2022 GMG-Bellevue Parents Guide
Welcome!
I’m thrilled to welcome you to the 9th summer of Girls Make Games.
With the world returning to a sense of normalcy after two tumultuous years, we have been provided with a valuable opportunity to reflect as we move forward. We’ve listened to - and learned from - the incredible GMG community and the girls who are at the heart of everything we do. To watch their enthusiasm and resilience in the face of the challenges brought about by the pandemic has driven our determination to provide the most outstanding experience which caters to their needs. As a result we’re delighted to offer, for the first time ever, a combination of virtual and in-person summer programs and we can’t wait for you to join us!
Watching GMG girls embrace the opportunities they so deserve has also provided a poignant personal moment of reflection for me this past year. 2022 will be the first time I'll be cheering the girls on from the sidelines and not actively participating; my own daughter, Samar (pronounced as Summer), arrived into my life just a week ago! So you could say I’ll be at my very own “Samar Camp” this year :) I can’t wait to play the games your girls will create and for Samar to join the ranks of GMG’s thriving alumni community.
You wouldn’t think much of a summer camp, and I didn’t either until I ‘went’ to camp and met our girls. A few weeks of being surrounded by love, encouragement, inspiration and validation can be immensely powerful. This transformative experience goes so much farther than simply learning technical skills - when you’re confident in who you are and what you believe in, you are unstoppable.
A big Thank You for being a part of GMG’s summer and community; I hope your daughter/camper has the most amazing summer and I’m looking forward to hearing how it goes.
Thank you all for being with us as we continue along on this journey. For so many of you joining us for the first time this year, I invite you to view a short documentary outlining GMG’s mission and founding story.
Here’s to another #GirlPower summer of game making!
Laila Shabir
Founder and CEO, Girls Make Games
//Camp Overview
Live, guided instruction.
All camp participants will learn fundamentals of game development through group instruction led by a mentor (Camp Counselor)
Small groups of 4-5 participants per Counselor
Each participant will collaborate on a team game with their group to be entered to Demo Day, a chance to present their game and win prizes!
Community building (i.e. make new friends!) via online games, community contests and more!
Meet industry role models: Speaker sessions and special modules led by industry experts. A chance to learn about careers and pathways in the video games industry
//Guide Contents
1. Camp Logistics, Dates & Hours
2. Daily Agenda
5. Demo Day & National Competition
(September 24, 2022)
6. Technical Requirements & Laptops
8. Camp Lunch
9. FAQs
10. Contact GMG
11. Camper Services & COVID-19 Waiver Form [Action Item]
12. GMG World [Action Item]
//Camp Logistics, Dates & Hours
//Camp DELIVERY:
All camp instruction and interaction will be delivered at:
Crystal Dynamics, 11900 NE 1st St, Bellevue, WA 98005
//CAMP Dates:
July 11-29, 2022 (Mon-Fri only)
//CAMP Hours & Schedule:
10AM - 4:00PM daily Extended care available from 8:30am-5:30pm
See full breakdown in “Daily Agenda” below.
//CAMP Parking and Entry Instructions:
Parking: Available on site at the front and back entrance parking lots.
Venue Entry Directions:
Please enter the building from either entrance (front or back).
A GMG team member will meet you there on the first day and show you the elevators that take you to the 2nd floor where camp is being held.
//Daily Agenda
8:30 - 9:30 AM
// Early Drop off
9:30 - 10:00 AM
// Regular Drop off
10:00 - 10:30 AM
// Games & Research Time 🎮🕹️
10:30 - 11:00 AM
// Industry Speaker Session 🎤
11:00 AM - 12 PM
// Lab + Instruction Time 💻
12:00 - 1 PM
// Lunch and Activities (Get some relaxation in! :D)
1:00 - 3:00PM
// Lab + Instruction Time
Learn new concepts + work on your game
Spend the last 10-15 mins play testing + QAing!
3:00 - 3:30PM
// Break
Stretch + move or Let’s get some snacks! 🍊
3:30 - 4:00 PM
// Play games! 🎮🕹️
4:00 - 4:30PM
// Regular Pickup
4:30PM - 5:30PM
// Late Pickup
*The schedule does not apply to: Final Presentations Day [Last day of camp]
// Back to Contents
//Three Week Overview
Our camp curriculum is designed to encourage exploration of game making tools in a safe, collaborative setting. Campers will experience community building through team games as well as participate in fun games + activities and contests!
