Active Learning Services
Chess Camps - Video Game Design - Animation Programs - School Chess Lessons For Kids!
Active Learning Services operates chess camps (thru USA Chess), Gamebuilder Video Game creation camps, Scratch Animation Creation camps, and other enrichment programs designed to stimulate creative thinking, improve logic and memory skills and give children "thinking alternatives" to sports camps and other summer camps and enrichment programs. Our enrichment programs include the USA Chess chess camps, chess lessons and school programs thru USA Chess, and our Gamebuilder Video Game Creation Programs (including our new mobile device gamebuilder program!), Computer Animation and our other Active Learning Computer Enrichment Programs.
USA Chess is the largest and premier chess camp organizer for children in the United States.Founded in 1997 USA Chess has grown from one camp in Dallas, TX to more than 100 camps across the United States! We also teach chess in over 65 school chess programs in Dallas, Houston, Austin, and Washington DC.
Our Gamebuilder Video Game Creation Programs are extremely popular and fun way for children to get exposure to computer programming and game design using GameMaker software and Computer enrichment Animation creation programs using Scratch.
USA Chess Camp
Chess instructors from all over the country teach children (ages 5-15) of all abilities in the USA Chess summer chess camp. Experience chess lessons and play in a fun filled environment consisting of chess instruction and competitive play. Experienced instructors, selected by USA Chess for their ability to make chess fun, teach the game to players of all levels in weeklong chess camp programs. Lessons are tailored toward the skills of the children. Whether your child is a casual chess player or tournament participant, this exciting enrichment program will improve every child's game. Instructors use a range of teaching tools including demo boards, computer tutorials, worksheets, stories and historic games to keep class time exciting. Each half-day consists of two hour-long chess lessons tailored to the ability of the children and one hour of practice to play against other students and instructors. USA Chess camps are a perfect way to give children a fun week of learning chess while challenging their minds!
ALL CAMPERS RECEIVE A CHESS SET,NOTATION BOOK, T-SHIRT, AND TROPHY!
Gamebuilder Video Game Creation
Children actually program their own video games in this day long adventure in learning. The children (ages 8-16) start with basic commands and, in a step-by-step progression, the games come to life. Video Game Creation programs offered include: “Introduction to Video Game Creation" where each level of the game is programmed on a single screen (like Asteroids, Centipede, or PacMan). Or “Video Game Creation: The Sequel” : an introductory game where the game’s character walks jumps and progresses along a scrolling screen encountering other objects and enemies along the way (Like “Mario” or” Sonic”). For experienced Gamemaker programmers, AND NOW_our newest offering “Gamebuilder- for mobile devices” will take the game design up a notch where children 9 and up create a game like Doodle Jump for their cell phone or other mobile device. And finally, another new camp offering: The gamebuilder advanced 3D concepts game where children learn the concepts game designers use to create 3D affects withing their game while creating a Base defense style game. (This camp requires that the camper has completed one of the other Introductory Level camps as a prerequisite.)
ALL CAMPERS RECEIVE A T-SHIRT, COMPLETION TROPHY, AND INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO DOWNLOAD, AND PLAY THEIR COMPLETED GAMES.
Scratch Animation
Students (ages 8-16) are introduced to programming by creating short computer animated movies with a focus to challenge their creativity and imaginations. Campers will create animated stories using the Scratch animated programming tool which allows them to program interactions between characters. They will use a gallery of 3D characters, scenery and custom animations that are designed to help develop their story. The students will learn basic programming skills and have the opportunity broaden their imagination.
ALL CAMPERS RECEIVE A COMPLETION TROPHY, T-SHIRT, AND INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO DOWNLOAD THEIR COMPLETED PROJECTS.
School Programs
Active Learning and USA Chess have a number of chess enrichment programs available for schools who wish to start an after school or before school club, or other chess activity. Program costs depend on the instructor, duration of classes and driving distance. Typical programs are one hour programs one day per week consisting of a one half hour lesson (taught by and experienced instructor) and one half hour practice and play. If your school doesn't have a chess program, we can work with you to get it started. In most cases, there is no cost to the school (we bill the students or the PTA). Call us now!
1/2 Day Each (USAChess/Gamebuilder/Scratch)
Students will chose to take one half day of our chess program and combine it with one half day of one of our Gamebuilder or Scratch programs to make a full day session.
