Learn the real world skills behind your favorite games!
Join us this summer for 4 amazing camps that will teach your 7-10 year olds and 11-15 year olds the creative, game design, computer science, and engineering skills that are used by the creators of Memphis Escape Rooms, Amuse, and Game Nite Lounge!
Build your own escape room
JUNE 8-12
AGES 7 - 10
9AM - 12PM
AGES 11 - 15
1PM - 4PM
Location:
Puzzol Creative Headquarters
5125 Elmore Road
Memphis, TN 38134
$499 per camper
BUILD YOUR OWN ESCAPE ROOM - June 8-12
WEEK 1:
Join us to learn the ins and outs of creating an escape room!
Each day will include puzzle solving and creation exercises, but campers will go beyond just puzzles, learning everything from storyline development to room running.
They will complete the week by presenting their own finished product for gameplay!
Day 1
Play a 10-minute escape room and discuss the criteria for good theming and storyline. Understand the basic constraints for conveying a story through the medium of an escape room over a short period of time and collaborate with other campers to determine the theme and storyline for this week’s final product.
Day 2
Enter the writing room and work together to develop logical and creative puzzles designed to delight. Identify key components of logical gameplay and end with a first draft of the room that contains all puzzle elements as well as needed props.
Day 3
Return to the room draft to identify any logical gaps or ways to enhance the experience and update the planned room flow. Identify ways for the set and props to build immersion through creative world building. Construct the room’s backstory typically used for marketing the experience.
Day 4
Work with members of the Puzzol Build team to create props and decor for the final product. Film and share a marketing pitch for the experience. Finalize the room flow and create supporting documents and procedures to ensure an awesome experience.
Day 5
Beta test and adjust the room experience before inviting friends and family to experience it! Run the room by providing groups with top notch customer service. Friends and family will be invited to attend an end of camp party and sign up for a time slot to experience their camper’s 10 minute escape room challenge.
THE ART AND SCIENCE OF PLAY
JUNE 22-26
AGES 7 - 10
9AM - 12PM
AGES 11 - 15
1PM - 4PM
Location:
AMUSE
3115 Walnut Grove Rd
Memphis, TN 38111
$499 per camper
THE ART AND SCIENCE OF PLAY - June 22-26
WEEK 2:
Join us for a deep dive into how to design engaging gameplay!
Campers will experience Amuse and discuss the design aspects of good and satisfying game creation. They will complete exercises in designing an Adventure or Battle from scratch as well as designing additional levels for existing game structures.
At the end of the week, levels designed by the campers will be available for play at Amuse!
Day 1
Begin the week at Amuse, playing the 35+ available games. Discuss game progression, styles of play, and the logic behind developing fun experiences.
Day 2
Learn the process for brainstorming and further developing game concepts. Consider different mediums for play including board games, video games, and physical games. Identify key components of designing within these different mediums.
Day 3
Discuss the specifics of leveled gameplay and how to allow players to build knowledge over the course of a multi-leveled experience. Develop ideas for additional levels to apply within an Amuse game.
Day 4
Refine game execution through testing and editing. Discuss ways to test a product without needing to fully create the final product and use these beta versions to improve the final iteration.
Day 5
Return to Amuse to test newly designed levels in action. Provide tweaks to the coding team and make adjustments for optimum game enjoyment. Friends and family will be invited to join campers at Amuse to experience their new levels.
CODE YOUR OWN VIDEO GAMES
JULY 6-10
AGES 7 - 10
9AM - 12PM
AGES 11 - 15
1PM - 4PM
Location:
Game Nite Lounge
22 Cooper Street
Memphis, TN 38104
$499 per camper
CODE YOUR OWN VIDEO GAMES - JULY 6-10
WEEK 3:
Join this one-week intensive where we will develop and fully code a video game from scratch!
Campers will learn Python coding capable of bringing to life their own video game concept. They will complete daily coding challenges and participate in a variety of different games to inspire their own game concepts and design.
NOTE: Each camper must bring a laptop computer.
