Video Game Summer Camps Double in U.S.

If you're looking to supplement your child's exposure to STEM education in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, then why not enroll them in a science-related summer camp? 

There are lots of choices, and  a number of STEM-related camps operating in the state, according to the Entertainment Software Association, a video game research and advocacy group.

Locally, there are programs offered at Stanford University, UC Berkeley, Santa Clara University and San Francisco University.

The organization found the number of STEM camps in the U.S. has nearly doubled since 2012.      

In California, the ESA identified 26 programs for video game design, development, programming and related topics — more than in any other state — out of almost 700 operating in the country, the organization announced Monday.

That California leads the charge in such programs should come as no surprise. There are approximately 342 video game development companies in the sunshine state, according to GameDevMap, a website that mapped 2,730 of the country's game developers.

“The increase in video game design summer programs reflects parents’ growing recognition of video games’ potential to excite kids about educational concepts,” said Rich Taylor, senior vice president for communications and industry affairs at ESA, in a statement. “These programs not only offer students a fun opportunity to learn a range of  techniques that prepare them for a promising career in the computer and video game industry, but also enhance comprehension of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) topics.”

Most of the programs identified by ESA feature courses on interactive entertainment, including app development for smartphones, tablet devices, Facebook, Google and other Internet-based platforms, according to the industry group. For a complete list of programs identified in its research, visit the ESA website.

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