Technology Courses at Emagination STEM Camps

Are you an incoming college student with a passion for technology? Do you dream of not just understanding but shaping the future of tech? Look no further than the Technology Courses at Emagination STEM Camps! This comprehensive guide will take you through everything you need to know about these innovative programs, designed to turn your enthusiasm for technology into tangible skills and experiences.

Emagination STEM Camps offer a vibrant summer destination for children and teenagers to excel and grow. Here, they blend the excitement of technology education with the joy of summer camp activities, creating an exceptional experience that nurtures the best in every young individual.

Established in 1982, Emagination STEM Camps have been providing both Day and Overnight programs, where campers engage in a variety of STEM Courses. These include coding, game design, robotics & engineering, and computer graphics, among other exciting fields!

What are the Technology Courses at Emagination STEM Camps?

Emagination STEM Camps offer a range of technology courses that blend theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on experience. Here, you will delve into programming, game design, robotics, and more. Each course is tailored to provide a deep dive into the fascinating world of technology, ensuring you get a holistic understanding of the subject matter.

Choose four Tech Courses for every two-week session. Each course convenes for three hours each day, with a 45-minute interlude for daily recreational and social activities (included).

Digital Art and Media

2D Cartoon Animation

• Dive into the world of 2D cartoon creation with Blender’s Grease Pencil.
• Your journey includes crafting and refining characters, objects, and sceneries.
• Illuminate your designs with dynamic lighting and captivating audio, adding a layer of depth.
• Master the art of multi-frame editing and onion skinning to bring your animations to life.
• Develop your storytelling skills by designing storyboards and setting the stage for your very own short 2D movie clips and cartoons.

Eligibility: All ages

Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced

Software: Blender

Things to Bring: 32G Flash Drive

What Skills Will You Acquire?

In this course, you’re in control, advancing from beginner to advanced levels at your own pace. It’s structured to grow with you, even if you choose to take it more than once. You’ll gain expertise in:

• Utilizing Blender for 2D animation.
• Mastering stroke layering techniques.
• Learning the intricacies of retiming and scaling.
• Exploring the nuances of onion skinning.
• Applying various special effects to enhance your work.

What Will You Create?

By the end of the course, you will have created a captivating 15 to 30-second 2D cartoon animation showcasing your newly acquired skills and unique creative vision.

3D Animation

Join the 3D Animation course at our STEM Camp, where you harness the power of Blender, the renowned open-source animation software. This course is your gateway to the techniques behind some of the most beloved games and movies. Here’s what’s in store for you:

• Start with a concept and progress to modeling intricate objects and characters.
• Infuse your creations with motion, enhanced by striking lighting and special effects.
• Transform your ideas into vivid, animated realities.

Eligibility: Ages 11-17

Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced

Software: Blender

What to Bring: 32G Flash Drive

What Will You Discover?

This course empowers you to learn at your own speed, advancing from simple to complex concepts, and is suitable for repeated enrolment. Dive into:

• Professional-grade software used by animation experts.
• The art of storyboarding.
• Techniques in modeling, lighting, and camera animation.
• Keyframe and walk-cycle animation skills.

Your Creative Output

• A backdrop environment using basic shapes.
• Animated objects, individuals, and groups.
• Your own models with sophisticated rigging.
• A 15-30 second original animated scene that showcases your talent and imagination.

3D Modeling and Printing

Explore the exciting world of 3D modeling and printing at our STEM Camp. Utilizing Blender, a leading software in the 3D modeling industry, you’ll learn to craft intricate digital models. Then, experience the thrill of bringing these designs to life through the magic of 3D printing. Whether you choose to work solo on personal projects or collaborate on more ambitious group endeavors, the possibilities are limitless.

Eligibility: Ages 11-17

Skill Range: Welcoming Beginners to Advanced Learners

Software: Blender

What to Bring: 32G Flash Drive

Lab Fee: $45

What Knowledge Will You Gain?

• The art of designing 3D models.
• Principles of mechanical design.
• Enhancing your spatial reasoning capabilities.
• Understanding the nuances of product development.

What Will You Achieve?

3D printed model, a tangible testament to your newly honed skills and creative vision.

Graphic Design

Step into the realm of digital creativity with our Graphic Design course at STEM Camp. Here, you’ll harness the capabilities of GIMP, a renowned open-source graphic design tool. This course empowers you to:

• Manipulate digital images using advanced layers, filters, and color effects.
• Apply theoretical knowledge, graphic design techniques, and industry practices.
• Hone your skills to craft posters, logos, digital art, unique textures, and more.

Eligibility: Open to All Ages

Skill Spectrum: Ranging from Beginner to Advanced

Software: GIMP Software

What Will Your Journey Involve?

