Youth Summer Camps   

Customize your own Minecraft® world and mod the classic game in this one of a kind class. Learn scripting and logic statements as you create your first mods. Students will create a wide variety of new elements, gameplay mechanics, and world generating mods to change the way you play Minecraft®. All software and computer access is provided at camp.

Projects will be available on a password protected Black Rocket website to share with friends and family, and students must have the Java version of Minecraft on a computer to access projects after camp. Returning students can create more advanced projects that build on previous years.

Learn to create stop-motion animation using your own action figures, LEGOs and more! Create a storyboard for your vision, capture scenes using our DSLR cameras or your own tablet/camera, and watch your vision come to life as a digital masterpiece complete with sound effects and music! Students will learn video production, editing and more. Camps include breaks for outdoor play.

If your student does not meet the age requirements of this camp, but you feel the camp is a great fit for them, please email communityed@pencol.edu.

Little Artists Summer Camp is the perfect place for young creators (ages 5-8) to explore, imagine, and get hands-on with art! From painting colorful masterpieces to molding clay into fun shapes, kids will experiment with a variety of materials in a playful and supportive environment. Get ready for a summer of creativity, self-expression, and a little bit of messy fun! Camps include breaks for outdoor play.

Please note, each week of the Little Artists Summer Camp will have different activities and instructor. Don't hesitate to sign up for both!

If your student does not meet the age requirements of this camp, but you feel the camp is a great fit for them, please email communityed@pencol.edu.

In Coding from Scratch – Scratch Quest Creators, students ages 10–14 will be introduced to basic coding concepts through storytelling and game design using Scratch (a kid-friendly visual programming platform). Campers practice problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration as they build a project from idea to playable final version—their own digital quest!

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session, participants will have learned:

• Creative Digital Storytelling: Students will design and build an original choose-your-own-adventure experience with characters, settings, and multiple story paths. Using digital visuals, sounds, and dialog to create a virtual quest.
• Foundational Coding Concepts: Students will use core programming ideas such as inputs/triggers, step-by-step sequences, decision-making (logic), and tracking progress (with variables or values). Allowing the game to be "playable", with choices and player input.
• Problem-Solving Through Iteration: Students will plan, test, and improve their projects by playtesting, identifying bugs (confusing moments), and making revisions based on feedback.

Unlock the power of ROBLOX® Studio, the world creation tool used by real-world ROBLOX® developers! Learn how to build 3D models and create an adventure in your ROBLOX® world. Bring characters to life with unique animations you design. Student-created projects will be available on a password-protected Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. Students will work in pairs or teams for most of the program. Camps include breaks for outdoor play.

If your student does not meet the age requirements of this camp, but you feel the camp is a great fit for them, please email communityed@pencol.edu.

Little Artists Summer Camp is the perfect place for young creators (ages 5-8) to explore, imagine, and get hands-on with art! From painting colorful masterpieces to molding clay into fun shapes, kids will experiment with a variety of materials in a playful and supportive environment. Get ready for a summer of creativity, self-expression, and a little bit of messy fun! Camps include breaks for outdoor play.

Please note, each week of the Little Artists Summer Camp will have different activities and instructor. Don't hesitate to sign up for both!

If your student does not meet the age requirements of this camp, but you feel the camp is a great fit for them, please email communityed@pencol.edu.

Discover the hidden wonders of the natural world in our Youth Summer STEM Camp! Through hands-on experiments with microscopes, outdoor explorations, and rock and mineral investigations, campers (ages 10-15) will dive into the fascinating worlds of biology, environmental science, and geology. Get ready for an adventure filled with discovery, curiosity, and a closer look at the science all around us! Camps include breaks for outdoor play.

If your student does not meet the age requirements of this camp, but you feel the camp is a great fit for them, please email communityed@pencol.edu.

Unleash your creativity in our Creative Art Camp! Young artists (ages 8-12) will explore a variety of hands-on projects, from painting vibrant masterpieces to shaping clay into unique ceramic creations. With plenty of room for imagination and self-expression, this fun-filled camp is perfect for kids who love to create, experiment, and get a little messy! Camps include breaks for outdoor play.

If your student does not meet the age requirements of this camp, but you feel the camp is a great fit for them, please email communityed@pencol.edu.

Step into the spotlight at the Summer Cinema and Theater Academy! Young filmmakers (ages 10-17) will take on the roles of actors, writers, and directors in this hands-on workshop, bringing their creative visions to life on screen. From scriptwriting and scene production to acting and filming, this immersive experience is perfect for anyone ready to tell a story through the magic of cinema! Camps include breaks for outdoor play.

If your student does not meet the age requirements of this camp, but you feel the camp is a great fit for them, please email communityed@pencol.edu.

Discover the Lua coding language while designing experiences in ROBLOX®, an online universe where you can create anything you dream of. This class combines game design concepts, coding, and fun! New developers will learn to use Roblox’s Studio software to reimagine the popular game genres with your own custom code!

Student-created games will be available on a password-protected Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. Students will work in pairs or teams for most of the program.
 

Take the next step beyond simply “playing” Minecraft and become a true Redstone engineer. Expand your Redstone knowledge by constructing your own carnival with a variety of mini-games, roller coasters, and attractions powered by Redstone. Learn how to use Command and Structure blocks to incorporate them into your builds. Activate your skills and take your Minecraft structures to the next level! Students will work in pairs or teams for most of the program. Camps include breaks for outdoor play.

If your student does not meet the age requirements of this camp, but you feel the camp is a great fit for them, please email communityed@pencol.edu.