# Learn How to Make Your Own Games
Calling all future game makers! Are you curious about how games are made? Ever wanted to create your own interactive experience from the ground up? Register for one of two free summer camps for aspiring designers and developers, provided by Jacksonville Public Library, Kids Hope Alliance, and First Coast Esports Alliance.
Summer camps include hands-on projects every day, guided instruction with room for creative exploration, and a final showcase where students can demo their games. There is no cost to attend but space is limited! Participants are expected to commit to attend all sessions as each workshop builds upon the learning experience from the previous session.
What to Bring
- A USB drive (optional, to save your game to take home)
- A love for video games and creativity
- Students may bring their own Windows laptops if they prefer*
*PCs and peripherals are provided in the Library’s Computer Lab.
GameMaker Coding Camp (for ages 12-17)
Dive into the world of game development using GameMaker Studio 2, one of the most popular 2D game engines for beginners. GameMaker Coding Camp meets from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for two weeks starting Monday, June 9, at Main Library. Fans of Mario, Sonic the Hedgehog, Among Us, Pokémon, Undertale and more will have plenty of tools to take these inspirations and bring their ideas to life.
Click here to register by June 2. Note: There are only 16 seats available.
What Students Will Learn
- Basic Game Design Concepts
- Working with Sprites, Objects & Rooms
- Programming with GameMaker Language (GML) & Drag-and-Drop Coding
- Building Playable Games
- Debugging and Iterating on Game Ideas
Game Design Camp (for ages 7-12)
Unlock your student's creativity with this six-week game design course from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesdays starting on June 11 through July 16 at South Mandarin Branch Library. Designed for elementary-aged students, this course teaches skills like programming, digital literacy, animation, and 3D modeling. Every class has a dedicated remote instructor that collaborates with an on-site facilitator to provide students with the highest-quality learning experience. This program was made possible by the generous support of the Friends of South Mandarin Library.
Click here to register. Seats are limited.
Note: A parent or caregiver must remain in the Library with children under the age of eight.
All students retain ownership of their video game and creations permanently.
Note: The mission of First Coast Esports Alliance is to foster positive social and educational experiences using esports, gaming, and technology. You may know them from their popular afterschool "Roblox Club" at Southeast Regional Library. This summer, they're visiting two new locations, Main Library and South Mandarin Branch Library. For more information about this summer's camps, visit firstcoastesports.org/codingcamp.
For more game-related activities, programs and events, visit our Play Games at the Library page.
