Programming may be right for your camper if…

-They love playing video games

-They love being challenged

-They love problem solving and attention to details

In Programming, campers will gain the essential tools to bring their imagination to life through coding! While many campers focus on engaging game design, the possibilities for creative projects in Programming are vast, including dynamic mazes, sophisticated drawing programs, immersive text-based Role Playing Games (RPGs), databases, and much more! Importantly, our established curriculum includes instruction on how to actually create functional AI and foundational Machine Learning models. We've noted a strong recent interest from parents requesting more advanced instruction in these cutting-edge technologies, and we are excited to continue offering the deep tech instruction that allows campers to dive into these topics. We offer a variety of programming languages; however, due to the structure of our program, campers do not sign up for a specific language but can request their preferred language during registration. Our junior campers typically work in Scratch, while our senior campers typically work in Processing. We do our best to match campers with a partner with similar goals and skill level, as well as a dedicated Staff member (maintaining our low 4:1 ratio) with expertise in their requested language. 

We are also re-introducing coding with micro:bit. Using a 25-LED display with buttons and sensors, campers can code the device to perform various tasks from creating a game to singing a song. Micro:bit is relatively easy to learn and recommended for campers with little knowledge of programming. More about Programming at TIC.

Robotics may be right for your camper if…

-They love building with their hands

-They like being challenged

-They are interested in engineering and mechanics

Robotics is a perfect introduction to the world of engineering and programming. From creating robots that trace lines to a robot that can walk, campers will get the chance to stretch their creativity and build out awesome projects!

LEGO robotics uses LEGO Mindstorm EV3 kits and uses a Robot C, a graphical language for coding their robot. Campers work in pairs or groups to create their own robot to complete challenges like throwing and catching a ball, dealing cards, walking, completing an obstacle course, or almost anything else they can think of. This option is perfect for campers who love to create through building!

Vex robotics is our more intricate robotics program and uses electronics as well as robotics and programming. Campers will use metal parts, high level programming languages, real wires, and electronic parts that plug into microcontroller boards to learn about circuits and how wires connect. 

Participating in LEGO robotics is recommended before participating in VEX.

Minecraft Modding may be right for your camper if…

-They love playing Minecraft

-They love playing modded games

-They like collaboration

In Minecraft Modding, campers take control of the world-building process, transforming the game using tools and their boundless imagination. Campers will use MCreator (an accessible, open-source software) to build the world they've always envisioned in Minecraft Java Edition. Utilizing its easy-to-use interface, they will create custom code and characters, enabling them to design truly unique gameplay experiences. Examples of the mods campers can create include developing custom biomes with new trees and terrain, implementing unique mobs and creatures, adding new armor or tools with special abilities, and even designing new dimensions to explore. Campers who love to be in the “driver's seat” and enjoy letting their imaginations run wild will truly enjoy the power they will wield in this technology option. Let your camper build their dream world with us!

Our 3D Game Design program turns passionate players into innovative creators. Campers learn the end-to-end process of game development, from narrative planning and art direction to complex programming and level design.

Senior campers delve into industry-standard engines like Unity 3D and Unreal to explore advanced game creation. This program focuses on leveraging skills across disciplines—from 3D modeling and animation to computer graphics and complex programming. Campers tackle advanced concepts like iterative design, sophisticated level creation, and the "feel" of a game (VFX, UI, screen shake). Prerequisites: Campers must have programming experience in Java or similar languages and some familiarity with 3D software (e.g., Roblox Studio, MCreator).

Our Roblox coding with Lua program turns passionate players into innovative creators. Campers learn different skillsets to create the Roblox game or world they have always imagined.

Using Roblox Studio and the powerful, beginner-friendly scripting language Lua, our JUNIOR campers will design, build, and script their own full-featured Roblox games. They will learn to code interactive elements like moving obstacles, functional traps, and custom player controls. Prerequisite: Campers should have foundational programming experience, such as with Scratch or similar block-based languages.

Animation may be right for your camper if…

-They love animated moves and tv shows

-They never leave the house without their sketchbook

-They let their creativity lead them

Our Animation program is a perfect fit for creative minds who want to bring their amazing art to life!

Campers will have the opportunity to dive into the fundamentals of 2D animation using Adobe Animate (Animate) and a drawing tablet to develop their own unique cartoons and designs. Using Animate, they will learn essential skills such as working with a timeline, creating keyframes to define movement, understanding frame rate, and using vector tools to design characters and backgrounds. They can also choose stop-motion animation, using Dragonframe software to capture their creations.

We are bringing back 3D Animation for our senior campers. Using Blender, campers chose to focus on modeling, creating their own models, objects, and characters, or on animation creating more complete animations using pre-made rigs. 

While 2D and stop-motion animation are open to all experience levels, prior animation knowledge is recommended for 3D animation. 

Digital Photography and Design may be right for your camper if…

-They love taking and editing photos

-They see the world in unique, composite ways

-They find deep enjoyment in creating art

Our Digital Photography and Design program blends the best of both worlds, photography and graphic design, giving campers the opportunity to explore their creativity using professional tools. Campers will build a strong foundation in both creative and technical skills, mastering mirrorless camera techniques in manual mode and learning to edit their photos with industry-standard software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom.

Junior campers will explore digital design and layout using Canva, Adobe Lightroom, and Photoshop to create camp newsletters, newspapers, and magazines. Through these projects, they’ll express their creativity in both design and content while learning the fundamentals of journalistic photography.

Senior campers will take their photography skills to the next level, mastering both the art and technique behind the lens while also exploring marketing through website design. They’ll dive into advanced topics such as lighting, advanced manual camera settings, composition, and creative storytelling through images. 

By the end of the two-week session, each camper will create their own virtual portfolio website, which will allow them to showcase their best work and share their artistic growth with family and friends.

Digital Music may be right for your camper if…

-They love listening to music

-They enjoy playing music

-Music is their favorite form of art

After popular demand, we are bringing back digital music this year! Using Ableton, campers in digital music will learn the basics of music composition and how to transcribe it digitally. Pads, patches, reverb, and compression may all sound like foreign concepts now, but campers soon become familiar with industry tools to put their musical creativity to work. MIDI keyboards and microphones are provided for recording, and they even might get to design their own album covers! 

Filmmaking may be right for your camper if…

-They love movies and storytelling

-They like to work with a team

-They enjoy acting or video editing

Filmmaking is a hands-on program that offers campers the full filmmaking experience, from scriptwriting and storyboarding to directing, acting, filming, editing their own short-form content, or original short film.

Junior campers will dive into the ever-growing world of short-form video, creating fun and dynamic content like commercials, music videos, and viral trends. Along the way, they’ll gain skills relevant to modern careers in online media, marketing, and filmmaking. Campers will film using DJI Pocket Cameras in both vertical and horizontal formats, edit their projects in iMovie, and will get an introduction to Adobe Premiere Pro. 

Senior campers will use DSLR or mirrorless cameras and Adobe Premiere to produce their own short films, learning industry-standard skills and techniques along the way. They’ll also have the chance to explore additional tools like boom mics and green screens to add special effects. Throughout the session, campers will experiment with scriptwriting, camera shots, focusing techniques, and video editing. The Filmmaking program fosters creativity, communication, and teamwork—offering a hands-on experience in every aspect of moviemaking.

Whether your camper loves being behind the camera or in front of it, they’ll find their place in Filmmaking. Each two-week session offers a fresh experience, with new ideas and new people inspiring endless creativity.