As summer approaches, so does summer camp season. It’s a welcome break for many students but it can also be a valuable opportunity for growth.
Summer camps are more than just a way to pass the time. When designed well, they give students space to build confidence, develop new skills, and explore possible careers. If you're planning a summer program, it’s worth asking: What kind of experience are you offering your students?
Why Summer Camp Matters More Than You Think
Summer is a unique window. Students are outside the traditional classroom. There’s no pressure from grades or testing. And yet, many students stop engaging with school entirely during this time. A well-structured summer camp can keep them curious, motivated, and connected to learning.
The problem is, not all camps work. Some feel too academic while others just offer entertainment. Gameplan’s summer programs aim for a middle ground; engaging and meaningful activities that still build future-ready skills. Our programs are designed for K-12 schools, especially middle and high school. They’re flexible, project-based, CTE-aligned, and centered on future-ready learning.
A Flexible Approach to Summer Camp Design
Summer camp activities are multifaceted. We offer many different tracks, and you can mix and match based on your needs:
1. Esports Summer Camps
Students already play games. Esports camps give that interest structure, direction, and meaning.
Rather than focusing only on competition, esports camps explore the broader ecosystem around games. Students collaborate, problem-solve, and learn how teamwork, communication, and strategy apply both in-game and in real life.
Alongside gameplay, students explore topics like:
Health, wellness, and balance
Team roles and leadership
Event planning and tournament structures
Branding, marketing, and content creation
For schools that want a deeper learning experience, esports camps can also connect to game-based learning environments where students design tournaments, plan events, and explore careers tied to esports and gaming industries.
2. Game Design Summer Camps
What better way to learn game design than by using Unreal Engine?
In this camp, students get hands-on with one of the most widely used game engines in the world. They follow structured, step-by-step projects to create their own 3D experiences with Unreal Engine’s industry-standard tools.
The full curriculum is ready to go, but also flexible. You can follow the whole path of units and lessons, or choose a specific project and work on it independently.
Students finish the course with the knowledge to finish the certification exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, students gain a certificate and a project portfolio they can be proud of.
3. STEAM and STEM Summer Camps
For schools looking to broaden beyond esports and game design, Gameplan offers STEM and STEAM-focused camps that connect technical skills with creativity and real-world relevance.
Popular options include:
Cybersecurity Fundamentals: Teaches students how to stay safe online and introduces them to career options in cybersecurity. Project-based, no experience needed.
Media Production Fundamentals: Focuses on video production, editing, and storytelling. Helps students explore roles in the arts, entertainment, and creative industries.
Flexible Summer Camps for Any School or District
All Gameplan summer camps are:
Flexible in format and length
Aligned with CTE and academic standards
Built for middle and high school (and adaptable for other audiences)
Designed with SEL (social-emotional learning) in mind
Project-based with career exploration
Prepare for industry-recognized certification
You can run these as stand-alone summer camps, integrate them into co-curricular programming, or offer them as electives.
Pick and assemble the content that works best for your students. We’ll help you make it work.
Get a team member to help you and answer your questions today.
