Game Programming with Python
Kids Python Programming Camp
Course Description
Get the hang of coding with the Python programming language, a highly readable language supporting multiple paradigms that make it ideal for students to learn computer programming. Python is considered a high-level programming language that runs on many operating systems, which is ideal for aspiring programmers hoping to dabble in game design.
Using Pygame and Object Oriented Programming, students will learn to write real code for their own game – designed and developed by them. While learning to develop their games, students will learn the basics of programming – creating loops, conditional structures, and variables – as well as game design concepts such as collision detection and artificial intelligence. Students will also learn how to add music, sounds, graphics, and animations to their game while developing their coding skills to a professional level.
At the end of the week, students will take home all of their games and code projects on a flash drive.
Information
Learn Programming
Learn to program using Python, one of the most powerful upcoming languages!
Use Game Engines
Build a game using Pygame, the most popular game programming engine for Python!
Use Industry Standard Tools
You’ll learn how to not just programming, but how to test and debug code with tools like PyCharm and cProfile!
Coding Skills Learned
Campers learn to:
- The fundamentals of programming
- Code basics and Python syntax
- Programming conventions
- Variables and primitives
- Loops and conditional structures
- Methods and functions
- Object Oriented Programming
- Sprites and sprite sheets
- Movement and animation
- Collision detection
- AI programming
- Sounds and Music
- User input
Prior Coding Understanding
This Python course requires no previous programming experience. Students are strongly recommended to have an understanding of Algebra concepts.
Equipment and Software Used
In this camp, each camper will have access to a custom-built, high-end computer and a large monitor. Students will be using a variety of tools to help them learn to code, including Python, Pycharm, PyGame, and others.
Sample Day
Each day at Vision Tech Camps is carefully planned to ensure a personalized learning experience and to ensure that each student meets their individual goals. Our flexible schedule provides time for group instruction, one on one attention, project completion, and teamwork exercises.
7:30 am: Extended Care Check In
Early check-in for campers who have chosen the AM Extended Care Option – students can choose from a variety of pre-camp activities.
8:30 am – 9:00 am: Rolling Drop off
Check-in and pre-camp activities, including introductions & hardware & computer distribution
9:00 am – 9:15 am: Welcome and review of daily schedule
Students connect with instructors, ask questions, and instructors go over the course outline
9:15 am – 10:30 am: Core Tech Modules
This hour is reserved for work on course skills and may include small group learning, individual learning, or class-wide instruction depending on the particular tech modules being taught
10:30 am – 11:00 am: Break
Students can spend their free time having snacks, drinks, continue working independently, play, reading, or relax on the sofa
11:00 am – 12:00 pm: Core Tech Modules
This hour is reserved for work on course skills and may include small group learning, individual learning, or class-wide instruction depending on the particular tech modules being taught
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: Lunch Break
Kids & teens who have ordered our Meal Plan will be provided their hot lunch. Other students may bring their own bag lunch and eat outside under the supervision of camp staff. Students may utilize nearby parks to play and experience the outdoors.
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm: Core Tech Modules
This period is reserved for work on course skills and may include small group learning, individual learning, or class-wide instruction depending on the particular tech modules being taught
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm: Break
Students can spend their free time having snacks, drinks, continue working independently, play, reading, or relax on the sofa
3:30 pm – 5:00 am: Core Tech Modules & Wrap Up
This period is reserved for work on course skills and may include small group learning, individual learning, or class-wide instruction depending on the particular tech modules being taught. Kids & teens wrap up the day’s projects.
5:00 pm – 5:15pm : Pick up Time
Parents pick up kids & teens who are not enrolled in extended care.
5:15pm – 6:15pm: Extended Care Pick Up Time
Students in extended care are picked up
Vision Tech Camps Instruction
Real Instruction. Quality STEM Summer Tech Projects
We believe that learning technology should be part of kids & teens summer camp experiences. Summer tech camps offer kids a relaxed and fun way to explore their tech interests and gain an edge for college or university. At Vision Tech Camps, we pride ourselves on building STEM curriculum with concrete learning goals, where teachers initially lead students through lessons with a projector, followed by students doing their own projects on their computers. This way, kids & teens learn the basics and go on to explore their interests, resulting in tech projects that students are proud to call their own at the end of the course.
Beginner through Advanced Students
Our STEM summer camps are designed to accommodate a wide skill range, challenging the most advanced students, while encouraging beginners to take that first step into the field. We achieve that through hiring instructors who are tech savvy, and a technology curriculum that is adjustable for all skill levels. In addition, our low student-to-instructor ratio, which is kept at 8:1 instructor to student ratio – *not* a staff ratio, allows plenty of personalized one-on-one attention during the summer course.
Comfortable & Private Facilities
Since we own our two tech camp facilities at Danville & Saratoga, students feel comfortable and at ease at our facilities. As these are our permanent summer camp locations, we are able to minimize technical difficulties ahead of time and provide the most advanced tech hardware, custom-built computers, and professional grade software to our campers for a more enjoyable summer tech camp.
The Best Computer Camp Instructors
Vision Tech only hires the most passionate and caring instructors who are also experienced in the individual course material they are hired to teach. We train each instructor personally and instill them with Vision Tech teaching practices and values, ensuring that all students have fun in our summer camps, learn skills, and most importantly are inspired to continue their journey long after they have left our summer tech camps.
FAQ
What is Python?
Python is quickly becoming one of the world’s most popular and easy-to-learn programming languages – and a great introduction to programming. The Python Programming Language is one of the fastest growing languages in the world, and a great programming language to get kids and teens coding. The Python interpreter is cross platform, meaning that it works on Mac, Windows, and Linux computers, regardless of operating system, and provides an excellent introduction to coding, given its user-interactive nature.
Does my child need to have any programming experience to enroll in this coding camp?
No, this camp curriculum is designed for students from beginner level to advanced level. Students with no experience will be given an introduction into Python Programming.
What will my child learn in this tech camp?
Students will learn to program in Python, including basic syntax and compilation rules. In addition, students will be introduced to concepts such as conditional structures, variables, and object oriented design. Students will work on their game projects using PyGame, an engine built in Python, and programmed in Python. By working with these games, students will master the concepts taught earlier.
What is the difference between the Computer Programming with Java camp, and the Python Game Development camp?
This camp has a stronger emphasis on programming games, whereas The Computer Programming with Java camp has a stronger emphasis on learning about programming in general . The Python Game Development camp is focused on making games using the PyGame engine with PyCharms, with a strong emphasis on game design itself.
Is lunch provided at Vision Tech Camps?
Yes, if students select the meal plan option in our Danville and Saratoga locations. Otherwise, students are encouraged to bring a bagged lunch. Our meal plan is not available in the Piedmont location, unfortunately.
My child is not within the age range of this camp. Is this camp appropriate for my child?
The age ranges provided are for informational and guidance purpose only. We feel that parents are the ultimate judge of where their child will comfortable. If parents are uncertain, we encourage parents to call us for appropriate recommendations on placement of their kids.
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