Kids College

Summer 2024 Youth Camps

DMACC Campuses offer fun, summer "Kids College" Youth Camps. Join us for a fun, educational summer experience!

In-person Camps   Virtual Camps


Youth Tech Camp (in-person)

Youth Tech Camp at the DMACC West Campus is an interactive computer camp that focuses on providing enrichment opportunities to students in the world of computers.

Youth Tech Camps - Registration Button

Video Game Design

Students who complete this class will learn concepts in video game design and basic programming concepts. This class also teaches higher level thinking, problem solving, effective communication and gives students self-confidence to excel in other academic disciplines.

Do you like to play video games? Ever wonder how they are made? This interactive course will learn about the basics of video game design. Students enrolled in this course will create their own games to share with friends and family. This course is perfect for students who are in to gaming and want to create their own interactive gaming experience.

  • Class dates: June 10-13, 2024
  • Class time: 1-4 p.m.
  • Ages: 10-17

Robotics-Battle Bots

Students who complete this class will learn concepts in robotics and AI design. This class also teaches higher level thinking, problem solving, effective communication and gives students self-confidence to excel in other academic disciplines. Who should take this course?

This class is perfect for students who like to build things and like to make things move. This course is the perfect mixture of hands-on instruction and basic programming language. If you like challenging your self to invent new and exciting things on the computer and in real life this is the class for you.

  • Class dates: June 10-13, 2024
  • Class time: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • Ages: All

iGame Creators

Students who complete this class will learn concepts in design and digital photography. This class also teaches higher level thinking, problem solving, effective communication and gives students self-confidence to excel in other academic disciplines.

This class is perfect for the younger students (ages 6-10) who are interested in computers and the world of digital media. If you like to spend time working on the computer and like challenging your self to invent new and exciting things on the computer this is the class for you.

  • Class dates: June 17-20, 2024
  • Class time: 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • Ages: 6-10

ROBLOX Studio - Programming

Calling all ROBLOX users! Join in with millions of gamers and immerse yourself in your own 3D world! ROBLOX Studio is a 3D-based program that uses physics, LUA programming and individual creativity to build a world around you and your avatar; unlike any other software. This course will guide students through concepts such as beginning physics, LUA programming and game development. Student in this course will build and publish their game to share with friends and family!

  • Class dates: June 17-20, 2024
  • Class time: 1-4 p.m.
  • Ages: All

Animation

Students who complete this class will learn basic concepts in digital design and basic programming concepts. This class also teaches higher level thinking, problem solving, effective communication and gives students self-confidence to excel in other academic disciplines.

This course is perfect for students with a big imagination. Students who are interested in how things move and creating fun animations for everyone to see will enjoy this fun interactive classroom experience.

  • Class dates: June 24-27, 2024
  • Class time: 1-4 p.m.
  • Ages: 10-17

Code Studio

This course offers younger students a fun, interactive look at coding. Students will create virtual apps and write their own programs that they can share with friends and family. This course makes learning to code fun and explores problem solving and programming.

  • Class dates: June 24-27, 2024
  • Class time: 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • Ages: 6-12

iMobile Game Design

Sketch, build, play. This class offers students with a big imagination a place to sketch and build their own video games on a mobile device. If you have a student that loves to play games on an iPad® this course helps them engineer and build games on a mobile platform. This cutting edge course engages both sides of brain to create fun engaging games for a mobile platform. iPads will be provided for this class.

Students who complete this course will gain valuable experience in the world mobile game design. Students will be able to draw their own games and then utilize iPads to create and play! Students will create all aspects of the game including players, enemies, backgrounds, treasures and scenery.

  • Class dates: July 1-3, 2024
  • Class time: 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • Ages: 6-10

Young Engineers

This interactive class looks to unlock the imagination of young engineers. Ever thought of creating piano out of bananas or a video game controller out of a piece of paper? Why not? This course will utilize an invention kit for the 21st century and guide students the process of building several fun, interactive creations.

  • Class dates: July 1-3, 2024
  • Class time: 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • Ages: 7-12

Movie Makers

Students who complete this class will learn concepts critical to designing and developing an effective video project. This class also teaches higher level thinking, problem solving, effective communication and gives students self-confidence to excel in other academic disciplines.

If you love movies, if you cant put down your family video camera, if you like to work in a team environment, or if you dream of seeing your name in lights, this movie camp is right for you. Its an exciting alternative to just watching movies - and YOU are the star!* Students may bring in video cameras, however not all cameras will be compatible with the camps computer platform.

  • Class dates: July 8-11, 2024
  • Class time: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • Ages: All

Graphic Design

Students who complete this class will learn photography terminology and basic design concepts. This class also teaches higher level thinking, problem solving, effective communication and gives students self-confidence to excel in other academic disciplines.

This course is perfect for students who enjoy taking photos and trying to manipulate them to change the entire look of the image. Students are encouraged to bring their own digital cameras so they can receive direct instruction on their personal cameras. Youth Tech will provide digital cameras for students who do not have their own personal cameras.

