Description
STEAMwhiz's February & April Break Camps
Ink Squad: Minecraft, Coding & Robotics Series
Join for one week or master both!
A full two-week journey gives students 30 hours of thrilling and transformative learning that will elevate their creative problem-solving skills through engaging, project-based challenges meticulously designed by our expert K-8 education curriculum developers.
In February, we fuse Minecraft with Game Coding, designing custom video games and high-speed parkour arenas. In April, we combine Minecraft with Robotics, building physical art-bots and virtual Redstone machines. We tailor the tech to the student: Seniors (9-13) dive into logic scripting and physics, while our Junior Squad (6-8) utilizes specialized, icon-based software and tactile building kits—allowing them to master complex concepts without the frustration of heavy reading or typing.
THE DETAILS
WHAT: 5-Day Half-Day STEAMwhiz Camps
WHEN:
Feb Break: Feb 16th – 20th (Coding & Parkour)
Apr Break: Apr 6th – 10th (Robotics & Engineering)
SESSIONS: 3-Hour Sessions | AM (9am-12pm) or PM (1pm-4pm) Camps
WHO: Two dedicated groups running at the same time:
Junior Squad (Ages 6-8)
Senior Squad (Ages 9-13)
Beginners (Ages 6-8)
Feb 16th - 20th | Code Creators
Ink Squad: Game Coding & Minecraft Challenges (Jr. Edition)
Create. Code. Play
Feb 16th – 20th
Challenge
Calling all young creators! This camp is the perfect introduction to the world of technology for our Junior Squad. We skip the heavy typing and focus on visual learning. Your child will start the day using color-coded, drag-and-drop blocks to animate their own characters and create interactive stories. Then, they’ll jump into Minecraft to collaborate on building colorful worlds. It’s not just about playing the game; it’s about learning how to design, build, and work as a team.
Project Highlights
- Visual Coding: Use beginner-friendly, icon-based software (Scratch) to learn logic without needing advanced reading skills.
- Creative Construction: Build “Team Bases” and “Rainbow Cities” in Minecraft using digital blocks to develop spatial awareness.
- Interactive Stories: Design characters that move, dance, and talk at the click of a button.
- Digital Art: Use digital painting tools to create custom costumes and backdrops for their games.
Learning Objectives
Fundamentals of Computational Logic
Objective:
Sequencing: Understanding that computers need step-by-step instructions in a specific order to work.
Cause & Effect: Learning how “Events” work (e.g., “When Green Flag Clicked” -> “Move 10 Steps”).
Visual Programming: Mastering drag-and-drop block coding to build logic without the frustration of syntax or heavy typing.
Design & Creativity
Objective:
Structural Planning: Learning to build with intention—creating foundations, walls, and functional interiors for their “Team Bases.”
Environmental Design: Using color, texture, and block choice to create themed environments (e.g., Rainbow Roads, Ice Slides).
Problem Solving & Logical Thinking
Objective:
Iterative Design: Developing a “Growth Mindset” by testing code, seeing it fail, and trying a new solution.
Problem Identification: Learning to spot “bugs” (e.g., why isn’t my character moving?) and trace the code back to the source of the error.
Logic Puzzles: Solving navigation challenges in Minecraft using reasoning and planning.
Collaborative Project-Based Learning
Objective:
Digital Citizenship: Learning how to respect shared digital spaces and other students’ creations in a multiplayer Minecraft world.
Teamwork: Collaborating on large-scale builds (like the “Rainbow City”) where each student contributes a piece to the whole.
Project Completion: Following a project from the “Idea” phase to the “Build” phase, ending with a final “Play” phase.
Apr 6th - 10th | Robotic Explorers
Ink Squad: Robotics & Minecraft Engineering (Jr. Edition)
Hands-on Building. Virtual Fun.
April 6th – 10th
Challenge
Do you have a budding inventor at home? Join the Junior Ink Squad for a week of hands-on engineering! In each 3-hour session, students use Lego-compatible components to engineer a real, motorized Art-Bot that draws on its own. They then jump into Minecraft to apply those engineering concepts to build their own virtual theme parks. We utilize developmentally appropriate software and tools that allow students to focus on the logic rather than the syntax, fostering grit and a growth mindset as they troubleshoot, test, and iterate on their robot designs.
