A new kind of day camp is coming to Lake Michigan College this summer for computer savvy youth ages 8 to 14. Week-long workshops range from beginner level to advanced, and cover subjects like video game design, app design, animation and coding.

The program is designed by Black Rocket Productions, an international organization which has been providing cutting-edge digital arts courses for 14 years. Student-created projects will be available on a password protected website to share with family and friends.

The first camp begins June 6. Each camp is priced at $149 and will be offered on LMC’s main campus, Monday through Friday for three hours per day. Registration and more information about each camp is available online at www.lakemichigancollege.edu/camps or by calling (269) 926-6832.

In addition to campers, LMC is recruiting instructors to teach the camps. Technically proficient adults who enjoy working with middle-school-aged children can apply at www.lakemichigancollege.edu/blackrocket. Training and a financial stipend will be provided.

 

Make Your First Video Game

This one-of-a-kind class introduces the keys to designing a 2D platformer game. Conceptualization, play experience, challenge levels, graphics, sounds, and simple coding will be explored. No prior experience necessary, just a desire to have fun. Student-created games will be available on a password protected Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. Monday to Friday, June 6 to June 10. Ages 8 to 10, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Ages 11 to 14 years, 1 to 4 p.m.

 

Minecraft Designers

Students will learn the basics of creating 3D models using a new software to design objects, create skins for characters, and import them into Minecraft games. To access their project at home students, must own a PC/Mac version of Minecraft. Tablet, phone, and game console version of Minecraft are not compatible. Parent email address is required to use 3D modeling software. Monday to Friday, June 13 to June 17. Ages 11 to 14, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Ages 8 to 10, 1 to 4 p.m.

 

App Attack

Using a specialized app and game development tool, students will explore the world of web-based (HTML5) mobile apps. The basics of mobile app design and game development, as well as app publishing functions will be introduced. Student-created apps will be accessible on a private site and can be played on any mobile device or computer. Publishing to App Stores not included. No prior experience is necessary and students do not need to own a smartphone or tablet to take the class. Students will work in pairs or teams for most of the program. Monday to Friday, June 20 to June 24. Ages 11 to 14, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Ages 8 to 10, 1 to 4 p.m.

 

Make Your First 3D Video Game

This class allows the student to develop a game concept that goes well beyond the limitations of the traditional 2D game design classes. Students will learn the physics behind 3D games, explore beginner event scripting, level design, controlling flow of gameplay, and storytelling. Student created games will be available on a password protected Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. Students will work in pairs or teams for most of the program. Monday to Friday, June 27 to July 1. Ages 8 to 10, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Ages 11 to 14, 1 to 4 p.m.

 

Minecraft Animators

Students will learn how studios like Pixar and Disney make movies like Inside Out and Frozen by using techniques like keyframing, tweening, texturing, and animating rigged 3D models. Student projects will be available on a Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. Students do not need to own a Minecraft account to use the software in this class. Students will work in pairs or teams for most of the program. Monday to Friday, July 11 to July 15. Ages 11 to 14, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Ages 8 to 10, 1 to 4 p.m.

 

App Adventures: The Next Level

This camp moves past the basic techniques learned in App Attack, though the previous camp is not required. Students will choose from a selection of different web-based (HTML5) mobile apps and explore more in-depth programming concepts. Student-created apps will be accessible on a Black Rocket site and can be played on any mobile device or computer. Publishing to App Stores not included. No prior experience is necessary and students do not need to own a smartphone or tablet to take the class. Students will work in pairs or teams for most of the program. Monday to Friday, July 18 top July 22. Ages 11 to 14, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Ages 8 to 10, 1 to 4 p.m.

 

Code Breakers

Students will learn the basics of coding languages like HTML, JavaScript, and CSS through a series of web projects and design challenges. Projects will be available on a Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. Students will work in pairs or teams for most of the program. Monday to Friday, July 25 to July 29. Ages 11 to 14, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Ages 8 to 10, 1 to 4 p.m.