Summer of S.T.E.A.M.

 

Week 1 (June 29 – July 3)​

Game Development & Design

 This course teaches the fundamentals of indie game development using Godot, the leading free game engine for independent game designers. You'll learn to combine assets and code into functional prototypes while building industry-ready skills that prepare you for careers ranging from QA analyst and level designer to software engineer and many more!

 

Fire Squad​

Fire Squad is an interactive hot sauce camp where participants learn to craft their own unique, custom-blended hot sauces from scratch. Under expert guidance, you will experiment with diverse pepper profiles, ingredients, and heat levels to bottle your perfect signature flavor.

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Digital Photography​

Master fundamental composition, lighting, and editing techniques using everyday tools to capture professional-quality images instantly. This fast-paced digital photography crash course welcomes both dedicated cameras and smartphones to help you maximize the gear you already own.

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Week 2 (July 6 – July 10)

Beats Lab

This workshop is about turning ideas into sound. Using FL Studio, live instruments, and sampling, you’ll work in small groups to build original tracks from scratch. There’s no set genre, just experimentation, collaboration, and creating something that feels like your world.

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Hip Hop Culture & Dance

 The Basics of Hip Hop introduces students to the core rhythms, foundational footwork, and high-energy movements of this iconic dance style. Participants will build confidence, explore musicality, and learn fun choreography in an encouraging and upbeat environment.

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 International Cuisine

Discover the essential techniques, spices, and flavor profiles that define iconic dishes from around the globe in this hands-on culinary workshop. You will build foundational cooking skills and build confidence in the kitchen using everyday ingredients to recreate authentic international flavors at home.

 

Week 3 (July 13 – July 17)​

SMART Art

Unlock the power of art and finances in this dynamic workshop! Students will earn real money (yes, cold hard cash!) by completing creative challenges that teach budgeting, saving, and smart spending. Dive into hands-on art projects!

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Baking Foundations

 This hands-on class brings back the popular, easy-to-follow baking format from last summer to build essential kitchen skills. Participants will whip up classic baked favorites alongside quick, delicious no-bake snack options perfect for everyday making.

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Sonic Builders: App-Based Beat Production

Led by Albany music educator and industry veteran Nick Payton, this hands-on course guides students through beat making and arrangement using custom educational apps. Students will learn to master both the art and technology of modern music while downloading their own sheet music and MIDI files to keep creating.

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Week 4 (July 20 – July 24)

STEAM Week

STEAM Career Week connects students with real-world professionals working in science, technology, engineering, art, and math fields. Participants will engage in hands-on activities and interactive presentations to explore exciting future career paths right here at the Connect Center.

 

Art in Nature

This hands-on workshop merges nature and science to let students experiment with vibrant colors and natural materials found in the environment. Participants will explore the artistic side of the great outdoors while using scientific curiosity to create unique, earth-inspired masterpieces.

 

The Chopping Block 

The Connect Center Cook-Off divides students into two teams for a fun, high-energy culinary battle using limited ingredients. Competitors will use quick thinking and basic cooking skills to create delicious dishes and see who impresses the judges.

 

Week 5 (July 27 – July 31)

Reboot

Reboot gives students hands-on engineering experience by taking apart and rebuilding a computer tower from scratch. After mastering the hardware and learning how it works, every participant gets to take their computer home.

 

Paper Portals: Make Your Own World

In this workshop, students transform simple sheets of paper into entire worlds filled with stories, art, and ideas that matter to them. Through folding, collage, and a mix of handmade and digital tools, they’ll create their own *zines while exploring how DIY publishing has helped people share their voices across time.

 

Pasta Making Foundations 

Pasta Making Foundations teaches students the essential skills to mix, roll, and shape various types of traditional pasta from scratch. Participants will also master the art of pairing their creations with a variety of delicious, complementary homemade sauces.

 

Week 6 (August 3 – August 7)

Taco Camp

Taco Camp teaches students the absolute basics of crafting delicious tacos while keeping the kitchen energy high and fun. This exciting week doubles as a volunteer prep course, giving participants the skills and confidence they need to help out with Tacos for Life this fall.

 

Warpzone

Want to showcase your gaming skills in a fun esports environment this summer? Join Warpzone August 3 to August 7 for a competitive gaming experience, featuring tournaments in games for PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii, and Nintendo 64!