In-Person Summer Camp Curriculum
We’re so thrilled GMG summer camps are returning in-person in Summer 2024! In a span of just 3 weeks, camp participants cover a range of game development topics, including:
Game Design
Game Programming (block/visual programming for Beginner participants, advanced game engines e.g. C# or C++ for Intermediate and Advanced participants)
Game Art – creating, animating and importing art assets
Music and Audio Engineering – creating, editing, and importing audio
Teamwork – Collaborating with peers and professionals
Pitching and Presentation Skills
Other Highlights: Each summer camp features Industry Speakers (female role models!) as well as Special Presentations and Workshops offered by hosting Venue. eg: Virtual Reality, Game Engine Development
Game Engines / Curriculum Tracks:
GMG Jr :
Construct - browser based intuitive learning game engine
GMG Teen Virtual:
GMG Teen In-Person:
** GMG will assess student experience level for placement into Unity and Unreal tracks. **
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS For Construct 3:
Computer or laptop with one of the supported operating systems:
Windows: Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 or newer
Mac: OS X / macOS 10.9 or newer
Chrome OS: Any Chrome OS device updated to v57+
Computer mouse
One of the Supported Browsers
Google Chrome 57+, Firefox 55+, Safari 11+
GMG provides loaner laptops at a small fee; guardians will receive a sign up form closer to camp dates
For *select* Advanced Track students, GMG will provide loaner laptops or recommend specifications closer to camp dates
Amazing Portal cosplay at the Mountain View summer camp!
Even Princess Bubble Gum loves making games!
Junior counselor (and GMG alumna) Ava looking sharp in Journey cosplay <3
✨ 2024 Summer Camp Registration is now Open! ✨
Looking for a scholarship? The Girls Make Games Scholarship Fund (GMGSF) is proud to offer up to 100% need-based financial aid to make camp accessible to all.
Read more and apply for a scholarship and/or payment plan here: GMGSF Scholarships.
FAQs
My daughter has never programmed before, is this camp right for her?
That’s A-OK! Our curriculum is designed to be flexible for all age groups and coding levels. Campers work in teams of 3-5, supported by a dedicated team counselor. Nearly 2/3rds of our summer camp attendees have limited coding experience, so your daughter will have plenty company :)
My daughter has extensive programming experience and has made several apps, is this camp right for her?
Fantastic! Making a team game is a great way for your daughter to flex her coding muscles, and help bring her team’s vision to life. There’s so much more to game development than programming alone - game design, art, animation, teamwork, even marketing and entrepreneurship!
do kids spend all day in front of a computer, coding?
Not at all. It’s summer! We take frequent breaks and make sure we get some play time away from the computers :)
what coding languages will my daughter learn?
We teach game design and development using powerful game engines like Stencyl, Construct 3 and Unity. The game engines for Summer 2024 will be announced soon!
Can my daughter team up with her friends?
Of course! Friends + Video Games = Best Summer Ever is literally our tagline.
we’re signed up and can’t wait! how can my daughter prepare for camp?
Check out the GMG Portal! Play some awesome games, especially those designed by GMG alumni (we may be biased but we think they’re super creative!). And if time permits, brainstorm some game design ideas, it’s always great to come prepared with something to share with your team :)
do you offer before/after care?
Yes we do, early care starts at 8:30am, and late pick up goes through 5:30pm for free. You’ll receive all this information by the end of May 2024.
Do you provide lunch?
We have lunch available for an additional cost per day. We’ll share the weekly menu along with the extended care information by the end of May 2024.
will computers be provided?
We ask our participants to bring their own laptops, that way they get to take a copy of the game project home and continue to work on it. For those without a laptop, we’re happy to provide one for a daily rental fee.
how big is your class size?
We cap our classes at 24, but our ideal class size is between 16-20.
What is your refund Policy?
We offer a full refund through June 1, 2024, and none thereafter.
Do you provide overnight accommodations?
Unfortunately not :(. We’re a day camp, but who knows, maybe one day? :)
WHAT IS YOUR COVID-19 POLICY AND/OR WHAT IF MY CHILD IS SICK?
We follow the same COVID-19 protocols as advised and adopted by our summer camp hosts and / or the school districts where our camps are located. These are subject to change but any changes will be informed in advance.
GMG is committed to ensuring our participants have a safe and enjoyable summer camp with us. Parents can email support@girlsmakegames.com to notify of sickness so we can inform the team or the counselor.