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University Summer Camps
Our 2020 Summer Camps are Complete. Visit this Webpage Next Spring for Exciting 2021 Summer Camps for Kids! Check out our Youth Programming Webpage for Schoolyear Courses.
Online Summer Camps for Kids and Teens: Engaging, Educational, Enriching and Fun!
The University of Central Missouri offers engaging and educational online summer camp programs for children and teens. There is still time to enroll in our Black Rocket Computer Science Online Programs for ages 8 to 14 featuring popular courses such as video game design and animation, inventing, programming, coding and YouTube content creation. Offered in morning or afternoon one-week sessions, June 8 through Aug. 10
Explore our Black Rocket Computer Science Online Programs
The University of Central Missouri is partnering with Black Rocket to launch a new Explore Computer Science program. Designed as online STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) summer camps, each three-hour class is offered as either a week-long morning or afternoon program. Children from age 8 to 14 have the opportunity to learn about topics such as video game design and animation, inventing, programming, coding and YouTube content creation. Registration is now open!
Combining education, learning and engagement in a fun, online environment
- June 8 through Aug. 10
- One-week sessions, Monday - Friday
- Each session is either morning (8:30 - 11:30 a.m.) or afternoon (12:30 - 3:30 p.m.)
- Designed for young people from 8 to 14 (sessions are either age 8 to 11 or age 11 to 14)
- Course descriptions
- Engaging, interactive activities guided by live, online instructors. Instructor-to-student ratio is 1:10 or less!
- Moderated virtual room for youth to engage with the instructor and interact with other participants. Safety is our top priority, and students are not able to communicate directly with other students. In addition, students’ computer cameras are not turned on although students are able to see their instructors.
- For information about special accommodations, please contact Amber Georgieff of Black Rocket, ageorgieff@blackrocket.com.
- Technical requirements.
Cost and registration information 
- $149 per course
- REGISTER HERE
Online courses and descriptions
Battle Royal: Make Your First Fortnite Style Video Game (ages 8-11 and ages 11-14)
Fans of Fortnite we need you! Instead of playing the game, design your own. Using a professional 3D game development software, build levels and assets inspired by popular battle royale games like Fortnite. Students can participate in eSports League matches against other schools across the country with a chance to have their levels featured in the Black Rocket master build of the game! This course includes cartoonish action and battle sequences. Student-created games will be available on a password protected Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. This requires a 64-bit operating system. Compatible with MAC and Windows OS only.
Minecraft Redstone Engineers (ages 8-11 and ages 11-14)
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 must own a Java version of Minecraft to take this class. Tablet, phone, and game console versions of Minecraft are not compatible. Compatible with MAC and Windows OS only. Purchase Minecraft Java Edition
ROBLOX Makers (ages 8-11 and ages 11-14)
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. Compatible with MAC and Windows OS only.
Minecraft Modders (ages 8-11 and ages 11-14)
Use your favorite game to learn the basics of modding and foundations of programming.
Learn scripting and logic statements as you create your first mods! Introductory coding
will also be taught through a simulated environment inspired by Minecraft. Student
projects will be available on a password protected Black Rocket website to share with
friends and family. Students must own a Java version of Minecraft to take this class.
Tablet, phone, and game console versions of Minecraft are not compatible. Returning
students can create more advanced projects that build on previous years. Compatible
with MAC and Windows OS only. Purchase Minecraft Java Edition
ROBLOX Coders and Entrepreneurs (ages 8-11 and ages 11-14)
Discover how to code in the Lua language while playing and designing worlds in ROBLOX®,
an online universe where you can create anything you dream of. This new class combines
game design concepts, coding, and fun! Young entrepreneurs will also learn how to
navigate ROBLOX’s fast-growing marketplace to publish their games. Student-created
games will be available on a password protected Black Rocket website to share with
friends and family. $10 license fee per student with this class. Compatible with MAC
and Windows OS only.
