How Video Games Provide Learning Opportunities for Your Kids In today’s online environment, kids are spending more and more time playing video games, often causing many parents to worry. Can video games become addictive? What are the physical...
Read moreTools & Tips for Healthier Screen Time In the time of COVID-19, adults and children alike have had to massively overhaul their process for working and learning, with an obvious shift towards more screen time. At Empow Studios, we have been...
Read moreMarch 14, 2020, To: All current Empow Studios customers Dear Empow Families, We are writing to provide you with an update on our transition to virtual programs which will begin on Monday, March 16th. Yesterday, the Center for Disease Control...
Read moreMarch 13, 2020 The Empow Studios team is working hard to respond to the COVID-19 responsibly, intelligently, and productively. Many of us are parents ourselves, and all of us are invested in the well-being and future of the children we work with...
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Pathways to the Future: Acquiring 21st Century Skills Whether you believe contemporary education is still inherently effective or not—in mythic terms, whether it’s ostensibly “good” or “bad”—you’d have to at least admit it ain’t what it used to...
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Artisan’s Asylum and Empow Studios Unveil New STEM Collaboration Two top providers of quality tech education and makerspace environments have teamed up to bring new tech and arts programs for middle schoolers to Somerville, MA, this coming...
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Empow Studios Looks Ahead to Winter 2020’s Program Schedule This season, new STEM offerings bolster an already diverse array of clubs and classes. Lexington, MA; Newton, MA— Winter is approaching in a hurry, which means that Empow Studios...
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Aidan and Empow: A Journey How do you go from Empow student to Empow instructor? Let Aidan Lee show you the way. It’s a story told a thousand times, yet still so often shrugged off: a student discovers a wellspring of inspiration—a hobby, a...
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Empow Labs Announces Opening of State-of-the-Art XR Makerspace Built and supported by educators and experts, the collaborative center’s opening kicks off November 8th. Newton, MA— Empow Labs, a collaborative center for teens and adults...
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Empow Studios and ACEDONE Reflect on Successful Collaboration This summer saw the two organizations team up for a STEM initiative that empowered students in vital ways. Boston, MA– This past summer, the non-profit organization African...
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Empow Studios a Finalist for 2019 Technology Leadership Award Mass Technology Leadership Council announces Empow as one of five finalists in the Digital Transformation in Education category. Boston, MA— Empow Studios was recently awarded a...
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Why Math through Scratch Matters If you’ve ever wondered out loud how math was ever gonna help you in life, well, then, Math through Scratch at Empow Studios might be your gateway to the integral, valuable, and–believe it or not–fun...
Read moreFor kids entering grades 2-4
Explore all things STEM in our Tech & Design Multi-Week Adventure! During this 2-week adventure, campers will explore a wide range of fun technology and begin to identify their areas of greatest passion. Campers will explore 3D Modeling & Printing, Movie-Making with Digital Animation and Stop-Motion Animation, Coding Fundamentals in Scratch, Video Game Design, and 3D Architecture. In collaboration with their peers, campers will have the opportunity to create several small projects, such as a digitally-animated movie, a playable video game, a 3D print of a unique object, or a video of their architecture design. This camp brings together the best in STEM and art!
Camps Included:
Tech & Design Exploration: Builders
Tech & Design Exploration: Creators
Prerequisites: None.
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm; LIVE Virtual Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm
For kids entering grades 5-8
Explore all things STEM in our Tech & Design Multi-Week Quest! During this 3-week technology quest, campers will explore a wide range of fun technology, learn to make movies, and design in three dimensions. Campers will experiment with Video Game Design, Digital Animation, Stop-Motion Animation, 3D Art & Printing, 3D Architecture, and Coding/Programming Fundamentals in Scratch and Python. They will also tap into their imagination with Adobe Rush and Adobe Animate to make their own movies. Finally, campers will have a chance to learn best practices in 3D printing, designing and printing their own unique creations. This camp brings together the best in STEM and art!
Camps included:
Tech & Design Expedition
Movie Production Expedition
3D Modeling & Printing
Prerequisites: None.
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm; LIVE Virtual Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm
For kids entering grades 2-4
Minecraft Multi-Week Adventure
Our Minecraft Multi-Week Adventure is perfect for all Minecraft enthusiasts! This 4-week Minecraft adventure starts with campers exploring the basics of art, architecture, animation, and the patented Redstone circuitry on Minecraft’s Education or Java Edition platform. Campers can build their own Minecraft world or collaborate on a friend’s world. Then using Redstone circuitry and commands, campers will create more complicated mechanisms like a mini-game, roller coaster, or Rube Goldberg-like machine. Campers will continue to expand their Minecraft experience by creating their own mods! Using MCreator software, campers will alter (“mod”) existing characters and designs and build new, highly customized armor, tools, and building blocks. Finally, campers bring it all together with a final week of Minecraft Exploration, our most popular camp!
