As schools throughout the New England area begin their summer breaks, so begins the worry of summer boredom and infamous brain drain affecting kids this summer. But just because it is summer doesn’t mean the learning has to take a break (or kids have to give up their summer fun) — Microsoft Stores are here to help with free summer programming offered all season long.
It’s no surprise that STEM education – science, technology, engineering and math – is growing increasingly popular in interest and is necessary to be integrated throughout a child’s education to be most effective. With YouthSpark Summer Camps offered at Microsoft Stores located in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, kids this summer will have the opportunity to learn how to code while having fun by building their own video games, and how to develop, package and pitch their own business ideas through new camps taught by Microsoft’s in-store technology experts:
- Kodu Makerspace – Kids age 8 to 11 can create rich and exciting games with Kodu Game Lab in this beginner-level camp. Kids learn coding fundamentals and how to build games in a fun, hands-on environment that fosters creativity, curiosity, and collaboration.
- Learn to Code Flatverse – Recommended for kids 12 and older, students can build a Flatverse game using TouchDevelop in this intermediate-level camp. Kids learn coding fundamentals, then get hands-on instruction on how to read and write basic code themselves.
- Start Your Own Business – Offers entrepreneurial kids the knowledge, tools and support to make their business idea a reality. Kids will learn key concepts from testing their product or idea to protecting it, and receive training on how to create their own business pitch. All graduates will leave with a basic business plan and polished pitch, and the opportunity to present their idea to local entrepreneurs. This camp is for students 13 and older.
Registration for these classes just opened and they fill up fast. Get more details on each camp and register at microsoftstore.com/summercamps or microsoftstore.com/locations.