Learning Institute: Video Game Development Camp 

Game Builders Academy, students use and strengthen math skills, logic skills, communication skills, concentration and critical thinking skills, problem-solving and creative thinking, all while doing something they love and enjoy.
Session 1 - July 6 - 16
Session 2 - July 19 - 30
Session 3 - August 2 - 13
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VG1: Starburst Video Game Development
(Open to girls and boys entering grades 2-3 - Session 1,3) -
VG2: Intro to Video Game Fundamentals
(Open to girls and boys entering grades 4-9 - Session 1, 2, 3) -
VG3: Video Game Programming
(Open to girls and boys entering grades 6-9 - Session 2) -
VG4: Video Game Design Workshop
(Open to girls and boys entering grades 6-9 - Session 1, 2, 3) -
VG5: 3D Computer Modeling and Animation
(Open to girls and boys entering grades 4-9 - Session 1 and 3 for Grades 4-5, and Session 1, 2, and 3 for Grades 6-9)
Schedule:
Half the day consists of video game development. For the other half of the day, your child is placed in a recreation group of 8-10 campers in of the same grade and gender where all campers enjoy lunch, instructional swim and recreational sports.
VG1 Starburst Video Game Development-Level(Click-n-build)
Grades 2-3
Session 1 and 3
Young campers learn how to apply basic math (addition and subtraction) and other skills to design and program their own video games! In a very fun and easy process, campers learn the technical and artistic fundamentals of designing and programming video games. Campers also learn how to draw their own game characters on the computer and add sound to their games. Campers are also introduced to the fundamentals of animation for use in their games. Each child in this camp will create at least one video game.
Note: There is a $50 surcharge per two-week session for additional materials and staff requirements for each video game specialty offered
VG2 Intro to Video Game Fundamentals Grades 4-9
Session 1,2,3
Campers use and strengthen math skills, logic skills, communication skills, concentration and critical thinking skills, problem-solving and creative thinking - all in the context of learning how to design and program video games! This course offers campers an exciting introduction to the technical and artistic concepts and techniques of designing and programming video games. Campers gain a working knowledge of the skills and tools necessary to design and develop video games. Campers learn how to use Game Maker software and graphics programs. They are also introduced to the fundamentals of animation for use in their games. Campers will create at least one video game, as well as an advanced pong-style game.
Note: There is a $50 surcharge per two-week session for additional materials and staff requirements for each video game specialty offered
VG3 Video Game Programming Grade 6-9
Session 2 only
Campers are introduced, in a very fun way, to writing computer programming code and the basic math concepts that are used in video game development. Campers design and program a multilevel, side-scrolling platform game, with many of the features in professional side-scrolling platforms. Campers add custom sounds, animations and visual effects to their games. This specialty is a great introduction to the world of game programming and computer programming.
Note: There is a $50 surcharge per two-week session for additional materials and staff requirements for each video game specialty offered
Prerequisites: VG2 and basic typing skills
VG4 Video Game Design Workshops Grades 6 - 9
Sessions 1,2,3
Campers create their own highly-customized game in the Video Game Design Workshops using the knowledge gained in their previous video game work. Along with learning and using new advanced techniques, each student decides what type of game they want to create. Individualized attention and one-on-one assistance helps students create games according to their own specific ideas and abilities. Students also create their own advanced animations and other visual effects, as well as creating and adding custom sound effects. The end product is a highly-polished, truly unique game, created entirely by the individual student, specifically according to their own ideas and plans.>
Note: There is a $50 surcharge per two-week session for additional materials and staff requirements for each video game specialty offered.
Prerequisites: VG2 or VG3 (Can be repeated/taken all three sessions)
VG5: 3D Computer Modelling and Animation - Level 1
Grades 4-9
Sessions 1 and 3 Grades 4 - 5
Sessions 1,2,3 Grades 6 - 9
This specialty offers campers an exciting introduction to the world of computer-generated 3-D modeling and animation. Campers learn the fundamentals of drawing in 3-D (very easy and fun -- no drawing or art experience required) as a way to learn the visual principles of how humans see in three dimensions. Campers use Maxon Cinema4D software to create and animate true 3-D computer-generated models. Campers also learn how to create their own 3-D objects and characters, apply textures and materials, and add lighting and animation. Campers will also learn how to render their 3-D creations and animations for use in video games, Web sites, and short movies.
Note: There is a $50 surcharge per two-week session for additional materials and staff requirements for each video game specialty offered.
Program Director:Sally B. Rosenberg, M.A., computer graphics, New York Institute of Technology; B.A., fine arts/marketing, SUNY Albany. Seven years of experience teaching graphic design, Web development, and game art and design to children and adults. Author of Multimedia Projects BASICS: Curriculum-Specific Projects for Adobe and Macromedia, designed to supplement the multimedia curriculum for middle and high school students. Adjunct instructor at Hofstra University, New York Institute of Technology, Chubb Institute and Westwood College Online. Experienced as an instructor with Hofstra University Specialty Camps and Saturday Classes for Young People.
Assistant Program Director: Michael Pugliese, B.A., fine arts/computer graphics, New York Institute of Technology. Mr. Pugliese earned a certificate from Hofstra University when he completed a five-year program, which included Cartooning, Advanced Cartooning, Computer Animation I and II, and Cartoon Sculpture. He has attended the E3 convention in Los Angeles for the past few years to further his knowledge of gaming software and technology. Experienced as an instructor with Hofstra University Specialty Camps and Saturday Classes for Young People.
For more information:
Call (516) 463-CAMP (2267)
or
Emailce-camps@hofstra.edu





