Week 2

Minecraft Modding Camp: Code Your Own Mods with Java

πŸ‘₯ Ages 9-13 (Grades 4-8)πŸ“… July 6 - July 10, 2026⏰ 9am - 3pm

About This Camp

Ever wondered how Minecraft mods are made? In this camp, students learn to create their own custom Minecraft mods using Java. Java is the same programming language many professional developers use. This camp bridges the gap between visual block coding and real text-based programming.

This class is for everyone curious about coding or who likes games (so everyone!). You don't have to love Minecraft or have coding experience, though either helps. We'll spend the week building custom blocks, items, food, loot tables, and more. Students will learn through a series of guided lessons where we create mods together as a class, then apply those skills to build their own custom Minecraft world with personalized mods.

We use IntelliJ IDEA, a professional Java development environment, so students see exactly how real developers work. We'll also peek at MCreator to understand how visual mod makers translate to actual code. By the end of the week, students can explain how their mod code works, debug errors, and even publish their creation to Modrinth (an online mod-sharing platform) if they choose.

Class sizes are small (max 10 students) to ensure everyone gets support as they learn text-based coding. The week includes coding time, outdoor breaks, optional activities, and daily showcases where students demo their mods.

🎯 Skills Your Child Will Learn

  • Text-based programming: Writing real Java code, not just blocks
  • Programming concepts: Functions, loops, events, variables, object-oriented basics
  • Game mechanics: Creating custom items, blocks, behaviors, and loot systems
  • Debugging: Reading error messages, systematic problem-solving
  • Software development: Using professional tools, understanding file structures
  • Collaboration: Code reviews, explaining technical concepts to peers
  • AI integration: Using AI assistants to understand code and troubleshoot

πŸš€ Projects

Class Project (Days 1-2)

A series of guided lessons where we build several mods together: custom blocks with unique properties, custom food items, custom loot tables, and interactive game mechanics. Students learn by doing alongside the instructor.

Solo Project (Days 3-5)

Students design and build their own custom Minecraft world using the modding skills they've learned. They'll create unique mods that reflect their visionβ€”whether that's magical items, new biomes, special tools, or creative game mechanics. On the final day, students demo their worlds and mods to the class. Students can export their mod files to continue developing at home and optionally publish to Modrinth.

πŸ“š Learning Objectives

By the end of this camp, your child will be able to:

  • Write and understand Java code that creates custom Minecraft mods
  • Explain how their code works so other developers could build on it
  • Read and fix error messages when code doesn't work
  • Use professional development tools (the same ones real programmers use)
  • Create custom blocks, items, food, and game behaviors in Minecraft
  • Communicate clearly with other students about what their code does
  • Use AI tools responsibly to help debug and understand code
  • Optionally publish their mod online for others to download and play

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

IntelliJ IDEAMinecraft Java EditionMCreatorJavaAI tools for debuggingGitHubModrinth (optional)
$249per week
+ $25 supply fee
πŸŽ‰ Early Bird - Save $50!
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βœ… What's Included

  • All computers, software (including Minecraft Java Edition), and materials provided
  • Lunch and snacks provided (or bring your own)
  • TaliTech graduation certificate
  • Online access to all projects created

πŸ“‹ Before Camp Starts

It's helpful (but not required) if students create a free GitHub account at github.com before camp and bring their login information. This allows them to save and share their mods. We can also set this up on the first day.

πŸ“ Prerequisites

Soft prerequisite: Some block-based coding experience (like Scratch) OR age 11+. If your child is brand new to coding and under 11, we recommend starting with our Scratch camp first.

πŸ“… Daily Schedule

Same schedule for all camps. Coding indoors; breaks and lunch outside.

πŸ“ Location: 463 E 1130 N, Bountiful, UT 84010 (Google Maps)

9:00-10:30amDeep Work Coding Block 1
10:30-11:00amOutdoor Break & Snack
11:00-11:45amScreen-Free Enrichment (chess, reading, instruments, origami, maker activities)
11:45am-12:45pmLunch & Recess
12:45-2:00pmDeep Work Coding Block 2
2:00-2:30pmOutdoor Break & Games
2:30-3:30pmProject Showcase & Peer Learning
3:30-4:00pmReflection & Wrap-up

Ready to Join?

Spots are limited to 10 students per camp. Register early to secure your child's place!