Project Highlights
- Tactile Engineering: Construct a moving Art-Bot using Lego-compatible parts, learning how motors, gears, and power sources work together.
- Cause & Effect Logic: Learn fundamental coding concepts (Inputs/Outputs) using age-appropriate, icon-based software.
- Minecraft Engineering: Apply physics concepts to build virtual machines, such as water slides and rollercoasters.
- Resilience Building: Students learn that “failure” is just the first step in engineering as they problem-solve to improve their creations.
Learning Objectives
Mechanical Engineering Fundamentals
Objective:
Kinetic Structures: Understanding how components like motors, axles, and gears work together to create movement.
Structural Stability: Learning to build robust physical structures (Lego-compatible bots) that stay together while moving.
Power Transfer: Exploring how batteries power motors and how that energy is transferred into physical motion (e.g., spinning wheels).
Engineering Mindset & Resilience
Objective:
- The Iterative Process: Understanding that engineering involves testing, failing, and modifying designs to achieve a goal.
- Troubleshooting: Developing the “Grit” to investigate why a machine isn’t working (e.g., a loose wire or stuck gear) and fixing it.
- Prototype Testing: Observing how changing one variable (like marker placement) changes the output (the art pattern).
Cause & Effect Logic
Objective:
Input/Output sequencing: Learning that specific actions (pressing a button) trigger specific results (motor spins).
Algorithmic Thinking: Breaking down a physical task (making a robot draw) into a sequence of mechanical steps.
Pattern Recognition: Identifying geometric shapes and repeating patterns in both their robot art and Minecraft builds.
Virtual Physics & Design
Objective:
Digital Engineering: Applying real-world physics concepts (gravity, momentum) to build functional rollercoasters in Minecraft.
Functional Systems: Building simple machines in Minecraft using Redstone levers and buttons to create interactive theme park rides.
Intermediate to Advanced (Ages 9-13)
Feb 16th - 20th | Code Quest
Ink Squad: Game Coding & Minecraft Challenges
Master the Software. Build the Arena.
Feb 16th – 20th
Challenge
Ready to go beyond just playing games? Join the Ink Squad for a high-energy week of digital training. In this camp, you will take on the role of a Lead Developer and Level Designer. Your mission: Code a high-speed “Parkour Paint” video game in Scratch where speed and precision are key. Then, switch gears to Minecraft to architect complex obstacle courses that test your agility and logic. Can you code the perfect physics engine and build a course that no one can beat?
Project Highlights
Advanced Game Physics: Code velocity, wall jumps, and collision detection in Scratch.
Minecraft Level Design: Build “Floor is Lava” and “Speed Run” maps using ice, slime blocks, and traps.
AI Logic: Create “Eraser Bot” enemies that track and chase the player.
The “Ink” Mechanic: Master the Pen Extension to create gameplay where “painting the turf” is how you win.
Learning Objectives
Advanced Computational Logic
Objective:
Variables & Data: Mastering the storage and manipulation of dynamic data (Score, Speed, Health) to control gameplay.
Conditional Algorithms: Writing complex
If/ElseandWait Untilscripts to create responsive game mechanics.Object-Oriented Concepts: Using “Cloning” to create autonomous entities (enemies/projectiles) with unique behaviors.
Applied Physics & Mathematics
Objective:
Cartesian Coordinate Systems: Utilizing X/Y grids to calculate position, velocity, and movement vectors.
Collision Dynamics: Programming hitboxes and sensing logic to determine interactions between sprites and the environment.
Velocity & Acceleration: Simulating real-world movement (momentum, friction, gravity loops) within a 2D game engine.
Game Theory & Systems Design
Objective:
User Experience (UX): Designing intuitive control schemes and difficulty curves to keep players engaged.
Level Architecture: Planning and building complex 3D environments (Minecraft Parkour) that challenge player agility and timing.
Win/Loss Logic: Coding definitive start and end states based on specific mathematical thresholds.
