Summer Tech Camp 2018

June 4 until August 10

Digital Kids Film Studio

Code kids learn advanced digital skills. Digital Kids create real-world projects that let their creativity shine and help them pick up valuable tech skills along the way. Campers edit and produce their own unique video shorts while learning how to keyboard efficiently and navigate PCs comfortably in the process. Kids publish their videos to a private YouTube channel at the end of camp for you and your family to enjoy.

What skills will my kids learn? Photography and video editing skills plus keyboarding, Windows PC functions and document publishing with the Google office suite.

Squishy Circuits Electronics Lab

Caption...Squishy Circuits delights kids with amazing projects that teach the science behind circuits. We use real "grown up" (but child-safe) components like circuit boards, switches, LED lights, and motors as we explore concepts like conductivity, resistance, and magnetism in a hands-on setting that promotes exploration, creativity and fun. At the end of class, children will take home a working project to show off what they learned and encourage their ongoing exploration of science and technology.

What skills do kids learn? In addition to electronics, kids get lots of hands-on building experience with authentic tools.

Minecraft Makers

Caption... We took the most popular computer game ever and added a creative twist! Kids log in to our private Minecraft server and collaborate to build a digital village complete with homes, entertainment, food and community spaces. Along the way, kids learn essential skills for lifelong success including project planning, group discussion, and presentation skills...plus lots of Minecraft building tips! This first-of-its-kind class teaches a unique combination of computer gaming and good citizenship skills.

What skills do kids learn? Teamwork, problem solving, Minecraft building strategies, using servers and online networks.

Thymio Robotics: Visual Programming

Caption...Thymio Robotics introduces kids to engineering and computer programming skills with hands-on projects that emphasize creativity, exploration and fun. Kids use the impressive hardware built into our Thymio robots (like touch sensors and infra-red sensors) to navigate around obstacles then move on to coding as they customize the behavior of their robots. By the end of the camp week kids turn their robot into a living, moving creature with a unique personality.

What skills do kids learn? A great intro to electronics and hands-on computer programming.

360 Video Studio

In 360 Video Studio, campers learn to use essential tools for capturing, refining, and presenting their message with interactive 360 video. Kids will learn film technique, sound mixing and editing basics then post-production techniques for sharing online. Campers will get hands-on with the latest generation of 360 Degree video cameras to film immersive videos that allow viewers to explore freely. Our newest and most hotly anticipated camp of 2018. Limited space available.

What skills will my kids learn? Composition, file management, scene editing, transitions, layering video and audio tracks, 360 degree filming basics. New to 360? Explore for yourself! →

Arduino Robotics-Mission to Mars

Caption... A hands-on introduction to electronic systems and coding, two of the most critical skills in applied engineering. Kids add basic electronic circuits to their Arduino controlled robots including resistors, LEDs, piezo speakers, sensors, and switches. Then they’ll use C++ code to make these parts operate together so their robots can drive through mazes and navigate around obstacles. A tremendous learning experience and one of our most popular engineering/robotics camps.

What equipment will my kids use? Arduino control boards & the Arduino IDE, servo motors, wires, power supplies and electronic sensors.

Digital Game Development

Caption...Aspiring game developers learn how to create shareable digital games using the pro-quality Click Team Fusion platform. Campers develop the logical flow of their game, then create a unique digital environment complete with animated characters, custom backgrounds, and sound effects. A fun and engaging way to explore one of the hottest new sectors of the tech industry. No prior background required.

What skills will my kids learn? Click Team Fusion game design studio, GiMP image editing software, Audacity audio studio.

Drone Racers

Caption...Drone Racers will change the way kids see our world as they take video cameras airborne and record their own in-flight film. Kids will begin with piloting basics and aviation safety, then jump into acrobatic/aerial tricks, precision flight exercises, and best of all, drone racing! We’ll use Syma X5C mini-drones to teach your child to be the master of all things aerial!

What skills will my kids learn? Safety procedures, basic electronics, drone repair and LOTS of precision flight skills.

Microchip Programming Workshop

Caption...Learn how to build your own sensors and circuits using micro:bit, a powerful mini-computer that includes LEDs, direction sensors and even a Bluetooth radio that sends information across the room. Kids learn effective problem-solving strategies and proper use of code as they build a working game console, motion sensor and two-way radio systems using electronic hardware plus Python and JavaScript code.

What skills will my child learn? Basic electronics and circuit building skills. Coding tools including variables, loops, input/output statements and logic in both Python and JavaScript.

Minecraft Modding with Adventure Maps

Caption...After you graduate from basic crafting what comes next? Adventure maps allow players to look for clues, find hidden treasures and carry out missions in custom designed worlds. At Tech Camp, our campers will learn how to download and play adventure maps…then we’ll create our own custom worlds full of hidden surprises for others to share. The hottest new development in the Minecraft world.

What skills will my child learn? Downloading and installing world-maps, command-line skills, how to connect with and manipulate server environments.

Python Programming Intro

Caption... Get savvy coding in Python, one of the most widely-used programming languages in the world. Kids build new skills each day as they develop programs that can answer questions, play games, and solve problems. We'll publish several apps during the week including an online alarm clock and a restaurant menu that takes customer orders. We stress effective problem-solving strategies, team-based collaboration and correct coding style throughout.

What skills will my child learn? Coding skills including input/outputs, using variables, logic statements, and a hefty dose of problem solving skills.

Explore for yourself** by hacking our favorite Python code.

