Description
Summer Level Up - Passion into Applied Science
our child loves gaming. We love that too—because we know that passion is the seed of innovation.
At STEAMwhiz, we don’t ask students to stop playing; we teach them how to play with a purpose. Designed by our expert educators with decades of experience in K-12, University, and Industry, our curriculum transforms Minecraft from a simple game into a high-fidelity laboratory for Applied Science & Engineering.
The Secret Weapon: While they are building lunar bases and coding drones, your student is bridging the gap between “fun” and future readiness. We give them a head start on the physics, logic, and engineering skills they will need for high school and university.
We believe that “Hard Fun” is the ultimate teacher. Through our unique mentorship model, we guide students to become Academic Athletes—thinkers who use their gaming skills to design, code, and build the future.
CLICK below to EXPAND each WEEK and explore our Innovation Adventures for Beginner Students Ages 6-8
(Students Ages 9-13 Click here)
Week 1 - 3D Printing Masters I
Galactic Builders
3D Printed Rockets
Ages 6-9
June 29 – July 3
Challenge
Unleash your creativity in Minecraft and transform your digital designs into reality! Build intricate structures in the game, then take the next thrilling step by using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to prepare them for 3D printing. Explore design principles and engage in hands-on construction as you turn your imaginative visions into tangible treasures. Get ready to create and watch your ideas come to life!
Project Highlights
- Minecraft: “My Dream Rocket” (Creative Mode Building Challenge)
- Real World: Tinkercad “Rocket Stack” (Designing a 3D Printed Toy Rocket)
Learning Objectives
Introduction to 3D Design
- Objective: Learn how to build with “shapes” instead of just blocks using kid-friendly CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software called Tinkercad.
- Outcome: Identify and drag-and-drop 3D shapes (cylinders, cones, cubes) to build a recognizable rocket model.
Creativity & Imagination
- Objective: Use Minecraft Creative Mode to experiment with height, color, and structure without the fear of running out of blocks.
- Outcome: Build a unique rocket design that expresses personal style, focusing on “stacking up” to reach the sky.
Making it Real (3D Printing)
- Objective: Understand the magic of how a computer drawing becomes a real plastic object.
- Outcome: Watch the 3D printer work and take home a physical version of a rocket they designed themselves.
Week 2 - Code Quest I
Astro-Coders
Space Mission
Ages 6-9
July 6 – 10
Challenge
Ignite your creativity and coding skills at our exciting camp, where you will design roller coasters both in the real world and in Minecraft! Explore the fascinating physics behind roller coasters, starting with fundamental principles of motion and energy. You’ll create a marble roller coaster hands-on, then transition to coding your own roller coaster in Minecraft. This fun, interactive experience combines physics, engineering, and coding, promising an unforgettable adventure!
Project Highlights
- Minecraft: “Agent Training Academy” (Coding Your Robot Helper)
- Real World: Scratch Jr. “Space Chase” (Algorithms & Animation)
Learning Objectives
Sequencing (Step-by-Step Logic)
- Objective: Understand that computers (and robots) need instructions in a specific order—like a recipe—to work correctly.
- Outcome: Successfully stack code blocks (Move Forward — Action) to guide the Minecraft Agent to complete a task without getting confused.
Visual Programming
- Objective: Learn to code without typing! Students will use colorful symbols and blocks to represent technical concepts like “Loops” and “Events.”
- Outcome: Create a programmed story where characters move and react based on specific triggers (like being tapped or bumping into another character).
Debugging (Problem Solving)
- Objective: Learn that making mistakes is a normal part of coding and how to fix them.
- Outcome: When the robot doesn’t do what they expected, practice “debugging” by looking at the code to find the mistake and swapping it out to make it work.
Week 3 - STEM Robotics I
Mission Tech
Redstone & Micro:bits
Ages 6-9
July 13 – 17
Challenge
Welcome to the Mission Tech squad! Your job is to make sure all the gadgets and computers on the space station are working. In this camp, you will learn how to “wire up” the world using code and circuits. In Minecraft, you will use Redstone—virtual electricity—to build automatic airlock doors, pressure plate alarms, and powered lights. You will learn how to connect an “input” (like a lever) to an “output” (like a door) to make things move! Then, you will grab your toolkit in the real world to code the Micro:bit, a pocket-sized computer. You will write code to make its buttons control lights and sounds, creating your own “Space Suit Control Panel” to take home. Get ready to connect the wires and save the mission!
Project Highlights
- Minecraft: “Redstone Airlocks” (Wiring Automatic Doors & Switches)
- Real World: Micro:bit “Space Suit Control” (Coding Buttons & LED Lights)
Learning Objectives
Introduction to Logic (Inputs & Outputs)
- Objective: Learn the core concept of physical computing: “If I do this (push button), then that happens (light turns on).”