Critical Analysis & Optimization
Objective:
Code Efficiency: Learning to write clean, modular scripts (Custom Blocks) rather than repetitive code.
Debugging: Systematic testing of game mechanics to identify and resolve logic errors.
Apr 6th - 10th | Robotic Masters
Ink Squad: Robotics & Minecraft Engineering
Kinetic Machines. Virtual Circuits.
Apr 6th – 10th
Challenge
Step into the lab and become a Kinetic Engineer. This week is all about bringing machines to life—both in the real world and the virtual one. You will engineer a motorized “Splat-Bot” capable of drawing complex geometric art on its own, mastering gears, linkages, and sensors. In the afternoons, you will dive into Minecraft to master Redstone—the game’s version of electrical engineering—to build automated machines, piston doors, and light shows.
Project Highlights
- Robotic Engineering: Build and modify the “Kaleidoscope Robot” to create generative art.
- Redstone Circuitry: Learn to use Comparators, Repeaters, and Pistons to build automated Minecraft systems.
- Visual Logic: Program your robot to draw precise mathematical patterns (Spirograph style).
- Mechanical Systems: Explore gear ratios (torque vs. speed) and how to convert rotary motion into linear motion.
Learning Objectives
Robotic Systems & Automation
Objective:
Rotational Mechanics: Understanding the relationship between torque and speed, and how gear ratios affect machine performance.
Kinematic Linkages: Converting rotary motion (spinning motor) into reciprocating linear motion (drawing arm).
Sensor Integration: Implementing ultrasonic or sound sensors to allow machines to react to environmental changes autonomously.
Electrical Engineering Principles
Objective:
Circuit Logic: Mastering Redstone circuitry (Minecraft’s electricity) to create powered systems using signals and inputs.
Logic Gates: Using Comparators and Repeaters to build
AND,OR, andNOTgates for complex automation.Signal Transmission: Understanding how to extend, delay, and invert power signals to control large-scale machines.
Structural Engineering & Prototyping
Objective:
Load Distribution: Designing physical robot bases that are balanced and stable enough to support moving arms.
Precision Engineering: Fine-tuning mechanical parts to ensure consistent, repeatable patterns (Spirograph art).
Complex Assemblies: Following and modifying advanced schematics to build multi-stage machines.
Hardware-Software Integration
Objective:
Algorithmic Control: Writing code that translates digital logic into physical motor movements.
Variable Manipulation: Using variables to control motor speed and direction dynamically based on sensor input.
FAQs
This camp is designed for students aged Beginners 6-8 years & Int/Adv 9-13 years, with tailored instruction to suit their developmental levels. Of course, these are just recommended ages, and if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
We are conveniently located at 1 Charles Park, Guilderland, NY 12084
Students will be provided with all materials and equipment each week. A water bottle and snack are recommended for breaks during all sessions.
The camp focuses on integrating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through engaging Minecraft-based projects. Students will explore 3D printing, coding, gaming, robotics, and more.
Dates: February 16-20 | April 6-10
AM Session | Camp Time: 9 am – 12 pm | Drop-off Starts 8:45 am
PM Session | Camp Time: 1 pm – 4 pm | Drop-off Starts 12:45 pm
Camp is split into two halves by a break where students play movement based gaming to get up and move their bodies. They also get to have a snack break during the 3 hours. Its important to give them some time in between all the learning because they are being pushed and growing a lot! We want this experience to be enjoyable mixed with some intense brain workout 🤓
Students will work on a variety of projects, including:
- 3D Printing: Creating and printing 3D models.
- Coding: Developing mini-games and mods within Minecraft.
- Robotics: Building and programming robots to complete challenges.
The camp maintains a low student-to-instructor ratio of 8:1 to ensure personalized attention and support.
The camps are led by experienced educators dedicated to teaching primary and secondary students in the STEM fields. Instructors include professionals with backgrounds in K-12 education, physics, engineering, mathematics, and computer science.
Yes, there is a waitlist available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the camp is full, you will see a button for the waitlist. We do fill up, so don’t delay 😉
Yes, if you sign up for February & April Camps you save $50 per student 🥳 Use the code below
Code: Break$50
