Minecraft Modding with Java
Create your own Minecraft blocks, items, and more in this exciting camp!
Always a big favorite, campers alter (“mod”) the code of Minecraft to create something completely new. Campers learn to test and debug their code as they 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.
This camp is great for kids who
- Love Minecraft and want to experience it in a new way
- Enjoy downloading new mods and playing on servers and want to see how they are built
- Have some programming experience and are curious about Java or are ready to learn about some of what it means to be a professional programmer
Come Have Fun and Learn To
- Directly modify Java code to make changes to Minecraft (“modding”)
- Work in an Integrated Development Environment like a professional programmer
- Debug Java code by working with real Java error messages
The Best STEM Camp for Your Child
- Voted a #1 Best STEM Program eight years running by thousands of local parents like you, and trusted by more than 100 education partners including elite private schools and large diverse public schools to run STEM programs for their students
- More convenient, safe, kid-appropriate locations Make new friends with kids who share your child’s passion for STEM and live near you
- Fun learning that builds lifelong passion
- Year-round, local, STEM programs in MA
- Flexible refunds and changes to adapt to your evolving schedule
- Exceptional Empow-trained staff are passionate about STEM and adept at building mentor relationships
- Personalized learning in each small class
Related Camps to Consider
Uncompromising Quality Without Extravagant Prices
We all want the best for our kids. Empow’s year-round programs, partnerships with more than 100 educational institutions, and a tight focus on elementary and middle schoolers, allow us to provide you with the highest quality STEM summer camp without the extravagant prices charges by many summer-only STEM camps.
- Year-round instructional staff offer exceptional quality without costly high turnover typical at summer-only STEM camps
- More than 100 education partners in New England mean we earn our exceptional local reputation without exorbitant national marketing (and we pass those saving on to you)
- Private schools and our own year-round studios offer more convenient, safer, and more kid-friendly camp locations (that cost us and you less)
- Local owners on a mission to provide exceptional quality STEM education
“We found EMPOW to be the best learning and fun for our little one, at agreeable prices for the value they provide”
—Tara, Lexington Summer Camp Parent, 2022
Answers to Common Questions about this Camp
How is this camp different from the other Minecraft camps you offer?
- 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
How does this camp fit into my child’s education and development?
This camp provides essential experience in working like a programmer. Campers gain familiarity with Java and learn how to debug Java code. They learn how to work in an Integrated Development Environment (IDE), the same software development environments used by professional coders. They learn how to organize large Java projects consisting of both .java and .json files, make sense of IDE warnings, and follow the output in the console live as their code runs. Learning to debug is one of the most challenging aspects of becoming a programmer so this experience benefits campers regardless of their level of coding experience. Experienced coders can refine and master this essential skill, and novice coders will navigate their errors with ease in future programming courses.
What camp will this prepare my child to take next?
- Turn your new Minecraft world into a digital set for videos with YouTube Video Production
- Design a whole new 3D game and stretch your new coding skills with Roblox Coding & Game Design
- Apply your hard-won debugging skills and learn Python with Python 101 or Python 201
What is an Empow STEM camp day like?
Most days have four periods focused intently on student learning and project creation. 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. We foster collaboration because it’s an essential learning skill and because it increases STEM learning and because making friends with kids with shared STEM interests builds lifelong learning and because it is an awesome part of camp! Outside activities, lunch and breaks provide the balanced no-screen time campers need to thrive and come home composed for the evening. At week’s end, our rock star campers show off their ambitious projects to family and friends.
What are the camp’s hours‚ early drop-off options‚ and other available options?
- Regular day: Empow STEM camps run from 9am-4pm.
- Free early drop-off: Available starting at 8:45am.
- Earlier drop-off with Semi-Private lessons: If you need earlier drop-off or if your child would benefit from even more individual attention, sign up for semi-private lessons at $35/day, available Tuesday-Friday. Availability is limited so act soon. Book as an option during checkout.
- Pre-Camp Jump Start with Two 60-Minute Private Lessons: Get your child ready to get the most out of their camp experience! Whether your child will feel more comfortable starting camp after some individual attention, or wants to get a jump start on learning, our amazing instructors are here to help. Lessons are available online or on campus for select locations. Scheduling is flexible through mid-June with highly limited availability thereafter. Get your summer started early! $119, 40% off our regular private lessons rate! Book as an option during checkout.
How is Empow STEM camp different from other similar programs?
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.
Rave Reviews From Parents Like You …
We Are Delighted to Announce That Empow Studios Has Been Chosen as a Family Favorite for the Seventh Consecutive Year!
Favorite STEM Summer Camps
Favorite Academic Summer Camps
Favorite School Vacation Camps
Favorite Computer Science and Coding Classes
Favorite Science & Technology Programs
Favorite Tutoring or Educational Support Programs
Favorite Family Summer Camps
Favorite Kids Party
Find a Convenient Date & Location
Filter by Grade*
- All
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
Filter by Location
- All
- Massachusetts
- Boston
- Cambridge
- Lexington
- Milton
- Natick
- Newton Upper Falls
Filter by Date
- All
- June 26 - 30
- July 03 - 07
- July 10 - 14
- July 17 - 21
- July 24 - 28
- July 31 - August 04
- August 07 - 11
- August 14 - 18
- August 21 - 25
- August 28 - Sept 01
Location & Camp
26-30
03-07
10-14
17-21
24-28
31-Aug 04
07-11
14-18
21-25
28-Sept 01
Boston
Grades* 5-8;
Description >
Minecraft Modding with Java
Grades* 5-8
Description >
9am-4pm ET.
ENROLL
Lexington
Grades* 5-8;
Description >
Minecraft Modding with Java
Grades* 5-8
Description >
9am-4pm ET.
ALMOST FULL
Milton
Grades* 5-8;
Description >
Minecraft Modding with Java
Grades* 5-8
Description >
9am-4pm ET.
ENROLL
Newton Upper Falls
Grades* 5-8;
Description >
Minecraft Modding with Java
Grades* 5-8
Description >
9am-4pm ET.
ALMOST FULL
9am-4pm ET.
ENROLL
Load More
Online:
Still have questions…
Need help choosing the perfect camps and other STEM programs?
Our advisors make personalized recommendations based on your child’s interests, your learning goals, and your family’s schedule
... Or need more time to make a decision?
Risk-Free Enrollment. Empow offers free schedule changes until 14 days before camp begins and easy refunds up until 30 days before camp begins so there’s little risk in enrolling today.* But sometimes you just want more time to decide. Sign up for emails with special promotions and more info about what makes Empow the most trusted STEM program provider in Massachusetts.
*Unlimited no-cost changes up to 14 days before your camp begins. Full refunds up to 30 days before camp begins less $10 processing fee. Additional terms and conditions apply.
When offered in Massachusetts, per Massachusetts state law, “This camp must comply with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and be licensed by the local Board of Health. Parents may request copies of background check, health care and discipline policies as well as procedures for filing grievances.” (105 CMR 430.00, 430.190 C, D)