//Week 1
Introduction to fundamentals of Game Design and camp game engine: Construct 3. Each participant will receive group instruction led by a Camp Counselor. Later in the week, campers will form a team within their age cohort (Jrs. 8-12 or Teens 13-18) and brainstorm ideas for a game together that they will work on for the rest of camp. GMG will facilitate team formations.
//Week 2
Campers continue to experiment and expand their knowledge of Construct 3, building their games and creating art. The goal of the second week is to have a playable demo demonstrating core game mechanics and game world.
//Week 3
Campers spend 2-3 days polishing their games to be complete and playable, then learn to ‘pitch’ their games to their group. Campers selected to present at Demo Day will be notified at the end of camp!
// Back to Contents
//Curriculum Topics
In a span of 3 weeks, participants cover topics including:
1. Game Design
2. FUNDAMENTALS OF Game Programming
—Game logic, using visual scripting in Construct 3
3. Game Art –
—Creating, animating and importing art assets
4. Music and Audio Engineering –
—Creating, editing, and importing game audio
5. Pitching and Presentation Skills
6. Other Highlights:
Industry Guest Speakers
Games and Contests
Enter Demo Day for a chance to win Prizes sponsored by GMG’s Partners - Take Two Interactive, Nintendo of America, PlayStation and more!
// Back to Contents
//Demo Day & National Competition
Our favorite day of the year! This year, top 3 games from each category – Teen and Jr. — from around the country will present their game and vision to a panel of judges and live online audience.
Demo Day winners will receive exciting prizes sponsored by GMG’s Partners:
Take Two Interactive, Nintendo of America, PlayStation and more!
Demo Day will take place On SATURDAY, September 24, 2022.
Watch the 2021 Virtual Demo Day
2015 Demo Day held at Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California
Meet the 2021 Winners here, and check out the
published games for Winners from 2014-2019!
// Technical Requirements & Laptops
INTERNET CONNECTION
COMPUTER MOUSE
WEBCAM AND MICROPHONE
ONE OF THE SUPPORTED WEB BROWSERS:
Google Chrome 61+ Firefox 60+ Safari 13+ Microsoft Edge 79+
*Google Chrome preferred*
ONE OF THE SUPPORTED OS:
Windows: Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, 11 or newer
Mac: OS X / macOS 10.9 or newer
Chrome OS: Any Chrome OS device updated to v61+
Please be sure to provide administrator access on your child’s device or we may have to call you during camp for login information!
GMG does not provide computers to participants, and students are required to bring in their own laptops. The upside is that the girls are then able to take their projects home and continue working on them without interruptions.
As of June 15, we are no longer able to offer additional loaner laptops.
//Before/After care
We offer both early drop off and late pick up for our Bellevue location.
• EARLY DROP OFF HOURS: 8:30am – 9:30am
• LATE PICK UP HOURS: 4:30pm – 5:30pm
To sign up for these services, please see the Camper Services + COVID-19 Waiver Form section
*If you need earlier / later hours, please let us know and we’ll try our best to make accommodations.
//Camp Lunch
DAILY MENU *
Sammich Monday: Variety of Deli Sandwiches, Subs
Taco Tuesday: Tacos, Burritos, Quesadillas, Fajitas
Pasta Wednesday: Lasagna, Meatball, Alfredo
Chow-Mein Thursday: Variety of Asian dishes
Pizza Friday: Variety of Pizza
Campers have the choice of bringing their own lunch everyday, or purchasing through GMG for $10/day ($5 if you’re on need-based financial aid).
Healthy snacks like fruit, veggie chips, and granola bars provided throughout the day at no cost. *Menu may vary based on location, all families will be notified in advance. We’ll provide a full refund if you choose to opt out due to changes.
To sign up, please see the Camper Services + COVID-19 Waiver Form section
//Who’s Teaching?
Our staff comprises of independent game developers as well as students from some of the top Computer Science and Game Dev programs in the country like USC, MIT, DigiPen, and UT Austin.
Industry Guest Speakers share their expertise and journey to inspire young game devs. Past speakers include industry veterans such as Tim Schafer (creator of Psychonauts), Kellee Santiago (Journey, Flow), Pavni Diwanji (VP Engineering, Google)
Each camp is headed by a Camp Coordinator – your main point of contact for the duration of the summer camp, and 3-4 Camp Counselors. Camp Coordinators communicate with GMG HQ and handle day-to-day logistics, while Counselors lead instruction and mentorship at camp.
>> You will hear directly from your Camp Coordinator the week before camp starts.
