Geek Forest

Art Lab: Mini Comic Con (morning) In this lab students will dive into the creative world of a comic convention experience, designing their own comics, creating merchandise like posters and stickers, and crafting costumes and props inspired by their favorite characters, just like the real Comic-Con. The lab also blends gaming and animation, offering the chance to engage in cooperative games and explore basic animation techniques to bring their creations to life. The experience wraps up with a mini showcase, where families can enjoy the comics, props, and costumes in a fun, convention-style event. Minecraft EDU Lab: Ancient Worlds: Code + Build Challenges (afternoon) Explore history like never before by diving into the worlds of Ancient Egypt, Pompeii, and other fascinating historical settings using Minecraft Education. Students will uncover the past through interactive environments and enhance their learning by incorporating Makeblock coding. The session includes a time-travel-themed build challenge among other build challenges. Each day will end with 30 minutes of free play allowing students to build and reflect on what they've learned.

Art Lab: DIY Zine Publishing (morning) In this lab, participants will delve into the world of DIY zine publishing, where they'll discover the joy of crafting and self-publishing their own unique booklets. Zines, versatile canvases for creative expression, offer an outlet for diverse content, ranging from art and stories to interviews, recipes, comics, and more. Through hands-on exploration, students will experiment with illustration and collage. By the end of this lab, participants will have not only acquired practical skills in zine production but will also have developed a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of self-published literature and art, all while cultivating their own unique artistic voice. Game Design Lab: Platformers using Bloxels + Super Mario Builder 2 (afternoon) In this lab, students will dive into the world of game design by creating platformer levels using Super Mario Maker 2 and Bloxels. They will learn the fundamentals of game mechanics, level design, and storytelling while experimenting with both tools. The class will encourage creativity as students design engaging worlds filled with challenges and unique gameplay experiences. By the end of the course, students will have a deeper understanding of how different platforms can shape their game ideas and enhance player interaction.

Art Lab: DIY Indie Band Workshop (morning) In this lab, students will dive into both the creative and business side of being in an indie band. They'll design their own band identity by creating logos, posters, and album art, then move on to making custom band merch, including screen-printed t-shirts, stickers, and buttons. The camp also includes music creation sessions where kids will write songs, make DIY instruments, and collaborate in jam sessions. They'll go on to produce their very own music video, from storyboarding and set design to filming and editing. By the end of the camp, everyone will have their own unique band and a full set of merch, music, and videos to showcase. Minecraft EDU Lab: AI Adventures with MakeCode (afternoon) Explore the world of Artificial Intelligence through hands-on activities in Minecraft Education. Using MakeCode, students will learn the foundational principles of AI and apply them to real-world challenges, such as wildlife conservation, supporting remote communities, and researching climate change. This camp provides a creative and engaging way to practice coding skills while understanding how AI can make a positive impact on the world. Each day will end with 30 minutes of free play giving students the opportunity to apply what they've learned in their own creative ways.

Art Lab: Urban Street Art + Design (morning) New York City is home to some of the most beautiful works of street art, especially in our home, Brooklyn! In this lab students will draw inspiration from community art to create their own art pieces and learn about culture, style, and technique, breaking through the negative perceptions of the amazing art form. This lab will foster their sense of community, creativity and further develop their artistic eye. This lab is part art, part design, and part exploration of the neighborhood with field trips. Students will be led on neighborhood excursions where they will discuss stylistic differences, reasonings behind them, and multimodal methods of street art. Animation Lab: Lego Stop Motion Animation (afternoon) In this lab, students will craft their own stop-motion animation movies, expressing their creative perspectives. Stop motion is an animation technique almost as old as motion pictures themselves. Students will delve into designing Lego characters, utilizing Lego bricks for set design, and employing storyboards to map out their narrative. This lab is the first step in understanding the mechanics of stop motion animation using an iPad, with a unique emphasis on the creative possibilities offered by Lego elements.

Game Lab: Board Game Design (morning) This lab spotlights board games as well as creating their own game from scratch! Students will explore different types of games: cooperative games such as Castle Panic, area control games like My First Carcassonne, and combat games such as 5-Minute Dungeon. Other favorites that we love playing are Ticket to Ride Ghost Train, Telestrations, Codenames, and 7 Wonders Architect. We will also create and play card games such as Sushi Go, and design & create their very own Pokmon cards. This lab will support collaboration, friendship, social skills, critical thinking and just plain old fun. Minecraft EDU Lab: Eco-Worlds: Sustainability + Coding Challenges (afternoon) Students will dive into the concepts of climate and sustainability through hands-on challenges and exploration. They will build a pollinator garden, uncover eco-related clues as "eco detectives," take on the heat build challenge, participate in the save the ocean challenge, and design a sustainable cityall within the Minecraft world. Alongside these activities, students will engage with Makeblock coding to enhance their projects, creating solutions that promote environmental awareness and sustainability. Each day will end with 30 minutes of free play in different Minecraft biomes, understanding their unique features and ecosystems.

