summer camp
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This virtual robotics camp is launching just in time for summer
I found an interesting possibility though, at least for my 8-year old: virtual robotics camp. More Zoom, yes, but Zoom with Robots! While UBTECH’s Camp:Aspire is an interesting stay-at-home STEM option, it’s not the only game in town.
Girls Make Games winners dig into The Hole Story
Top-down RPG The Hole Story landed on Kickstarter this week as the result of the Girls Make Games development camp and competition. The game stars Wendy, an archaeologist that digs into a portal in her backyard and warps through time to an ancient world and must save a princess to find a way back home, all the while armed with her wits and a trusty shovel. The Hole Story is in development by San Jose, California-based independent developer and creators of the Girls Make Games summer camp program, LearnDistrict. The game was concocted by a team of seven young girls aged 10 to 16 known as The Negatives. The young designers won the inaugural Girls Make Games Demo Day hosted in Mountain View, California this past weekend following a three-week camp that included workshops, game jams and teaching sessions geared toward the cultivating the growth of aspiring female game designers.
Maker Camp brings DIY fun to teens via Google+ Hangouts
Summer camp doesn't have to mean poorly ventilated cabins, boring activities and terrible food. In fact, put the concept in the hands of Google and Make, and there's not even a need to leave the comfort of your own home. The two have teamed up to deliver Maker Camp on Google+, a six week summer program designed to encourage kids to embrace their inner maker. The sessions will run every weekday starting July 16th. On Mondays through Thursdays a new set of instructions for the teen participants to tackle will be posted on Google+, then, in the afternoon, a counselor (often one of Make's own editors) will hold a Hangout to discuss the project and let the campers share their photos, videos and thoughts. Every Friday Make will host "field trips" via Hangouts. There's no need to register and no fee, the only requirements are that you be between the ages of 13 and 18, and have a Google+ account. Check out the videos after the break and the source links for more info.
Sign up the kids for Apple Summer Filmmaking Camp
If you somehow missed out on the chance to become the next big filmmaker, it's time to get the kids pointed in the right direction so they can thank you when they win their Oscars in a few years. Apple's offering free summer camps for kids 8-12 at retail outlets in which the kids learn how to use iMovie and GarageBand to create their masterpieces. The camps, which begin on July 23 and extend through late August at some locations, consist of two 90-minute weekday sessions where the kids film, edit and score their cinematic efforts, and an optional Saturday "Apple Camp Film Festival" where kids can show off their work to family and friends. Some stores are offering up to a dozen camp sessions to accommodate as many future Apple customers as possible. As in the past, the summer camps are expected to fill up quickly, so sign up as soon as possible to ensure a place for your budding Spielbergs. The camps are currently available for signup in the United States and Canada, with European, Chinese, and Japanese sites expected to add signup pages soon. Australian kids will need to wait until September to go to camp.
Homefront, Singularity, Fallout: New Vegas and more highlighted in today's Steam Summer Camp sale
It's a new day, which means there are new Steam deals to peruse. Continuing its Steam Summer Camp Sale promotion (new deals every day on through July 10), Valve's digital distribution platform is slashing prices, taking half off Homefront, 75 percent off Singularity, 70 percent off Fallout: New Vegas (and all of its DLC) and 90 percent off Trine. Those of you to engage in the "activity" part of the promotion -- and looking to earn some tickets to exchange for sweet prizes -- should load up Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter (also on sale today), Trine, Fortix 2, Homefront, Zombie Driver or Mount & Blade: Warband. Or, if you're looking for a free ticket, just post any screenshot today.
Free Realms celebrates 12 million registered players
Free Realms, the family-themed virtual world from Sony Online Entertainment, has just announced its 12 millionth registered user in a press release. Yes, we know that's not 12 million players, and your guess is as good as ours as to the actual number of individuals logging in. Regardless, a lot of people have tried the free-to-play title, and this news comes as SOE's Summer Camp promotion is in full swing. "Our players wanted a summer of fun in Free Realms, so that's what we've provided. With new items, jobs and quests being added to the virtual world, there are more ways than ever to explore Free Realms," said SOE president John Smedley. "Our continued innovation and consistent player engagement have built an incredible forward momentum to take Free Realms into its second year, and beyond." In addition to the ongoing Summer Camp festivities, SOE is also running a double Station Cash weekend to celebrate July 4th. Station Cash cards can be purchased from local retailers and redeemed from Friday, July 2nd to Monday, July 5th for double their original value. Finally, SOE is offering free trial memberships for the duration of the holiday weekend. You can check out all the details at the official website.
Summer Camp comes to Free Realms
Summer has officially arrived in Free Realms, bringing with it a host of new items in the Marketplace and several additions in-game. You'll find a new playground near the Sanctuary Warpstone, rival summer camps near the Greenwood Forest Warpstone, and you'll have a chance to spot Bigfoot. The furry guy is on the loose in the area, so keep an eye out for your opportunity to do battle with him. The Marketplace includes new summer camp items such as campfires, tents, camp banners, and special marshmallow pets (there is no word regarding the ability to roast them on the campfire.) The summer camp update also brings a new subscription option to the game. For the full list of additions, check out the Free Realms site, then visit the new areas in game to give them a try firsthand!
