HomeVirtual Camp Technology Requirements

Online Camp Technology Requirements

Our Online camps are an exciting immersion experience for your child. In order to ensure the best experience, we ask that you take a few steps to make sure you have the right setup. Your child will also need their own computer for the camp, and if you have siblings attending camp at the same time, each will need their own setup. Depending on the camp your child is enrolled in, you may need to install or sign up for additional software.  Your camper will need the following for Online camps:

1. Computer with microphone, speakers and internet. If you have used this computer for Skype, Facetime, or used audio collaboration features in Fortnite or Minecraft you’re probably all set. Most recent computer models are adequate for camp, but we recommend checking specifications below just to be sure.  If using a laptop, a mouse is highly recommended for ease of navigation. Chromebooks and tablets will only work for some of the camps below – be sure to check the details. We recommend an internet connection at least 20 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up. Here’s how to check your speed: fast.com. Computer Processors are rarely an issue; if you have an older computer the minimum is an Intel Dual Core processor.

2. Zoom. Zoom is the program we use to create the virtual classroom that connects your child to our teachers and the other students. You can download the free Zoom application at https://zoom.us/download.

3. TalentBox. Empow’s online curriculum and learning management system, Talent Box, is accessible and fully functional on any web browser. We will provide a log-in before your camp starts.

4. Application software. Empow teaches its students to code, create movies, build video games, architect buildings, design in Minecraft and more in industry-standard software. Please check your camp below for details on what needs to be installed ahead of time.

5. Other equipment or supplies. If other items are required or recommended, we will clearly identify it below and provide clear instructions on where and how to obtain them.

Tech & Design Exploration: Storytelling
System Software
Computer:

  • Desktop/Laptop with Windows 7, 8, or 10 or Mac OSX 10.10 – 10.14.
  • Mac OS 10.15 Catalina, Linux Systems, Apple/Android Tablets, or Chromebooks will not work for this camp type.
  • Memory:  6 GB of RAM
  • Other: Microphone and webcam are required, headphones are recommended.
  • Tinkercad account:
    • On https://www.tinkercad.com/, parents/guardians should create an online account for their child to use.  On the Tinkercad website, click “Join now” in the top right corner, then click “Create a personal account” and follow the steps.  When asked for a birthday, parents/guardians: put your own birthday in; do not put in the child’s birthday or some features needed for class may be restricted.
  • Sweet Home 3D installation:
  • Scratch account:
    • https://scratch.mit.edu/ – set up an account by clicking “Join Scratch” in the top right corner of the website and following the steps.
  • Stykz installation:

Need Help? If you would like support setting up your child’s computer, please click here to book a live video tech support session.
Tech & Design Exploration: Space
System Software
Computer:

  • Desktop/Laptop with Windows 7, 8, or 10 or Mac OSX 10.10 – 10.14.
  • Mac OS 10.15 Catalina, Linux Systems, Apple/Android Tablets, or Chromebooks will not work for this camp type.
  • Memory:  6 GB of RAM.
  • Other: Microphone and webcam are required, headphones and a second webcam are recommended.
  • SculptGL:
  • Flowlab:
    • https://www.flowlab.io – create a free account and your instructor will invite you to your Flowlab classroom.
  • Hue Animation:
    • https://huehd.com – purchase just the software if you already have two cameras (one for Zoom, one for Hue) including a laptop camera. You can also purchase a bundle with the software and one camera.

Need Help? If you would like support setting up your child’s computer, please click here to book a live video tech support session.
Tech & Design Expedition
System Software
Computer:

  • Desktop/Laptop with Windows 7, 8, or 10 or Mac OSX 10.10 – 10.14.
  • Mac OS 10.15 Catalina, Linux Systems, Apple/Android Tablets, or Chromebooks will not work for this camp type.
  • Memory:  6 GB of RAM.
  • Other: Microphone and webcam are required, headphones and a second webcam are recommended.
  • Tinkercad account:
    • On https://www.tinkercad.com/, parents/guardians should create an online account for their child to use.  On the Tinkercad website, click “Join now” in the top right corner, then click “Create a personal account” and follow the steps.  When asked for a birthday, parents/guardians: put your own birthday in; do not put in the child’s birthday or some features needed for class may be restricted.
  • SculptGL:
  • Sweet Home 3D installation:
  • Scratch account:
    • https://scratch.mit.edu/ – set up an account by clicking “Join Scratch” in the top right corner of the website and following the steps.
  • Stykz installation:
  • Flowlab:
    • https://www.flowlab.io – create a free account and your instructor will invite you to your Flowlab classroom.
  • Hue Animation:
    • https://huehd.com – purchase just the software if you already have two cameras (one for Zoom, one for Hue) including a laptop camera. You can also purchase a bundle with the software and one camera.

