Do they build a real game?

Yes, playable by the end of the week, and playtested by the other campers who are ruthless.

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.

Game Design Summer Camp in Sutter County, CA

Sutter County is one of 58 counties in California. Somewhere in it are children who would love game design summer camp and have never been offered one within driving distance.

Ages 8-14 · For families · California · West

Game Design Summer Camp — Ellis Abel Learns STEM summer camp materials used in Sutter County, CA

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

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

Sutter County, CA — what applies locally

Sutter County is one of 58 counties in California.
Every public school district inside Sutter County is eligible for the district licensing terms.
State: California · Region: West

Questions we get from Sutter County, CA

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 Sutter County

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

Game Design Camp elsewhere in California

Alameda County, CACounty Alpine County, CACounty Amador County, CACounty Butte County, CACounty Calaveras County, CACounty Colusa County, CACounty Contra Costa County, CACounty Del Norte County, CACounty

All Game Design Camp locations · Full camp directory · Ask about a place