Youth Programs
SUNY Jefferson
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Youth Programs

Start the college experience young!

When we say we believe in lifelong learning, we mean it.  Having young adults and children on campus is exciting and rewarding. 

We offer events, workshops, athletic camps and even Kids' College during the summer to our local youth.  Our faculty hosts large scale events such as Super Science Saturday and Spaghetti Bridge (yes, making bridges out of spaghetti) on campus each year.  We have community events with groups like the Girl Scouts and others on campus each semester.

Engaging with young children and young adults is important to who we are and how higher education can influence their future.

Black Rocket - Youth STEAM Summer Courses

Roblox Coders Artwork

ROBLOX® Coders & Entrepreneurs!

Discover the Lua language through a visual block coding system while designing worlds in ROBLOX®, an online universe where you can create anything you dream of. This new class combines game design concepts, coding, and fun! Young entrepreneurs will also learn how to navigate ROBLOX’s fast-growing marketplace to publish their games. Student-created games will be available on a password protected Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. 

*Compatible with MAC and Windows OS only.  
*Review the tech specs: https://blackrocket.com/online-tech-specs

Date/Time Ages Cost
July 11-15, 2022
1:00pm-3:30pm 
8-11 $169
July 11-15, 2022
9:30am-12:00pm
11-14 $169

 

Make Your First Video Game artworkMake Your First Video Game! 

If you love playing video games, this is the camp for you! Make your first video game in this one-of-a-kind class that shows you the keys to designing your first 2D platformer game. Conceptualization, play experience, level design, graphics, sounds, and simple coding are just some of the concepts that we’ll explore. No prior experience necessary, just a desire to have fun. Student projects will be available on a password protected Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. Games are only compatible on PC computers. Returning students can create more advanced projects that build on previous years.   

Ages: 8-11 and 11-14                                                                           

*Compatible with Windows OS only.  
*Review the tech specs: https://blackrocket.com/online-tech-specs

Date/Time Ages Cost
July 18-22, 2022
9:30am-12:00pm,
8-11 $169
July 18-22, 2022
1:00pm-3:30pm,
11-14 $169


Mincraft Modders artworkMinecraft® Modders 

Customize your own Minecraft world and mod the classic game in this one of a kind class. Learn scripting and logic statements as you create your first mods. Students will create a wide variety of new elements, gameplay mechanics, and world generating mods to change the way you play Minecraft. Projects will be available on a password protected Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. Students must own a Java version of Minecraft to take this class. Tablet, phone, and game console versions of Minecraft are not compatible. Returning students can create more advanced projects that build on previous years. 

Ages: 8-11 and 11-14               

*Compatible with MAC and Windows OS only. Purchase Minecraft Java Edition 

*Review the tech specs: https://blackrocket.com/online-tech-specs

Date/Time Ages Cost
July 18-22, 2022
1:00pm-3:30pm 
8-11 $169
July 18-22, 2022
9:30am-12:00pm
11-14 $169


Robolox Makers ArtworkUnlock the power of ROBLOX® Studio, the world creation tool used by real-world ROBLOX® developers! Learn how to build 3D models and create an adventure in your ROBLOX® world. Bring characters to life with unique animations you design. Student-created projects will be available on a password protected Black Rocket website to share with friends and family.  

Ages: 8-11 and 11-14                                                               

*Compatible with MAC and Windows OS only.  
*Review the tech specs: https://blackrocket.com/online-tech-specs

Date/Time Ages Cost
July 18-22, 2022
9:30am-12:00pm
8-11 $169

July 18-22, 2022
1:00pm-3:30pm 

11-14 $169


Code Breakers ArtworkCode Breakers

Calling all future coders, programmers, & designers! Learn the basics of coding languages like HTML, JavaScript, and CSS through a series of web projects and design challenges each day and be on your way to becoming the next tech star! Whether you want to be a silicon valley CEO or the high school student who just made $1 million dollars for programming in her bedroom, this course has the essentials you need to begin your journey. Projects will be available on a Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. Returning students can create more advanced projects that build on previous years.   

Ages 8-11 and 11-14                                                          

*Compatible with MAC, Windows and Chrome OS. 
*Review the tech specs: https://blackrocket.com/online-tech-specs

Date/Time Ages Cost

July 25-29, 2022
1:00pm-3:30pm 

8-11 $169
July 25-29, 2022
9:30am-12:00pm
11-14 $169


Minecraft Redstone Engineers ArtworkMinecraft® Redstone Engineers

Take the next step beyond simply “playing” Minecraft and become a true Redstone engineer. Expand your Redstone knowledge by constructing your own carnival with a variety of mini-games, roller coasters, and attractions powered by Redstone. Learn how to use Command and Structure blocks to incorporate them into your builds. Activate your skills and take your Minecraft structures to the next level! Students must own a Java version of Minecraft to take this class. Tablet, phone, and game console versions of Minecraft are not compatible. 

Ages 8-11 and 11-14                

*Compatible with MAC and Windows OS only.  Purchase Minecraft Java Edition     
*Review the tech specs: https://blackrocket.com/online-tech-specs

Cost: $169

Date/Time Ages Cost
July 25-29, 2022
9:30am-12:00pm
8-11 $169
July 25-29, 2022
1:00pm-3:30pm 
11-14 $169


3D Game Design with Unity Artwork3D Game Design with Unity 

Are you ready to take your game design skills to another level? With Unity, an industry-grade design software, aspiring game designers will learn level editing, 3D modeling, impactful gameplay creation, as well as how to utilize scripts and variables. Student-created games will be available on a password protected Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. Returning students can create more advanced projects that build on previous years.   

