Sharing is caring!

FREE STEM SUMMER CAMP WITH MICROSOFT

The Microsoft Store is at it again! They are providing FREE summer camps dedicated to teaching children technical skills to pursue their passions in technology. Microsoft has been providing this service for children ever since they began back in 2009.  Last year we were fortunate to get an exclusive preview of the Microsoft STEM summer camp. This year we got an inside look at the new stem summer camps which include “Harry Potter Creative Coding Camp” and “Design and Create Your Own Video Game with MakeCode Arcade.” Not only do these camps encourage an interest in STEM and explore abilities future professional gamers, developers, and coders need for success, but also provide life skills that translate outside of school. Gamers will pick up some competitive tactics and learn the importance of teamwork and communication, while other camps teach values such as how to create authentic connections and foster a sense of community.

Why is STEM so important?

Did you know that half of Americans (52%) believe young people don’t pursue STEM careers because the subjects are too hard, citing cost and time as the most common barriers (Pew Research Center, 2018)? With this year’s summer camps, the curriculums not only encourage an interest in STEM but they also use pop culture themes (such as Harry Potter) to break down the tough topics and make it more engaging for students.

Registration for Summer Camps opened earlier this month with camps taking place in May through August, and specific dates and times will depend on local store and school schedules. To register, visit your local Microsoft Store in person or online.

What is new in the Microsoft Summer Camps this year?

This year, Microsoft Store Summer Camps expand to seven hands-on workshops that empower students to pursue their passions with fun, pop-culture themes. Trained Microsoft Store associates will lead students through a curriculum developed by education experts in their respective fields, in both real-world and magical environments like the wizarding world of Harry Potter.

This year’s Microsoft Store STEM Summer Camps are:

• Gaming Summer Camp: Grow Your Passion for Gaming and Learn Positive Life Skills (Ages 8+ and Ages 13+)
  It’s one thing to be a gaming champion, but it’s better to do it through teamwork, resilience, and effective communication. Use those skills during Rocket League and Fortnite tournaments for 8- and 13-year-olds respectively, and discuss as a class how these habits help a student to excel in both gaming and everyday life. Every gamer should feel empowered to have fun the way they want, and this camp will help instill in students the value of being supportive and positive with other gamers.

  

• Design and Create Your Own Video Games with MakeCode Arcade (Ages 8+)
  Want to build your very own video game? Take on the fundamentals of computer science and video game concepts and let family and friends in on the action when you publish your own game with MakeCode Arcade.

• Harry Potter Creative Coding Workshop (Ages 6+)
  Discover code for the first time and explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Make and code your very own wand with the Harry Potter Kano coding kit, as you build a foundation of skills. Code your own fireworks and feed Fluffy, amongst many challenges.

  

• Harry Potter Creative Coding Camp (Ages 8+)
  Explore and code your version of iconic Wizarding World spells and charms like Wingardium Leviosa– all in an immersive experience with the Harry Potter Kano Coding kit.

• Code a Talking Robot with OhBot (Ages 8+)
  Teach a robot to speak and move, all with code. Using computational thinking, you and your OhBot will explore speech recognition and face-tracking technologies.
• Make Hustle Happen, Start Your Own Business or Champion a Cause (Ages 13+)
  Meet some NFL players who “make hustle happen” through their own side businesses. Learn how to create your own side hustle or support a philanthropic effort and develop an action plan with the pros.
• Creating Connections with Dear Evan Hansen (Ages 13+)
  What does a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical have to do with technology? “Dear Evan Hansen” is groundbreaking musical exploring isolation in the age of social media. Participate in the new initiative it’s sparking that’s empowering teens to build more meaningful connections in their daily lives – with family, friends, and their community.

Register for one of these camps from Microsoft here.

Camps are on a ratio of 1-2 instructors per 10 children. They are a knowledgeable staff that is true trailblazers in their field. I am so happy that we got to get an exclusive look at these fantastic STEM-based Summer Camps that Microsoft offers free to children. I love how the company is using their technology and expertise to empower our youth and help them develop skills that will be life-changing for them as they grow. If you have the opportunity to sign up your child for one of the camps, don’t hesitate.

Let us know:

What camp do you think your child would be most excited to join? Did this article help you learn about Microsoft and their amazing STEM camps and classes? Has your child ever taken a class or camp session with Microsoft? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Pin it for later