Minecraft Modding with Java

• 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

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.

• 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

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.

• 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.
  

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.