• Techniques for professional photo editing.
• Fundamental and advanced graphic design and image editing methods.
• The art of layer and filter manipulation.
• The process of creating animated GIFs.

What Will You Create?

Your creativity will take shape in various forms, including:

• Images with transparent backgrounds.
• Silhouette designs.
• Edited and enhanced images.
• Engaging memes.
• Dynamic animated GIFs.

Website Design

Immerse yourself in the world of website design at our STEM Camp. This course offers you the chance to create a website from the ground up in a simulated server setting. Engage with tools and languages at the forefront of web development, such as HTML5, XAMPP, PHP, CSS, and WordPress. Your learning journey will encompass:

• Crafting a website with rich and dynamic content.
• Integrating images, videos, and interactive links.
• Incorporating advanced features to produce an innovative website.

Eligibility: All Ages

Your Skill Journey: From Beginner to Expert

Tools You’ll Use: XAMPP, WordPress

What Will You Learn?

• Building HTML5 coding frameworks.
• Utilizing Cascading Style Sheets (CSS).
• Embedding dynamic features with PHP.
• Exploring WordPress, the leading site creation platform.

What Will You Create?

• A CSS-based website with interactive components.
• JavaScript-powered slideshows.
• Engaging web forms for user interaction.
• A comprehensive website using WordPress.

Learn to Code

Coding Basics with Python

For those new to coding, Python is the perfect starting point! Engage in writing programs and unraveling the essential concepts and theories of programming applicable across various languages. Python’s Pycharm IDE, equipped with a wealth of features, makes coding both simple and enjoyable. Python’s versatility spans from game development to web applications, AI, and more.

Prerequisite: A grasp of Basic Algebra

Eligibility: Open to All Ages

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Software: Python and Pycharm

What Will You Learn?

• Core programming fundamentals.
• Principles of object-oriented design.
• Mastery of variables, loops, and functions.
• Understanding Boolean logic.

What Will You Create?

• A final project utilizing strings and data structures.
• A program with a random number generator.
• An interactive user-input program using lists.
• A game that employs sorted data for engaging gameplay.

Coding in C#

Explore the world of Windows application development with C#, one of the most sought-after programming languages today. Known for its readability and versatility, C# is used globally for creating diverse applications. Its popularity is evident, with thousands of related job postings each month.

Prerequisite: Knowledge of Coding Basics

Eligibility: 11-17 years

Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Software: Visual Studio

What Will You Learn?

• Understanding the synergy between language and framework.
• Implementing conditional logic with branches and loops.
• Mastering string interpolation for data handling.
• Grasping asynchronous programming benefits.

What Will You Achieve?

• Developing a complete game using enumerators.
• Creating a countdown project with logic gates and loops.
• A comprehensive final Java application.

Coding in Java

Step into the realm of Java programming at our STEM Camp, where you’ll learn to craft applications for Windows, XML Web Services, distributed components, and client-server applications. Java, a dynamic language, is a favorite among back-end developers for building web apps for large-scale websites.

Prerequisite: Basic knowledge of coding fundamentals.

Eligibility: 11-17 Welcome

Skill Level: From Beginner to Advanced

Essential Software: Eclipse IDE

What Will You Explore?

• The course allows you to advance at your own pace, covering a spectrum from basic to complex concepts, suitable for repeated enrollments.
• Building cross-platform applications.
• Grasping foundational programming logic, skills, and their implementation.

What Will You Create?

• A fully realized game utilizing enumerators.
• A countdown project based on logic gates and loops.
• Your own Java application, demonstrating your acquired skills.

Roblox Studio

Build and design your unique world in the secure and versatile Roblox Studio. Whether you’re using basic tools or delving into custom coding, this course offers a spectrum of opportunities. Test, modify, and share your creations, inviting friends to explore your digital landscape.

Eligibility: Open to All Ages

Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced

Key Software: Roblox

What to Bring: A Free Roblox Account

What’s in Store for You?

• Navigating and utilizing the Roblox Studio interface.
• Tailoring game mechanics to your vision.
• Mastering camera operations and character movements.
• Engaging in playtesting within the sandbox environment.

Your Creative Outcome

A personalized Roblox environment, ready to be shared and enjoyed with friends.

Game Design

Action Game Design

Step into the world of game creation with our Action Game Design course, where you’ll use GameMaker Studio, a comprehensive development environment equipped with intuitive tools and a block-based programming language. Here’s what awaits you:

• Designing rooms, images, sprites, sequences, and tilesets for a complete game.
• Developing a game from concept to completion.

Eligibility: All Ages

Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced

Software: GameMaker

What to Bring: 32G Flash Drive

What Will You Learn?