Camps included:
Minecraft Exploration
Minecraft: Coding with Redstone & Commands
Minecraft Modding with mCreator
Minecraft Exploration
Prerequisites: None
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm; LIVE Virtual Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm
For kids entering grades 2-4
Develop a passion for coding in our Coding Multi-Week Adventure! During this 2-week adventure campers will begin by learning Scratch, a drag-and-drop system, where they will learn key coding concepts and build a small video game or a cool animation. Campers can then use their new coding skills to program their own robot! Packed with programmable sensors and a colorful LED light matrix, Sphero BOLT will keep campers engaged as they learn to aim and drive their new robot, use the light matrix to display characters or play games, and even talk to other Sphero BOLTs using infrared communication. Camp fee includes Sphero BOLT.
Camps included:
Coding Exploration
Robotics with Sphero
Prerequisites: None
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm; LIVE Virtual Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm
For kids entering grades 5-8
Develop a passion for coding in our Coding Multi-Week Quest! During this 3-week quest, campers will start by exploring all of Python’s capabilities, navigating the text-based programming in IDLE and learning to write key building blocks of code, such as variables, conditionals, and loops. Next, campers will build their own Minecraft world, then using Java code, campers will modify their own Minecraft characters and mobs to create characters like swamp-dwelling sludge monsters or sky-roaring dragons. Finally, campers will have fun creating their own Roblox video game, using Lua, Roblox’s programming language, to code game mechanics. Campers will unleash their creativity by building out custom game objects such as traps or power-ups, or add characters in their environment. Have fun while building your coding knowledge this summer!
Camps included:
Coding with Python 101
Minecraft Modding with Java
Roblox: Coding with Game Design
Prerequisites: None
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm; LIVE Virtual Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm
For kids entering grades 5-8
Calling all gamers in our Video Game Design Multi-Week Quest! During this 3-week gaming quest, campers have fun while building the foundations for success with game design technology. Campers will start with Roblox, creating 3D worlds using Roblox’s built-in editor, and then learn Lua, Roblox’s programming language, to code game mechanics. Next is Minecraft, where campers will alter (“mod”) existing characters then expand their mod skills by creating new characters like swamp-dwelling sludge monsters or sky-roaring dragons. Finally, campers will explore Python and learn to write key building blocks of code, such as variables, conditionals, and loops. They will then combine these elements to create video games to take home.
Camps included:
Roblox: Coding and Game Design
Minecraft Modding with Java
Coding with Python 101
Prerequisites: None.
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm; LIVE Virtual Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm
For kids entering grades 2-4
Calling all gamers in our Video Game Design Multi-Week Adventure! During this 2-week adventure, campers will explore video game design with two of the most popular video game platforms – Roblox and Minecraft! Starting with Roblox, campers will use Roblox Studio to create their own Obby (short for obstacle course), experimenting with specific tasks and movements, and sharing gameplay with their peers. Next, campers will expand their Minecraft experience by creating their own mods! Using MCreator software, campers will alter (“mod”) existing characters and designs, and build new, highly customized armor, tools, and building blocks. Campers will be able to publish, share, and play their games with friends after camp ends.
Camps included:
Roblox: Game Desgin
Minecraft Modding with mCreator
Prerequisites: None.
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm; LIVE Virtual Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm
For kids entering grades 2-4
Explore all things STEM in our STEM Multi-Week Adventure! This 4-week adventure is a great opportunity for campers to take a big step towards STEM knowledge. Starting with Minecraft, campers will explore the basics of art, architecture, animation, and the patented Redstone circuitry on Minecraft’s Education or Java Edition platform. Next up is Coding, where campers will begin by learning Scratch, a drag-and-drop system, learning key coding concepts and building a small video game or a cool animation. After day three, campers will begin to apply these same coding concepts in Python. Finally, campers will explore a variety of different technology platforms creating several projects, such as a digitally-animated movie, a 3D print of a unique object, or a video of their architecture design.
Camps included:
Minecraft Exploration
Coding Exploration
Tech & Design Exploration: Creators
Tech & Design Exploration: Builders
Prerequisites: None.
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm; LIVE Virtual Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm
For kids entering grades 2-4
NEW FOR 2021!
Calling all budding engineers! Design and build elaborate cardboard structures in this new outdoor STEM camp. Let’s see who can build the tallest tower, construct the latest fashion trend, or even construct mini-cities. Campers will explore the engineering design process by testing, evaluating, and redesigning their own cardboard structures, complete with movable parts. Campers who enjoy Minecraft will love bringing their Minecraft builds to life while exploring machines and structures. Come find your passion for building!
Prerequisites: None.