Art Lab: Comic Book Design (morning) Participate in our hands-on lab focused on the practical aspects of crafting graphic narratives. Students will engage directly with the process, covering panel layouts, character design, and sequential storytelling. Through interactive, Students will learn penciling, inking, and coloring techniques to bring their ideas to fruition. The lab focuses on practical activities, allowing students to experiment with various styles and storytelling methods. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this lab offers a supportive environment to develop your comic book design skills. Attendees will leave with their own crafted comic book narratives. Game Design Lab: Platformers using Bloxels + Super Mario Builder 2 (afternoon) In this lab, students will dive into the world of game design by creating platformer levels using Super Mario Maker 2 and Bloxels. They will learn the fundamentals of game mechanics, level design, and storytelling while experimenting with both tools. The class will encourage creativity as students design engaging worlds filled with challenges and unique gameplay experiences. By the end of the course, students will have a deeper understanding of how different platforms can shape their game ideas and enhance player interaction.

Art Lab: Mini Comic Con (morning) In this lab, students will dive into the creative world of a comic convention experience, designing their own comics, creating merchandise like posters and stickers, and crafting costumes and props inspired by their favorite characters, just like the real Comic-Con. The lab also blends gaming and animation, offering the chance to engage in cooperative games and explore basic animation techniques to bring their creations to life. The experience wraps up with a mini showcase, where families can enjoy the comics, props, and costumes in a fun, convention-style event. Animation Lab: Mixed Media Stop Motion Animation (afternoon) Students will bring their unique stories to life and learn to write, design, storyboard, construct sets, shoot, and produce a completed mixed media animated short film. Stop motion is an animation technique almost as old as motion pictures themselves. Students will learn how to design their characters, use objects for set design, and use storyboards to map out their narrative. This lab is the first step in understanding the mechanics of stop motion animation using an iPad and designed specifically for the young learner in mind.

Art Lab: Alt. Photography + Collage (morning) Students will learn various forms of alternative photography and collage, through hands-on experiences, delve into the creation of photograms, a camera-less technique rooted in the origins of photography, offering a profound understanding of light and exposure. As an added dimension, seize the opportunity to explore and incorporate collage techniques into your creations. This interactive class provides a supportive environment where you can experiment with diverse materials, from magazines and found objects to specialty papers and fabrics. Students will end up with a collection of pieces that represent your unique style and imagination. Minecraft EDU Lab: Intergalactic Coding + Build Challenges (afternoon) In this lab, students will explore the wonders of space through hands-on coding challenges inspired by real-world space missions. They'll learn from lessons on the International Space Station, space telescopes, orbital outposts, and even building a Mars rover. Using Makeblock coding, students will complete interactive projects that simulate space exploration. This lab aims to provide a hands-on, engaging experience that combines coding with space science. Each day will end with 30 minutes of free play, allowing students to experiment, build, and create their own space-themed projects.

Art Lab: Urban Street Art: Map Making + Scavenger Hunt (morning) In this hands-on lab, students will explore the world of urban street art by creating their own maps and participating in a scavenger hunt. Theyll learn how to identify and document street art in their local area, design creative maps, and use them to navigate a fun scavenger hunt. Along the way, they'll develop skills in observation, design, and collaboration while discovering the art hidden throughout the city. Minecraft Education Lab: Mushroom Mission Build Challenge (afternoon) This lab invites students to step into the world of the Mushroom Forest, where a great storm has left the village in need of repair. As they explore the story, students will be challenged to help the mushroom villagers by rebuilding three key structures: a new bridge, repaired homes, and a brand-new mushroom house. Through this engaging narrative, students will use Minecraft Education to design and construct these vital elements, learning both building techniques and game mechanics along the way. The project encourages creativity and problem-solving, with Minecraft Education and block coding woven into the experience.

Art Lab: Mixed Media + Alt. Photo Collage (morning) In this lab, student will explore the dynamic world of mixed media and alternative photography techniques. Using various materials such as paper, fabric, and found objects, students will create unique collages that blend traditional and experimental approaches. Techniques will include layering photographs, manipulating images, and incorporating texture to enhance visual storytelling. Participants will leave with their own original collage and the skills to continue exploring mixed media art independently. Minecraft Education Lab: AI Concepts: Fantastic Fairgrounds (afternoon) Introducing the new Fantastic Fairgrounds, a Minecraft Education lesson designed to build AI literacy for students. This dynamic worlds fair introduces students to the wonders of AI through fun hands on activities. Theyll practice using AI responsibly and build skills for our digital future. From the blocky beekeeper sanctuary where students track down bees using Ai to the electrifying light show where they optimize power grids and the art pavilion where AI meets creativity. Students will grasp AI fundamentals, explore real world applications, and confront ethical questions all while developing critical problem-solving skills.