Need Help? If you would like support setting up your child’s computer, please click here to book a live video tech support session.
Minecraft Expedition & Exploration
System Software
Computer:

  • Desktop/Laptop with Windows 7, 8, or 10 or Mac OSX 10.10 – 10.14.
  • Mac OS 10.15 Catalina, Linux Systems, Apple/Android Tablets, or Chromebooks earlier than 2018 will not work for this camp type. Chromebooks from 2019 or later can work with an advanced setup.
  • We recommend an internet connection at least 20 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up. Here’s how to check your speed: fast.com
  • Disk Space: Unless you are currently running out of space on your computer, you have enough disk space.
  • Memory:  6 GB of RAM.
  • Processor: Processors are rarely an issue, if you have an older computer the minimum is an Intel Dual Core processor.
  • Other: Microphone and webcam are required, headphones are recommended.
  • Minecraft: Java Edition purchase & installation required:
  • These steps assume that you do not already own Minecraft: Java Edition or have it installed.  If you already own it, please just follow step 9 only.  Note that Minecraft: Java Edition is a separate version of Minecraft from “pocket edition” or “Windows 10 Edition” and is therefore a separate purchase.  Also, all versions of Minecraft require unique accounts, and therefore if you have more than one child joining a Minecraft class, a unique account will need to be purchased for each child, and each account username sent to Empow as per step 9 below.
    1. For Windows, Mac, or Linux:
      1.   Navigate to minecraft.net in your web browser.  Click “Get Minecraft”.  
      2.   Click “Computer”.  Choose your operating system.  
      3.   Click “Minecraft: Java Edition”.  
      4.   Click “Buy Minecraft”.  You will now be prompted to create a Mojang (company who owns Minecraft) account if you don’t have one.  Follow the steps as prompted on the webpage, going through the “Register” and “Verify Email” steps.  
      5.   After the “Verify Email” step, on the same page where payment info is requested, a username must be created by      typing it into the box under “Minecraft Profile”.  Please choose a username and write it down.  You will be asked for the username later in these steps and will need it henceforth for logging into the app.
      6.   Continue through the “Buy” and “Download” steps.  On the last step, you will be prompted to download Minecraft. 
        1. Once done, run the installer app to complete the process and install Minecraft.  
        2.  Run Minecraft:Java Edition, following the prompts to log in with your username/password and Play.  This step is to make sure Minecraft: Java Edition is working on your computer.
        3. Please email minecraftinfo@empow.me with the username and full name of the student who will be using this account.  We do not need to know the password you made, only the username.  This is a vital step in securing the Minecraft server so that we know who is joining and we don’t let strangers in.  
    2. For a Chromebook (advanced setup):
        1. On a supported Chromebook (most from 2019 onward), go to settings>Linux>Enable Linux.    If you do not see a Linux setting, it likely means your Chromebook is NOT compatible with Linux, and therefore cannot be used for this camp.
        2. After Linux is enabled, head to https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/download/alternative/ and download the .deb Minecraft file.
        3. Open the Files app, and click on Linux Files>minecraft.deb
        4. Follow Installation procedures.
        5. After installation, launch Minecraft: Java Edition and log in using your Mojang account credentials.  If you do not own a Minecraft account, please refer to the steps 1-6 in the paragraph above this one for steps to purchase an account.  You may skip the download at the end of step 6.
        6. Hit PLAY – so you can test out your install, and adjust a setting.
        7. In Minecraft Settings, turn available graphics options to low, and render distance down to 6. You can close Minecraft once this is finished.
        8. Type “chrome://flags” into the search bar in chrome, and click enter.
        9. Scroll down and enable both “Pointer lock for Linux applications” and “Crostini GPU Support”
        10. Restart your computer so the necessary changes take effect.
        11. If you already happen to own Minecraft: Java Edition but need to redownload it, navigate to   minecraft.net, sign into your account, then navigate to https://my.minecraft.net/en-us/store/minecraft/#owned and you will see download options.  Download and run the   installer app, following the steps in the install process.

