AI Summer Camp
A hands-on, project-based summer program on the UCI campus where grades 5–8 students discover how AI works and build their own video games, guided by real AI researchers and engineers.
Two weeks. One game. A world of new possibilities.
The Grades 5–8 AI Game Dev Summer Camp is a project-based program held on the UCI campus. Over two weeks, students explore how AI works, use it to bring their own video game ideas to life, and walk away with a playable game they designed and built themselves.
Why we keep cohorts small
We intentionally limit enrollment so every student gets real, meaningful time with instructors. We look for curiosity, enthusiasm, and a love of creating. No prior coding or AI experience needed.
Who is this for?
Any 5th–8th grade student who is curious about technology, loves games, or has an idea they've always wanted to bring to life. No prior coding or AI experience is needed; we start from the basics and build up together.
WHAT YOUR CHILD WILL LEARN
Our curriculum is advanced, curated, and taught by working AI researchers and engineers, designed to give students real skills and genuine excitement about what they can build.
How AI Actually Works
Students go beyond the surface and learn what's really happening inside AI: how models are trained, what makes them powerful, and how to think clearly about the tools shaping our world.
Creating with AI
Students use AI as a creative partner, designing characters, writing storylines, generating art assets, and building code, and discover how much they can make when the tools are on their side.
Game Design & Development
From a spark of an idea to a fully playable game, students learn core design principles, build with beginner-friendly engines, and walk away with something they're genuinely proud of.
Confidence as a Creator
Students leave knowing they can take an idea and build it into something real. That confidence, in themselves and in their ability to learn, is something they'll carry into everything they do next.
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS
Students learn directly from industry AI researchers and engineers who bring real-world expertise into the classroom, along with the genuine excitement that comes with it.
Dailin Hu
Curriculum Design
Dailin designed the AI curriculum for this camp. As a Senior AI Scientist at Blizzard Entertainment, he knows what it actually takes to build with AI, and he's passionate about making those concepts click for curious middle schoolers.
Wesley Wu
Lead Instructor
Wesley mentors students through every step of their game projects. His engineering experience at Amazon gives students a window into how real software gets built, and he makes the whole process approachable and fun.
Guest Speakers from UC Irvine
Each week features live sessions with UCI researchers and faculty at the frontier of AI. Students get to ask real scientists about their work and what it feels like to be the ones building what comes next.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Two themed weeks, each building on the last, culminating in a Demo Day where students share the game they created with family and friends.
Week 1
AI Foundations & Game Design
- MonWhat is AI? How do models learn?
- TuePrompt engineering & generative tools
- WedGame design principles & brainstorming
- ThuUCI guest speaker + AI art & assets
- FriPrototype playtest & team showcase
Week 2
Build & Ship Your Game
- MonGame engine deep-dive & project kickoff
- TueAI-assisted coding & debugging
- WedUCI guest speaker + polish sprint
- ThuFinal build, testing & QA
- FriDemo Day: present to family & friends
Typical Day
- 8:00 AMEarly drop-off (Full Day only)
- 9:00 AMMorning session: AI concepts & curriculum
- 11:00 AMWorkshop or UCI guest speaker
- 12:00 PMLunch break
- 1:00 PMHands-on project build time
- 3:00 PMHalf Day pick-up
- 3:00 – 5:00 PMExtended project time (Full Day only)
- 5:00 PMFull Day pick-up
PROGRAM DETAILS
Dates
Aug 3 – 7 & 10 -14, 2025
Location
UC Irvine Campus
Grades
5th – 8th Grade
Starts at
$799 / week
Half Day
9am – 3pm
- Full curriculum: AI + game development
- Hands-on project time
- UCI guest speaker sessions
- Take-home playable game
Full Day
8am – 5pm
- Everything in Half Day
- Extended project building time
- Deep-dive workshops
- More 1-on-1 time with instructors
Tuition is due after acceptance. Applying is free.
APPLY NOW
We review every application personally and keep cohorts small so every student gets the attention they deserve. We'd love to have your student join us.