Minecraft Expedition

• In Minecraft Expedition campers learn how to play, build basic structures, experiment with art and architecture, and begin to explore Redstone and commands
• In Minecraft Redstone Engineering campers already familiar with Minecraft learn and use more advanced building techniques and tools
• In Minecraft: Modding with Java campers who already know the game build new game elements to create their own custom version of Minecraft. Campers gain familiarity with Java, a professional coding language, and learn debugging, a core competency for aspiring programmers

Minecraft can be a powerful way to teach students video game design, coding, architecture, animation, and electronics! It’s a great way to develop divergent-thinking creativity because the game offers many different ways to accomplish the same goal. Collaborative builds in a supportive context, like at Empow camp, are a great way to learn to work together. Plus, kids’ learning is propelled forward by their joy of the game, and their innate desire to learn all that being a great Minecraft player involves.

• Take your Minecraft skills to the next level with Minecraft Redstone Engineering or Minecraft Modding with Java
• Explore building video games like a programmer with Python 101

The Empow experience is all about big fun and big learning through creating awesome projects with cool tech. Whether they’re coding, designing video games, or sculpting in virtual 3D clay, we believe creativity is essential and is built into the DNA of our program design. Each online camp schedule is built around maximizing 3-hours of project time, but we also build in time for daily Stand-Ups at the start and close of each session. Each child is encouraged to share their plans, their challenges, and even a test version of their project so that opportunities are surfaced to work on group projects, provide support, and get feedback. We emphasize many kinds of collaboration because it’s an essential learning skill, it increases STEM learning, and because making friends with kids who have similar interests is one of the most awesome parts of camp! We also take 15 minutes each day to grab a snack, chat, and practice some self-care, but rest assured that this is a group activity and campers are supervised throughout the entire day. Outside of camp time, campers continue to have access to our learning resources and we encourage them to carve out their own independent project time between sessions. At week’s end, our rock star campers show off their ambitious projects to family and friends.

Empow’s STEM camps are uniquely able to meet the needs of children and young teens and their families.

• Better Instructors for Children & Young Teens. Our instructors are exceptional at working with this age cohort, nurturing their budding passion for STEM, providing compelling tech-savvy role models, developing the social and emotional skills essential for kids and STEM-learning, and making camp fun! Like some programs, many of our instructors are recruited from top colleges, pass rigorous background checks, and are trained extensively. Unlike many programs, because we offer year-round STEM programs, many of our instructors work with us year-round, making them exceptionally capable.
• Exclusively focused on the unique needs of Children & Young Teens. Elementary and middle school students should not be stressing about preparing for college applications or padding their resumes; camps with that focus are clearly designed for older students. Neither should they just be playing video games all day, as many so-called STEM camps have kids do. Rather, Empow camps meet age-appropriate learning and developmental goals: Exposure to STEM in a fun and supportive environment; Foundations for lifelong STEM learning which begin with making campers excited to keep learning more; Self-esteem and self-confidence from by overcoming obstacles, completing ambitious projects, and presenting them to family and peers; Friendships with like-minded local students that embrace their interests and personality; Social and emotional development which has been proven to advance STEM learning at this age in particular; Opportunity to accelerate into high-school level curriculum once they find STEM topics that ignite their passion; and Fun because great things happen when kids love to learn.
• More Convenient, Safer, More Kid-Friendly Locations. Empow offers more camps, in more locations, to make life easier for busy parents. Whether at elite private schools like Milton and Winsor, or at our own year-round studios, our camps run on safe, kid-oriented campuses.
• Year-round Local Programs. If your child finds their passion with STEM, Empow is there as your partner to continue the learning. Unlike STEM camps that are here only a few weeks each summer, we offer programs year-round with local in-person Afterschool Classes, Private Lessons, and camps during school vacation and holidays.
• Lower prices. The best does not have to cost the most. Empow has won more awards for excellence, and is trusted by more local education partners, and still saves you 30% or more compared to some of the big national, summer-only STEM camps.