course offered?
We have 60 university locations nationwide.  Go to Step 3 for detailed information about where this course is offered. You’ll be able to see our exact location on campus in My Account once you register.

How much do your camps cost?
Tuition varies depending on course, location and camp options.  Go to Step 2 for pricing information and our cancellation policy.

What are the dates of camp?
Our summer computer camps start in June and run through August.  See a specific university page for detailed information about session dates.

What if I get sick or have summer school?
Our cancellation policy allows you to cancel your session up to 3 weeks prior to the start of camp. You’ll get your tuition back, minus the non-refundable deposit per week/per student.

How do I find out if the course I want is still open for enrollment?
You can view the “Real Time Availability” of all of our courses, locations and dates online! Just select your university or college of interest on our locations page. This information is updated frequently.

How do I register?
Go to Step 3 and pick a location to register.

I loved this course! Can I take it again?
Yes, you can take a course multiple times. Many students choose to take the same course over again so that they can build on their skills. Our curriculum is very deep, and has enough challenging content for a full summer. Another popular option is to enroll in a different course each week, thereby gaining a comprehensive introduction to a certain tech genre. We have suggested track programs in video game design, programming, photography & filmmaking, web design and more.

What do campers eat?
All meals are included with our overnight and extended day programs. Day campers have the option of purchasing the lunch plan or bringing a sack lunch. The lunch plan is recommended, but not mandatory. If the lunch plan is purchased, lunch is provided Monday – Friday. Many university dining facilities do not permit outside food to be brought into the dining hall; students bringing bag lunches may eat outside of the dining hall with their classmates and instructors. Lunch is provided to all students on Fridays, as part of an iD-style picnic.

What if my student already has experience?
Experienced students and iD Alumni – we have the perfect challenge for you! With our continually evolving curriculum, students will be able to move along faster and more independently, or collaborate utilizing our customized lessons while still receiving our gold standard 1-on-1 instruction (maximum of 8 students per instructor, guaranteed).

Do you have any teen programs?
iD Tech Camps has a Teen Scene that provides older students with a more independent experience on campus.  Teens enjoy extra privileges appropriate for their environment and maturity levels, and although we maintain standard supervision ratios, teens will feel a sense of freedom. Special Teen Scene activities include computer gaming tournaments and Gamingpalooza.

iD also offers specialized iD Teen Academies in Gaming, Programming and Visual Arts at select locations across the country.  These teen camps are intensive, two-week courses with tours of nearby industry hot spots and bi-weekly portfolio building workshops.  See our iD Teen Academies page for more information.

Do I need to bring my own computer?
No, students do not need to bring personal computers to camp.  Each student is provided with a computer at camp; students never have to share computers.

Do you use Macs or PCs at iD Tech Camps?
We use both platforms at our summer computer camps. We attempt to mirror the industry standard in each of our summer camp courses. For example, our programming courses are typically taught on PCs and our digital video courses are generally taught on Mac computers. We find that it is an important skill to be proficient on BOTH platforms.

What “off-computer” activities are there?
We are a summer computer camp, but are we in the labs all day? No! Balance is the key to every week at iD. While we are in the labs a majority of the day, we certainly take time out for outdoor activities and Tech-Reation. Tech-Reation activities may include organized outdoor games, movie nights, talent shows, additional gaming competitions and the ultimate university experience. Activities are divided by age and interests whenever possible and may vary by location. Imagine a traditional summer camp with a technology focus – that’s what we are.

Where do your instructors come from?
At iD Tech Camps, our staff is family! Each member of our team comes to us with a blend of spirit, energy, enthusiasm, knowledge of technology and experience with kids and teens. Our goal is to ensure that every location is comprised of experienced returning camp counselors along with new individuals who bring a fresh perspective to camp.

Many of our instructors are graduate and undergraduate students in Education, Engineering, Computer Science, Film and Programming. Often, these instructors come from the same recognized universities where we host our summer programs including Stanford, MIT and Columbia University. We also employ tech coordinators, teachers and principals from various school districts, and seasoned professionals on sabbatical to train students in their respective industries. Staff members undergo in-person training as well as extensive background checks each summer. We have a great crew that comes back year after year to create a unique and high-energy environment.

Why don’t you use Counselors-in-Training?
Distinguishing ourselves from most summer camps, we’ve respectfully created a “No CIT” policy. This guarantees that each student is instructed and supervised by paid adult staff members, ages 18 and older, not teenagers of camp age. CITs, we feel, can be an asset to some camps, but not iD Tech Camps. Read more about how we teach.

Do you provide transportation for students? What about Carpooling?
We do not arrange transportation for our students. For your convenience, we have created a new, user-friendly carpool application located in My Account. All transportation to and from camp is the responsibility of the parent/guardian. There are child transportation services that past campers have utilized, which can be found through a web search. iD Tech Camps is not affiliated with any such company and thus cannot be held accountable for clients’ use of outside transportation services.

How do I register? How do I contact you?
To register, find availability at the location you desire, and you’ll be guided through the process. Registering online is the fastest way to get into camp. Or, you can phone us as at 1-888-709-TECH (8324) or 1-408-871-2227. You can also email us at info@internalDrive.com. And, if you’d like a brochure sent to you, please click the brochure link.

Tuition & Hours

What's Included?

Course Instruction, supervision, camp T-shirt, flash drive with take home project, campus tours, hardware/software discounts, free year-round online workshops, and optional sports, chess and gaming tournaments. Campers also take home exciting raffle prizes, a personalized diploma of graduation and impressive new tech skills.

Save $50

Register NOW for our 2012 camp season. Register by March 15^th and save $50!

	CAMP HOURS	MEAL OPTIONS	REGULAR PRICE	COMPARE THE OPTIONS
Day Camps Ages 7-17	Monday - Thursday: 9AM to 5PM Friday: 9AM to 3:30PM	Lunch can be purchased for an additional $50/week.	From $749-$999/week	Parents can drop off between 8:30AM & 9:00AM, and pick up between 5:00PM & 5:30PM (3:30PM on Fridays). We recommend arriving at 8:30AM on your first day of camp to avoid the last minute rush.
Extended Day Camps Ages 7-17	Monday - Thursday: 7:30AM to 7PM Friday: 7:30AM to 3:30PM	Includes all meals	From $998-$1,248/week	The perfect option for commuting parents who need extra time in the mornings and want the convenience of someone else preparing breakfast, lunch and dinner.
*Overnight Camps Ages 10-17	Sunday: 6PM to Friday: 3:30PM	Includes all meals and 24/7 supervision.	From $1,248-$1,598/week	The complete collegiate experience! Students stay in real campus dorms (room with a buddy or make a new friend), eat in the university dining hall and participate in fun evening activities.*
**Ultimate Gaming Weekends Ages 12-17	Friday: 3:30PM to Sunday: 3:30PM	Includes all meals and 24/7 supervision.	Add $349/weekend	Get your game on! Stay the weekend and game with us.**
iD Tech 365 All Ages	Online 24/7 365 Days a Year	n/a	$179/year	The perfect add-on to our summer programs. Learn online before & after camp.

*Overnight iD Tech Campers must be 10+. No exceptions, please.
**Students ages 12+ can stay the weekend at select locations for $349. Students at Stanford, ages 10+, can also stay the weekend.

Continuing Education Units (teens only) are available for purchase.

All prices are quoted in U.S. Dollars and include all taxes.

Select a location for availability and dates