Berkeley, CA, USA
Picture a summer experience that's less of a camp and more like a deep dive into the fascinating world of video game design and development. Welcome to the iD Game Dev Academy, a matchless, pre-collegiate program for teens aged 13-18, set on the esteemed grounds of universities like UC Berkeley. Here, your child won't just be passing time. They'll be immersed in an environment that encourages them to conceptualize, create, and bring their dream game to life. This academy is about working collaboratively, with peers sharing the same passion. Whether your little one's interest lies in being a 3D modeler, gameplay programmer, or level designer, they'll have the opportunity to build an impressive project for their portfolio. It's not just about creating games, but gaining valuable industry insights and forging a network of talented friends and mentors.
What sets iD Game Dev Academy apart? It's the opportunity to interface with guest speakers from major studios, like EA, Ubisoft, and Crystal Dynamics. It's about gaining industry insights from elite faculty, prepping for college applications, learning level design with Unreal Engine 4, developing VR game environments, building skills in C++, and creating detailed game assets in Autodesk Maya. Our Academy faculty is a league of their own, composed of industry pros and top university recruits. All our staff undergo extensive background checks and are CPR & First-Aid Certified. There are no Counselors in Training here - just fun-loving, well-paid, all-adult instructors who have been thoroughly trained to provide a safe, enriching, and exciting summer experience for your child.
| Ages: | 7–17 |
| Type: | Day, Overnight |
| Month: | Summer |
| Setting: | City |
| Gender: | Co-Ed |
| Technology: | Technology, 3d Design, Artificial Intelligence, Coding, Computer, Engineering, Game Design, Game Modding, Gaming, Robotics, Web Design |
| Academics: | Science |
| Arts: | Arts, Performing Arts |
| Dates | Days | Price | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08.06.26 - 12.06.26 | 5 | $1,299 | |
| 08.06.26 - 12.06.26 | 5 | $1,649 | |
| 08.06.26 - 12.06.26 | 5 | $2,328 | |
| 15.06.26 - 19.06.26 | 5 | $1,649 | |
| 15.06.26 - 15.06.26 | 1 | $2,328 | |
| 22.06.26 - 26.06.26 | 5 | $1,299 | |
| 06.07.26 - 10.07.26 | 5 | $1,299 | |
| 13.07.26 - 17.07.26 | 5 | $1,499 | |
| 13.07.26 - 17.07.26 | 5 | $2,178 | |
| 27.07.26 - 31.07.26 | 5 | $1,299 |
You won’t be charged yet. The camp will contact you to confirm all terms first.
At iD Tech Camps held at UC Berkeley, the accommodation experience mirrors the excitement of college life. Campers get a taste of independence and community while staying on one of the nation’s most prestigious university campuses. Students enjoy meals at the lively Crossroads Dining Hall, where they eat alongside fellow tech enthusiasts and future innovators, creating an authentic campus atmosphere. Between sessions in modern labs, they have time to relax, socialize, and take part in outdoor games or activities across Berkeley’s expansive green spaces.
The setting blends comfort with inspiration — safe, well-supervised dormitory life and the vibrant energy of a real college environment. Whether chatting with new friends under the California sunshine or passing iconic campus landmarks like Sather Gate, campers gain more than just new skills—they experience what it feels like to be part of a thriving academic community and get a motivating glimpse into their own bright future.
Safety is clearly a priority in this program: children attend day and potentially residential camps held at a well-known university, in lab and campus settings designed for supervised learning. Classes are small, which helps instructors monitor progress and behaviour closely, reducing the chances of kids drifting or feeling lost. The campus environment adds a level of structure and professionalism: access is controlled, and the university setting suggests strong standards for safety and facility management.
While specifics like staff-to-child ratios and emergency protocols weren’t detailed, the strong reputation of the host site and the long history of the program give parents reason to feel confident. Kids spend time both in lab spaces and outdoors on campus, and transitions are organized so that supervision is maintained at all times. Staff are recruited to provide adult mentorship, making the environment both safe and inspiring.
Across the week, campers engage in project-based learning where they don’t just hear about technology — they build with it. The experience is designed to spark creativity and technical confidence by giving kids tools and encouraging them to create something meaningful: games, apps, robots, animations. Each day includes instruction, hands-on project time, and a chance to share what they made. The focus isn’t just on finishing a task — it’s on collaboration, iteration, and reflection so children build both skills and mindset.
The program lists payment plans available and sibling/course-bundle discounts.
Availability can be limited and early registration is encouraged.
Cancellation/change policies apply (details vary by session) and should be reviewed at time of registration.
