Course Overview

Academy Experience

Skill Level and Ages

Skills Gained

How We Teach

Our Recommendations

Camp Reviews

FAQ

3D Modeling & Animation with Autodesk® Maya®

Ages 13-18

Introduction to the iD Gaming Academy

The iD Gaming Academy is a two-week, overnight, teen-only summer program held at top universities throughout the country. Learn industry-standard development applications from faculty with proven video game development credentials. Tour a big-name game studio. Expect late-night NVIDIA®-powered gaming tournaments. The pre-college curriculum is intensive, but appropriate for beginner through advanced skill levels. Graduate with a gaming portfolio and the tools to excel in the field of game development. Participants can also purchase CEU Credits (Continuing Education Units) and receive an official transcript from Stanford Continuing Studies, to boost their portfolio for college.

About This Course/ Featured Software

We use award-winning, brand-name software. This challenging and fun summer 3D modeling and animation camp for teens uses Autodesk® Maya®, the professional-grade program used by big-name game studios and movie houses. Autodesk tools are used to develop 90% of contemporary video games and provide one of the leading effects packages used in The Lord of the Rings, Spider-Man, Star Wars and other blockbuster films.

Autodesk Maya is the industry standard for premium game development and is used by the iD Gaming Academy for modeling and animating 3D characters. This 3D modeling, animation, rendering and visual effects software offers artists an end-to-end creative workflow. It combines sets, advanced matchmoving capabilities and high dynamic range compositing into a single powerful, integrated 3D modeling, animation, effects and rendering solution.

In this two-week computer camp for teens, you will create stunning, high-resolution 3D game characters and weapons. You will learn how to make models and game characters that go toe-to-toe with those you find in your favorite video games, as well as basic character animation. Each student will build and take home a portfolio of their animated game models.

Curriculum At A High Level

Week One: Focus on 3D modeling, emphasizing proper construction techniques for in-game art and well designed characters. After an introduction to working in 3D space and the Maya® user interface/tool set, use shortcut keys and begin building with primitive shapes. Box modeling and NURBS vs. Polygon modeling will be covered. Texturing in Adobe® Photoshop®, importing textures, working with UV layouts and applying shaders will allow you to “skin” your models. You will be well on your way to modeling a primary game vehicle and weapon by the end of the first week.

Week Two: Learn basic 3D sculpting and painting with Autodesk® Mudbox™. Explore the animation and rigging aspects of Autodesk® Maya® and MotionBuilder®. With simple rigging, you will dive into keyframe animation, allowing for dynamic movement. Learn basic character movements such as walking or jumping, as well as camera movement. Finish your academy session with a portfolio of original game models and animations.

Other Related iD Programs

All Other Courses at iD Gaming Academy
iD Programming Academy
iD Visual Arts Academy
iD Tech Camps –Weeklong Gaming Courses

The Academy Experience

University Immersion

Teens experience independent college life in a supervised environment. This pre-college program is overnight-only, so teens stay in real college dorms, eat in dining halls and get a feel for daily life on campus. Choose the recommended Weekend Stay option to have even more time to explore campus and local attractions.

Online Portfolio Workshops

Teens spend two nights each week in portfolio-building workshops and create their own online portfolio. Finished portfolios include a bio page and samples of completed projects. This industry-standard portfolio tool is easy to update as teens delve further into their fields, developing more advanced projects over time. Establishing a portfolio sets our participants apart from their peers on college and internship applications.

Continuing Education Units

Build up your resume for college by earning Continuing Education Units. Receive an official transcript from Stanford Continuing Studies (available for purchase at all Academy locations). CEU Credits demonstrate that students have completed course content of college-level difficulty.

Gaming Tournaments

Game on! Expect late-night NVIDIA®-powered gaming tournaments with Team Fortress® 2. Other games available for recreational gameplay include Portal™ 2, Unreal Tournament® 3, Counter-Strike®, Half-Life® 2, Left 4 Dead™ 2, and more. Gaming tournaments do not infringe on instructional time.

Tour a Gaming Studio

Get a feel for future career options and meet industry professionals. Depending on session location and availability, students tour big-name studios like Hi-Rez Studios, Turbine, Inc., Electronic Arts, CipherPrime and more.

Skill Level & Ages

This 3D modeling course is for ages 13-18.

There are no prerequisites for this teen game modeling camp, except for the desire to learn the premiere modeling and animation tool on the market.

Our ever-evolving curriculum is designed for beginner through advanced learners, allowing students to move along at their own pace with customized lessons for a fun and appropriate challenge. Instructors work closely with students and adjust the curriculum to fit their progress and their project goals.

