FAQ
The IU Media School Game Development Camp ensures that each child has a safe and productive week learning how to make games. Below are frequently asked questions. If your question is not on this page, contact Andrew Behringer, Administrative Director for the camp, by email or phone at 812-856-8083.
Who sponsors this camp?
In its 12th year, the camp is organized through The Media School at Indiana University Bloomington. The camp is led by Andrew Behringer as Administrative Director, and Rush Swope as Academic Director.
Will my child be safe?
The Game Development Camp ensures the safety of your child while he or she is attending the camp, either as a commuting or overnight student. Indiana University also has guidelines, which this program follows.
For overnight campers, the residence halls provide card access only security to the building, the individual floors, and the rooms. This prevents anyone other than registered campers from accessing the residence hall.
Which camp should my child attend?
As far as the in-person sessions, the 3D camp material is generally more challenging than the 2D camp material, due to how many additional concepts are involved, but neither camp requires any prior training. The 2D and 3D camps are independent of each other, so either may be taken first. A question to ask is whether the student is more excited about 2D games or 3D games.
The Online Game Development Camp mainly focuses on the elements from the 2D Camp, while also incorporating specialized talks on art, sound, and design and other elements of the game development process.
Will my child be on their own on campus? Is there supervision as they travel from one building to the next?
Campers will be supervised at all times. As they move from one building to the next there will be at least two counselors with them. For overnight campers, there will be supervision for any evening activities.
Are there any scholarships available for attending the camp?
We are happy to offer several scholarships. The application form can be found here.
Will my child be exposed to mature-rated content?
Any media the camp will use for demonstration will be rated T for Teen or younger. We use the Entertainment Software Rating Board‘s guidelines.
What are the age restrictions for the camp?
We are typically have students aged 12–18. The mathematical and logical material might be out of reach for students younger than 12, which might lead to an unsatisfactory experience. We encourage collaboration and discussion, and we feel students under 12 may not comfortably fit in with the older students. However, if the applicant doesn’t quite meet the cut-off age, and you feel that he or she is a good fit, then feel free to email us at gamecamp@indiana.edu.
Where are the in-person camps located?
The camp activities begin and end each day on the Indiana University Bloomington campus. The building used for classroom instruction is Franklin Hall (601 E Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN 47405).
Students signed up for the overnight option stay at Teter Residence Hall (501 N Sunrise Dr., Bloomington, IN 47406). The building is located on the Indiana University Bloomington Campus. It is a short walking distance from the classroom building (0.9 miles).
Dining will be held at Forest Residence Hall (1725 E 3rd St, Bloomington, IN 47406) and is a short walk from the classroom building (0.9 miles)
What are the pick-up/drop-off times for the camp?
The camp runs from 9AM–5PM Monday through Friday, where drop-off is between 8:30-9AM and pick-up is between 5-5:30PM. For overnight students, drop off will be the Sunday before camp starts between 5-6pm EST. Pickup will be at the finale event on the Friday of camp, which goes from 4-5:30pm.
What kind of food is offered?
Lunch (and dinner, for overnight campers) is included and takes place at the Forest Residence Center. Many types of diets are accommodated by the variety of options, as can be found on the university’s Residential Programs and Services NetNutrition guide. Breakfast items (granola bars, fruit cups etc.) will be provided at the overnight Teter Resience Hall.
What does camp cost?
The tuition for the Online Game Development Camp is $500, which includes a t-shirt and course curriculum. The tuition for the in-person camps is $500 for non-overnight attendees and $850 for overnight attendees. This includes a shirt, meals, and a water bottle. There are scholarships available for all camps.
How do I sign up?
You may sign up here. Once the form on that page is complete, you will be automatically redirected to Indiana University’s payment processor on a different site.
What if my question is not answered here?
Contact Administrative Director Andrew Behringer by email or phone, 812-856-8083.