Need Help? If you would like support setting up your child’s computer, please click here to book a live video tech support session. Unfortunately, we cannot support issues resulting from the advanced setup for a Chromebook.
Minecraft Modding with mCreator

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System Software
Computer:

  • Desktop/Laptop with Windows 7, 8, or 10 or Mac OSX 10.10 – 10.14.
  • Mac OS 10.15 Catalina, Linux Systems, Apple/Android Tablets, or Chromebooks earlier than 2018 will not work for this camp type. Chromebooks from 2019 or later can work with an advanced setup.
  • We recommend an internet connection at least 20 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up. Here’s how to check your speed: fast.com
  • Disk Space: Unless you are currently running out of space on your computer, you have enough disk space.
  • Memory:  6 GB of RAM.
  • Processor: Processors are rarely an issue, if you have an older computer the minimum is an Intel Dual Core processor.
  • Other: Microphone and webcam are required, headphones are recommended.

Need Help? If you would like support setting up your child’s computer, please click here to book a live video tech support session.
Minecraft: Redstone and Commands
System Software
Computer:

  • Desktop/Laptop with Windows 7, 8, or 10 or Mac OSX 10.10 – 10.14.
  • Mac OS 10.15 Catalina, Linux Systems, Apple/Android Tablets, or Chromebooks earlier than 2018 will not work for this camp type. Chromebooks from 2019 and later can work with an advanced setup.
  • We recommend an internet connection at least 20 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up. Here’s how to check your speed: fast.com
  • Disk Space: Unless you are currently running out of space on your computer, you have enough disk space.
  • Memory:  6 GB of RAM.
  • Processor: Processors are rarely an issue, if you have an older computer the minimum is an Intel Dual Core processor.
  • Other: Microphone and webcam are required, headphones are recommended.
  • Minecraft: Java Edition purchase & installation required:
  • These steps assume that you do not already own Minecraft: Java Edition or have it installed.  If you already own it, please just follow step 9 only.  Note that Minecraft: Java Edition is a separate version of Minecraft from “pocket edition” or “Windows 10 Edition” and is therefore a separate purchase.  Also, all versions of Minecraft require unique accounts, and therefore if you have more than one child joining a Minecraft class, a unique account will need to be purchased for each child, and each account username sent to Empow as per step 9 below.
    1. For Windows, Mac, or Linux:
      1.   Navigate to minecraft.net in your web browser.  Click “Get Minecraft”.  
      2.   Click “Computer”.  Choose your operating system.  
      3.   Click “Minecraft: Java Edition”.  
      4.   Click “Buy Minecraft”.  You will now be prompted to create a Mojang (company who owns Minecraft) account if you don’t have one.  Follow the steps as prompted on the webpage, going through the “Register” and “Verify Email” steps.  
      5.   After the “Verify Email” step, on the same page where payment info is requested, a username must be created by      typing it into the box under “Minecraft Profile”.  Please choose a username and write it down.  You will be asked for the username later in these steps and will need it henceforth for logging into the app.
      6.   Continue through the “Buy” and “Download” steps.  On the last step, you will be prompted to download Minecraft. 
        1. Once done, run the installer app to complete the process and install Minecraft.  
        2.  Run Minecraft:Java Edition, following the prompts to log in with your username/password and Play.  This step is to make sure Minecraft: Java Edition is working on your computer.
        3. Please email minecraftinfo@empow.me with the username and full name of the student who will be using this account.  We do not need to know the password you made, only the username.  This is a vital step in securing the Minecraft server so that we know who is joining and we don’t let strangers in.  
    2. For a Chromebook (advanced setup):
        1. On a supported Chromebook (most from 2019 onward), go to settings>Linux>Enable Linux.    If you do not see a Linux setting, it likely means your Chromebook is NOT compatible with Linux, and therefore cannot be used for this camp.
        2. After Linux is enabled, head to https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/download/alternative/ and download the .deb Minecraft file.
        3. Open the Files app, and click on Linux Files>minecraft.deb
        4. Follow Installation procedures.
        5. After installation, launch Minecraft: Java Edition and log in using your Mojang account credentials.  If you do not own a Minecraft account, please refer to the steps 1-6 in the paragraph above this one for steps to purchase an account.  You may skip the download at the end of step 6.
        6. Hit PLAY – so you can test out your install, and adjust a setting.
        7. In Minecraft Settings, turn available graphics options to low, and render distance down to 6. You can close Minecraft once this is finished.
        8. Type “chrome://flags” into the search bar in chrome, and click enter.
        9. Scroll down and enable both “Pointer lock for Linux applications” and “Crostini GPU Support”
        10. Restart your computer so the necessary changes take effect.
        11. If you already happen to own Minecraft: Java Edition but need to redownload it, navigate to   minecraft.net, sign into your account, then navigate to https://my.minecraft.net/en-us/store/minecraft/#owned and you will see download options.  Download and run the   installer app, following the steps in the install process.