Video Game Animation (ages 8-11 and ages 11-14)
Take your game design skills to the next level by creating and animating your own
character sprites, objects, and backgrounds. Start with a name, develop the character’s
personality, signature moves, special powers, and a storyline. Finish with a fully
animated character to be used in your very own game. Students do not need any prior
experience in game design, animation, or sketching. Student-created games will be
available on a password protected Black Rocket website to share with friends and family.
Games are only compatible on PC computers; Mac versions can be created after the program
for $15.00 conversion fee. Returning students can create more advanced projects that
build on previous years. Compatible with Windows OS only.
Make Your First Video Game (ages 8-11 and ages 11-14)
If you love playing video games, this is the camp for you! Make your first video game
in this one-of-a-kind class that shows you the keys to designing your first 2D platformer
game. Conceptualization, play experience, level design, graphics, sounds, and simple
coding are just some of the concepts that we’ll explore. No prior experience necessary, just
a desire to have fun. Student projects will be available on a password protected Black
Rocket website to share with friends and family. Games are only compatible on PC computers,
Mac versions can be created after the program for $15.00 conversion fee. Returning
students can create more advanced projects that build on previous years. Compatible
with Windows OS only.
Python Programmers (ages 8-11 and ages 11-14)
Want to learn the world's fastest-growing programming language favored by Google,
NASA, Youtube, and the CIA? Learn how to code with Python to create engaging apps
and games. Each lesson takes you step-by-step on a programming path that will let
you challenge friends with fun content you create from start to finish! Returning
students can create more advanced projects that build on previous years. $10 license
fee per student with this class. Compatible with MAC, Windows and Chrome OS.
eSports Apprentice - Streamers and Gamers (ages 8-11 and ages 11-14)
Whether you want to be the next pro gamer, streamer, or gamecaster this course will
teach you the basics to get started! No longer just a hobby, eSports is the fastest-growing
career for the next generation. Over 400 million people watched YouTube videos and
Twitch streams of video game competitions this year alone! In this course, students
will develop game-play skills and compete using Black Rocket’s eSports games and apps,
learn how to produce commentary for live tournaments, use professional streaming software,
and most importantly practice online safety. Student recordings will be available
on a password protected website to share with friends and family. Videos will not
be broadcast publicly but will be shared with all students in the class. A webcam
is required for this course Software is compatible with MAC and Windows OS only.
3D Game Design with Unity (ages 8-11 and ages 11-14)
Are you ready to take your game design skills to another level? With Unity, an industry-grade
design software, aspiring game designers will learn level editing, 3D modeling, impactful
gameplay creation, as well as how to utilize scripts and variables. Student-created
games will be available on a password protected Black Rocket website to share with
friends and family. Returning students can create more advanced projects that build
on previous years. Requires a 64-bit operating system. Compatible with MAC and Windows
OS only.
JavaScript Developer Jam (ages 8-11 and ages 11-14)
Learn programming tools so powerful they seem like magic! Start off by learning an
array of core programming concepts with JavaScript by experimenting in a series of
digital challenges. Start with programming your first animated memes, then tackle
more advanced skills such as interactive 3D experiences and game creation. Projects
will be available on a password protected Black Rocket website to share with friends
and family. $10 license fee per student with this class. Compatible with MAC, Windows
and Chrome OS.
YouTube Content Creators (ages 8-11 and ages 11-14)
Find your voice and leave your mark on the world! Whether you are six or sixty, it’s
time to start a career as the next YouTube star. Explore the variety of content and
personalities that exist on YouTube and how to find your own niche. Learn the Dos
and Don’ts of the platform and how to practice good digital citizenship. Develop your
on-camera presence, your own channel branding, and professional editing skills. Take
home a plan for launching your own channel with the content created in class! Student
projects will be available on a password protected Black Rocket website to share with
friends and family. A webcam is required for this course. Compatible with MAC and
Windows OS only.
