Week 1

Scratch Game Design Camp: Build Your Own Games

Ages 7-10 (Grades 2-5) June 22 - June 26, 2026 9am - 3pm

About This Camp

In this week-long camp, kids will learn to create their own interactive games using Scratch, a beginner-friendly visual programming platform. We'll start the week by choosing one of three class projects to build together: Rock Blaster, Balloon Burster, or Brick Bouncer, where students learn essential coding concepts as a group. Then, they'll apply those skills to design and build their own unique game from scratch.

No prior coding experience needed! Our goal is simple: to help kids build confidence and creativity through code while having fun. Students work at their own pace with plenty of time for exploration, problem-solving, and collaboration. By the end of the week, each student will have created two working games they can play, share with friends, and keep building at home.

We keep class sizes small (max 6 students) so every child gets personalized support. The day includes coding time, outdoor breaks, optional enrichment activities like chess or origami, and daily showcases where students share their progress. Kids will leave with stronger tech skills, but also with increased resilience and problem-solving abilities that help in other subjects like math.

Skills Your Child Will Learn

  • Programming concepts: Sequences, loops, events, variables, conditionals
  • Game design: Character movement, scoring systems, multiple levels
  • Computational thinking: Breaking problems into steps, pattern recognition, debugging
  • Collaboration: Giving and receiving feedback, helping peers
  • Presentation: Sharing work and explaining choices

Projects

Class Project (Days 1-2)

Students vote on one game to build together: Rock Blaster, Balloon Burster, or Brick Bouncer. As a group, we'll learn how to implement sprite movement, scoring, sound effects, and game mechanics.

Solo Project (Days 3-5)

Students design and build their own completely original game, applying everything they've learned. Projects are open-ended - kids create what they're excited about! On the final day, everyone presents their game to the class.

Learning Objectives

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

  • Create interactive games with moving characters, scoring, and levels
  • Understand and use core programming concepts like loops and conditionals
  • Debug their own code when something doesn't work as expected
  • Give helpful feedback to other students and accept feedback graciously
  • Present their work confidently and explain the choices they made
  • Approach challenges with a "try again" mindset instead of giving up

Tools & Technologies

ScratchChrome browserWhiteboarding for planning
$349per week
(including supplies)
Back to Tali Explorers

What's Included

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

Before Camp Starts

It's helpful (but not required) if students create a free Scratch account at scratch.mit.edu before camp and bring their login information. We can also set this up on the first day.

Daily Schedule

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

In Bountiful, Utah. We'll send the exact location before your class starts. (KeyBank Building on 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
12:45-1:30pmDeep Work Coding Block 2
1:30-2:00pmOutdoor Break & Games
2:00-2:30pmProject Showcase & Peer Learning
2:30-3:00pmReflection & Wrap-up

This Camp Is Full

This week is full for Summer 2026. Explore our other camps, or check back soon for the next session.