The Rochester YMCA Metro Esports and Tech Camps offer an exciting summer experience for kids and teens interested in gaming and technology. Campers will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of games including Minecraft, Fortnite, Roblox, NBA, and Madden. Our tech camp includes game design in Unreal Engine, content creation, JavaScript, and more!
ESPORTS CAMP
Get ready to game this summer at Metro Esports Camp! Learn new strategies and take your gaming to the next level. Join us for Minecraft, Fortnite, Madden, NBA, Roblox, and more!
TECH CAMPS
Join us for Metro Esports Tech Camp at the YMCA! Learn about game design, JavaScript, Unreal Engine, and content creation!
METRO ESPORTS CAMP FAQS
Level Up! Tech Camps
- Monday-Friday; 9 am to Noon
- Ages 8-13
- Pricing: $225 per week
This camp invites young game enthusiasts to dive deep into the world of game creation, media, and tech skills. This isn’t your typical S.T.E.A.M. camp—each week focuses on a unique theme in the game and tech industry, from coding and computer-building to game design in some of today’s most popular platforms, like Roblox, Minecraft, and Unreal Engine. Kids won’t just play games; they’ll learn to build, design, and even create content around them! Through a mix of hands-on activities, creative projects, and teamwork, campers will gain valuable tech skills, explore potential career paths, and make lasting connections. Be sure to check out each week’s theme description to see what exciting new skills await your camper this summer! Whether they’re aspiring game developers, content creators, or tech enthusiasts, this camp is designed to help every young gamer turn their passion into a skill.
Sessions & Themes:
- Session 1 (6/30-7/3, no camp on 7/4): Youtube Content Creators
- Session 2 (7/7-7/11): Game Building in Fortnite & Unreal Engine
- Session 3 (7/14-7/18): Youtube Content Creators
- Session 4 (7/21-7/25): Roblox Game Design
- Session 5 (7/28-8/1): Build-A-Computer
- Session 6 (8/4-8/8): Minecraft & Code
- Session 7 (8/11-8/15): Game Building in Fortnite & Unreal Engine
- Session 8 (8/18-8/22): Unity Game Design
- Session 9 (8/25-8/29): Roblox Tech Adventures
Esports Camp
- Monday-Friday; 1-4 pm
- Ages 8-13
- Pricing: $179 per week
This half-day program at Schottland Family YMCA is perfect for gamers of all skill levels, from beginners to aspiring pros! Campers will face exciting challenges, engage in team-based activities, and guided free play across a variety of their favorite games. Each day also offers structured competitions and tournaments for the featured games of the week. This camp offers short daily lessons and a curriculum that combines teamwork, leadership, game mechanics, sports psychology, and best practices for healthy gaming. Our dedicated staff, top-tier gaming equipment, and immersive curriculum ensure an unparalleled experience. Parents love the Gaming & Esports Camp for its seamless integration of skill development, personal growth, and the campers’ passion for gaming.
Sessions & Themes:
- Session 1 (6/30-7/3, no camp on 7/4): Sports Games
- Session 2 (7/7-7/11): Fortnite & Fall Guys
- Session 3 (7/14-7/18): MultiVersus, Smash & Brawlhalla
- Session 4 (7/21-7/25): Roblox & Rocket League
- Session 5 (7/28-8/1): Sports Games
- Session 6 (8/4-8/8): Minecraft & Mario Games
- Session 7 (8/11-8/15): Fortnite & Fall Guys
- Session 8 (8/18-8/22): MultiVersus, Smash & Brawlhalla
- Session 9 (8/25-8/29): Roblox & Rocket League
Level Up! Tech Camps
- Monday-Friday; 9 am to Noon
- Ages 8-13
- Pricing: $155 per week
This camp invites young game enthusiasts to dive deep into the world of game creation, media, and tech skills. This isn’t your typical S.T.E.A.M. camp—each week focuses on a unique theme in the game and tech industry, from coding and computer-building to game design in some of today’s most popular platforms, like Roblox, Minecraft, and Unreal Engine. Kids won’t just play games; they’ll learn to build, design, and even create content around them! Through a mix of hands-on activities, creative projects, and teamwork, campers will gain valuable tech skills, explore potential career paths, and make lasting connections. Be sure to check out each week’s theme description to see what exciting new skills await your camper this summer! Whether they’re aspiring game developers, content creators, or tech enthusiasts, this camp is designed to help every young gamer turn their passion into a skill.