Code Breakers (ages 8-11 and ages 11-14)
Calling all future coders, programmers, & designers! Learn the basics of coding languages
like HTML, JavaScript, and CSS through a series of web projects and design challenges
each day and be on your way to becoming the next tech star! Whether you want to be
a silicon valley CEO or the high school student who just made $1 million dollars for
programming in her bedroom, this course has the essentials you need to begin your
journey. Projects will be available on a Black Rocket website to share with friends
and family. Returning students can create more advanced projects that build on previous
years. Compatible with MAC, Windows and Chrome OS.
Inventor’s League - Prototyping for the Future (ages 8-11 and ages 11-14)
Become an inventor of the future! Learn ‘rapid prototyping’ and problem solving as
you conceptualize and design a product to solve a critical global issue. Each day
begins with inspirational profiles of young inventors, such as the eleven-year-old
who coded a robot to find victims of natural disasters. Next, research a problem to
tackle in medicine, architecture, the environment, or a topic of your choosing. Once
your vision is complete, learn how to draft 2D designs, create 3D models, and develop
a website to pitch your ideas to the class. Student projects will be available on
a password protected Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. Compatible
with MAC and Windows OS only.
Minecraft Animators (ages 8-11 and ages 11-14)
Create the next popular animated Minecraft video on YouTube! Practice the same skills
professionals at Pixar and Disney Animation Studios use. Discover the process of keyframing
and tweening, how to use it to bring your own animated stories to life, and how to
publish your content on YouTube. Student projects will be available on a password
protected Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. Mac users can play
their project at home, but will not be able to edit the project without a PC. Returning
students can create more advanced projects that build on previous years. Compatible
with Windows OS only.
Pokemon Masters: Designers & 3D Makers Unite (ages 8-11 and ages 11-14)
Calling all boys and girls who want to be the designers of the future! In this class,
if you can dream it, you can make it! Begin by creating your own digital Pokemon-style
custom playing card game. Progress onto designing action figures, jewelry, and toys
in professional-level modeling software. Learn how to prepare a model for 3D printing
and create a design portfolio to showcase your work! No prior experience is necessary
and 3D designs will be available on a password protected Black Rocket website to share
with friends and family. This is a limited release only available for BR Instructor
Creator Corps Schedules. Compatible with MAC and Windows OS only.
Minecraft Designers (ages 8-11 and ages 11-14)
If you love the game Minecraft and always wanted to design your own world, this class
is for you! Learn how to create a custom map, the basics of creating 3D models using
a new software to design your very own objects, how to build with Redstone and Command
blocks, and create custom textures for you to import at home or share with friends.
Students must own a Java version of Minecraft to take this class. Tablet, phone, and
game console versions of Minecraft are not compatible. Parent email address is required
to use 3D modeling software. Returning students can create more advanced projects
that build on previous years. Compatible with MAC and Windows OS only. Purchase Minecraft Java Edition
Rocket Kart Racers: Design a Mario Kart Style Game (ages 8-11 and ages 11-14)
On your marks, get set, create! Blast off in making your first 3D Mario Kart® and
Crash Team Racing® style game! Design your own tracks and customize your karts and
characters. Using a professional 3D game development software, students will combine
their creations into their own kart racing game that they can play with friends and
family at home. Students can participate in eSports League races against other schools
across the country with a chance to have their tracks featured in the Black Rocket
master build of the game! Student projects will be available on a password protected
Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. This requires a 64-bit operating
system. Compatible with MAC and Windows OS only.
Code Your Own Adventure! Interactive Storytelling (ages 8-11 and ages 11-14)
Watch as the characters in your imagination come to life in this unique course that
blends classic storytelling with animation techniques and coding. Start with a concept,
design the characters, and choose not just one ending, but many! Learn how to create
your own text-based adventure games with variables, conditional logic, images, HTML,
CSS, and JavaScript. Student projects will be available on a password protected Black
Rocket website to share with friends and family. Compatible with MAC and Windows OS
only.