Need Help? If you would like support setting up your child’s computer, please click here to book a live video tech support session. Unfortunately, we cannot support issues resulting from the advanced setup for a Chromebook.
Minecraft Modding with Java
System Software
Computer:

  • Any recent Windows or Mac desktop or laptop will work. Unfortunately, Apple/Android Tablets, or Chromebooks will not work for this camp type.
  • Other: Microphone and webcam are required, headphones are recommended.
 Note: In order to simplify setup and ensure a consistent and reliable configuration, your camper will be using a virtual machine in this camp.

  • Minecraft: Java Edition account: please purchase an account and download and install the application at www.minecraft.net.  Click “Get Minecraft”. Once installed, be sure to follow up with two next steps:
    • Launch Minecraft and log in to the account in order to make sure it’s working properly
    • Send your Minecraft: Java Edition user name (NOT the password) to virtualteachers@empow.me. This is needed in order to keep our server secure.
  • Download and install the AWS Workspaces client on your computer. Your camper will be using a virtual machine for doing all their modding work. We will provide login information at the beginning of the session.
  • Look for a Welcome email from us, with details on login and contact information for your camp.

Need Help? If you would like support setting up your child’s computer, please click here to book a live video tech support session.
Minecraft: Redstone Engineering
System Software
Computer:

  • Desktop/Laptop with Windows 7, 8, or 10 or Mac OSX 10.10 – 10.14.
  • Mac OS 10.15 Catalina, Linux Systems, Apple/Android Tablets, or Chromebooks earlier than 2018 will not work for this camp type. Chromebooks from 2019 or later can work with an advanced setup.
  • We recommend an internet connection at least 20 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up. Here’s how to check your speed: fast.com
  • Disk Space: Unless you are currently running out of space on your computer, you have enough disk space.
  • Memory:  6 GB of RAM.
  • Processor: Processors are rarely an issue, if you have an older computer the minimum is an Intel Dual Core processor.
  • Other: Microphone and webcam are required, headphones are recommended.
  • Minecraft: Java Edition purchase & installation required:
  • These steps assume that you do not already own Minecraft: Java Edition or have it installed.  If you already own it, please just follow step 9 only.  Note that Minecraft: Java Edition is a separate version of Minecraft from “pocket edition” or “Windows 10 Edition” and is therefore a separate purchase.  Also, all versions of Minecraft require unique accounts, and therefore if you have more than one child joining a Minecraft class, a unique account will need to be purchased for each child, and each account username sent to Empow as per step 9 below.
    1. For Windows, Mac, or Linux:
      1.   Navigate to minecraft.net in your web browser.  Click “Get Minecraft”.  
      2.   Click “Computer”.  Choose your operating system.  
      3.   Click “Minecraft: Java Edition”.  
      4.   Click “Buy Minecraft”.  You will now be prompted to create a Mojang (company who owns Minecraft) account if you don’t have one.  Follow the steps as prompted on the webpage, going through the “Register” and “Verify Email” steps.  
      5.   After the “Verify Email” step, on the same page where payment info is requested, a username must be created by      typing it into the box under “Minecraft Profile”.  Please choose a username and write it down.  You will be asked for the username later in these steps and will need it henceforth for logging into the app.
      6.   Continue through the “Buy” and “Download” steps.  On the last step, you will be prompted to download Minecraft. 
        1. Once done, run the installer app to complete the process and install Minecraft.  
        2.  Run Minecraft:Java Edition, following the prompts to log in with your username/password and Play.  This step is to make sure Minecraft: Java Edition is working on your computer.
        3. Please email minecraftinfo@empow.me with the username and full name of the student who will be using this account.  We do not need to know the password you made, only the username.  This is a vital step in securing the Minecraft server so that we know who is joining and we don’t let strangers in.  
    2. For a Chromebook (advanced setup):
        1. On a supported Chromebook (most from 2019 onward), go to settings>Linux>Enable Linux.    If you do not see a Linux setting, it likely means your Chromebook is NOT compatible with Linux, and therefore cannot be used for this camp.
        2. After Linux is enabled, head to https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/download/alternative/ and download the .deb Minecraft file.
        3. Open the Files app, and click on Linux Files>minecraft.deb
        4. Follow Installation procedures.
        5. After installation, launch Minecraft: Java Edition and log in using your Mojang account credentials.  If you do not own a Minecraft account, please refer to the steps 1-6 in the paragraph above this one for steps to purchase an account.  You may skip the download at the end of step 6.
        6. Hit PLAY – so you can test out your install, and adjust a setting.
        7. In Minecraft Settings, turn available graphics options to low, and render distance down to 6. You can close Minecraft once this is finished.
        8. Type “chrome://flags” into the search bar in chrome, and click enter.
        9. Scroll down and enable both “Pointer lock for Linux applications” and “Crostini GPU Support”
        10. Restart your computer so the necessary changes take effect.
        11. If you already happen to own Minecraft: Java Edition but need to redownload it, navigate to   minecraft.net, sign into your account, then navigate to https://my.minecraft.net/en-us/store/minecraft/#owned and you will see download options.  Download and run the   installer app, following the steps in the install process.