Day 1
Play a session at our brand new concept, Game Nite Lounge. Discuss different game styles and controls. Review basic Python and logic concepts as the foundation for later code development.
Day 2
Further explore Python syntax including loops and functions. Develop game concepts for further exploration and testing through collaboration. Identify graphic needs for game execution.
Day 3
Learn about Python objects and classes and their uses within game development. Create and use placeholder graphics and audio as part of the coding process. Begin coding the final product.
Day 4
Full session intensive focused on developing and testing code. Particular focus on researching solutions using AI and other resources to improve code functionality. Finalize all game elements including graphics and audio.
Day 5
Complete code and run through the debugging and testing process. Test games and provide feedback to others. Complete edits in preparation for the final showcase. Friends and family are invited to join for a final session party showcasing camper’s final games.
ENGINEERING IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES
JULY 20-24
AGES 7 - 10
9AM - 12PM
AGES 11 - 15
1PM - 4PM
Location:
Puzzol Creative Headquarters
5125 Elmore Road
Memphis, TN 38134
$499 per camper
ENGINEERING IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES - JULY 20-24
WEEK 1:
Join Puzzol Creative’s Art and Design teams to learn the basics of prop and set design!
Campers will work with a variety of different materials and discuss the logic behind selecting the right material for any project. They will also learn the basics of SketchUp and its applications for fully designing a space. Over the course of the week they will design and create a full prop.
Day 1
Tour the Puzzol Creative Workshop and discuss different tools, materials, and techniques available for prop and scene creation. Identify different design criteria for a variety of projects. Apply appropriate design criteria to multiple potential final project designs.
Day 2
Learn how to use SketchUp to create a mockup of both a space and a prop. Work in small groups to develop full set and prop mockups using this versatile program.
Day 3
Engage with different materials and practice using them to create engaging materials for realistic world building. Discuss and implement best practices for creating durable and immersive props and scenic elements. Apply these best practices to the design of a final project.
Day 4
Work alongside the support of the Puzzol Creative Team to complete a prop and set design mockup for a self-determined setting.
Day 5
Complete final touch ups and edits and prepare to present in a final showcase. Family and friends will be invited to view camper’s final props and designs at the closing event for this session.
Parent Info
See answers to frequently asked questions below:
What are camp dates and times?
Camp sessions will be held June 8-12, June 22-26, July 6-10, and July 20-24. Campers aged 7-10 should register for the morning session that runs from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm daily. Campers aged 11-15 should register for the afternoon session that runs from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm daily.
What is the cost? And when do I pay?
The cost is $499 per camper per week. The full registration fee is required at the time of sign up to reserve your camper’s spot.
What does my camper need to bring?
Campers should arrive wearing close-toed shoes and bring a water bottle. For campers in the Coding Session (July 6-10), please also bring a laptop computer.
What will my camper do each day?
Activities are based on the weekly theme. Every week is different. Specific daily breakdowns for each session can be found at the “Get More Info” tab for the session.
What kind of curriculum do you follow?
Our camps are custom-designed to provide kids with hands-on learning opportunities in a fun and safe environment. Each session will teach designated skills in an age-appropriate manner with real-world projects to facilitate and demonstrate learned concepts.
Will my child be playing with different aged kids?
Sessions are divided into two age groups: 7-10 and 11-15. Campers will play and collaborate on projects with all kids in their designated age group.
What happens if my child gets sick or hurt?
If your child becomes ill during camp, we will contact the approved adults on your child’s registration form to come pick them up early. Children must be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to camp.
Unfortunately, due to the limited space of our camps, we are unable to offer refunds or prorate camp registration fees due to absences.
What are your pick up procedures?
Morning session lets out at 12:00 pm daily and Afternoon session lets out at 4:00 pm daily. Parents should park and enter the designated facility to pick up their child promptly each day. Late pick-ups (after 12:15 or 4:15) will result in an additional fee.
Only the adult(s) listed on the registration form will be permitted to pick up their camper(s).