- Outcome: Successfully wire a Minecraft door to open only when a lever is pulled, and code a Micro:bit to show a smiley face only when a button is pressed.
Circuit Building
- Objective: Understand how electricity flows through a wire to power a machine.
- Outcome: Create a complete “Redstone path” in the game that connects a power source to a machine without any breaks in the line.
Block Coding Fundamentals
- Objective: Use drag-and-drop code blocks to control physical hardware.
- Outcome: Write a simple program for the Micro:bit that uses a loop (repeating action) to make a light flash on and off like a space alarm.
Week 4 - 3D Printing Masters II
Alien Glow Lab
3D Engineering
Ages 6 – 8
July 20 – 24
Challenge
Deep in space, it gets very dark—and it is your job to light the way! Your challenge is to join the “Alien Glow Lab” and master the science of illumination. In Minecraft, you will explore the darkest corners of the galaxy, using rare, glowing resources to design a base that shines bright in the night. But the real engineering happens in the lab. You will use 3D design software to invent a “Light Beacon”—a mysterious object designed to hold a hidden power source. You must figure out how to shape the plastic so light can shine through it. Finally, you will connect batteries and LEDs to build a real working circuit. Can you engineer an artifact that looks solid on the outside but glows with energy on the inside?
Project Highlights
- Minecraft: “Luminescent Biomes” (Designing Environments with Light Sources)
- Real World: “The Light Beacon” (3D Designing & Engineering a Glowing Artifact)
Learning Objectives
Engineering with Light
- Objective: Discover how engineers use special materials to change how light looks (making it softer, different colors, or brighter).
- Outcome: Design a 3D object with a hollow center, learning that you need space inside for the “electronics” to fit.
Introduction to Circuits
- Objective: Learn the basics of electrical power—how to connect a battery to a light to make it turn on.
- Outcome: Build a safe, simple circuit using an LED, understanding that electricity needs a closed loop to work.
3D Modeling Basics
- Objective: Learn how to create “Shells” in computer design software.
- Outcome: Practice taking a solid shape and “coring it out” (making it empty inside) so it can hold the light circuit.
Week 5 - Code Quest II
Space Modding Simulation
Code & Experiment
Ages 6-8
July 27 – 31
Challenge
Space is different from Earth—things float, jumps are higher, and the rules of physics change. Your challenge is to become a “Junior Modder” and write code to change how the game works! In Minecraft, you won’t just play the game; you will “mod” (modify) it to create a training simulation for astronauts. Using code, you will give your character special abilities that aren’t usually possible, like super-speed, mega-jumps, or zero-gravity levitation. Can you “hack” the game to simulate walking on the Moon? Then, you will put down the mouse and pick up the lab equipment. In the real world, you will conduct hands-on experiments to see how gravity and air pressure work on Earth, comparing the real science to the mods you built in the game.
Project Highlights
- Minecraft: “Space Modding Simulation” (Coding Physics & Status Effects)
- Real World: “The Gravity Lab” (Physical Science Experiments with Air & Motion)
Learning Objectives
Introduction to Modding
- Objective: Learn that “Modding” means changing the rules of the game using code.
- Outcome: Write a script that modifies the player’s abilities, instantly giving them “superpowers” like high jumping or speed that they wouldn’t have in a normal game.
Comparing Real vs. Digital Physics
- Objective: Understand the difference between the “Real World” (Gravity pulls us down) and the “Modded World” (Code can make us float).
- Outcome: Discuss why astronauts float in space and try to replicate that feeling by coding low-gravity effects in the game.
Scientific Observation
- Objective: Practice the skills of a real scientist: Guessing what will happen (Hypothesis) and watching to see if you were right.
- Outcome: Predict whether objects will sink, float, or bounce in real-life experiments, and then test them to verify the results.
Week 6 - STEM Robotics II
Blast Off! Mission Control
Rocket Engineering Camp
Ages 6 – 8
August 3 – 7
Challenge
3… 2… 1… The countdown has started, but the rocket isn’t ready for liftoff! Your challenge is to join the “Rocket Engineering Squad” and solve two massive problems. In the real world, the rocket is stuck in the factory! You must become a Robotics Engineer and build a Transport Rover (like NASA’s Crawler). Your mission is to code the robot to carry a heavy LEGO Space Shuttle across the room without dropping it. In Minecraft, you have a different problem: the rocket is too tall! You must engineer a creative way to get the astronauts from the ground to the capsule high in the sky. Will you build a high-tech tower, a bouncing slime-launchpad, or a redstone elevator? The choice is yours!