Top 10 Skills Gained

Our teen 3D modeling camps are the best in the industry. Here are the cutting-edge skills you can expect to gain:

Conceptual Skills Development

1. 3D modeling
2. 3D animation
3. Visual and particle effects
4. Overview of rigging
5. Character design
6. Creating textures

Software & Hardware Skills Development

7. Autodesk® Maya®
8. Adobe® Photoshop®

Soft Skills Development

9. Creativity
10. Problem-solving

Industry Leading Curriculum & Instruction

8:1 Ratio, Guaranteed

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.

Two-Week Intensive Course

Our two-week courses at the Academy provide students with the right amount of time to get comfortable in their field of study and put their knowledge to use with hands-on projects. Students also have ample time to work on their online portfolios, enjoy excursions and tours of nearby facilities, relax with late-night gaming tournaments and explore campus.

Adult-Only Faculty, No Counselors-in-Training

Staff at the Academy have a deep understanding of the software, hardware and technical skills needed to succeed in their competitive industries.  They pass along their knowledge to Academy students, and are able to cover a tremendous amount of material in a two-week period. The reason?  Small ratios, innovative curriculum, an intensive staff training program, and an expectation of excellence.  The end result is an awesome online portfolio—and newfound confidence that comes with accomplishing something BIG.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are iD Teen Academies the nation’s premiere pre-college destinations to learn essential STEM skills?

iD Teen Academies offer intensive and relevant technology curriculum, taught by well-versed, accomplished faculty. The programs offer:

• Guaranteed staff ratios – maximum of 8 students per instructor
• Intensive, college-level curriculum for beginner to advanced learners
• The latest industry-standard hardware and software
• Portfolio-building workshops for iD Gaming Academy and iD Visual Arts Academy
• Software repository system utilization experience for iD Programming Academy
• Accredited Continuing Education Units Studies
• Industry-savvy faculty
• An immersive university experience
• Tours of big-name studios
• Guest speakers

How are iD Teen Academy courses different from the courses at iD Tech Camps?

iD Teen Academy courses are two-week, overnight-only programs (at most locations) for teens ages 13-18. Students in the iD Gaming Acadmy and iD Visual Arts Academy build online portfolios in addition to completing a final project. Students in the iD Programming Academy will utilize software repository systems and graduate with full access to their code. All students get the opportunity to tour a nearby studio. iD Teen Academies are more intensive, and are intended to be a pre-college experience. iD Tech Camps offers weeklong day camps and overnight camps, and is for ages 7-17.  iD Tech Camps features more traditional summer camp activities integrated into the curriculum.

Where is this course offered?

See Step 3 for location availability.

How much does this course cost?

The cost for the two-week overnight program is US $3,499. Check our site for special promotions. Continuing Education Units are available. Age restrictions apply. Weekend Stays are optional, but recommended, and cost $349 per weekend.

Are there teen summer camp savings?

• Register early to take advantage of our seasonal promotions. Registering early also helps you reserve the course and location you desire.
• Save $50 when referring a friend. Your friend saves $50 too!
• Save $50 with our sibling discount.
• Sign up for multiple sessions to save with our multi-session savings.

What are the dates of this course?

Choose a location in Step 3 to find the dates that the course is offered.

How do I know if this course is open for enrollment?

View real-time availability of iD Teen Academies and iD Tech Camps courses by selecting a location.

How do I register?

Go to Step 3 and select a location, then follow the steps to register.

What if the curriculum is too easy or too hard once the course starts?

iD Teen Academy programs are taught in small, personalized classes. Instructors are able to work closely with each student to customize the course curriculum to each student’s skill and experience level. Whether a student is a beginner or extremely advanced, our instructors find fun and challenging ways to develop their tech skills. If students have a particular goal or project idea, instructors will work with them and guide them along the way to realizing their dream.

Do I need to bring any computer equipment to camp?

No, students are provided with everything they need for their course, and each student gets their own computer for the session. Students never need to share computers.

What “off-computer” activities are there?

Our teen programs are academic camps, but we also create a fun summer experience. The intensive curriculum and lab time are balanced out with cool excursions, trips to nearby studios and fun down time activities like gaming tournaments. Students may participate in organized outdoor sports, movie nights, talent shows, campus tours and more. Since this is a teen-only program, we try to allow students as much freedom as possible in shaping their own weeks.

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

Who should I contact with questions or concerns?
Contact our Client Services Department 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. To register, go to Step 3 and select a location, then follow the steps to register.

Our Recommendations

This Autodesk® Maya® summer camp is a great step if you are considering studying game design in college or want to explore a potential career direction. Learn the basics of 3D graphics production, character modeling, texturing and animation from top tier instructors with game development experience. A selection of game models will be created, including a primary character, weapon and additional game objects.