• Basic 2D game design theory.
• Understanding the diversity in action games.
• Enhancing troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.

Your Creative Output

• An original 2D game featuring your sprites, including:
• An arcade-style game with varying skill levels.
• A maze-style game with obstacles, collectibles, attacks, and enemies.
• A platform-style side-scrolling game.

Minecraft World Design

Enter the vast and engaging world of Minecraft, the best-selling video game of all time. Collaborate with fellow campers to gather resources, sustain health, and achieve objectives, all while building and adventuring through unique challenges.

Eligibility: All Ages

Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced

Software: Minecraft

What to Bring: Mojang Account, 32GB Flash Drive

What Will You Master?

• Teamwork skills and resource management.
• The art of Minecraft world-building.

What Will You Build?

• A custom Minecraft house.
• A community base with fellow campers.
• An operational, adventure-filled Minecraft world.

Strategy Game Design

Prepare to strategize in Warcraft 3: The Frozen Throne, learning to craft terrains, create enemy bases, and design powerful armies. Delve into map editing for multiplayer experiences and bring your game strategies to life.

Eligibility: Open to All Ages

Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced

Software: Warcraft 3

What Skills Will You Develop?

• Planning basic strategy game layouts.
• Editing game maps and character interactions.
• Incorporating sprites, tile sets, and battle animations.

What Will You Create?

A custom game map for Warcraft 3.

Unity 2D Game Design

Develop a 2D Microgame using Unity, a leading game design engine. With its comprehensive 2D editor, sprite control, and physics library, Unity opens up a world of possibilities for game creation.

Eligibility: 11-17 years old

Skill Level: All

Software: Unity

What to Bring: Free Unity Account, 32GB Flash Drive

What Will You Learn?

• Game theory and creating engaging gameplay.
• Storyboarding and character creation.
• Game UI and control structures.

Your Final Project

A unique 2D Microgame.

Unreal Game Design

Explore the Unreal Engine, developed by Epic Games for a variety of platforms. Learn to design engaging multiplayer games with customized storylines, scenarios, level maps, and player skills, testing your creations in a supportive camp environment.

Eligibility: 11-17 year olds

Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced

Software: Unreal

Bring from Home: Free Epic Games Account, Recommended 32GB Flash Drive

What Will You Discover?

• Level design and editing using Unreal Engine.
• Understanding player interactions and asset development.
• Managing projects and mastering node-based visual programming.

What Will You Create?

Your own custom game using the Unreal Engine.

Explore Engineering

BrickLink Studio

Dive into the imaginative world of LEGO® with our BrickLink Studio course. Here, you’ll learn to construct unique models using virtual bricks in BrickLink Studio 2.0, a 3D building software endorsed by LEGO®. Your journey will include rendering projects, creating instructional manuals, and exporting parts lists for real-life model construction.

Eligibility: Open to All Ages

Skill Level: From Beginner to Advanced

Software: BrickLink Studio

What to Bring: Free BrickLink Account

What Will You Learn?

• Navigating and utilizing BrickLink Studio’s design tools and interface.
• Identifying various LEGO® parts.
• Crafting step-by-step model instruction manuals.
• Understanding part pricing and selection.

What Will You Create?

A digital LEGO® model complete with instructions, 3D renderings, and a parts list.

Please Note: Physical LEGO® bricks for model construction are not included. These can be purchased post-course from LEGO® online store or BrickLink.

Critical Thinking & Logic

Engage in puzzles, challenges, and games that hone your logic and problem-solving skills. Learn to apply inductive and deductive methods to derive solutions based on established facts and data, and master the art of logical deconstruction to unravel mysteries.

Eligibility: Open to All Ages

Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced

What Will You Master?

• The intricacies of inductive and deductive reasoning.
• Advanced problem-solving techniques.
• Navigating through data vectors.

What Will You Achieve?

A solution chain based on logical reasoning.

RC Cars: Build, Design, Race

Get ready to build and race your own radio-controlled car in this immersive STEM course. From assembling the chassis and transmission to crafting the suspension and motor, you’ll construct an RC car from scratch. Learn about transmitters, receivers, servos, and electronic speed control, topped off with creative touches like paint and decals for the final race.

Eligibility: Ages 11-17

Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Hardware: RC Car Kit

Lab Fee: $325

What Will You Discover?

• Fundamentals of RC car mechanics.
• Electrical wiring techniques.
• Mechanical troubleshooting skills.

What’s the End Result?

Your ideal radio-controlled car, complete with electronic speed control and a 2.4 GHz transmitter, is ready to race with friends!

