Technology Programs

Hands-on: Campers choose one Technology option for the full two-week session, and spend half the day learning how to use the equipment and software through doing. Our hands-on focused methods use tools like trial and error, critical thinking, and active problem solving to maximize the amount learned and retained over the course of the session.

Collaborative: Campers work with a partner or small group to create and develop their projects. We don’t tell campers what to make, instead allowing them to work together to combine their strengths, interests, and creative ideas in order to accomplish a completely one-of-a-kind takeaway. Another positive is the communication skills built along the way are beneficial to any other area of the campers’ life that requires cooperation. 

Individualized: With our 4:1 teaching ratio, every TIC camper receives the personal attention they deserve and every session is different. Our highly qualified Staff tailor instruction to each camper’s skill level and interests. Campers can repeat the same Technology Program option as many Sessions as they’d like and continue to deepen their knowledge without repetition.

  • Programming may be right for your camper if…

    • They love video games

    • They love problem solving and attention to detail

    • They like to collaborate and share ideas (campers work in pairs)

    In Programming, campers will learn the tools to bring their imagination to life through coding! While many campers focus on game design, there are many possibilities for creations in Programming, including mazes, drawing programs, text-based Role Playing Games (RPGs), AI, Machine Learning, databases, and more! 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. We do our best to match campers with a partner with similar goals and skill level, as well as a Staff member (4:1 ratio) with expertise in their requested language. More about Programming at TIC.

  • Available at all locations and all ages. Minecraft Modding might be right for your camper if….

    • They love playing Minecraft

    • They are interested in video game design

    • They are creative and want to create their own mods

    Campers enrolled in Minecraft Modding will use McCreator (an open-sourced software) to build a world they always envisioned in the game. They will use Minecraft Java Edition mods with the easy-to-use interface to create levels, characters, and code in Minecraft. Campers who love to be in the “driver seat” and love 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!

    Open to both Juniors and Seniors. We would highly recommend a session of Programming for Seniors so they can participate in some of the more Advanced options of MM.

  • Robotics may be right for your camper if…

    • They love building things with their hands

    • They enjoy programming

    • They like participating in challenges

    • They like to collaborate, share ideas, and brainstorm (campers work in small groups)

    • Interest in engineering and mechanics

    LEGO® robotics is a perfect introduction to the world of engineering + programming. From Line Trackers to Battle Bots, campers will get the chance to stretch their creativity and build out awesome projects!

    Junior campers build with LEGO® Mindstorms EV3 kits and use a graphical language, Robot C. Senior campers have the opportunity to use LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime Sets to create more advanced robots.

    Campers work in groups to participate in a series of challenges. In the process they will create robots that can deal cards, throw/catch balls, follow a line, play soccer, navigate mazes—or almost anything else they can think of. Their projects may use light, touch, or range-finding sensors. Campers can also learn useful skills regarding mechanics, such as using gears, axles, and levers. Robotics is perfect for campers who love to create through building!

    NEW in 2025!

    VEX Robotics is for Senior campers with advanced programming experience will have the option within Robotics to work with VEX.

    VEX is a more intricate robot “program” that 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 a microcontroller board to learn about circuits and how wires connect. The challenge of VEX isn’t the difficulty of the project, but rather making it do complex things in a complex way. This is definitely not for beginners and requires experience in Robotics, JAVA or similar languages.

  • Junior campers will explore the world of 3D Game Design through Roblox. This is the perfect introduction for campers who want to learn how to create their own 3D games and further improve their programming skills.

    Using the language, Lua, campers will use explore how to make their own Roblox game with a beginner-friendly code editor, Roblox 3D software. Campers will also have a chance to learn techniques to make their games more engaging and interesting.

    Campers should have some programming experience in Scratch or a similar programming language.

  • For Senior campers who want to delve into the world of game design, 3D game design using Unity 3D and Unreal is perfect for them.

    Unity is a game engine used by indie and professional studios alike. It offers tools leveraging skills across multiple disciplines for animation, modelling, narration, computer graphics and most importantly programming!

    3D Unity equips campers with more “advanced” programming concepts and tools that allows them to create more intricate projects that are both cohesive and flexible for iterative design.

    Campers will have the chance to learn about how to plan out and prototype their own game, the many different hats worn by game developers, from music to sound to art design.