Other Courses and Programs

To view all courses offered at the iD Gaming Academy, click here.
You may also be interested in the teen-only iD Programming Academy or iD Visual Arts Academy.

If you are interested in weeklong tech camps, as opposed to our Teen Academies, please jump to iD Tech Camps for a complete list of related courses and programs, which include:

Autodesk® Maya® – 3D Modeling & Animation (iD Tech Camps)
3D Game Design – Racing Games (iD Tech Camps)
3D Game Design – Role Playing Games (iD Tech Camps)
FPS Game Design – Unreal® Development Kit (iD Tech Camps)
3D Game Modding – Portal™ 2 (iD Tech Camps)
3D Game Modding – Portal™ 2 & Half-Life® 2 (iD Tech Camps)
Game Design for iPhone® & iPad® I (iD Tech Camps)
Game Design for iPhone® & iPad® II (iD Tech Camps)

Game Modeling Camp Reviews

What Parents Are Saying

“This is my son’s 3rd year with iD Tech Camps. He has finally found a camp where he fits in and and is doing something that gets him excited. He will definitely be back for another session next year.
Jane W., parent, 3D Modeling & Animation with Autodesk® Maya®

“Outstanding experience for my son. I’m truly impressed with the involvement and the educational experience about something my son loves. Thank you for this opportunity.Tiffeni M., parent, 3D Modeling & Animation with Autodesk® Maya®

“Our son really enjoyed modeling; this was his fourth summer at iD Tech Camps, taking different classes each time, and he is still learning new things.David S., parent, 3D Modeling & Animation with Autodesk® Maya®

“Thank you for the encouragement to continue on the path my son wishes to follow for his future career. I also appreciate the discussions he had with the staff in regards to colleges to look at and how to work towards getting into them. Rebecca R., parent, 3D Modeling & Animation with Autodesk® Maya®

“My son had a great time. Thanks for the great experience. This definitely helped in him trying to figure out what he wanted to do in the future.Pete D., parent, 3D Modeling & Animation with Autodesk® Maya®

What Academy Students Are Saying

“This was an awesome course in which I learned a lot but also had a great time. The instructors were both very energetic and knowledgeable throughout the 2 weeks. They offered great personal help to everyone. I would recommend this course to anyone somewhat interested in the field of 3D modeling.Alex H., student, 3D Modeling & Animation with Autodesk® Maya®

“My instructors were great and inspiring teachers. They helped me when I was behind, and with their help, I created a pretty nice character. Oliver M., student, 3D Modeling & Animation with Autodesk® Maya®

“This camp was epic, brilliant, and just plain awesome. I made friends, learned a lot about 3D modeling (which I’m now considering as a career possibility) and had an overall great time. Thanks a bunch to all the instructors for making the iD Gaming Academy one of the highlights of my summer! Samantha G., student, 3D Modeling & Animation with Autodesk® Maya®

“iD Gaming Academy is one of the best programs I have been to. The experiences I have been through were outstanding and will prove helpful in my life. Carlton M., student, 3D Modeling & Animation with Autodesk® Maya®

“This camp has been the perfect combination of work and fun. I feel like I got a really good understanding of Maya, yet had a fun, awesome experience at the same time. I met a lot of great people and the staff was great. I hope to do it again next year! Lucas E., student, 3D Modeling & Animation with Autodesk® Maya®

Tuition & Hours

	HOURS	MEALS	TUITION	WHAT'S INCLUDED
iD Gaming Academy Ages 13-18	Sunday 6:00PM to Friday: 3:30PM	Includes all meals and 24/7 supervision.	US $3,499	Each 2-week session includes computers & peripherals, software, instruction & supervision, camp t-shirt, outdoor activities, games and gaming tournaments, team building & life skills development, official iD diploma, free year-round online workshops and more. Tuition also includes all meals, housing, supervision, and extra time for social activities. Also included are the Studio Tours and excursions. Tax is included with the prices listed. Prices are quoted in $ U.S.
Weekend Stays Ages 13-18	Friday: 3:30PM Sunday: 3:30PM	Includes all meals and 24/7 supervision.	US $349	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.

Note: Minimum deposit of US $500 is required at time of registration.

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

Location	Geography	Nearby Airport(s)
Emory University	Atlanta Area	Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport
Harvard University	Cambridge Area	Boston Logan International Airport
Lake Forest College	Chicago Area	O'Hare International & Midway International Airports
Stanford University	Palo Alto Area	San Francisco, San Jose & Oakland International Airports
Texas Christian University	Fort Worth	Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport
Vassar College	Poughkeepsie	Stewart International Airport
Villanova University	Philadelphia Area	Philadelphia International Airport
University of Denver	Denver	Denver International Airport