Java Coding for Game Development

Price: $1,049 (or $250 now + payments)
Age: 13 - 17
Skill Level: Beginner–Advanced
Format: iD Tech Camps | Small-Group, On-Campus
Duration: Weeklong program, 8 hours per day

About This Course

Discover the intersection of coding and graphics! Using Java, one of the world's most popular coding languages, you'll learn the fundamentals of programming through building arcade style games. Move beyond text-based programs and create visual interactions using the Processing library. With engaging graphics pushing your programs beyond console basics, you'll build a portfolio colleges will notice.

Topics Covered

Code games in Java
Identify variables, if statements, loops, classes, and constructors
Create graphics and animations using Processing
Apply game design practices
Solve programming challenges with logic and code skills

Sample Schedule

In this course, students will develop an essential Java programming skill set to create logic-based applications and games with custom user interfaces and art assets.

Here’s a sample of what a week in the course could look like! Please keep in mind that students will progress at varying paces; this is a general outline of key material and the overall student experience.

Monday

Students will explore Java fundamentals through an introduction to variables, operators, conditional statements, loops, and random numbers. They’ll code a basic project such as a MadLibs story, Guess the Number game, or Fortune Teller game.

Tuesday

Building on their knowledge, students will delve deeper into Java programming by creating logic-based applications using object-oriented concepts to build a Battle Arena and a text-based adventure game.

Wednesday

Next, students will explore advanced programming concepts and learn how to create visual interactions using the Processing library. They’ll utilize these concepts to begin building their final project, a Duck Runner game.

Thursday

Exploring interface design for applications, students will program console-based menus, rules, and playability for their Duck Runner game.

Friday

To wrap up the week, students will finalize their projects and finish out strong with a solid understanding of Java programming concepts.

Portfolio-Boosting Diploma & Transcript

At the conclusion of your child's course, they will receive an official iD Tech diploma and course transcript outlining the skills they learned over the course of the week.

Learn from the best.

Passion for tech. Unmatched expertise. Personality that brings out the absolute best in your child. With 23 years of experience, we know there's no replacement for the best teacher. It's no surprise that iconic companies like Google, EA, Microsoft, and Disney hire the same talent we do. Our iD Certified instructors possess the whole package of skills that top employers seek.

100% USA-based, adult instructors
Recruited from top universities like Stanford, Caltech, and NYU
Rigorous background and reference checks
Robust training programs and certification
Adherence to American Camp Association accredited guidelines

Instructor Highlights

Chris M.

Software Engineer
at Google

Instructor Highlights

Chris M.

Software Engineer
at Google

“My time as an iD instructor was really formative. I stayed with STEM in college as a Computer Science and Electrical Engineering major, and now I’m working at Google in Chicago. If you find yourself thinking about STEM-related things outside of school, follow that passion. Major in it. Keep pursuing it.”

Instructor Highlights

Aspen C.

Associate Designer
at Bethesda Softworks

Instructor Highlights

Aspen C.

Associate Designer
at Bethesda Softworks

“The spirit of innovation and creativity I felt around my students while teaching Unity led me toward my career as a professional game designer. My time at iD Tech taught me that no dream is too big, and that brilliant ideas can come from anywhere.”

Instructor Highlights

Brian M.

Software Engineer
at Disney

Instructor Highlights

Brian M.

Software Engineer
at Disney

“The opportunity to create an environment of collaboration, inclusion, and creativity was a truly special experience. The skills I honed while teaching at iD Tech led me to my software engineering roles at ESPN and the Walt Disney Company.”

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Java?

Java is a powerful, multi-platform programming language used for a number of professional and commercial applications—including GMail, every Android app, the Android operating system itself, Minecraft, and more! Java is a great choice when it comes to kids coding languages, and is a great avenue for beginners to dive into computer science.

Why should my child learn Java?

Used by over 5.5 billion devices worldwide, Java is one of the most popular and versatile programming languages that opens many, many doors for teens. Java, a sophisticated programming language that’s still beginner-friendly, is the perfect springboard for the AP computer science exam, building complex systems, creating apps, and much more.

What college and career opportunities can this course lead to?

Java pops up everywhere from professional hackathons to college-level computer science and other opportunities in STEM. Also, if your teen is interested in pursuing a programming career, internship, or personal project, Java is an absolute must-have. From web and app development to software engineering, Java is key to unlocking a world of possibilities.

Is this course suitable for all skill levels?

Yes, this course is designed for beginner to advanced students. Our small class size ensures that each student receives individual attention and has the freedom to learn at their own pace.

What is the camp experience like?

At our on-campus programs, students get inspired by iconic architecture, learn in our next-gen labs, and get a taste of collegiate life. With our small classes, your child will progress at their own pace with the hottest software and hardware, while learning from carefully-vetted talent sought by companies like Google, Apple, EA, and Disney. They hire who we hire.

As the only STEM educator rooted in 23+ years of legendary camp traditions, we know that when learning is fun, kids and teens stick with it! At camp, students build relationships in a fun and inclusive campus setting, and in between sessions in the labs, can be found diving into high-energy outdoor games and video game tournaments, and bonding over legendary iD traditions like raffles, pie-your-instructor Fridays, and so much more.