Outdoor STEM Exploration

Outdoor STEM Path

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

Outdoor STEM Expedition

Outdoor STEM Path

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

Minecraft Modding with Java

Minecraft Path

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

3D Modeling & Printing

Tech & Design Path

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

Roblox: Game Design

Video Game Design Path

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

Roblox: Coding & Game Design

Video Game Design Path

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

Movie Production Exploration

Tech & Design Path

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

Movie Production Expedition

Tech & Design Path

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

Robotics with Sphero

Robotics Path

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

Robotics and Coding with Sphero

Robotics Path

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

3D Modeling & Printing

Tech & Design Path

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

Coding with Python 201

Coding Path

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

Coding with Python 101

Coding Path

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

Coding Exploration

Coding Path

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

Advanced Minecraft

Minecraft Path

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

Minecraft Coding with Redstone and Commands

Minecraft Path

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

Minecraft Modding with MCreator

Minecraft Path

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

Minecraft Exploration

Minecraft Path

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.

Minecraft Expedition

Minecraft Path

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

Tech & Design Expedition

Tech & Design Path

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

Tech & Design Exploration: Builders

Tech & Design Path

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

Tech & Design Exploration: Creators

Tech & Design Path

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

Minecraft: Coding with Redstone and Commands

Minecraft Path

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

Coding Expedition

Coding Path

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

3D Arts & Architecture Exploration

Tech & Design Path

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

Coding – Python

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

Robotics Using Spike Prime

Robotics Path

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.

Digital Animation

Tech & Design Path

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

Digital Animation

Tech & Design Path

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.

Digital Animation

Tech & Design Path

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.

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

Digital Arts – Digital Animation

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!

Computer Aided Design – TinkerCad

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.

Coding – Scratch

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.

Digital Arts – 3D Sculpting

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!

Designer: Minecraft Mod Makers

$424

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

Course Details

Location: Acton, MA
Grades: 2 – 3
Dates: June 29 – July 3
Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Course Status: Open