Information
We have 3 exciting options for kids to learn how to create and play their own video games. Please see the categories below to determine the best fit for your child.
Foundations:
Aimed at ages 8-11, this camp focuses on teaching programming and problem-solving fundamentals using the free online resource Scratch (scratch.mit.edu). Students will be guided through completing one game each day of camp and will be shown how to share their games on the Scratch website.
Basics of Project Programming:
This camp goes beyond simple 1-day games and has participants ages 10-12 developing a game that is uniquely theirs over the course of the whole week. Students use the 8-bit fantasy console PICO-8 (lexaloffle.com) to generate their own graphics and sound assets while also learning to write code in the popular Lua scripting language. On the final day, students publish their games online to Lexaloffle where they can be played worldwide and receive genuine feedback from the PICO-8 community.
This class will use PICO-8, which is a $15 one-time purchase. There is also a free in-browser educational edition, which will work just fine. However, only the paid version allows exporting an executable of the game, which would be necessary if they wish to share their game anywhere other than the PICO-8 website. Either way, they will need an account on lexaloffle.com [lexaloffle.com].
Advanced Game Design:
This camp allows students ages 14-17 to unlock their potential by designing and developing a game all their own. Rather than step-by-step instruction, they receive guidance through the iterative process of game development. They learn good software development practices, adding a new tool to their kit each day. It is up to them to decide how to implement them in their project. By the end of the week, students publish their games online on the popular game website itch.io.
This class will use PICO-8, which is a $15 one-time purchase. There is also a free in-browser educational edition, which will work just fine. However, only the paid version allows exporting an executable of the game, which would be necessary if they wish to share their game anywhere other than the PICO-8 website. Either way, they will need an account on lexaloffle.com [lexaloffle.com].
Please pack a lunch and snacks.
Bring your own laptop.
Time: 9A-3P
Location: Freehome Fire Station Community Room at 9253 Freehome Hwy, Canton, GA 30115.
| June 8-12 | 9:00 am-3:00 pm | Ages 8-11 |
| June 15-19 | 9:00 am -3:00 pm | Ages 11-14 |
| June 22-26 | 9:00 am -3:00 pm | Ages 11-17 |