//Prep for Camp
Can’t wait for camp? We totally get it! :D
Here are a few things you can get started on before joining us:
• Brainstorm ideas and game genres:
One of the best parts about making games is researching and brainstorming what your game is going to be about. Make sure to take notes, draw sketches and bring them in at camp!
• Review Game Engines
Take a look at the game engine we’ll be working in: Construct 3. This is not a requirement and we’ll cover pretty much everything from scratch, so no worries if you don’t get to it!
• Play the 2021 Demo day Finalists games!
2021 Demo Day Finalists Games: https://www.girlsmakegames.com/2021-demo-day. All of the games are built in Construct 3 by campers. This helps give an idea of what you can do in just 2-3 weeks! :)
// Back to Contents
//Summer Camp FAQs
What’s the best way to reach GMG?
Email support@girlsmakegames.com or call our HQ (833) 464-7877 or (833) GMG-SUPP :). Please note this number is only active for the duration of the camp, Mon-Fri, 9:30am-7pm Eastern Time (EDT), July 11-29, 2022.
CAN MY DAUGHTER BE ON THE SAME TEAM AS HER FRIEND?
Yes, of course! Camp staff conduct a survey before sorting teams so the campers have a chance to share who they’d like to be with.
Where can we see more pictures of what camp looks like?
Our Facebook page is a treasure trove :) https://www.facebook.com/girlsmakegames/photos_stream
Can we miss a day(s)?
Generally that’s OK. Since the campers are working on a team project, it would come down to how they want to share the workload. Team Counselors may assign homework to make up for the lost time.
WHAT IS YOUR COVID-19 POLICY AND WHAT IF MY CHILD IS SICK?
GMG is committed to ensuring our participants have a safe and enjoyable summer camp with us. Please review our COVID-19 policy for more details on our policy and guidance for parents.
Please note, participants that experience longer absences due to illness (COVID or otherwise) are welcome to return to camp pending proof of recovery.
Can camp guardians attend any activities or camp sessions?
In order to create a fun and safe space for our campers, we do not allow any guardians to attend sessions. However, most of our in person camps will feature Orientation on day 1, and Final Presentations on the last day of camp. Guardians are welcome to join us then! We will share more information closer to dates.
Who are the camp counselors/teachers/speakers?
Our staff comprises of independent game developers as well as students from some of the top Computer Science and Game Design programs in the country like USC, MIT, DigiPen, and UT Austin.
Industry Guest Speakers share their expertise and journey to inspire young game devs. Past speakers include industry veterans such as Tim Schafer (creator of Psychonauts), Kellee Santiago (Journey, Flow), and Phil Spencer (President, Xbox).
How do we keep the spirit of GMG going after camp?
GMG’s Portal has a ton of awesome resources for anyone who wishes to continue growing their game dev skills. We also encourage our campers to return at other year-round GMG events! Please sign up on GMG’s mailing list on our home page to receive more GMG news.
What is your refund policy?
We offer 100% refund through June 26th, none thereafter. Please see GMG Terms & Conditions for more info.
For more FAQs, please take a look at the Summer Camps section:
https://www.girlsmakegames.com/camp-curriculum-faqs
// Back to Contents
// Camper Services + COVID-19 Waiver Form
The form below covers all sorts of important information that will help us run a smooth camp.
Please be sure to be as thorough as you need. Include dietary restrictions, and medical and emergency information.
This form also includes information on GMG’s COVID-19 Policy and guidelines: COVID-19 Guidelines. Please be sure to read this before filling out the form.
Form Link: >> Camper Services and COVID-19 Waiver
Note: As of June 15, we are no longer able to offer additional loaner laptops.
DEADLINE: Thursday, JUNE 30
//Contact GMG
Email: support@girlsmakegames.com or fill out the contact form on the website.
Tel: (833) GMG-SUPP [(833) 464-7877]
Please note this number is only active for the duration of the camp, 9:30am-7pm Eastern Time EDT, July 11-29, 2022
Twitter: https://twitter.com/girlsmakegames
#GirlsMakeGames #GMG2022
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/girlsmakegames
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlsmakegames/
// Back to Contents
With camps both virtual and in person, we wanted to provide a sense of connection and community to all campers wherever they are in the world. To that end, we have built a small, closed (private) website, titled “GMG World” that will only be accessed by our summer camp community.
GMG World will feature campers, staff and speaker profiles, as well as game dev tutorials and camp-wide announcements.
To get started, please have your camper fill out this brief form:
https://bit.ly/2022-gmg-world-profile
Note: Campers may choose to remain anonymous by using an alias/avatar. We would still love for them to create an entry and share a little bit about themselves (favorite games and so forth).