Two years ago, our daughters were into all things Minecraft. While other tech-related hobbies took the lead since then, that summer we learned about a week-long camp offering computer building and Minecraft instruction. Now summertime was probably the LAST time I wanted to see my kids glued to a computer screen. Admittedly, I was skeptical at first whether this made sense. However, I learned there’s more to Minecraft camp than just coding.
Why a Minecraft camp could be an interesting summer activity for your kids
What is Minecraft?
First things first… Maybe you haven’t yet had the pleasure of sitting down to Minecraft. Or heard about Alex and Steve and mods. Or worlds and creepers.
Short version – Minecraft is a video game that allows players to play in a variety of modes or formats: creative, survival or adventure to name a few. Players are challenged to build structures, find hidden objects and explore regions. You’ve probably seen the old school “pixel” art nature of the game reminiscent of old school video games from the eighties. Check out the video below which gives a little bit more of an in-depth run down of the game.
Minecraft can be played by a broad range of skill levels and backgrounds which makes it great for a diverse audience. From my own experience and watching our kids play, it’s really hard to summarize both the simplicity and complexity of the game. Bottom line — they love to explore and be creative (which is fantastic!). Overall, a pretty fun game.
So, wait! How can a camp be focused just on Minecraft??
For new Minecraft gamers, it may seem strange that a whole camp could be designed around a video game. However, there’s more to Minecraft. First, players work collaboratively. One of the neat things about Minecraft is the potential to code, or create custom modifications to game play. The customizations (called mods) fit well in a classroom environment and expose kids to coding at an early stage. Layering in problem solving to the mix, and it becomes a perfect camp activity and a fun way to get kids exposed to STEM concepts. Keeping things fun – a great start!
Minecraft camp must haves – what to consider when looking at potential camps
OK. In all fairness, my initial vision of what Minecraft camp would be wasn’t even close to the real thing. In my mind, I pictured kids hovering over keyboards and screens for eight hours a day in some dimly lit, windowless room. Not exactly the summer vacation I had in mind for the kiddos. As I investigated more closely, I soon realized most were not even remotely using a setup like this and in fact offered a lot of additional “non-screen time” activities to complement the coding time. Whether your kiddos are going to camp for the first time or are seasoned veterans, we highlight a few questions to consider when you’re picking one out.
Camp considerations
- Range of activities: will there be an opportunity for kids to do something beyond sitting in front of a computer? Will they be working in groups with other kids? Will they have a project-based curriculum with an opportunity to share their work at the end?
- Range of skills: Is the class directed by skill level / age level? What are the specific skills the curriculum will be teaching? Anything beyond Minecraft that students will gain exposure to at camp? What must they already know how to do before attending camp?
- Teachers/staff: who is teaching the courses? What is the teacher/student ratio?
- Equipment: How will the course be taught (computer setup, operating system, etc.)? Will campers be sharing systems/computers? What are the ratios of students to computers? Will they start/build their own server? What kind of equipment will they need to bring (if any)
- Projects: What will they make? What do beginner camps cover? Intermediate? Advanced? Is it something my child can work on and feel comfortable doing independently or will they need help?
- Cost: What is the average cost? Are there additional fees? Does this include food? Extended care available? What about special needs? Transportation?
Making the most of Minecraft camp – what campers should (hope) to get out of it
While the kids had fun learning new Minecraft tricks, I was most surprised it wasn’t their favorite part of camp. Turns out they were way more into building the actual computer (a Piper computer). In hindsight, it was a pretty cool project. Because we really wanted the kids to get some physical activity, we chose a local camp located at a bounce facility, so they also got plenty of time jumping, playing and running. Perfect mix! As you’re considering whether a Minecraft camp is a good fit, hopefully the curriculum and activities will mesh up well with your child’s interests, as well as offering the kiddos a brief intro to coding and a chance to work collaboratively with other campers.
Convinced yet? Where to find a Minecraft camp near me
Our STEM camp guide includes over XX listings with many featuring Minecraft as a key focus in the camp curriculum. Among some of the notable ones we highlight a few different Minecraft camps below that vary in their presentation.
Connected Camps
This one is an online camp so I hesitated putting it in the list. However, Connected Camps offers such intricate focus across different areas within programming, game design and problem solving. Also of note, they incorporate interactive group work so putting all this together, I felt like it should be included. If you’re in an area where it’s hard to commute, you’re lacking options, or maybe already have your summer child care logistics setup and just looking for a course that could complement your summer plans, then this could be a good option.
- Link to site
- Ages: 8-13 yrs
- Cost: Since Connected Camps uses a membership business model, there is a monthly fee with a one month free trial. Monthly rate ~$40 or $359 for an annual membership, which might be a more affordable route.
- Prerequisites: No prior coding experience needed. Campers will need a Minecraft account, internet access, a computer and a microphone to participate in audio chats.
iD Tech Minecraft Camps
Nationwide iD Tech camps cater to a broad range of ages and skill level. Specific Minecraft programs offered by iD Tech: WorldBuilder or Java Coding. WorldBuilder focuses on using special resource packs and command blocks to enhance their game design skills. In Java Coding, campers gain exposure to programming through Java as they build new Minecraft mods. Campers bring home project files so the fun can continue after camp ends.
- Link to site
- Ages: 7-9yrs for World Designer; 10-12 yrs for Java course
- Cost: For a one-week camp, prices range from $679-$925 for the locations we checked, but be sure to check your own area. Meals provided as an add-on for $60/week.
- Prerequisites: Nothing special and no experience needed. Camps vary between beginners and advanced students.
Camp Galileo – Summer Quest
Another program with locations across the country. At Camp Galileo, students will delve into Java to come up with mod designs and work in groups to solve challenges. A standard part of the curriculum at all Camp Galileo events — outdoor time. Love the emphasis on collaboration among campers! Also a bonus – extended care options are available for campers who need a little bit later pickup.
- Link to site
- Ages: 5th-8th graders
- Cost: One-week camp rate ~$399 for locations we checked.
- Prerequisites: Nothing special and no experience needed. Camps vary between beginners and advanced students.
Kids STEM Studio
For folks in the Chicagoland area, Kids STEM Studio offers a week-long camp focused on Minecraft. Here, campers will use a visual, drag-and-drop coding language (Google’s blockly) to create Minecraft mods. Before or after-camp extended care options are also available. Campers get recess, lunch and time at PumpItUp (woohoo!) which nicely complements coding time.
- Link to site
- Ages: 1st-7th graders
- Cost: One-week camp rate of $385, with extra charges for before or after-camp care.
- Prerequisites: Nothing special and no experience needed.
Parting thoughts for future Minecraft Camps
First, one trend I didn’t realize early on in our research: enrollment. Camps fill up FAST! Not just Minecraft camps, but many of the STEM camps. So, if you foresee a Minecraft camp in your future, follow this advice: start inquiring as early as possible (think February or March) to ask about registration and/or to get on mailing lists.
For our family’s first experience with Minecraft camp: Mission accomplished! Interestingly, looking back, the Minecraft aspect of camp isn’t what made it memorable (even though the kiddos were really into it at the time). What left an impression? Most notable, they still talk about how they built their very own computer (Piper computer). A big accomplishment in their eyes! And frankly pretty cool to us too! They still reminisce about camp and especially this year when they started coding classes at school. Mission accomplished! Building in extra time to run, jump, do obstacle courses and play, also added to the fun.
Attended a Minecraft camp that you think others should hear about? Please share your experience in the comments!
