University of Massachusetts Amherst

Game Design Lab with Minecraft & CodeCombat

For Grades 6 - 8

Level up your coding skills in the Game Design Lab with Minecraft & CodeCombat!

Campers will create immersive game worlds in Minecraft, engineer Redstone-powered puzzles, code game logic in MakeCode, and build narrative challenges.

With CodeCombat, they’ll dive into a gamified coding adventure, mastering Python or JavaScript to solve quests and design their games.

Each uniquely themed week combines creativity, strategy, and unique projects while instilling real-world programming concepts.

With camp games and new friendships mixed into each day, the fun never stops. Wrap up the week with a showcase where campers present their games to family and friends!

Friday Family Showcase: 2PM-3PM

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Camp Hours: 9AM-3PM
After Camp, M-TH: 3PM -6PM*

*Location Dependent. This option will appear after selecting a camp week if this location has it available.

$595.00

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Select Camp Week July 7 - 11 (5 days)

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About Game Design Lab with Minecraft & CodeCombat
This camp combines the imaginative world of Minecraft with the coding challenges of CodeCombat to teach critical STEM skills. Campers will learn game logic, problem-solving, and programming languages while fostering teamwork and creativity. Weekly themes ensure a unique experience every time, empowering campers to build, code, and share their innovative creations.
Topics Covered
• Fundamentals of game design utilizing Minecraft.
• Sophisticated programming techniques with MakeCode and command blocks.
• In-depth game development concepts in CodeCombat.
• Advanced Minecraft construction projects for crafting engaging game worlds.

Learning Outcomes

Proficiency in Minecraft Modding and Interactive World Design
Students will master using Redstone, command blocks, and the MakeCode interface within Minecraft, enabling them to create and modify interactive games and worlds and learn coding and game design in a familiar and engaging environment.
Integration of Creativity and Technical Skills in Game Development
The course emphasizes the fusion of creativity and technical skills, as students will be designing, programming, and storytelling within the Minecraft platform. They will learn to conceptualize and execute their game ideas, combining artistic expression with technical know-how, nurturing students' ability to think creatively and solve problems in digital media.
Exploration and Application of Programming Concepts
Students will gain hands-on experience in programming, applying concepts such as logic, sequencing, and conditionals in a practical context. They will understand how coding translates into tangible outcomes through modding and game creation in Minecraft, enhancing their digital literacy and problem-solving skills and preparing students for further studies in computer science and related fields.

Sample Schedule

Here’s a sample of what a week in this course could look like. Keep in mind, our experienced instructors will build the camp that is right for your student, and this outline demonstrates some of the key materials and the overall camp experience.

Monday: Launching Into Game Design with Minecraft

Begin the camp by dissecting the critical components of engaging video games, concentrating on a variety of genres. Students will start their Minecraft voyage by ideating game titles and formulating complex backstories.

Tuesday: Developing Interactive Stories and Characters

Investigate the complexities of RPG game mechanics and the utilization of Redstone for activating interactive elements. Students will fuse story development with technical skill, forming intricate characters and incorporating command block logic for dynamic gameplay.

Wednesday: Advancing in Complex Coding Techniques

Explore the Minecraft MakeCode platform, tackling coding challenges that enhance game designs to refined levels.

Thursday: Constructing Engaging Minecraft Worlds

Advance further into the realm of game design through Minecraft, creating signature levels, mazes, and elaborate puzzles.

Friday: Finalizing and Showcasing Projects

Students devote their time to the final touches and debugging of their adventure games, emphasizing playtesting, debugging, and collaborative problem-solving. Students will create marketing assets for their games and prepare for the showcase.

Course Format

This course is part of a weeklong summer camp running Monday through Friday. Your child will learn in a small group setting on an inspiring university campus from an experienced instructor. An exciting daily schedule balances learning and exploration of this topic with a variety of outdoor and recreational activities within the larger camp setting. Lunch and aftercare options are available based on location.

Our Instructors Are Our Top Asset

At BAM!, our vision for innovative K-8 education extends beyond just curriculum; it encompasses the educators who bring that curriculum to life. Selecting & training our educators is a continuous and meticulous process, ensuring they are not just equipped with subject matter expertise but also the skills to inspire and connect with students on a personal level.

100% adult educators recruited from prestigious universities ( No CITs at BAM!)
Highly refined interview and background check process
Extensive training that goes well beyond curriculum & classroom management
Ongoing year-round opportunities to teach in our summer camp. After-school, and structured recess programs.

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Game Design Lab with Minecraft & CodeCombat