Media Summer Camps

MSU Media Summer Camps are pre-college programs that engage 6-12th-grade students with media and technology topics including video game design, 2D & 3D animation, and eSports broadcasting of Super Smash Bros. gameplay, all led by MSU faculty and students, as well as industry professionals. Each camp includes five full days of interactive and intensive instruction, culminating in a showcase of student work on the final day. Students may participate in day-only instruction, or stay overnight as a visiting residential student, where they will stay in dorms on campus. Overnight stay is available for high school students only.

Day-only: $750 / Overnight: : $1150 / 2-week Immersive GameDev: $2250

Media Summer Camp Information

Immersive Game Design Camp (2-weeks): July 12-24, 2020

This is a two-week immersion camp. Students will spend the first-week exploring specific topics in game design and development, including writing engaging and interactive narratives, concept art, sound design, and level design. They will then spend the second week putting all of that knowledge together into one complete interactive experience. Rooming and meals during the weekend of July 14-15 are included. There is no day-only option for this camp.

eSports Camp: Super Smash Bros Ultimate: July 13-17, 2020

Students will not only spend time playing video games at a competitive level but will also learn how to record and stream their own gameplay like the professionals. Students will study film and game replays, practice techniques essential to competition, and receive top-level coaching for both gameplay and streaming. Please note that Smash Bros students will need to bring their own hardware to run their games.

2D Digital Art Camp (NEW!): Designing Monsters - Pokemon: July 20-24, 2020

In this course, students will have a full overview of what's involved in order to create Pokemon. Starting with basic concepts of design and how to create iconic and cool characters, we will then have a brief overview of the basics of anatomy for figures and creatures to finally analyze (lots of) Pokemon and create our own Pokemon or monsters.

3D Animation Camp: July 13-17, 2020; July 20-24, 2020

3D Animation Camp teaches students the basics of concept and creation of computer-generated imagery (CGI). Throughout the week, students learn to model three-dimensional objects from pre-derived assets and then animate for film and video game applications. Students learn the foundation of rigging and texturing, and how to add character motion like walking and jumping.

Beginner Video Game Design: July 13-17, 2020; July 20-24, 2020

The Video Game Design Camp teaches students the basics of game design and development. Throughout the week, students are engaged in the game design process, from the initial game ideation, storyboarding, and pitching to the iterative development process of prototyping, playtesting, and balancing. Students learn the process, tasks, and roles involved in game development, including programmer, artist, designer, and producer, while building their very own 3D video game.

Advanced Video Game Design Camp: July 20-24, 2020

Building on the basic foundations of the beginner camp, students will learn the ins and outs of 3D level design and build levels for their own game.
Prerequisites: Students must take our Video Game Design Camp before taking the Advanced Video Game Design Camp. Students can take the Video Game Design Camp either the week before or in a previous summer.

Day-only camps, no overnight option.

2D Digital Art Camp (NEW!): Designing Monsters - Pokemon: July 27-31, 2020

Beginner Video Game Design: July 27-31, 2020

Day-Only Camp: $750

Includes all instruction, instructional materials, computer facilities, all day-time activities and supervision. Students receive a lunch meal plan through University cafeteria services. The lunch plan is required so students become more familiar with campus and gain a more meaningful college experience by participating in student life at MSU. The University cafeteria offers a diverse menu every day, and caters to every individual's dietary restrictions.
Camp is Monday - Friday. Camp hours run 9am - 5pm daily during programming.
Overnight stay and evening activities are not included.

Overnight/Residential Option: $1,150

Students check in the Sunday night prior to the start date of camp.

Includes all of the features of the Day-Only camp.
Overnight lodging for 5 nights (Sunday-Thursday nights).
Breakfast, lunch and dinner meals throughout the programming week.
Night and recreational activities.
Overnight chaperone supervision.

Two-week Immersive Game Development Camp: $2,250

Students check in the Sunday night prior to the start date of camp (7/12/2020).

Includes all of the features of the Overnight/Residential camp.
Overnight lodging for 12 nights (Sunday, 7/12/2020 - Friday, 7/24/20).
Starting Monday, 7/13/20, breakfast, lunch and dinner meals will be provided on each day.
Night and weekend recreational activities.
Overnight and weekend chaperone supervision.
There is no Day-only option for this camp.

The 2020 Scholarships applications are now open!