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm
For kids entering grades 5-8
NEW FOR 2021!
Calling all budding engineers! Design and build elaborate cardboard structures in this new outdoor STEM camp. Let’s see who can build the tallest tower, construct the latest fashion trend, or even construct mini-cities. Campers will explore the engineering design process by testing, evaluating, and redesigning their own cardboard structures, complete with movable parts. Campers who enjoy Minecraft will love bringing their Minecraft builds to life while exploring machines and structures. Come find your passion for building!
Prerequisites: None.
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm
For kids entering grades 5-8
NEW FOR 2021!
Modify your own Minecraft characters, mobs, and more in this exciting new camp! Always a big favorite, campers will alter (“mod”) existing characters and designs to create something completely new. Campers will expand their mod skills by creating characters like swamp-dwelling sludge monsters or sky-roaring dragons, then using Java code, will customize their mods even further, creating radioactive jetpacks or superhero power granting foods. Campers will examine how their new designs — saved in their own Minecraft world — influence gameplay. This camp is perfect for anyone who loves Minecraft and wants to have even more control over what they can build.
Prerequisites: Prior Minecraft experience required.
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm; LIVE Virtual Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm
For kids entering grades 5-8
NEW FOR 2021!
Campers will love our introductory 3D class and the chance to explore essential and complementary ways to design in three dimensions. We’ll start with Tinkercad, where we will apply the concepts of geometry towards designing a solid, often linear and symmetrical objects — such as furniture, wrench or a chess piece. Next, we’ll build in virtual clay, using Sculptris, and gain exposure to conceiving of 3D rounded surfaces as a collection of flat triangles or other polygons. To complete these fun projects, campers will learn best practices in 3D printing — to ensure that their designs are printable — and how to design objects that are structurally sound.
Prerequisites: None.
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm; LIVE Virtual Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm
For kids entering grades 2-4
NEW FOR 2021!
Does your child love video games? In this camp, we will channel that passion by having them learn to build their own! Campers will use Roblox Studio to create their own Obby (short for obstacle course), experimenting with specific tasks and movements, and sharing gameplay with their peers. All games will be stored online, so campers will be able to publish, share, and play their games with friends after camp ends. Come have fun exploring the basics of video game design in one of the most popular video game platforms in the world!
Prerequisites: None.
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm; LIVE Virtual Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm
For kids entering grades 5-8
NEW FOR 2021!
Come learn how to create your own Roblox video game! Using Roblox’s built-in editor, campers will create 3D worlds and then use Lua, Roblox’s programming language, to code game mechanics. Campers will unleash their creativity by building out custom game objects such as traps or power-ups, or add characters in their environment. Campers will be able to publish, share, and play their games with friends. Come explore one of the most popular video game platforms in the world!
Prerequisites: None.
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm; LIVE Virtual Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm
For kids entering grades 2-4
NEW FOR 2021!
Grab a camera, and let’s make movies in this exciting new camp! Campers will film and produce their own video while exploring a variety of introductory moving-making techniques. After developing their first storyboard, campers will make their vision come to life as they shoot, edit, and enhance their video with graphics, audio, and color. Their finished video can be uploaded to YouTube and shared with family and friends.
Prerequisites: None.
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm; LIVE Virtual Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm
For kids entering grades 5-8
NEW FOR 2021!
Get ready for a future in filmmaking! Learn to make movies in this exciting new camp as you explore a variety of moving-making techniques. From storyboard development to animated character creation, to post-production editing, campers will tap into their imagination with Adobe Rush and Adobe Animate, the tools and technology used by professionals. This camp is perfect for anyone interested in learning more about how movies are made, and it’s a great foundation for exploring storytelling and visualization. Their finished video can be uploaded to YouTube and shared with family and friends.
Prerequisites: None.
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm; LIVE Virtual Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm
For kids entering grades 2-4
NEW FOR 2021!
The possibilities are endless as campers explore robotics and programming with Sphero BOLT! Packed with programmable sensors and a colorful LED light matrix, this popular robotic ball will keep campers engaged as they learn to aim and drive their new robot, use the light matrix to display characters or play games, and even talk to other Sphero BOLTs using infrared communication. Come develop a love of robotics, coding, and STEM fundamentals in this fun new camp.
Prerequisites: None.
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm; LIVE Virtual Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm
For kids entering grades 5-8
NEW FOR 2021!
The possibilities are endless as campers explore robotics and programming with Sphero RVR! Drive your all-terrain robot right out of the box without worrying about obstacles or uneven surfaces. Then start programming this highly customizable robot to build the robot of your dreams. Sphero RVR is packed with tons of advanced robot sensors that campers can code and hack. Play games, navigate your robot through a color maze or communicate with other RVRs through bot-to-bot communication. Use your imagination to go anywhere and do anything with your new Sphero RVR!
