Indy Stem Camps is gearing up for another summer of Minecraft, an innovative STEM program for creative gameplay.
The camp has locations in Carmel, Zionsville, Noblesville and Indianapolis, with two separate locations in Fishers. Registration is underway. The camps run from June 5 through July 28.
“My son loves these camps. The counselors are fantastic,” said Aubrey Able, the parent of a student camper.
Founder Matt Mulholland, a physics teacher at Zionsville Community High School, began offering Minecraft camps in the summer of 2012 when his children became obsessed with the game.
“When my two daughters were about 10 years old, I noticed that they were playing this new video game nonstop, so I started playing with them and quickly realized the educational value of Minecraft in teaching children to create and problem solves,” Mulholland said.
Campers in first through eighth grade experience Minecraft through a customized educational version of the game on a secure server that includes only other campers and is continuously monitored by camp counselors.
All campers have their own computer workstation and can play Minecraft in multiplayer worlds with other campers. With eight unique camp titles to choose from, there is something for every child.
“Minecraft Camp was the highlight of my child’s summer to the point where he is signed up for four camps this coming summer,” Dana Harrison, a camper parent, said.
Each Minecraft Camp lasts three hours day. Camps are offered five days a week for a total of 15 hours of gameplay and instruction. Indy Stem Camps maintains an 8-to-1 camper-to-instructor ratio, allowing parents to opt their child out of any player versus player game activities.
All eight-course titles provide a unique curriculum and theme and has three experience levels, beginner, intermediate and advanced, according to Mulholland. Two modes of play, creative and survival, are emphasized. Additionally, a grade-level recommendation for each camp is provided to help parents find the right camp for their child.
“There are a million summer athletic camps, but very few for kids more interested in computers and gaming. Our Minecraft Camps fill a void by offering something different but just as enjoyable for children to do during their summer,” Mulholland said.
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