Project Highlights
- Real World: “The Crawler Mission” (Coding a Robot to Transport a Rocket)
- Minecraft: “Launchpad Engineering” (Inventing a Way to Reach the Rocket Door)
Learning Objectives
Introduction to Modding
- Objective: Learn that “Modding” means changing the rules of the game using code.
- Outcome: Write a script that modifies the player’s abilities, instantly giving them “superpowers” like high jumping or speed that they wouldn’t have in a normal game.
Comparing Real vs. Digital Physics
- Objective: Understand the difference between the “Real World” (Gravity pulls us down) and the “Modded World” (Code can make us float).
- Outcome: Discuss why astronauts float in space and try to replicate that feeling by coding low-gravity effects in the game.
Scientific Observation
- Objective: Practice the skills of a real scientist: Guessing what will happen (Hypothesis) and watching to see if you were right.
- Outcome: Predict whether objects will sink, float, or bounce in real-life experiments, and then test them to verify the results.
FAQs
This camp is designed for students aged 6-8 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.
For students aged 9-13 years, please click here.
We are conveniently located at 1 Charles Park, Guilderland, NY 12084
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.
The camp offers both half-day and full-day sessions:
Half-Days
- Mon – Fri
- Morning Session
- 9 AM – 12 PM
- Afternoon Session
- 1 PM – 4 PM
Full-Day
- Camp Hours
- Mon – Fri
- 8 AM – 4 PM
- Mornings
- 8AM Drop-Off at Tawasentha Recreational Camp
- Bus Ride
- 12PM to STEAMwhiz
- Afternoons
- 4PM Pickup at STEAMwhiz STEM Minecraft Camp
Our full-day camps provide an amazing opportunity for students to energize their bodies in the morning at Tawasentha Parks Recreation Camp and then ignite their creativity and critical thinking in the afternoon at STEAMwhiz STEM camp. Don’t miss out on this enriching experience!
First, you register for our camp in the afternoon session. Then go to the signup page for Tawasentha Recreation camp here (note their registration typically opens April 1st). Being a resident is not required.
The cost for the Tawasentha Recreation camp per week is $95 plus $10 for the bus ride to STEAMwhiz for the week.
Morning dropoff starts at 8 am at Tawasentha Park. Then they take the bus to STEAMwhiz around 12 pm. Finally, pickup is at STEAMwhiz Labs at 4pm 👍
You can register your child for the STEAMwhiz Minecraft STEM Camp above by selecting the appropriate weeks. Early registration is recommended as spots fill up quickly.
Full-Day Campers
Step 1: Please select the Afternoon Sessions above and register for STEAMwhiz Minecraft STEM Camp weeks you are interested in. Please do not wait as our camps fill up.
Step 2: Afterwards, go to Tawasentha Recreational Park’s sign-up page and register for the corresponding weeks and bussing. Typically, it opens around April 1st. We recommend signing up ASAP for our STEM camp, as we fill up. We haven’t had an issue with Tawasentha Camp being full, except for the additional pool lessons.
Half-Day Campers
If possible, please attend the Morning Sessions above and register for STEAMwhiz Minecraft STEM Camp weeks you are interested in. If your schedule requires the Afternoon session please feel free to register for the afternoon =)
Yes! We recommend following a “depth” pathway in a subject area, like the 3D printing weeks 1 & 2 -OR- a “breadth” pathway by picking across the subject areas, like weeks 1 of 3D printing, Coding, and Robotics. Of course, going all 6 weeks is the best to prepare them for the future!
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 avg ratio of 9:1 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.
Students will be provided with all materials and equipment each week. A water bottle and snack are recommended for breaks during all sessions. Full-day campers should additionally pack a lunch to eat at STEAMwhiz.
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, there is an early bird discount per camper. Use the codes below at Checkout
6 weeks Registration – Save $100
Code: SummerSave$100
4+ week Registration – Save $50
Code: SummerSave$50
2+ week Registration – Save $25
Code: SummerSave$25
At STEAMwhiz, we operate as a high-performance Learning Lab, not a high-volume daycare. To guarantee our strict 9:1 student-to-mentor average ratio and provide the high-end equipment (3D printers, VEX Robotics, and CAD workstations) necessary for “Hard Fun,” we meticulously plan our rosters months in advance. To support our families, we offer a Risk-Free Early Bird Window: Any registration for the camp season is eligible for a full refund (minus a $35 administrative fee) if requested in writing by March 1. Between March 2nd and 30 days prior to your session start date, we offer a 50% refund or a 100% STEAMwhiz credit toward a future lab. Within 30 days of the session, all tuition is non-refundable as we have already committed resources and staffing to your child’s seat. We appreciate your commitment to the Academic Athlete philosophy—by locking in your spot, you are ensuring a focused, elite environment for every innovator in the room. Please contact us as early as possible to see how we can help.