2020 Media Camps Scholarship Form

There are a limited number of camp scholarships available each summer. The majority of scholarships awarded are partial scholarships that cover a portion of the camp tuition.

Scholarships are awarded based on an illustration of financial need and student's ability to communicate how attending MSU Media Camps will be meaningful for them.

Application cycles are open from January 1 - May 30 of the relevant programming year. All submissions are due May 30 for scholarship consideration. The scholarship committee will review applications after the close of the current programming cycle, and notify applicants within two weeks of this date of their award status. Award recipients must notify the scholarship committee within 7 days of whether they will accept or decline the award.

How does registration work with a scholarship?

Students may not register for camp without payment. Students requiring scholarship in order to attend may not register and hold a seat in the hopes they will be a scholarship recipient. Our most popular programs may fill up before scholarship applications are reviewed. Students that register and pay for camp are guaranteed a seat in the program, and are still fully considered for scholarships should they apply.

We hold a few seats in each camp for students that require full scholarships to attend. Scholarship winners will be sent a separate registration link with their award notification.

Other Details

If you receive a full camp tuition scholarship, you will need to complete the informational part of registration. If you are registering as a day-only student, your registration is complete. If you are registering as an overnight student, you will be asked to complete payment for the remaining balance.
If you receive a partial scholarship, you will need to complete the informational part of the registration process and pay the balance remaining of the camp costs when you register.
If you receive a partial scholarship, but are unable to pay the remaining balance towards the camper's cost of attendance, scholarship awards will be offered to another applicant.
There is no cash value for scholarship recipients.
Scholarship awards are not transferable to other MSU pre-college programs or programs outside the University.
All scholarship awards are applied directly to student accounts towards the cost of attendance. If parents or students have paid for the camp in full and become notified that the participating camper is also a scholarship recipient, scholarship funds will be applied towards the student’s account and a refund is processed.
Should the participating student's school offer summer scholarship for external elective academic programs, we are happy to apply or combine scholarship towards the participant's account.

Become a Sponsor!

Currently, most media camp scholarships are internally funded by Michigan State University Pre-College Programs/Department of Media and Information. Consider being a sponsor so we can offer more scholarship opportunities to students. Please visit our Sponsorships tab for more information.

What is the program cancellation/refund policy?
Please view the University Policies page for a complete overview of MSU Media Camps' cancellation and refund policy:

There is a non-refundable, non-transferable processing/holding fee of $100. Those who have enrolled in camp, but have not made payment within 48 hours of registration will be removed from the registration roster. Your seat is not reserved until payment is received. Camp payments, less the $100 non-refundable processing/holding fee, are refundable up until 6 weeks prior to the start of the confirmed camp week/session. No refunds will be issued for cancellations or withdrawals within 6 weeks of the start of confirmed camp week/session.

When does registration close?
Programs are open on a rolling basis until the section is full.

What are the dates for 2019 MSU Media Summer Camps?
Summer programs take place July 8-12, and July 15-19.

Do you have a detailed copy of the program you can share with me?
All publishable details of MSU Media Summer Camps can be found in our Program Handbook.

Where do camp residential students stay overnight on campus?
Our students stay in a dorm. Overnight students check-in the Sunday before camp instruction begins.

Where is the student showcase the last day of camp?
Families and friends are welcome to see what students made during their camp experience by attending the student showcase the final day of camp. Visitors may find parking at the garage ramp located at the corners of Red Cedar and Trowbridge roads one block south of the Communication Arts and Sciences building, across from the MSU police station. You will need to pay for parking at one of the kiosks located near the exit closest to the building.

What kinds of food are available for students who attend the residential program?
Michigan State University offers a variety of healthy food options that account for students with food allergies, intolerances or religious observations, including menu items to support ovo-lacto vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and kosher diets, among others. All food items are labeled with a listing of ingredients. Students are encouraged to confirm with MSU chefs which available food choices adhere to individual dietary restrictions. You may review MSU food dietary information here.

When will I hear if I receive a scholarship?
We accept scholarship applications until May 1st. Our scholarship committee reviews applications and notifies individuals who receive a scholarship the last week of May of that programming year. Recipients must accept or deny the scholarship within 10 days of notification.

How can I maintain my skills once camp ends?
Stay involved by following us on Facebook. We regularly post news and resources that can help you maintain and continue to develop your skills.