Prerequisites: None.
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm; LIVE Virtual Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm
For kids entering grades 5-8
NEW FOR 2021!
Campers will love our introductory 3D class and the chance to explore essential and complementary ways to design in three dimensions. We’ll start with Tinkercad, where we will apply the concepts of geometry towards designing a solid, often linear and symmetrical objects — such as furniture, wrench or a chess piece. Next, we’ll build in virtual clay, using Sculptris, and gain exposure to conceiving of 3D rounded surfaces as a collection of flat triangles or other polygons. To complete these fun projects, campers will learn best practices in 3D printing — to ensure that their designs are printable — and how to design objects that are structurally sound.
Prerequisites: None
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm; LIVE Virtual Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm
For kids entering grades 5-8
Take your Python coding experience to the next level! Campers will create their own games and applications with graphics, sound, and more that use advanced data structures, while reinforcing camper skills in Python’s fundamental features like variables, loops, conditionals and functions. More advanced campers can also extend their skills into real-world programming challenges using Python’s wide variety of built-in libraries.
Prerequisites: Python 101 or equivalent experience
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm; LIVE Virtual Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm
For kids entering grades 5-8
One of our most popular programs, Python 101 is perfect for kids interested in exploring all of Python’s capabilities. Campers will navigate the text-based programming in IDLE, Python’s integrated development environment, and learn to write key building blocks of code, such as variables, conditionals, and loops. They will then combine these elements to create video games to take home. More advanced students will tackle more complicated challenges including file I/O, arrays, and functions.
Prerequisites: None
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm; LIVE Virtual Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm
For kids entering grades 2-4
One of our most popular camps, this is the ideal starting place for kids who want to code, but don’t quite know where to start. Campers will begin by learning Scratch, a drag-and-drop system, where they will learn key coding concepts and build a small video game or cool animation. After day three, campers will begin to apply these same coding concepts in Python, a professional, yet easy-to-learn scripting language. For campers who want to dig deeper, we recommend signing up for multiple sessions. Come find and develop your passion for coding!
Prerequisites: Basic keyboard skills and ability to use a mouse
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm; LIVE Virtual Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm
For kids entering grades 5-8
Bring your Minecraft builds to the next level using Redstone, commands, and modding tracks! Campers will show off their new skills by building complicated mechanisms and Rube Goldberg machines with long chains of reactions. And they’ll design and build custom made blocks. While having a blast, campers will be exploring real engineering concepts including design, circuitry and mechanisms.
Prerequisites: Prior Minecraft experience and love of Minecraft!
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm; LIVE Virtual Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm
For kids entering grades 2-4
Looking for the next level of Minecraft challenge? Come create amazing builds to share with your friends. Using Redstone circuitry and commands, campers will create complicated mechanisms like a mini-game, roller coaster or Rube Goldberg-like machine. While having a blast, they’ll be exploring real engineering concepts including design, circuitry and mechanisms.
Prerequisites: Prior Minecraft experience and love of Minecraft!
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm; LIVE Virtual Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm
For kids entering grades 2-4
Expand your Minecraft experience by creating your own mods! Always a big favorite, using MCreator software, campers will alter (“mod”) existing characters and designs, and build new, highly customized armor, tools, and building blocks. Then, they’ll step up to create more complicated modded objects such as volcanoes, waterfalls, new dimensions, or even a game version of themselves! Campers will examine how their new designs — saved in their own Minecraft world — influenced gameplay. This camp is perfect for anyone who loves Minecraft and wants to have even more control over what they can build.
Prerequisites: Prior Minecraft experience and love of Minecraft!
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm; LIVE Virtual Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm
For kids entering grades 2-4
One of our most popular programs! It isn’t just for gamers – it’s for explorers, designers, and builders, too! Campers will explore the basics of art, architecture, animation, and the patented Redstone circuitry on Minecraft’s Education Edition platform. They will build their own Minecraft world, collaborate on a friend’s world, design animated characters with command blocks, and take home digital files so that they can keep exploring their world after camp has ended. They’ll also gain an understanding of how one of the most popular platforms in the world works.
Prerequisites: Basic keyboard skills and ability to use a mouse
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm; LIVE Virtual Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm. LIVE Virtual uses Minecraft: Java Edition.
For kids entering grades 5-8
Minecraft isn’t just for gamers – it’s for explorers, designers, and builders, too! Campers will explore the basics of art, architecture, animation, and the patented Redstone circuitry on Minecraft’s Education Edition platform. They will build their own Minecraft world, collaborate on a friend’s world, build logic gates and redstone contraptions, design animated pixel art using advanced commands, and take home digital files so that they can keep exploring their world after camp has ended. They’ll learn several key STEM concepts and gain an understanding of how one of the most popular platforms in the world works.
