Welcome to summer online tech camps at Auburn University! We partnered with Black Rocket, a national leader in tech-education, to bring you a summer filled with engaging virtual STEAM camps. Choose any of the great cutting-edge courses below with topics such as coding, game design, eSports, virtual reality and more.

Registration closes one week prior to the start of camp.

3D Design and Games

3D Game Design with Unity – Registration Closed
$149

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.

Battle Royale: Make Your First Fortnite® Style Video Game – Registration Closed
$149

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.

Minecraft® Designers – Registration Closed
$149

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. Purchase Minecraft Java Edition

Minecraft® Redstone Engineers – Registration Closed
$149

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.

ROBLOX® Makers – Registration Closed
$149

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.

Rocket Kart Racers: Design A Mario Kart® Style Game – Registration Closed
$149

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.

Virtual Reality: The Future is Now – Registration Closed
$159

Embark on an EPIC adventure in virtual reality! In this cutting-edge class, you will learn the foundations of VR design by creating your own virtual worlds, exploring simulated environments, and crafting memorable 3D experiences. At the end of the week, take home your first cardboard VR headset to show friends and family the new worlds you created. VR projects can be viewed on a website or a mobile device. Students do not need a mobile device to take the class, but to use the VR headset a camper will need access to an Android or Apple mobile device. VR projects will be available on a password protected Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. *VR Headset included.

Classic Video Games

Make Your First Video Game! – Registration Closed
$149

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.

Video Game Animation – Registration Closed
$149

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.

Digital Arts

eSports Apprentice - Streamers and Gamers – Registration Closed

$149

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.

Minecraft® Animators – Registration Closed
$149

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.

Pokémon® Masters: Designers & 3D Makers Unite! – Registration Closed
$149

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.

YouTube® Content Creators – Registration Closed
$149

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.

Mobile Coding

Code Breakers – Registration Closed
$149

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.

Code Your Own Adventure! Interactive Storytelling – Registration Closed
$149

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.

JavaScript Developer Jam – Registration Closed
$159

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.

Minecraft® Modders – Registration Closed
$149

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. Purchase Minecraft Java Edition

Python Programmers – Registration Closed
$159

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.

ROBLOX® Coders & Entrepreneurs! – Registration Closed
$159

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.

Science & Design

Inventor’s League - Prototyping for the Future! – Registration Closed
$149

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.