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Ellis Abel Learns.

Game Design Summer Camp in Appleton, WI

There is no shortage of summer options in Appleton, WI. There is a shortage of weeks a child talks about in September, and that is the bar game design summer camp has to clear.

Ages 8-14 · For families · Wisconsin · Midwest

Game Design Summer Camp — Ellis Abel Learns STEM summer camp materials used in Appleton, WI
Game Design Summer Camp — Ellis Abel Learns STEM summer camp materials used in Appleton, WI

What the week actually is

Game design is systems thinking with the boring name removed. Balance, incentive, feedback loops, difficulty curves — a child who can explain why their level is too easy is doing analysis, and they will do it for six hours without being asked.

Day by day

  1. Paper prototype, no computer
  2. Playtest and take the criticism
  3. Balance passes on the numbers
  4. Build the digital version
  5. Showcase: strangers play it in front of you

Appleton, WI — what applies locally

  • The Appleton, WI metro area has about 249,876 residents, ranking 197th in the country.
  • Metro area: Appleton, WI
  • State: Wisconsin · Region: Midwest

Questions we get from Appleton, WI

Do they build a real game?
Yes, playable by the end of the week, and playtested by the other campers who are ruthless.
What tools?
Beginner engines and paper prototyping first. Paper catches bad design faster than code does.
Is this just playing games all week?
No. Playing is the testing step, and they have to write down what they changed and why.

Other camp themes in Appleton

STEM Summer CampAges 5-14Robotics CampAges 8-14Coding CampAges 7-14Engineering CampAges 7-14Science CampAges 5-14Math CampAges 5-14Space CampAges 7-14Drone CampAges 9-14AI CampAges 10-14Electronics CampAges 8-14Chemistry CampAges 9-14Nature Science CampAges 5-133D Printing CampAges 9-14Minecraft STEM CampAges 7-12Girls STEM CampAges 7-14Neurodivergent STEM CampAges 6-14Preschool STEM CampAges 3-5Elementary STEM CampAges 5-10Middle School STEM CampAges 11-14High School STEM CampAges 14-18Half-Day STEM CampAges 5-12Week-Long STEM CampAges 6-14Affordable STEM CampAges 5-14Virtual STEM CampAges 7-14Curriculum LicensingAges K-8Church Youth STEMAges 5-14After-School LicensingAges 5-14District Summer STEMAges K-8Parks & Rec STEM CampAges 5-13Homeschool Co-op STEMAges 5-14YMCA STEM CurriculumAges 5-14Daycare Summer STEMAges 3-6Start a STEM CampAges K-8

Game Design Camp elsewhere in Wisconsin

Milwaukee, WIMetro areaMadison, WIMetro areaGreen Bay, WIMetro areaRacine, WIMetro areaEau Claire, WIMetro areaOshkosh, WIMetro areaLa Crosse, WIMetro areaKenosha, WIMetro area

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