Game Design with Minecraft

Price: Starting at $949
Age: 7 - 9
Skill Level: Beginner–Advanced
Format: iD Tech Camps | Small-Group, On-Campus
Duration: Weeklong program, 8 hours per day

About This Course

Make Minecraft your canvas as you bring your imagination to life! You'll learn the fundamentals of game design as you build your own adventure, construct unique levels, and craft an engaging world and story. With custom resource packs and a bit of creative problem solving, you’ll add a personal touch to your Minecraft journey.

Topics Covered

Design levels and build custom maps
Create resource packs to re-skin blocks and items
Build redstone circuits and machines to solve problems
Utilize command blocks to enhance the adventure

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: Explore Adventure Maps & Brainstorm

Students will explore adventure maps and brainstorm ideas for their own custom maps and stories.

Tuesday: Block in the Basic Layout of Dungeon Map

Using imaginative storytelling, students will block in the basic layout of their dungeon map and develop a detailed environment with props and signage.

Wednesday: Implement Redstone Circuits & Puzzles

As they continue crafting their map, students will learn how to implement redstone circuits and puzzles to add new mechanics to their world.

Thursday: Use Command Blocks for Checkpoints

On the way to finalizing their project, students will learn how to use command blocks to create a hub world, checkpoints, and a mob arena.

Friday: Create a Custom Resource Pack & Beta-Test

Now it’s time for polishing! Students will wrap up by creating a custom resource pack for their map and beta-testing their game with their peers at the showcase.

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 are command blocks?

Using Java, kids can create command blocks - which are sets of instructions - in order to add a customized feature or action to existing gameplay. For example, different command blocks can change the weather, allow players to teleport, and more!

Why should my child learn with Minecraft?

The learning benefits of Minecraft are as endless as the world itself. From game design, to coding, to activating kids’ creativity and critical thinking skills, Minecraft offers a wealth of learning opportunities beyond hours of entertainment.

What college and career opportunities can this course lead to?

If your child loves to build and interact with Minecraft, they’re steps away from becoming game designer! Making the transition from playing Minecraft to thinking critically about the game is one of the best ways to encourage young kids to pursue STEM in school, college, and beyond.

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.