Robotics

Embrace the exciting field of robotics in this hands-on course. Learn the essentials of robotics, electronics, and programming by building and coding an mBot. This Arduino-based, two-wheel robot comes with built-in sensors and actuators. You’ll program it to collect data, follow paths, avoid obstacles, and much more.

Eligibility: All Ages

Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced

Software/Hardware: Arduino C, mBot Robot kit

Lab Fee: $95

What Will You Learn?

• Programming in the accessible Arduino C language.
• Assembling an mBot robot.
• Coding the robot for various tasks, including movement and object detection.

Your Creation

• A fully functional mBot Robot.
• Custom programs for autonomous robot operation.
• Designed mazes and obstacles for advanced robot navigation.

Why Should You Go to the Technology Courses at Emagination STEM Camps?

• Gain cutting-edge skills in various tech fields.
• Collaborate with peers who are equally enthusiastic about technology.
• Learn from experienced instructors who are experts in their fields.
• Get a taste of what studying technology in college and working in the tech industry will be like.

Activities at Camp

Camper Groups: Start each day with a morning meeting featuring announcements, group games, and recognition awards led by the camp director.

Unstructured Play Time: Post-lunch free time for campers to relax, play games, or catch up with friends.

Evening Program: Options include open labs, various games, LARPing, and free time in the dorms.

Girl’s Night: Exclusive girls-only event in each camp session.

Theme Days: Campers dress as their favorite characters for Character-Con.

Super Saturday: An action-packed day with outdoor activities, gaming tournaments, BBQ, a movie, and a LAN Party for Senior campers.

Talent Show: Campers and counselors showcase their talents and skits in this camp highlight.

How Do You Get Into the Technology Courses at Emagination STEM Camps?

Admission to these courses is based on your interest in technology and your eagerness to learn. While prior experience in tech is helpful, it’s not a requirement. Your enthusiasm and willingness to explore new ideas are what matter most.

How to Apply to the Technology Courses at Emagination STEM Camps?

To apply, individuals can follow these steps:

• Visit the Emagination STEM Camps website and select the “Register Now” button.
• Choose the desired location and session.
• Select the desired courses from the available options.
• Fill out the registration form with the required information.
• Submit the registration form and payment.

How Hard Is It to Get Into the Technology Courses at Emagination STEM Camps?

The program seeks motivated students, so while the competition can be significant, what truly counts is your background in the tech courses offered by the camp and your dedication to technology. Show your genuine interest and commitment, and you’ll stand a good chance of being accepted.

When Is the Deadline to Apply to the Technology Courses at Emagination STEM Camps?

Secure your spot early by making an Early Bird Reservation with a $250 deposit for each session (Deadline: December 1, 2023).

Finalize your registration (Deadline: February 29, 2024).

Upon confirmation of the 2024 session dates, they will send you an email containing a unique coupon code. This code is your invitation to complete the registration process.

Ensure to complete your registration and pay the full tuition by February 29, 2024.

When Do I Find Out About My Application to the Technology Courses at Emagination STEM Camps?

Applicants will receive an email confirmation upon registration. After May 15th, all applicants for the program will be notified of their acceptance status within two weeks of submitting their application

Where Are the Technology Courses at Emagination STEM Camps?

Emagination STEM Camps are held at various locations across the country. They have camp locations in Connecticut, Illinois, and Pennsylvania! Each site offers a unique experience, though all maintain the same high standard of education and excitement. You may choose which location you want to spend your tech-filled summer!

When Do the Technology Courses at Emagination STEM Camps Take Place?

The courses usually run during the summer, aligning with school breaks. This makes it convenient for you to attend without conflicting with your regular academic commitments. Always check their webpage for summer 2024 dates!

How Long Is the Technology Courses at Emagination STEM Camps?

Campers can indulge in 2-week sessions, with the option to enroll in multiple sessions for extended enjoyment. Choose between the immersive Overnight camp experience or the flexible Day camp. For those seeking extra hours of fun or parents needing additional time for pickups and drop-offs, Extended Day options are available. Tailor your summer experience to your preferences!

Choose Your Ideal Camp Style:

OVERNIGHT CAMP

Duration: 2-Week Sessions

Schedule: Sunday – Friday

Age Group: Campers 8 to 17 years old

DAY CAMP

Duration: 2-Week Sessions

Schedule: Monday – Friday

Age Group: Campers 8 to 17 years old

Conclusion

Emagination STEM Camps’ Technology Courses offer a unique opportunity for you to dive deep into the tech world, surrounded by peers and mentors who share your passion. With hands-on learning, expert guidance, and a community of like-minded individuals, these courses are a stepping stone to your future in technology. Don’t wait – explore this exciting opportunity today and prepare to transform your tech dreams into reality!

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