Ages: 8-11 and 11-14   

*Compatible with MAC and Windows OS only and requires a 64-bit operating system. 
*Review the tech specs: https://blackrocket.com/online-tech-specs

Date/Time Ages Cost
August 1-5, 2022
1:00pm-3:30pm 
8-11 $169
August 1-5, 2022
9:30am-12:00pm
11-14 $169


Minecraft Designers Artwork

Minecraft® Designers 

If you love the game Minecraft and always wanted to design your own world, this class is for you! Learn how to create a custom map, design structures to share between worlds, build with Redstone and Command blocks, and create custom textures for you to import at home or share with friends. Students must own a Java version of Minecraft to take this class. Tablet, phone, and game console versions of Minecraft are not compatible. Returning students can create more advanced projects that build on previous years. 

Ages: 8-11 and 11-14               

*Compatible with MAC and Windows OS only. Purchase Minecraft Java Edition
*Review the tech specs: https://blackrocket.com/online-tech-specs

Date/Time Ages Cost
August 1-5, 2022
9:30am-12:00pm
8-11 $169
August 1-5, 2022
1:00pm-3:30pm
11-14 $169


Python Programmers Artwork

Python Programmers 

Want to learn the world's fastest-growing programming language favored by Google, NASA, Youtube, and the CIA? ​Learn how to code with Python to create engaging apps and games. Each lesson takes you step-by-step on a programming path that will let you challenge friends with fun content you create from start to finish!​  Returning students can create more advanced projects that build on previous years​.  

Ages: 8-11 and 11-14                                                          

*Compatible with MAC, Windows and Chrome OS.  
*Review the tech specs: https://blackrocket.com/online-tech-specs

Date/Time Ages Cost
August 1-5, 2022 
4:30pm-7:00pm,
8-11 $169
August 1-5, 2022 
1:00pm-3:30pm
11-14 $169


Javascript Developer Jam artwork

JavaScript Developer Jam

Learn programming tools so powerful they seem like magic! Start off by learning an array of core programming concepts with JavaScript by experimenting in a series of digital challenges. Start with programming your first animated memes, then tackle more advanced skills such as interactive 3D experiences and game creation. Projects will be available on a password protected Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. 

Ages: 8-11 and 11-14                                                         

*Compatible with MAC, Windows and Chrome OS.  
*Review the tech specs: https://blackrocket.com/online-tech-specs

Date/Time Ages Cost
August 8-12, 2022
1:00pm-3:30pm 
8-11 $169
August 8-12, 2022
9:30am-12:00pm
11-14 $169


YouTube FX Masters Workshop Artwork

YouTube® FX Masters

Do you love movies with exciting special effects, like The Avengers, Star Wars, or Harry Potter? Amaze your friends by swinging a lightsaber or blasting fire from your hands and becoming a master of the illusions used by Hollywood artists to create visual effects magic. Whether you want to enhance your YouTube videos or create a cool scene to amaze your friends; this class teaches the tools you need. Experiment with visual effects as you learn the dynamics of camera angles, editing, graphic layering, and sound effects. Then watch as your new creations take your channel content to the next level! Student projects are available on a password protected Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. 

Ages 8-11 and 11-14     

*A webcam is required, compatible with MAC and Windows OS only, and requires a 64-bit operating system.   
*Review the tech specs: https://blackrocket.com/online-tech-specs

Date/Time Ages Cost
August 8-12, 2022
9:30am-12:00pm
8-11 $169
August 8-12, 2022
1:00pm-3:30pm
11-14 $169


Battle Royal Workshop Head Image

Battle Royale: Make Your First Fortnite® Style Video Game

Fans of Fortnite we need you! Instead of playing the game, design your own. Using a professional 3D game development software, build levels and assets inspired by popular battle royale games like Fortnite. Students can participate in eSports League matches against other schools across the country with a chance to have their levels featured in the Black Rocket master build of the game! This course includes cartoonish action and battle sequences. Student-created games will be available on a password protected Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. 

Ages: 8-11 and 11-14   

*Compatible with MAC and Windows OS only and requires a 64-bit operating system. 
*Review the tech specs: https://blackrocket.com/online-tech-specs

Date/Time Ages Cost
August 15-19, 2022
9:30am-12:00pm
8-11 $169
August 15-19, 2022
1:00pm-3:30pm
11-14 $169


YouTube Content Creators Artwork

YouTube® Content Creators

Find your voice and leave your mark on the world! Whether you are six or sixteen, it’s time to start a career as the next YouTube star. Explore the variety of content and personalities that exist on YouTube and how to find your own niche. Learn the Dos and Don’ts of the platform and how to practice good digital citizenship. Develop your on-camera presence, your own channel branding, and professional editing skills. Take home a plan for launching your own channel with the content created in class! Student projects will be available on a password protected Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. 

Ages 8-11 and 11-14     

*A webcam is required for this course and it is compatible with MAC and Windows OS only. 
*Review the tech specs: https://blackrocket.com/online-tech-specs

Date/Time Ages Cost
August 15-19, 2022
1:00pm-3:30pm 
8-11 $169
August 15-19, 2022
9:30am-12:00pm
11-14 $169

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