What you'll do
Learn to program and play your own video games in this engaging weeklong class. Master the basics of coding in Tynker as you create a new game every day—2D platformers, top-down RPGs, side scrollers and more—each full of awesome details you design yourself. No prior coding experience required.
Start by powering up your programming skills with an introduction to code blocking. Then be determined to solve coding puzzles and create a fantastical fantasy adventure game. Learn foundational physics concepts to help you animate your own characters in an alien adventure and build a multi-level game from the ground up. Be visionary as you invent a new top-down game and reinvent classics like Pong or Space Invaders. At the end of the week, put your coding experience to the test to fine-tune your unbelievably fun creations and share your favorites with your fellow gamers.
Note:
This weeklong class is more than just innovation-igniting projects—it’s an immersive experience full of delightful details, including interactive games, energizing music, snacks (see Additional Prep, below) and dress-up days, designed to build community, bolster confidence and deliver loads of camp-away-from-camp fun. Kids will have ongoing access to their Tynker accounts so they can keep working on their virtual creations after class.
What you'll need
Technology
Computer with speaker, camera and a Chrome (29+), Firefox (30+), Safari (7+) or Edge (20+) browser
Internet access
Zoom application installed, signed in with child’s name (we recommend using Zoom and Tynker on the same machine)
Additional Prep
Your child’s Tynker username and password will be emailed to you before class. Please have those details available so they can sign in at the start of class. (Tynker is totally cloud-hosted, so no installation is necessary beforehand.)
Campers will have two 15-minute breaks each day—it’s a good idea to have snacks and drinks handy during those times.
What you'll take away
Code blocking experience and video game design skills
The skills to be determined and understand that mastery takes effort
The skills to be visionary and turn your ideas into reality
An array of awesome video games you designed yourself
Ongoing access to Tynker so you can keep creating
Join the community
The last step in the Galileo Innovator’s Process is share. Great learning can come from sharing successes and failures—to solidify your own experience as an innovator and to inspire others.
ELL
Some bilingual staff & support for multilingual families.
Special Needs
Support for Students with Special Needs (Oakland Camp Director has a Masters in Special Education).
Deals
Yes. Every year, we award thousands of weeks of specially priced camp through our financial assistance program. Apply on our Financial Assistance page. Scholarships available.