I am interested in pursuing these kinds of programs in college. Who do I contact to get more information about related majors and questions I have about college?
Send us an inquiry at mediacamps@msu.edu. We can connect with MSU's college counselors, faculty or advisors who can help you as you navigate your college and career choice.

Sponsorship Levels and Payment Methods

Thank you for your support! Your contribution supports student scholarships, programs and activities related to pre-college programs offered by the Department of Media and Information.

Although there are varying sponsorship levels, each with their own rewards, we welcome any donation size. You may sponsor as a corporation or as an individual. Your contribution is tax deductible, which the University will acknowledge by sending you appropriate forms once your contribution is received.

The University’s two convenient payment methods include:

Credit Card

For your convenience, MSU will gladly accept your donation through our safe and secure payment system through the University's Giving-To Website. Please select Department of Media and Information Pre-college programs to designate your support for MSU Media Summer Camps.

Check

Send your donation directly to the University's account services:

MSU Media Camp Sponsorship
 Michigan State University 
Department of Media and Information (MI) 
Communication Arts and Sciences 
404 Wilson Road, Room 409
 East Lansing, MI 48824

Sponsorship Levels

Gold Sponsorship of $1,095 or more

Sponsors one or more student for an overnight/residential camp stay. This includes the day camp of their choice, on-campus stay in a dorm for 5 nights (Sunday-Thursday nights), 3 meals per day and night activities.

Sponsor receives:

Link to your company's website (or blog) via your logo.
Thank-you on all social media outlets (with a link to your website).
Acknowledgment in any print, digital communication or broadcasted interstitials through the following programming year.
A letter of thanks and appreciation gift, on behalf of our Department and from the student recipient.

Silver Sponsorship - $725 - $1,095

Sponsors one student for the day camp of his or her choice, or partial scholarships.

Sponsor receives:

Link to your company's website.
Thank-you on all social media outlets (with a link to your website).
A letter of thanks and appreciation gift, on behalf of our department and from the student recipient.

Bronze Sponsorship - $400 or less

Sponsors one student for the day camp of his or her choice, or partial scholarships.

Sponsor receives:

Link to your company's website.
Thank-you on all social media outlets (with a link to your website).

Sponsorship Information

What Your Sponsorship Supports

During the summer, the Department of Media and Information within the College of Communication Arts and Sciences hosts weeklong Media Summer Camps for pre-college age students. Participants receive hands-on instruction and create their own projects adapted from related college majors and professional areas. Students gain exposure and experience that will help inform their college choice and field of study. Camp topics include Game Development and Interactive Media for Web and Mobile Applications, Introduction to Computing, Web Design, Television Broadcasting, 3D Animation and Digital Cinema.

We believe these programs offer a substantial resource to the community, as well as provide a meaningful pre-college experience to students exploring future fields of study and careers. As a result of attending these programs, students gain useful technology skills, spend time becoming familiar with a large research institution, learn about future career options and develop relationships with current University faculty and college-age students.

Media Camps are STEAM-based programs (programs related to science, technology, engineering, art and math) and are examined closely for their ability to impact students' knowledge base and increase preparation for higher education.

How Your Sponsorship Helps

Please consider donating funds to assist students who cannot afford to attend pre-college programs. Every year, we receive letters from students and parents whose financial hardships exclude them or their children from attending MSU programs.

Camp sponsorship can help provide a meaningful college experience through faculty and college student mentorship interaction, intensive learning and skill development that increases students preparedness for college. Students who are able to attend pre-college programs are eligible for additional scholarship, programming opportunities and receive added consideration on their admission to MSU. We hope to transform lives through these experiences, and your support will help us reach many more students!

If you have questions, you can email mediacamps@msu.edu or call 517-432-9841.

From all of us in the Department of Media and Information, and from future Media Summer Camp attendees, we thank you.

The University holds a set of operational requirements for MSU Media Summer Camps that all participants and youth programs are accountable for that you should be aware of before registering for any pre-college program.

The University must collect and retain the following forms to enroll your student in MSU pre-college programs:

Parents must review completely and agree to all terms set forth in these documents for each participating student.

University Policies

All parents are equipped with an electronic handbook that includes comprehensive program and university information, available on the homepage of our website.