Sessions & Themes:
- Session 1 (6/30-7/3, no camp on 7/4): Roblox Tech Adventures
- Session 2 (7/7-7/11): Minecraft & Code
- Session 3 (7/14-7/18): Youtube Content Creators
- Session 4 (7/21-7/25): Game Building in Fortnite & Unreal Engine
- Session 5 (7/28-8/1): Unity Game Design
- Session 6 (8/4-8/8): Roblox Game Design
- Session 7 (8/11-8/15): Build-A-Computer
- Session 8 (8/18-8/22): Minecraft & Code
- Session 9 (8/25-8/29): Game Building in Fortnite & Unreal Engine
Esports Camp
- Monday-Friday; 1-4 pm
- Ages 8-13
- Pricing: $125 per week
This half-day program at Maplewood Family YMCA is perfect for gamers of all skill levels, from beginners to aspiring pros! Campers will face exciting challenges, engage in team-based activities, and guided free play across a variety of their favorite games. Each day also offers structured competitions and tournaments for the featured games of the week. This camp offers short daily lessons and a curriculum that combines teamwork, leadership, game mechanics, sports psychology, and best practices for healthy gaming. Our dedicated staff, top-tier gaming equipment, and immersive curriculum ensure an unparalleled experience. Parents love the Gaming & Esports Camp for its seamless integration of skill development, personal growth, and the campers’ passion for gaming.
Sessions & Themes:
- Session 1 (6/30-7/3, no camp on 7/4): Roblox & Rocket League
- Session 2 (7/7-7/11): Minecraft & Mario Games
- Session 3 (7/14-7/18): Sports Games
- Session 4 (7/21-7/25): Fortnite & Fall Guys
- Session 5 (7/28-8/1): MultiVersus, Smash & Brawlhalla
- Session 6 (8/4-8/8): Roblox & Rocket League
- Session 7 (8/11-8/15): Sports Games
- Session 8 (8/18-8/22): Minecraft & Mario Games
- Session 9 (8/25-8/29): Fortnite & Fall Guys
Build-a-Computer
Campers will dive into computer hardware and software by learning each component's role and how they work together. They will then work in teams to disassemble, reassemble, and test real computers. Alongside hands-on building, they’ll use a computer simulator to plan their dream PCs and enjoy a gaming session. This camp fosters problem-solving, tech skills, and a foundational understanding of computer engineering.
Roblox Tech Adventures
In Roblox Tech Adventures, campers explore technology and science concepts through the interactive world of Roblox, learning basic coding, game design, character creation, and animation. Each themed day introduces exciting topics like space exploration and biology, where campers design Mars rovers, build immersive worlds, and explore immune system mechanics through engaging Roblox games. This camp encourages creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving, helping campers develop digital literacy and foundational tech skills in a fun, hands-on environment.
Minecraft & Code
Through Minecraft, campers are introduced to JavaScript coding as they build and customize their virtual worlds. STEM-based projects guide them in applying programming fundamentals to create interactive experiences. This camp blends creativity with logical thinking, providing a foundational skill set in both coding and digital design.
Roblox & Code
This week, campers will be immersed in game development basics using Roblox Studio, where they’ll learn beginner coding skills to create and test mini-games. Campers engage in level design, game mechanics, and peer collaboration, gaining valuable insights into game structure and digital storytelling in a fun, interactive setting. By the end of this week, campers will have all the fundamental skills to build their very own Roblox map!
