University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Our technology and arts-based summer camps excite young minds and prepare them for a future of creative and collaborative work and play. Staff are committed to helping each camper reach their potential, and most importantly, have fun.

Session Dropoff Camp Pickup
AM 9:15AM – 9:30AM 9:30AM – 12:30PM 12:30PM – 12:45PM
PM 1:15PM – 1:30PM 1:30PM – 4:30PM 4:30PM – 4:45PM

This Summer's Camps

June

AM

Fab Lab 101

Calling all curious campers! This introductory camp is the best way to explore the tools of the Fab Lab. Vinyl plotters, sewing machines, 3D printers, and laser cutters–Campers learn it all! Projects expose campers to different methods of digital design and critical thinking.

AM

Camp Full. Join the Waitlist.

Digital Illustration

Masterpieces in pixels. Campers develop digital drawing skills with professional tools like drawing tablets and the open-source program FireAlpaca. By the end of the week campers have a portfolio of creative work and the skills to continue illustrating digitally on their own.

PM

Camp Full. Join the Waitlist.

RPG Maker 1.0

Is designing a video game just as fun as playing it? Our campers say yes! This introductory camp teaches the fundamentals behind game design, map making, and generating characters in RPG (role playing game). By the end of the week campers have a game of their own to take home.

PM

Fab Lab 101

Calling all curious campers! This introductory camp is the best way to explore the tools of the Fab Lab. Vinyl plotters, sewing machines, 3D printers, and laser cutters–Campers learn it all! Projects expose campers to different methods of digital design and critical thinking.

AM

Camp Full. Join the Waitlist.

Minecraft 3D

Have you ever wanted to hold your Minecraft creations in the palm of your hand? This camp will give you the tools and skills to let you do it! Take your construction to the next level and work with other campers to work on a themed project, and improve your Minecraft building skills.

AM

Accessibility Camp

Not available for open registration

PM

Jewelry Design

Do you have what it takes to be the next great jewelry designer? Do you want to make your own accessories, but not quite sure where to start? Come join us for designing and creating your own custom jewelry. Participants will use laser engravers, 3D printers, digital design tools, as well as traditional jewelry-making techniques in order to bring their visions to life.

PM

RPG Maker 2.0

Been through 1.0 and looking for more? Come join us in 2.0 for some more in-depth game creation. We’ll be learning some techniques for quicker game design and focusing more on advanced dungeon creation and characters. We’ll even learn about ways to alter your gameplay!

PREREQUISITE NEEDED: RPG Maker 1.0

AM

Camp Full. Join the Waitlist.

Plushie Maker

Campers will learn all the basics to craft their favorite new friend. During the week campers will learn the essentials such as hand sewing, threading a machine, understanding different fabrics and completing a project. Come learn how to make a Fab Lab favorite!

AM

Camp Full. Join the Waitlist.

Coding Electronics

Let’s explore coding for electronics! During the week, campers will learn to code micro-controllers (a tiny computer) and complete fun interactive projects. Micro-controllers can be used with various components like, colorful LED lights, motors, speakers, and sensors. Campers will be working with 3 different micro-controllers; Makey-Makey, Micro:Bit, and Arduino. No previous experience or understanding of computer code needed- beginners welcome!

PM

Papercraft Hax

Become a paper and sticker engineer! Learn how to create 2D and 3D paper crafts using traditional methods like origami and new methods like laser cutting and engraving. Campers learn about digital design and problem solving and learn how to make something new everyday.

PM

Camp Full. Join the Waitlist.

RPG Maker 1.0

Is designing a video game just as fun as playing it? Our campers say yes! This introductory camp teaches the fundamentals behind game design, map making, and generating characters in RPG (role playing game). By the end of the week campers have a game of their own to take home.

July

AM

Board Game Design

Join us in a foray into board game design featuring advanced manufacturing tools such as laser cutters and 3D printers. Throughout the week, campers will learn the fundamentals of game design while working in teams to create their own unique board games.

AM

Camp Full. Join the Waitlist.

Minecraft 3D

Have you ever wanted to hold your Minecraft creations in the palm of your hand? This camp will give you the tools and skills to let you do it! Take your construction to the next level and work with other campers to work on a themed project, and improve your Minecraft building skills.

PM

Camp Full. Join the Waitlist.

Creatures & Caverns

Love playing Dungeons and Dragons? Come use our tools to customize your tabletop roleplaying experience! Campers will design game aids and other assets to enhance their gaming experience. Participants can also share tips on gaming resources like apps for adding atmospheric effects and keeping track of game stats.

PM

Advanced Digital Illustration

Build upon your Digital Illustration fundamentals with this advanced camp focused on practicing skills, and learning more advanced tools that illustration programs can offer, such as custom brushes, rulers, gradient mapping, color correction, 3D models and perspective guides. Campers will experiment with the robust illustration software Clip Studio Paint, which is widely used by digital artists.

PREREQUISITE NEEDED: Digital Illustration

AM

RPG Maker 2.0

Been through 1.0 and looking for more? Come join us in 2.0 for some more in-depth game creation. We’ll be learning some techniques for quicker game design and focusing more on advanced dungeon creation and characters. We’ll even learn about ways to alter your gameplay!

PREREQUISITE NEEDED: RPG Maker 1.0

AM

Fab Lab 101

Calling all curious campers! This introductory camp is the best way to explore the tools of the Fab Lab. Vinyl plotters, sewing machines, 3D printers, and laser cutters–Campers learn it all! Projects expose campers to different methods of digital design and critical thinking.

PM

Camp Full. Join the Waitlist.

Escape Room – Week 1

Be the gamemaster in this camp for code breakers, storytellers, and puzzle-solvers. Campers will spend one week working together to create an immersive escape room. Will you get out?

AM

Papercraft Hax

Become a paper and sticker engineer! Learn how to create 2D and 3D paper crafts using traditional methods like origami and new methods like laser cutting and engraving. Campers learn about digital design and problem solving and learn how to make something new everyday.

AM

Textiles – Cosplay

Have you ever wanted to be your favorite character? Do you want to have the coolest costume around? Come learn a variety of sewing techniques and tools to design and make your own cosplays.

PM

Camp Full. Join the Waitlist.

Escape Room – Week 2

A continuation from the previous week.