    Campers will also learn about level design and how to create their own sandbox environments.

    Campers will have the chance to learn the tricks and tools that make games feel good, from VFX, to UI, to screen shakes and more the little and large aspects that make mechanics fun in video games.

    Campers must have experience programming in Java or similar languages.

    Campers should have some experience working in 3D software (this could be modelling software; game design, Roblox, MCreator, or similar).

  • Film may be right for your camper if…

    • They love movies and storytelling

    • They enjoy filling many different roles during activities or projects and are good at planning

    • They are creative and like to work with a team

    This hands-on program offers campers the full filmmaking experience—from scriptwriting and storyboarding to directing, acting, filming, and editing their own original short films.

    Using DSLR cameras and Adobe Premiere, our campers learn industry-standard skills and techniques, with options to explore additional equipment like boom mics and green screens for adding special effects. They’ll experiment with different camera shots, focusing techniques, and unique perspectives to capture their vision on screen. The Filmmaking program encourages creativity, communication, and teamwork, providing a comprehensive look at every aspect of movie-making. New for Seniors! TIC is adding a camera rig to help enhance stability for their films.

    Whether they’re interested in life behind the camera or in front of it, your camper will find their place in Filmmaking!

  • Making a return to TIC is Web Development! Campers will be introduced to the world of professional web development.

    Campers will dive into the essentials of web development, learning HTML and JavaScript to build dynamic sites. Younger campers (Juniors) can start with easy-to-use templates to learn web fundamentals, while more experienced campers will tackle the intricacies of UI/UX design, ensuring their sites look great and function smoothly. They’ll also explore databases and visual elements, using frameworks like React to build powerful and responsive websites. For those looking to add a creative edge, campers can even experiment with 3D design using 3JS.

    This program provides a well-rounded experience in modern web design, giving campers the tools to think like designers and problem-solve like developers. Perfect for campers who love tech and want to see their creativity shine on the web!

    Campers must have some prior experience with programming in Java, JavaScript or similar languages.

  • Animation might be right for your camper if….

    • They love animated movies and shorts

    • They never leave the house without their sketchbook

    • They enjoy inventing characters

    • They enjoy studying movement and simple physics

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

    Campers will have the opportunity to dive into the fundamentals of 2D Animation using Adobe Animate and a drawing tablet to develop their own unique cartoons. They can also choose Stop-Motion Animation, utilizing Blender or Dragonframe software to capture their creations with LEGOs, markers, post-its, or any imaginative material.

    This program is open to all experience levels, from beginners to advanced, and is ideal for those who enjoy both digital and hands-on artistic expression. Whether they're designing characters, exploring movement, or experimenting with physics, our Animation program lets every camper’s creativity shine.

  • New in 2025! 3D Animation might be a good fit if your camper…

    • Dreams of creating new worlds

    • Bringing characters to life in 3D

    • Mastered 2D Animation and ready for a new challenge

    Our 3D Animation program is the perfect space for creative campers to explore the art and technology of 3D design.

    Campers will start with Blender, a powerful and accessible 3D software. For those who want to dive into modeling and rigging, campers can use pre-existing characters to animate and get the feel for what they can do as they continue to learn the 3D software.

    With access to high-powered computers, campers can fully immerse themselves in building detailed, professional-quality 3D animations.

    We strongly recommend taking programming — because they will be more familiar with digital drawing and moving graphical objects around the screen and avoid being frustrated at the longer process of animating.

  • Digital Photo & Art may be right for your camper if…

    • They love photography and highly technical equipment

    • They see the world in unique, composite ways

    • They are patient and organized 

    • They find deep enjoyment in creating art

    Our Digital Photo & Art program combines the best of both worlds, letting campers explore their creativity through digital photography and graphic design.

    Campers will learn the fundamentals of photography, mastering DSLR camera techniques, and editing their photos using Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. They’ll also have the option to dive into layout design with Adobe InDesign, gaining insight into how visual storytelling shapes successful marketing. Whether capturing beautiful photos or designing interactive media, campers will complete projects like posters, infographics, magazines, product labels, comic strips, and even branding elements.

    This program encourages campers to develop a keen eye, artistic skill, and technical know-how—perfect for those who want to see the world through a unique lens and turn their vision into impactful art.