MSU faculty and instructors retain the right to update or make adjustments to MSU summer camps program curriculum as needed based on classroom dynamics or assessment of student skill level. Please understand, many programs are beginner oriented and do not require prerequisites. Some students come to programs with more experience, others need additional assistance to get caught up to perform tasks. We’ll do our best to standardize and cater to individual student needs, but it can impact the collective pace or focus of the program. Our primary responsibility is to provide college exposure opportunities for students interested in media and technology fields of study. Once registration is complete, students and parents will be expected to honor the program cancellation and refund policy guidelines.

Safety Information

Our mission is to provide all participants with an authentic college experience that is hands-on, skills-oriented, high-energy, unique and above all SAFE! The University strives to offer a safe and enjoyable educational environment for all minors attending programs on its campus. In support of this goal, MSU summer camps hold a set of operational requirements that should bring parents peace-of-mind.

All our faculty, staff and volunteers complete a mandatory criminal background and sexual offender check, not just once but before every programming year. Each staff member goes through a series of trainings, and are certified in the following areas:

Program responsibilities and expectations.
Program policies and procedures.
Safety and security precautions.
Prohibited harassment and reporting obligations.
Reporting protocols for suspected child abuse or sexual assault.
Activity or sports concussion awareness.
CPR, first-aid, first-respondent, emergency response and accident response.
Mental health and wellness reporting and assistance.

Our Media Summer Camp staff is selected based on performance, compliance review and professional endorsements. 100% of our faculty has worked with our student assistant instructors and mentors, confirming their academic excellence. We regularly review the quality of our programs, from our curriculum to our instructors, to ensure we are delivering an exceptional experience to all.

Students evaluate our instructors and programs as well at the end of camp! Feedback directly impacts the future direction and offerings of MSU Media Summer Camps.

All parents and students should be aware of the following policies before enrolling.

Safety and security procedures.
University rules, program rules and behavioral expectations.
University reporting protocols for suspected child abuse and sexual assault at orientation.

Every camper has an assigned chaperone, instructor and assistant instructor. Our programs have a limited enrollment so we can maintain a high teacher/chaperone to student ratio to foster personalized learning, adult accessibility and meaningful relationships at the University.

Need to get in touch with your child? Unexpected change of schedule, scheduling conflict or family emergency? Our program director is available 24/7 during programming dates to assist families with special requests or emergencies. Call 517-432-9841.

Program Cancellation and Refund Policy

For each week of camp and for each camper, there is a non-refundable, non-transferable processing/holding fee of $100. Those who have enrolled in camp, but have not made payment within 48 hours of registration will be removed from the registration roster. Your seat is not reserved until payment is received.

No refunds will be issued for early withdrawal due to absences (for any reason, including sickness), behavioral dismissals, power failures, unforeseeable events not within the control of the MSU Media Summer Camps or other acts of nature. If students leave camp early for ANY reason, the tuition is NOT prorated and no refund will be issued.

Camp payments, less the $100 non-refundable processing/holding fee, are refundable up until 6 weeks prior to the start of the confirmed camp week/session. No refunds will be issued for cancellations or withdrawals within 6 weeks of the start of confirmed camp week/session.

All cancellations must be submitted in writing and submitted to the MSU Media Summer Camp office no later than 6 weeks prior to the start of camp. Please note that refunds will not be issued without written confirmation from parent or guardian, stating that the camper's parent/guardian is aware of MSU Media Summer Camp's cancellation policy and they understand that the processing/holding fee amount is non-refundable. The processing/holding fee amount for the MSU Media Summer Camps is $100 per camp per student.

Cancellation notification may be emailed. To cancel via email, send your notification to mediacamps@msu.edu. Please note in the subject line "Camp Cancellation" and make sure to include camper name, camp name and camp dates.

If MSU Media Summer Camps must cancel a program offering and cannot find a suitable alternative programming option that the registered student would like to attend, we will issue a full refund.

Parent and Student Testimonials:

"My son had a fantastic time! He took the Smash bros this year & will sign up for the immersive camp next summer. Before camp he thought he wanted to attend MSU in video gaming, after the camp, he knows for sure this is his life's path. Thanks for giving him such a positive experience. Spartans Will!"

"My child loved everything about the camp"

"I absolutely loved my class and was very happy that I decided to take it again. I was also very pleased with how the counselors managed all of the campers and did their best to interact with them."

"I enjoyed working with my team members to work game ideas, create the game itself, and problem-solving"

"The classes and the instructors were the best"

Questions?

Inquire about group visit, or our online interactive game development network.