Is there a camp out there for kids who love gaming?
Get a first-hand introduction to video game design
If you have a child that loves to play video games, consider signing them up for summer camp — video game summer camp.
Jackie Djuranic and her cousin Marcel Burca started Calgary Game Developers Academy for Youths (CGDay) three years ago as a way to teach children and youth more about video game design and creation.
Burca, who leads the classes, is a professional video game developer who has worked on high-profile games including Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen and Medal of Honor: Heroes 2, as well as the Bass Pro Shop games.
He teaches kids how to use the same 3D gaming software that he uses in the real world.
“The main focus is learning how a real video game works,” says Djuranic. “They’re introduced to the software, and they get to see how 3D design works. Then they get an opportunity to play with the system and try quite a few mini projects.”
Many students who sign up for CGDay’s classes dream of careers as professional video game developers, and the camps provide a taste of what’s required in real life, she says.
And at least one former student has gone on to further studies at SAIT.
“Designing in a software program like this broadens their perspective about what’s possible in any tech career,” Djuranic says. “It gives students an opportunity to understand the entire technology industry.”
A range of classes are available at CGDay, including private lessons, after-school programs and summer camps. The fiveday courses are offered twice each summer, but more might be added depending on demand. The morning camp is geared toward youth ages nine to 14, while the afternoon camp is for teens ages 15 to 18. Each class is capped at 10 students.
Find out more at cgday.ca.