COD214 - Coding: Video Game Animation/Beats and Jams: Digital Music Creators (Grades 4-6)

Course Overview

A STEAM Camp for Game Artists & Music Makers

Coding: Video Game Animation / Beats and Jams: Digital Music Creators is a dual-focus camp designed for students in grades 4–6 who love games, music, and digital creativity. Campers spend part of the week designing animated characters for video games and part of the week producing original digital music and sound effects.

No previous coding, animation, or music experience is required—just imagination and a desire to create. Students work in pairs or small teams for most of the program, building collaboration skills while they learn.

Video Game Animation – Bring Characters to Life

In the Video Game Animation portion of camp, students learn how to bring 2D game characters to life using design tools similar to those used by real game developers.

Design & Animate 2D Sprites

• Create sophisticated sprite animations with easy-to-learn techniques.
• Use animation fundamentals like squash, stretch, and shading to make characters pop.
• Apply skills in any 2D editor to design walk cycles, jumps, attacks, and more.
• Experiment with timing and motion to give characters personality and style.

No Art or Coding Experience Needed

• Perfect for beginners—no prior game design, animation, or sketching needed.
• Step-by-step guidance makes complex ideas approachable for young creators.
• Student-created games and animations are published on a password-protected Black Rocket website to share with family and friends.

Beats and Jams – Digital Music Creators

In Beats and Jams: Digital Music Creators, campers step into the role of digital composers and sound engineers, learning how today’s artists create music on computers and devices.

Produce Original Tracks & Remixes

• Design your own beats, loops, and melodies using kid-friendly music software.
• Remix and mash up favorite styles to create a unique sound.
• Experiment with sound effects, rhythms, and instruments to build full tracks.
• Arrange music in layers to understand how professional songs are structured.

Learn the Basics of Digital Music Production

• Record sounds and create custom effects to use in songs or games.
• Learn simple mixing techniques to balance beats, vocals, and instruments.
• No prior music training is required—this course is beginner-friendly and fun.
• Student-created soundtracks are shared on a password-protected website so families can listen and enjoy.

Skills Your Child Will Build

This camp blends technology and creativity, helping students develop both artistic and technical skills they can use in school and future STEAM projects.

Technical & Creative Skills

• Understanding of 2D animation principles like key poses, timing, and movement.
• Practical experience with sprite design and visual effects for games.
• Introductory digital music production, including recording and mixing.
• Basic sound design skills for music, games, and videos.
• Improved visual and audio storytelling through characters and soundtracks.

Personal Growth & Collaboration

• Increased confidence using creative technology tools.
• Stronger problem-solving and critical thinking as they refine animations and tracks.
• Enhanced teamwork and communication through pair and group projects.
• Opportunities to share and present their work in a supportive environment.

Why Parents Choose This Coding & Digital Arts Camp

• Designed specifically for grades 4–6 with age-appropriate tools and instruction.
• Turns screen time into productive, skill-building creativity.
• Introduces kids to both game art and digital music in one program.
• Requires no prior experience—great for beginners and budding creators alike.
• Provides a safe, password-protected space for families to view and hear student projects.

Give Your Child a Chance to Create Games & Music

If your child loves video games, music, or both, Coding: Video Game Animation / Beats and Jams: Digital Music Creators is the perfect way to help them take the next step—from consumer to creator. Enroll them today and watch them design animated characters, build beats, and discover new ways to express their creativity through technology.