Prerequisites: None
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm; LIVE Virtual Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm. LIVE Virtual uses Minecraft: Java Edition
For kids entering grades 5-8
For middle-schoolers looking to explore a broad range of options, or those who want to dive a bit deeper into two or three topics, this is a perfect place to start. We will experiment with Video Game Design, Digital Animation, Stop-Motion Animation, 3D Art & Printing, 3D Architecture, and Coding/Programming Fundamentals in Scratch and Python. Campers will create several small to medium-sized projects, such as creating and printing a 3D model, producing a stop-motion animated film, or designing a playable video game. Campers build the foundations for success with technology: the inspiration, confidence, and enthusiasm to continue learning and creating! This program has more than enough content to keep campers excited and learning for up to three weeks and is an ideal way to start the summer as a lead in to some of our more focused programs for middle-school campers.
Prerequisites: None.
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm; LIVE Virtual Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm
For kids entering grades 2-4
Come learn the building blocks of STEM in one of our most popular programs! For the first three days, campers will explore 3D Modeling & Printing, Digital Animation, Movie-Making with Sound Effects, 3D Architecture, and Coding Fundamentals in Scratch. Campers will then choose to dig deeper or continue to experiment as they create several small projects, such as a digitally-animated movie, a 3D print of an original object, or walk-through videos of their architecture design — all of which they can take home. They will also build the foundations for success with technology: the inspiration, confidence, and enthusiasm to continue learning and creating. This program has more than enough content to keep campers excited and learning for several weeks. Combine this camp with our Tech & Design Exploration: Creators camp to further expand your STEM knowledge.
Prerequisites: None.
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm; LIVE Virtual Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm
For kids entering grades 2-4
Unlock your creative potential in this STEM introductory program! For the first three days, campers will explore 3D Sculpting & Printing, Video Game Design, Stop-Motion Animation, Movie-Making with Sound Effects, Video Game Design, and Coding Fundamentals in Scratch. Campers will then choose to dig deeper or continue to experiment as they create several small projects, such as a digitally-animated movie, a playable video game, or a 3D print of an original creature — all of which they can take home. They will also build the foundations for success with technology: the inspiration, confidence, and enthusiasm to continue learning and creating. This program has more than enough content to keep campers excited and learning for several weeks. Combine this camp with our Tech & Design Exploration: Builders camp to further expand your STEM knowledge.
Prerequisites: None.
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm; LIVE Virtual Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm
For kids entering grades 2-5
Looking for the next level of Minecraft challenge? Come create amazing builds to share with your friends. Using Redstone circuitry and commands, campers will create complicated mechanisms like a mini-game, roller coaster or Rube Goldberg-like machine. While having a blast, they’ll be exploring real engineering concepts including design, circuitry and mechanisms.
Prerequisites: Basic keyboard skills and ability to use a mouse; prior Minecraft experience and love of Minecraft!
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm; LIVE Virtual Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm
For kids entering grades 6-8
This is the ideal starting place for kids with little to no coding experience. Campers will learn key coding concepts while exploring three different coding languages. We start with Scatch, a simple drag-and-drop program that can still stretch to build complex programs. Days two and three, we apply the concepts learned in Scratch to Python, the most accessible professional scripting language. And, we finish with Java, another popular professional language. Along the way, campers will build one or two small video games and a few short scripts. This camp has enough material to keep kids engaged for two or three weeks, and makes an ideal on-ramp to Python 101 or Java. Come find and develop your passion for coding!
Prerequisites: None
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm; LIVE Virtual Full-Day 9am-4pm; Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm
For kids entering grades 4-8
Java is one of the most popular professional coding languages and a great one to know if you want to build apps or video games. Campers will learn Java in the Greenfoot integrated development environment platform and, by week’s end, produce a 2D simulation or interactive playable video game to take home! Along the way, they’ll learn Java’s syntax, object-oriented programming and code structure, and how to take advantage of Greenfoot’s built-in sprite library. They will discover how programming concepts they’ve learned in Scatch and/or Python are also expressed in Java. Come gain skills, passion and confidence to accelerate your computer programming education and career!
Prerequisites: Scratch experience or Coding Exploration is required. Python 101 or equivalent is recommended
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm; LIVE Virtual Full-Day 9am-4pm; Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm
For kids entering grades 5-8
For kids with a passion for making videos or movies, this program teaches the techniques and principles of stop-motion animation and digital editing. Campers will produce a short animated movie, imagining their movie’s plot, planning the plot using a storyboard, designing characters, writing and recording dialogue, building backdrops, adding music and sound effects, and using HUE animation to bring it all together. This program supplies kids with production experience and tech skills to be independent creators. Their finished movie can be uploaded to YouTube!
Prerequisites: Love of telling stories!
