Game Engineering Lab

Game Engineering Lab: Handheld Consoles 🎮🔧 (Rising 6–8)

Ready to level up from playing games to engineering them? In Game Engineering Lab, middle school students will design, program, and test their own retro-style video games and run them on real handheld gaming devices. Campers will explore how software and hardware work together as they build games that respond to buttons, display graphics on a screen, and follow clear rules and goals.

Throughout the week, students will learn core programming and engineering concepts such as input and output, variables, conditionals, debugging, and iterative design. Campers will program their games using an approachable game-development environment, test their code on physical devices, and refine both gameplay and controls through hands-on experimentation. Depending on the group and pacing, students may also explore hardware assembly, customization, or introductory soldering as an extension activity.

With a strong emphasis on problem-solving, persistence, and real-world engineering practices, this camp is perfect for curious and motivated students who enjoy figuring out how things work. The week culminates in a showcase where campers share their handheld games and explain how their systems function.

Please note: There is no afternoon camp option. However, students who are interested in participating in the afternoon program may apply to be a Counselor-in-Training (CIT). Students must fill out an application in order to be a CIT.