  • Class dates: July 8-11, 2024
  • Class time: 1-4 p.m.
  • Ages: 10-17

Video Game Design

Students who complete this class will learn concepts in video game design and basic programming concepts. This class also teaches higher level thinking, problem solving, effective communication and gives students self-confidence to excel in other academic disciplines.

Do you like to play video games? Ever wonder how they are made? This interactive course will learn about the basics of video game design. Students enrolled in this course will create their own games to share with friends and family. This course is perfect for students who are in to gaming and want to create their own interactive gaming experience.

  • Class dates: July 15-18, 2024
  • Class time: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • Ages: 10-17

3D Game Design

Students who complete this class will learn advanced concepts in video game design and basic to intermediate programming concepts. This class also teaches higher level thinking, problem solving, engineering, effective communication and gives students self-confidence to excel in other academic disciplines.

This advanced class is perfect for students who are interested in making video game design a career. During this interactive course students will learn about the features of 3D video game design and how to create a unique gaming experience. This course is perfect for students who are in to gaming and want to create their own interactive gaming experience.

  • Class dates: July 15-18, 2024
  • Class time: 1-4 p.m.
  • Ages: 10-17

Gaming Academy

  • This class has a limited amount of seats.
  • This is an all day course, so students are encouraged to bring a sack lunch.

Students who complete this class will learn advanced concepts in video game design and basic to intermediate programming concepts. Students will learn to work with conceptual designs and functional engineering to design a 3D world. This class also teaches higher level thinking, problem solving, effective communication and gives students self-confidence to excel in other academic disciplines.

This advanced class is perfect for students who are interested in making video game design a career. During this interactive course students will learn about the advanced features of video game design and how to put themselves in the game. Students enrolled in this course will create will be able to create platform games, multi-player games and work on team building games. This course is perfect for students who are in to gaming and want to create their own interactive gaming experience.

  • Class dates: July 15-18, 2024
  • Class time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Ages: 10-17

Robotics-Battle Bots

Students who complete this class will learn concepts in robotics and AI design. This class also teaches higher level thinking, problem solving, effective communication and gives students self-confidence to excel in other academic disciplines. Who should take this course?

This class is perfect for students who like to build things and like to make things move. This course is the perfect mixture of hands-on instruction and basic programming language. If you like challenging your self to invent new and exciting things on the computer and in real life this is the class for you.

  • Class dates: July 22-25, 2024
  • Class time: 1-4 p.m.
  • Ages: All

ROBLOX Studio - Programming

Calling all ROBLOX users! Join in with millions of gamers and immerse yourself in your own 3D world! ROBLOX Studio is a 3D-based program that uses physics, LUA programming and individual creativity to build a world around you and your avatar; unlike any other software. This course will guide students through concepts such as beginning physics, LUA programming and game development. Student in this course will build and publish their game to share with friends and family!

  • Class dates: July 22-25, 2024
  • Class time: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • Ages: All

Web and App Design

Students who complete this class will learn basic design concepts basic and some HTML programming. This class also teaches higher level thinking, problem solving, effective communication and gives students self-confidence to excel in other academic disciplines.

Interested in a future in web design and development? Want to impress your friends with your own website? Hone your skills by building an entire website around your favorite musician, the latest fashions, or your group of friends. This course is perfect for students wanting to express themselves and showcase their creativity.

  • Class dates: July 29 - August 1, 2024
  • Class time: 1-4 p.m.
  • Ages: 10-17

Gamers Paradise

This class offers students a look at multiple areas of game design. From mobile game development to stand alone games if you have a gamer you will not want to miss this class. Students will create multiple games that they can share with friends and family.

  • Class dates: July 29 - August 1, 2024
  • Class time: 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • Ages: 6-10

Other Summer Camp Opportunities (in-person)

AI Discovery Camp - 9th-12th Grades (Including Graduating Seniors)

Event Timing: June 17 - 20, 2024
Event Start: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Event Address: 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Building 8, Ankeny, IA 50023
Contact: cyber-compsci@dmacc.edu

Register Here!

Event Overview: 8:30a-4:30p Daily, Lunch Provided

  • Day 1 (6/17): Check-in (8:30-9:00) and Dive into AI with brainstorming sessions and learn the basics to kick-start your project.
  • Day 2 (6/18): Develop your programming and building skills with hands-on activities
  • Day 3 (6/19): Advance your project towards completion and start crafting your final presentation
  • Day 4 (6/20): Finalize your project and presentation before showcasing your hard work to family from 4-5:30pm

Sponsored by Microsoft Datacenter


STEAM Camps (virtual)

Black Rocket logo - Launch your creativityWelcome to Virtual STEAM Camps at Des Moines Area Community College powered by Black Rocket, a national leader in tech-education. 

Choose any of the great cutting-edge courses following the link below with topics such as coding, game design, eSports, virtual reality and more. 

Each week get ready to be led by top teachers in LIVE classes! Students benefit from participating in our wider Creator Corps™ community, but also have small group break-out sessions with coaches. 

Watch for emails the week before camp with instructions to download software and meeting links. Jump-start your future in creative tech with Des Moines Area Community College and Black Rocket!​

Learn more and register