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm; LIVE Virtual Full-Day 9am-4pm; Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm
For kids entering grades 2-4
This program is ideal for kids who are excited by animation and have an emerging curiosity about how digitally-created characters are produced and animated. They’ll explore the principles of digital animation and basic movie editing through planning, designing, animating, and ordering — supplying them with a foundation for exploring storytelling and visualization. Campers will complete their own, digitally-animated scenes using the easy-to-navigate program Stykz. They’ll design unique characters and storyboards, and map out their plot/action, adding background music and sound effects. Their finished movie can be uploaded to YouTube.
Prerequisites: Basic keyboard skills and ability to use a mouse
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm; LIVE Virtual Full-Day 9am-4pm; Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm
For kids entering grades 2-5
Does your child have a budding interest in architecture, construction or engineering buildings and structures? Or, are they more interested in sculpting, 3D art, and 3D printing? We’ve got the camp for you! In this program, campers will explore three essential and complementary ways to design in three dimensions. We’ll start with Tinkercad, where we will apply the concept of Constructive Solid Geometry towards designing a solid, often linear and symmetrical object — such as furniture, wrench or chess piece. Next, we’ll build in virtual clay, using Sculptris, and gain exposure to conceiving of 3D rounded surfaces as a collection of flat triangles or other polygons (mesh geometry). And, last, we will explore larger 3-dimensional spaces, with both internal and external design elements, by architecting houses using Sweet Home 3D. By week’s end, campers will have 3D prints from their Tinkercad or Sculptris projects, and walk-through videos of their architectural design, as well as their design files so they can continue refining their projects at home! This is a super fun camp that brings together the best in STEM and art!
Prerequisites: Basic keyboard skills and ability to use a mouse
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm; LIVE Virtual Full-Day 9am-4pm; Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm
For kids entering grades 3-5
Calling all those fascinated by robots who want to gain valuable skills to compete in the FIRST LEGO League. Campers will explore how robots are built and programmed, collaborate within a team, and explore advanced robotics concepts essential for FLL competition such as controls, loops, line follower, and gyro turns. Campers will build an operational robot from the LEGO kit, learn to code using a simple drag-and-drop interface, and command their robots to carry out tasks and movements. Student’s code, and videos of their robot in action are theirs to keep.
Prerequisites: Basic keyboard skills and ability to use a mouse; prior experience with LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm; LIVE Virtual Full-Day 9am-4pm; Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm. LIVE Virtual uses the Virtual Robotics Toolkit.
For kids entering grades 1-3
This program is perfect for early elementary kids who are interested in robots and want to get ready for the Junior FIRST LEGO League. Campers will build an operational robot from the WeDo 2.0 LEGO kit, and program it using the WeDo2.0 app. They’ll engage in an array of cool science challenges, and get primed for Junior FIRST LEGO League (FLL).
Videos of each camper’s robots in action are theirs to take home, as is the foundational knowledge of how robotics work!
Prerequisites: Basic keyboard skills and ability to use a mouse
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm; LIVE Virtual Full-Day 9am-4pm; Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm
For kids entering grades 5-8
Calling middle schoolers experienced in robotics! Come build your own autonomous robotic smart car. Using basic circuitry and frame components, construct your robot’s base, attach an Arduino microcontroller, integrate sensors, and bring it to life with your code. Enable your robot to avoid obstacles, follow a line, and follow IR remote control instruction. Take a big step towards college-level STEM knowledge in hands-on mechanics, critical thinking, programming, and engineering for use in exploring future tech pathways.
Prerequisites: Some prior experience with block-based coding and LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 or similar kits
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm; LIVE Virtual Full-Day 9am-4pm; Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm. LIVE Virtual uses TinkerCad Circuits.
For kids entering grades 5-8
Robotics and Electronics collide in this course designed for experienced robotics campers. We will begin with the foundation of robotics—building contraptions with motors and sensors—then write code in MINDSTORMS EV3 to make gadgets work. Next, we will program an interactive, microcontroller — Circuit Playground Express(CPX) — using Microsoft Makecode, to detect motion, temperature, light and sound, and blink neopixel LEDs. Come level up your hardware and coding skills!
Prerequisites: Some prior experience with robotics is recommended
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm; LIVE Virtual Full-Day 9am-4pm; Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm. LIVE Virtual uses the Virtual Robotics Toolkit.
For girls entering grades 6-8
Come join us in a girls-only environment, where you and your fellow campers will explore a broad range of tech, with fun and challenging project options in Video Game Design, Digital Animation, Stop Motion Animation, 3D Modeling & Printing, 3D Architecture, and Coding/Programming Fundamentals in Scratch, Python, and Java. This program is ideal for girls with an interest in tech who want to find their passion as part of a supportive and fun camp team. Together, we will all build the foundations for success with technology, along with the inspiration, confidence, and enthusiasm to seek out future pathways!
