COD215 - Coding: Video Game Animation/Beats and Jams: Digital Music Creators (Rising 7-9)

Course Overview

A Creative Tech Camp for Game Artists & Music Makers

Coding: Video Game Animation / Beats and Jams: Digital Music Creators is a dual-focus camp designed for rising grades 7–9 who love video games, music, and digital creativity. Throughout the week, students split their time between building professional-style 2D sprite animations for games and producing original digital music like today’s artists and sound engineers.

Campers work in pairs or teams for most of the program, building collaboration and problem-solving skills while they create projects they can proudly share with family and friends.

Video Game Animation

Bring your animations to life with design tools used by real game developers! In the Video Game Animation portion of camp, students learn how game characters move, react, and show personality—then build their own polished animations using simple-to-learn techniques they can apply in almost any 2D editor.

Design Sophisticated Sprite Animations

• Create smooth sprite animations for game-style movement (walk cycles, jumps, actions, and more).
• Use proven animation fundamentals like squash, stretch, and shading to make characters pop.
• Explore timing, pose, and motion to improve realism and style.
• Develop creative confidence by testing and refining animations through iteration.

No Experience Required & Safe Project Sharing

• No prior experience in game design, animation, or sketching is required.
• Students receive step-by-step coaching while still having freedom to create.
• Student-created games and animations are shared on a password-protected Black Rocket website.
• Most work is completed in pairs or teams, supporting teamwork and shared creativity.

Beats and Jams: Digital Music Creators

Begin your rise to the top of the charts with digital music production! In Beats and Jams, students step into the role of digital composers and sound engineers. Just like today’s top artists, campers can design their own beats or remix a mashup of favorite styles—then shape it into a track they’re excited to share.

Produce Music, Record Sound & Build Your Signature Style

• Create original beats, loops, and melodies using music production tools.
• Record sound, build sound effects, and experiment with digital audio.
• Learn how to arrange layers and structure a track like a producer.
• Mix and refine audio using beginner-friendly techniques for balance and clarity.

Beginner-Friendly with Real-World Skills

• No prior music experience is necessary—students learn by doing.
• Campers build confidence with creative technology tools and audio experimentation.
• Student-created soundtracks are shared on a password-protected website for families to enjoy.
• Students work in pairs or teams, strengthening collaboration and communication skills.

Skills Your Teen Will Build

This camp blends creativity and technology, helping students develop digital arts skills they can carry into future courses, hobbies, and STEAM projects.

Technical & Creative Skills

• 2D animation principles: timing, motion, key poses, and visual effects.
• Sprite design and character animation skills used in game development.
• Digital music production fundamentals: beat-making, recording, and mixing.
• Sound design skills for games, videos, and creative media projects.
• Stronger visual and audio storytelling through characters and soundtracks.

Confidence & Collaboration

• Confidence using creative tools and presenting original work.
• Problem-solving through revision, refinement, and creative iteration.
• Teamwork and communication through pair and group projects.
• Ownership of ideas—from concept to finished digital product.

Why Parents Choose This Creative Technology Camp

• Designed for rising grades 7–9 with deeper creative challenges and more independence.
• Turns screen time into skill-building creation—animation, music, and digital design.
• Combines game art and music production in one engaging STEAM experience.
• No prior experience required—great for beginners and motivated creators.
• Projects are shared through a password-protected website for safe family viewing and listening.

From Gamer & Listener to Creator

If your teen loves video games, music, or digital creativity, Coding: Video Game Animation / Beats and Jams: Digital Music Creators is the perfect next step. Enroll today and help them design animated game characters, build original beats, and discover new ways to express their creativity through technology.