Need Help? If you would like support setting up your child’s computer, please click here to book a live video tech support session. Unfortunately, we cannot support issues resulting from the advanced setup for a Chromebook.
Coding with Scratch and Python
System Software
Computer:

  • Desktop/Laptop with Windows 7, 8, or 10, Mac OSX 10.8 – 10.15, or any modern Linux distribution.
  • Apple/Android Tablets or Chromebooks will not work for this camp type.
  • Other: Microphone and webcam are required, headphones are recommended.
  • Scratch account:
    • https://scratch.mit.edu/ – set up an account by clicking “Join Scratch” in the top right corner of the website and following the steps.
  • Python / IDLE installation:
    • https://www.python.org/downloads/ – Download the installer for your computer system and run it.  Make sure to check “Add Python ___ to PATH” (blank space will be a number) which is a checkbox immediately visible when running the installer.  After that checkbox is checked, click Install and follow the rest of the prompts until done.  (If you don’t see any screen with checkboxes, you can ignore that extra step)
  • PyCharm installation:
    • PyCharm – download Community version (NOT Professional) for your operating system.
    • Once the installer is downloaded and run, proceed through it by following the prompts until you reach a screen with multiple checkboxes.  On this screen, you should see one checkbox labeled “Add launchers dir to the PATH”.  Make sure this box is checked, then press Next and keep confirming the prompts until the install is finished.  (If you don’t see any screen with checkboxes, you can ignore that extra step)

Need Help? If you would like support setting up your child’s computer, please click here to book a live video tech support session.
Coding with Python 101 and 201
System Software
Computer:

  • Desktop/Laptop with Windows 7, 8, or 10, Mac OSX 10.8 – 10.15, or any modern Linux distribution.
  • Apple/Android Tablets or Chromebooks will not work for this camp type.
  • Other: Microphone and webcam are required, headphones are recommended.
  • Python / IDLE installation:
    • https://www.python.org/downloads/ – Download the installer for your computer system and run it.  Make sure to check “Add Python ___ to PATH” (blank space will be a number) which is a checkbox immediately visible when running the installer.  After that checkbox is checked, click Install and follow the rest of the prompts until done.  (If you don’t see any screen with checkboxes, you can ignore that extra step)
  • PyCharm installation:
    • PyCharm – download Community version (NOT Professional) for your operating system.
    • Once the installer is downloaded and run, proceed through it by following the prompts until you reach a screen with multiple checkboxes.  On this screen, you should see one checkbox labeled “Add launchers dir to the PATH”.  Make sure this box is checked, then press Next and keep confirming the prompts until the install is finished.  (If you don’t see any screen with checkboxes, you can ignore that extra step)

Need Help? If you would like support setting up your child’s computer, please click here to book a live video tech support session.
Roblox: Game Design
System Software
Computer:

  • Windows 7, 8, or 10, Mac OS X 10.10 or higher
  • Dedicated video card or less than 3 year old integrated graphics (i.e. Intel Graphics)
  • Roblox Studio
    • Go to https://www.roblox.com/create and click “start creating” to download Roblox Studio.
    • Follow e-mailed instructions from Empow.

Need Help? If you would like support setting up your child’s computer, please click here to book a live video tech support session.
Roblox: Coding and Game Design
System Software
Computer:

  • Windows 7, 8, or 10, Mac OS X 10.10 or higher
  • Dedicated video card or less than 3 year old integrated graphics (i.e. Intel Graphics)
  • Roblox Studio
    • Go to https://www.roblox.com/create and click “start creating” to download Roblox Studio.
    • Follow e-mailed instructions from Empow.

Need Help? If you would like support setting up your child’s computer, please click here to book a live video tech support session.

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