Prerequisites: None
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm; LIVE Virtual Full-Day 9am-4pm; Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm
For kids entering grades 2-5
Does your child love video games? In this camp, we will channel that passion by having them learn to build their own! Together with like-minded campers, they will build simple video games step-by-step, experimenting with specific tasks and movements, and sharing gameplay with their peers, while learning important STEM concepts of design, problem-solving, and trial/error. They will learn to use the accessible game design program Flowlab — no coding required — a platform used by many professional game designers to prototype new builds. All games will be stored online, so campers can gain access after camp ends, and, if their game is approved, upload it to Google Play or the Apple Store!
Prerequisites: Basic keyboard skills and ability to use a mouse
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm; LIVE Virtual Full-Day 9am-4pm; Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm
For kids entering grades 5-8
Calling all middle schoolers looking to expand on their game-making skills and ready to begin the process of coding video games! Kids will experiment with animated sprites and multiple stage construction, and plan, design, and code their own playable 2D video game utilizing the logic-based interface of Flowlab. This unique and focused deep dive into video game development runs for TWO weeks. Campers will produce their own fully-realized video game which they can continue to build at home and, if their game is approved, upload to Google Play or the Apple Store! Come make new friends, have fun, and build the foundations for success in collaboration and technology.
Prerequisites: Basic keyboard skills and ability to use a mouse; some prior video game design experience is recommended
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm; LIVE Virtual Full-Day 9am-4pm; Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm
For kids entering grades 7-12
Virtual Reality is the next exciting tech frontier! Become a VR pioneer in this TWO week program for grades 7-12. Students will explore best VR practices, code a game in C#, and build 3D environments using the Unity Engine that can be later showcased in virtual reality. Campers will take home a copy of their VR game and a hands-on, foundational education in a rapidly-expanding industry loaded with potential career pathways.
Prerequisites: Prior text-based coding experience with Python, Java, or C#
Available: On Campus Full-Day 9am-4pm; LIVE Virtual Full-Day 9am-4pm; Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm. LIVE Virtual is focused on the Unity portion.
For kids entering grades 7-12
Virtual Reality and 3D games are the next exciting tech frontier, with many popular games built in the Unity engine! Become a 3D gaming pioneer in this TWO week program for grades 7-12. Students will explore best practices with 3D design, code a game in C#, and build 3D environments using the Unity Engine that can be later showcased in virtual reality. Campers will take home a copy of their VR game and a hands-on, foundational education in a rapidly-expanding industry loaded with potential career pathways.
Prerequisites: Prior text-based coding experience with Python, Java, or C#
Available: LIVE Virtual Full-Day 9am-4pm; Half-Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm. LIVE Virtual is focused on the Unity portion.
For students who have mastered Scratch, Python is a great first step into professional-grade, text-based programming languages. Python is both widely used and, we believe, the most accessible, user-friendly and intuitive text-based program. Students will learn to apply the programming concepts they learned in Scratch using Python’s syntax. More advanced students will tackle more complicated challenges including variables, arrays and methods for efficient algorithm design.
Prerequisite: Scratch
For kids entering grades 3-5
Ideally suited for new robotics campers entering grades 3-5, this program explores the design and programming of robots and gives campers an understanding of how they work. Campers will design and program robots that can drive, park, detect potential collisions, and follow coded paths. They’ll take a deep dive into the LEGO Education Spike Prime platform, and code using Scratch 3.0. Campers will absorb engineering concepts like friction, traction, drive train, and center of gravity. Kids will learn how code works and develop logical thinking skills and technology literacy. At the end of the week, campers will take home the code and a video of their projects in action!
Prerequisites: Basic keyboard skills and ability to use a mouse.
For kids entering grades 2-4
This program is ideal for kids who are excited by animation and have an emerging curiosity about how digitally-created characters are produced and animated. They’ll explore the principles of digital animation and basic movie editing through planning, designing, animating, and ordering — supplying them with a foundation for exploring storytelling and visualization. Campers will complete their own, digitally-animated scenes using the easy-to-navigate program Stykz. They’ll design unique characters and storyboards, and map out their plot/action, adding background music and sound effects. Their finished movie can be uploaded to YouTube.
Prerequisites: Basic keyboard skills and ability to use a mouse
Available: On Campus and LIVE Virtual
For kids entering grades 2-4
This program is ideal for kids who are excited by 3D animation and have an emerging curiosity about how digitally-created characters are produced and animated. They’ll explore the principles of digital animation and basic movie editing through planning, designing, animating, and ordering, supplying them with a foundation for exploring storytelling and visualization. Campers will complete their own, digitally-animated scenes using the easy-to-navigate program Stykz. They’ll design unique characters and storyboards, and map out their plot/action, adding background music and sound effects.