Unity Game Design
Campers explore the essentials of game creation using Unity, working on animated projects and game elements to build their own portfolio. Guided by instructors, they’ll develop skills in animation, character creation, and environment design, gaining hands-on experience with professional tools and techniques used in the gaming industry.
Game Building in Fortnite & Unreal Engine
Using Unreal Engine and Fortnite map builder, campers will learn the fundamentals of 3D game design, from character development to level creation. This camp encourages creativity and collaboration as campers work on real-world game mechanics, gaining insights into 3D design and the game production process.
YouTube Content Creators
Campers will explore digital media skills by learning the basics of filming, editing, and storytelling for online platforms like YouTube. They’ll create their own video content, practicing internet safety and responsible sharing. This camp offers a creative introduction to video production and digital literacy in today’s online world.
- Age Requirement: The minimum age requirement for participating in esports is eight years old, anyone younger will not be allowed in the Metro Esports area. Games are age-restricted based on the participant’s date of birth and the game’s rating.
Yes, any child age 13 or older may play in the gaming lounge/YMCA without an adult. Kids must be at least 8 years old to enter. Kids 8-12 must have a guardian in the building. Kids 13+ may use the space without a guardian present. There will be Metro staff supervision at all times.
Metro Esports is a digital sports and entertainment media company, with several esports and tech-education facilities in partnership with various YMCAs. By providing engaging esports events, youth leagues, camps, courses, and other S.T.E.A.M. programming, Metro aims to inspire and educate a broad and diverse community through a communal passion for games. Two goals drive Metro Esports: create access and build bridges.
- Software and Hardware Safety: We utilize a combination of software and hardware for 24/7 in-game voice and text monitoring, daily activity reports, and threat notifications for issues like online predators, bullying, hate speech, sexual content, and scams. Our software will immediately remedy detected concerns by muting, kicking, or banning individuals or voice chats.
- Staff Supervision: Constant staff supervision and coaching ensure a safe environment for everyone, free of toxic language, bullying, predatory action, etc.
- Gaming Consoles and PCs: We provide the latest state-of-the-art gaming consoles and PCs, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch. Participants may log into their own personal accounts or use a Metro “house account” available for all gaming titles on PC. All consoles utilize Metro accounts, and players may not use their own personal PSN, Xbox, or Nintendo accounts.
- Equipment: All PCs are equipped with industry-leading peripherals, including a headset, keyboard, mouse, mousepad, headset stand, microphone, and webcam.
- Personal Items: Visitors may bring their own controllers or peripherals if preferred. Note that Metro or the YMCA are not responsible for any damaged, lost, or stolen items.
Metro offers a variety of coding and game design workshops/classes through the YMCA. Our interactive courses and workshops offer a unique blend of education and social engagement. Each program is designed to guide students through various game design, development, and business principles. Certified by STEM.org, these sessions establish a foundation in tech, fostering critical thinking and creativity. Experienced instructors empower students with skills crucial in the digital age, leaving each session with gained knowledge and an official certificate of completion.
- Career Opportunities: The global esports market is projected to reach $3 billion by 2025, offering many career paths in various fields. Engaging with esports introduces children to numerous career opportunities and learning pathways.
- College and Scholarships: Over 200 U.S. colleges offer esports scholarships, totaling more than $15 million annually. In 2021, over 5,000 esports scholarships were awarded, opening doors to higher education for talented students.
- S.T.E.A.M Learning: Esports fosters the development of technical skills, critical thinking, and creativity, inspiring interests in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. Metro Esports offers a variety of exciting and educational S.T.E.A.M programs, courses, classes, and workshops, including coding, game design, game development, computer building, animation, graphic design, broadcast engineering, content creation, and more.
- Social Development: Esports promotes teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills, bridging social gaps and creating strong bonds among diverse groups. It offers an outlet for team-based competition beyond traditional sports, promoting sportsmanship and a competitive spirit.
- Development: Participation in esports enhances hand-eye coordination, attention, visual acuity, problem-solving and strategy skills, self-confidence, and socialization.