Microsoft Store has announced four new STEM summer camps for 2019. I always look forward to seeing what Microsoft has planned for summer, and this year, kids will have the chance to cast spells like Harry Potter and build their own magical worlds. These camps are designed to promote an interest in STEM and encourage kids to explore their abilities as future professional gamers, developers, and coders.
Microsoft Store summer camps are always free and registration is now open. Camps are offered at Microsoft Stores around the country and are intended for children ages 6+. Camps run in May through August; specific dates and times will depend on your local store and school schedules. You can register for summer camps online or in-person at Microsoft Stores.
“Our Summer Camp curriculum is developed each year by subject matter experts and with input from local store associates to provide participants with the tools and learning experiences that matter most to them. Knowing that pop culture is a useful learning tool, we included an immersive Harry Potter themed coding workshop in this year’s curriculum to help students learn the fundamentals of coding in a fun and engaging way.” – Microsoft Store spokesperson
Summer 2019 Camps
These camps empower students with the skills they need to pursue their current and future passions, from gaming to coding and video game development.
1. Harry Potter Creative Coding Workshop, ages 6+
“Harry Potter Kano Coding” is the perfect camp for first time or beginner coders. Students ages 6+ get free hands-on access to the Harry Potter Kano Coding kit, available at Microsoft Store. In this immersive Harry Potter experience, students use their very own wand to build a coding skills foundation by casting spells to make sparks fly and even feeding Fluffy.
2. Harry Potter Creative Coding Camp, ages 8+
With “Harry Potter Kano Coding” camp, students ages 8+ not only get free hands-on access to the Harry Potter Kano Coding kit, available at Microsoft Store, but get an immersive experience using their very own wand to create, explore and learn code in the popular world of Harry Potter by casting fan-favorite spells like Wingardium Leviosa and competing in a Quidditch match.
3. Gaming Summer Camp: Grow Your Passion for Gaming and Learn Positive Life Skills (Ages 8+ and Ages 13+)
“Gaming Summer Camp” supports the next generation of gamers by offering ways to explore life skills and practice healthy habits that can be used in gaming and everyday life. Students explore teamwork, effective communication, and resilience while strategizing how to put these skills into action during Rocket League and Fortnite tournaments each day of the camp.
4. Design and Create Your Own Video Games with MakeCode Arcade (ages 8+)
“Design and Create Your Own Video Games with MakeCode Arcade” teaches students the basics of building video games with MakeCode Arcade, while introducing them to computer science fundamentals and video game concepts. The camp culminates in a tournament where students play the video games created by their peers. At the end of the camp, students are encouraged to publish their games to MakeCode Arcade so they can continue the game play at home and share it with friends and family!
Register Today for Camps
Summer camp schedules can be found on each Microsoft Store calendar. Please note program availability varies by store.
The sessions are two hours long and are structured as a series of sessions for a single curriculum topic. Certain summer camp series span across four camp sessions, such as “Gaming Summer Camp: Grow Your Passion for Gaming and Learn Positive Life Skills” and “Design and Create Your Own Video Games with MakeCode Arcade.” Shorter summer camp series include “Harry Potter Creative Coding Workshop” for ages 6+, a single workshop series, and “Harry Potter Creative Coding Camp” for ages 8+, a two-workshop series.
Visit your local Microsoft Store in person or online to find a class near you. Be aware that classes fill up fast.
Image Credit: Microsoft