Arduino Robotics-Mission to Mars

Caption... A hands-on introduction to electronic systems and coding, two of the most critical skills in applied engineering. Kids add basic electronic circuits to their Arduino controlled robots including resistors, LEDs, piezo speakers, sensors, and switches. Then they’ll use C++ code to make these parts operate together so their robots can drive through mazes and navigate around obstacles. A tremendous learning experience and one of our most popular engineering/robotics camps.

What equipment will my kids use? Arduino control boards & the Arduino IDE, servo motors, wires, power supplies and electronic sensors.

Arduino Robotics-Search and Rescue

Caption...Campers step up to real live robotics challenges by developing remotely-piloted machines to assist emergency and fire-rescue crews. Mission #1: find a missing person; #2 locate a fire in a large building; #3 deliver medical supplies in an earthquake zone. Kids will use radio remote controls, live-streaming video and infra-red heat sensors by programming their robot’s Arduino microchip to take in data and make decisions using C++.

What skills will my child learn? Circuits, electronics, mechanical building skills and lots of C++ coding skills.

360 Video Studio

In 360 Video Studio, campers learn to use essential tools for capturing, refining, and presenting their message with interactive 360 video. Kids will learn film technique, sound mixing and editing basics then post-production techniques for sharing online. Campers will get hands-on with the latest generation of 360 Degree video cameras to film immersive videos that allow viewers to explore freely. Our newest and most hotly anticipated camp of 2018. Limited space available.

What skills will my kids learn? Composition, file management, scene editing, transitions, layering video and audio tracks, 360 degree filming basics. New to 360? Explore for yourself! →

Digital Animation Lab

Caption... An amazing opportunity to learn the artistic and technical side of the fastest growing field in digital media. Our campers work with sophisticated software similar to the tools used by Disney and Pixar. Learn to build a dreamscape. Animate a treehouse…or a space station. Tell a story that inspires others using fluid artwork, movement and expertly crafted transitions.

What skills will my child learn? Planning and blocking scenes, creating 3-D shapes, rigging sections of shapes for movement, directing and executing animation commands.

Digital Game Development Intro

Caption... Aspiring game developers learn how to create shareable digital games using the pro-quality Click Team Fusion platform. Campers develop the logical flow of their game, then create a unique digital environment complete with animated characters, custom backgrounds, and sound effects. A fun and engaging way to explore one of the hottest new sectors of the tech industry. No prior background required.

What skills will my kids learn? Click Team Fusion game design studio, GiMP image editing software, Audacity audio studio.

Digital Game Development Intermediate

Caption... Digital Game Development’s Intermediate level lets campers build on their prior skills and move forward like pros. As they gain more technical and design skills, students move on to create unique digital games based upon their own imagination. They will use more sophisticated graphics, sounds and more complex controls while diving deeper into the underlying code that makes their games function. Prior game dev experience suggested.

What skills will my kids learn? Multi-player strategies, use of complex variables to keep score and control characters, strategies for interfacing with users.

Drone Racers

Caption... Drone Racers will change the way kids see our world as they take video cameras airborne and record their own in-flight film. Kids will begin with piloting basics and aviation safety, then jump into acrobatic/aerial tricks, precision flight exercises, and best of all, drone racing! We’ll use Syma X5C mini-drones to teach your child to be the master of all things aerial.

What skills will my kids learn? Safety procedures, basic electronics, drone repair and LOTS of precision flight skills.

Microchip Programming Workshop

Caption... Learn how to build your own sensors and circuits using micro:bit, a powerful mini-computer that includes LEDs, direction sensors and even a Bluetooth radio that sends information across the room. Kids learn effective problem-solving strategies and proper use of code as they build a working game console, motion sensor and two-way radio systems using electronic hardware plus Python and JavaScript code.

What skills will my child learn? Basic electronics and circuit building skills. Coding tools including variables, loops, input/output statements and logic in both Python and JavaScript.

Minecraft Modding with Adventure Maps

Caption...After you graduate from basic crafting what comes next? Adventure maps allow players to look for clues, find hidden treasures and carry out missions in custom designed worlds. At Tech Camp, our campers will learn how to download and play adventure maps…then we’ll create our own custom worlds full of hidden surprises for others to share. The hottest new development in the Minecraft world.

What skills will my child learn? Downloading and installing world-maps, command-line skills, how to connect with and manipulate server environments.

Python Programming Intro

Caption... Get savvy coding in Python, one of the most widely-used programming languages in the world. Kids build new skills each day as they develop programs that can answer questions, play games, and solve problems. We'll publish several apps during the week including an online alarm clock and a restaurant menu that takes customer orders. We stress effective problem-solving strategies, team-based collaboration and correct coding style throughout.

What skills will my child learn? Coding skills including input/outputs, using variables, logic statements, and a hefty dose of problem solving skills.

Summer Camp Details

Program Hours and Fees

  • Main camp day: 9am-2pm / $379
  • Early dropoff only: 8am / $39
  • Extended day: 8:15-5:30 pm / $129

Discounts 10% multiple child and 25% multiple session discount applies automatically at registration when placed as a single order.
Daily Schedule Two morning skill sessions plus a snack and recess/exercise break before lunch. Following lunch, campers work on team projects both individually and as a group. Extended day campers have additional recess time and select from three free-choice enrichment activites each day.
Showtime  Each Friday campers show off their skills for parents and friends. Visitors get hands-on with the robots our kids have built, play the video games they designed or maybe cheer as kids do barrel rolls with drones. Not to be missed!

Main Camp Locations:
Preston Hollow: The Winston School

5707 Royal Ln, Dallas, TX 75229
 



N. Plano / Frisco: Y-Z Education Center

7700 San Jacinto Pl, Plano, TX 75024