Prerequisites: Basic keyboard skills and ability to use a mouse.
For kids entering grades 2-4
This program is ideal for kids who are excited by 3D animation and have an emerging curiosity about how digitally-created characters are produced and animated. They’ll explore the principles of digital animation and basic movie editing through planning, designing, animating, and ordering, supplying them with a foundation for exploring storytelling and visualization. Campers will complete their own, digitally-animated scenes using the easy-to-navigate program Stykz. They’ll design unique characters and storyboards, and map out their plot/action, adding background music and sound effects.
Prerequisites: Basic keyboard skills and ability to use a mouse.
Empow was proud to be selected as among the top five best programs for science-loving kids in Boston.
Empow was proud to be selected among the editors picks for best Massachusetts STEM programs in 2020.
Empow was asked to contribute to article helping parents find the best technology camp for their kids.
Empow was proud to have our partnership with MIT on teaching artificial intelligence to kids profiled.
Empow was proud to be highlighted as a partner in Boston public schools’ efforts to boost student academic achievement.
My son does a various summer camps and this one is always his favorite! He was really happy with his project and was able to learn new programs. Eric is a fantastic camp director: he is really patient, understanding and has a genuine interest in connecting with and supporting the kids. Thanks!
–Maureen in Concord
My son does a various summer camps and this one is always his favorite! He was really happy with his project and was able to learn new programs. Eric is a fantastic camp director: he is really patient, understanding and has a genuine interest in connecting with and supporting the kids. Thanks!
–Maureen in Concord
I had two boys at your camp. One focused on robotics and the other on music. They both had great fun and learned too!
– Parent in Belmont
My son attended this week, and the entire staff was great… He was really happy to go – never something we take for granted!… Celebrate yourselves! You deserve it!
-Steve in Needham
My son attended this week, and the entire staff was great… He was really happy to go – never something we take for granted!… Celebrate yourselves! You deserve it!
-Steve in Needham
Learning game design and robotics at Empow really encouraged my creativity, and taught me that creativity and science could be done together. It opened up paths and college and my career that I didn’t know existed. Thanks!
– Camper Alumni
Thank you and your outstanding and creative staff for such a wonderful experience! My son couldn’t wait to get there in the morning and never wanted to leave.
–Megan in Newton
Thank you and your outstanding and creative staff for such a wonderful experience! My son couldn’t wait to get there in the morning and never wanted to leave.
–Megan in Newton
If I could come here all the time, I definitely would!
– Student
My child had a phenomenal experience! He RAN intro camp everyday and did not stop talking about it for the entire night upon his return home. We were so pleased to find a program where the instructors were fun, engaging and supportive, and where each child was able to work at his own level and to really be challenged. I can’t believe how much got accomplished in one week!
–Donna in Belmont
My child had a phenomenal experience! He RAN intro camp everyday and did not stop talking about it for the entire night upon his return home. We were so pleased to find a program where the instructors were fun, engaging and supportive, and where each child was able to work at his own level and to really be challenged. I can’t believe how much got accomplished in one week!
–Donna in Belmont
My daughter thought your program is one of the best she has ever been in.
– Westborough parent
For students excited about making their own movie or inspired by digitally animated movies like Toy Story, Minions and Frozen, this is a great place to start. Using Stykz – a program accessible to beginners – every student will design unique characters, storyboard a scene, map out the action, and create a complete digitally-animated movie. More advanced students can produce longer scenes with background music and sound effects. All students can choose to upload their movie to YouTube when they’re done!
TinkerCad is brought to us by Autodesk, the industry leader in 3D design and engineering software, as an easy and intuitive first entry-point. Students will engineer 3D objects which can be printed on a 3D printer and learn the important 3D concept of Constructive Solid Geometry.
This is the ideal starting place for kids curious about coding, kids with a little coding experience, and kids who have learned Scratch at school but have not yet mastered its most advanced capabilities. Students will use this accessible, block-based programming language to make a video game or a short animated scene, and learn basic techniques common to all programming including loops, conditionals and events.
Did you know that you can take a sphere of virtual clay and shape it into whatever you want? The program we use, Sculptris, was designed to be the ideal first step for those new to the world of digital sculpting. Students’ finished projects can be imported into digital animation programs or printed on a 3D printer!
Campers of any skill level can use our custom Minecraft worlds to learn concepts in electrical engineering, computer science, and 3D modeling. We start with architecture and pixel art, and then guide the more experienced campers through the secrets of Redstone and Command Blocks. The expert campers can explore modding, learning to code in a drag-&-drop environment.
Experience: Just a curiosity or love of Minecraft
Location: Acton, MA
Grades: 2 – 3
Dates: June 29 – July 3
Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Course Status: Open