Minecraft Modding in Java

Price: Starting at $399
Age: 13 - 17
Skill Level: Beginner–Advanced

About This Course

Go beyond the fundamentals and get straight to production-level Java coding with Minecraft. You'll modify a living code base in this ever-popular game, creating custom tools, blocks, and mobs. Unleash the power of Java while gaining critical problem-solving skills for future careers and personal projects.

Tools: Minecraft Java Edition, Java, IntelliJ

Topics Covered

Use variables, functions, and control structures to customize Minecraft
Code in Java
Create Minecraft mods
Develop logical thinking and problem-solving skills

Sample Schedule

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: Discuss Minecraft Mods & Code Structure

To begin, students will discuss Minecraft mods and learn how the code is structured. As an example, they will examine how to utilize Java to add custom ore into the game.

Tuesday: Code Custom Items & Textures

Focusing on custom items, students will build on previous concepts to code items with functionality and custom textures. Then, they will expand on that knowledge by creating custom tools and learning about recipes and JSON coding.

Wednesday: Construct Code for Custom Blocks

Next, students will construct code for custom blocks with functionality and textures and expand on JSON knowledge with block drops.

Thursday: Create a Unique Mob with Attributes

Students will take their Java programming knowledge even further by creating a unique mob with attributes. They will use 2D art to customize any item, block, tool, or mob that has been created.

Friday: Finalize, Share & Discuss

To complete the week, finalize personal projects, share and discuss their work with their peers, and expand on any mod added to the game.

Course Formats

Virtual Camp

Ideal for kids and teens who thrive in a high-energy, team-oriented environment! Meeting Monday through Friday, campers spend 2 hours together with their peers and instructors and 2 hours working independently on their project. Not your average online learning, our virtual camps include the games and challenges that make iD Tech camps core memory makers.

Private Lessons

Ideal for kids and teens who thrive in a focused, 1-on-1 setting, need flexible scheduling, or both! Your child will unlock new skills at their own pace, led by an experienced mentor who is dedicated to their success. These 8, one-hour lessons feature customized curriculum and are available to be scheduled 24/7.

Portfolio-Boosting Transcript

At the conclusion of your child's course, they will receive an official iD Tech 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.”

Select your online format

Private Lessons $449

8 lessons on your schedule

Get started

Frequently Asked Questions

What is modding?

Think mod = modification. There are thousands of Minecraft mods, each of them designed to change the game in some way, whether with a special environment, ways to speed up the game, or some other customization, mods are part of why kids love Minecraft. Plus, they’re a surefire way to motivate kids to learn to code! With the power of Java coding, kids can mod Minecraft - or alter the game’s original code - by adding custom items and blocks to enhance gameplay and expand the open-world game even further.

Why should my child learn with Minecraft?

For kids ready to hone their Java skills, Minecraft offers an engaging landscape of possibilities. Constructive game time that incorporates Java is an ideal bridge that connects valuable programming skills with the game kids already love.

What college and career opportunities can this course lead to?

By developing sophisticated programming skills, teens will build a competitive edge in the fastest-growing STEM industries out there today. As an added bonus, Java is the language used in all AP computer science classes, not to mention professional programming, and is an essential language for any aspiring computer science major and future software engineer!

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 online camp experience like?

While we are proud to offer world-class experiences on many of the world’s most prestigious university campuses, we also recognize that many families need the flexibility of quality virtual learning! It’s with these families in mind that we’ve adapted the core elements of our flagship camps to an online format with our Virtual Tech Camps.

Like our on-campus programs, Virtual Tech Camps feature structured small-group sessions led by expert instructors. Each week includes live teaching of our signature, cutting-edge curriculum, plus peer collaboration, social time, and independent project work. To complete the experience, our Virtual Tech Camps incorporate all the magic of summer camp including games, challenges, and legendary iD traditions!

What are the technical requirements for this online course?

To run an online course with iD Tech, students will need a Mac or Windows computer (no Chromebooks, unless otherwise specified), Minecraft Java Edition, a webcam, and a stable internet connection with access to Zoom video conferencing. Additional info on course-specific installation requirements will be communicated after registration.