STEM Academy
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Explore our sessions below and register for your best summer yet!
Class Offerings
- Robotics and 3D Printing: Design, Build, Innovate | July Offerings | Grades 5-8
- Game Design: Principles | August 10-14 | Grades 5-12 (A.M. Session)
- Game Design: Jam | August 10-14 | Grades 5-8 (P.M. Session)
Robotics and 3D Printing: Design, Build, Innovate | July Offerings | Grades 5-8
Grades 7-8
July 6-10
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Grades 5-6
July 27-31
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Instructor: Mr. John McNally, Albany Academy Upper School Engineering Faculty
Fee: $515
This hands‑on robotics and engineering program introduces students to the exciting intersection of mechanical design, coding, and digital fabrication. Using LEGO® Spike Prime robotics systems, students learn how to build, program, and refine robots capable of completing a series of creative engineering challenges. Along the way, they gain experience with motors, sensors, block‑based programming, and problem‑solving strategies used by real engineers.
Students will also explore the world of 3D modeling and computer‑aided design (CAD). After learning the basics of digital drafting, students will design custom robot parts and accessories to bring their ideas to life using our large‑format 3D printer. By combining robotics with 3D printing, students discover how engineers prototype, test, and improve their designs.
This course welcomes both beginners and experienced builders. Throughout the week, students will think critically, collaborate with peers, and use creativity to overcome engineering challenges. Expect a week full of experimentation, teamwork, and plenty of exciting moments as campers dive into two innovative fields culminating with a team challenge on the last day.
About the Instructor
John McNally is a high school engineering and psychology teacher who loves helping young people discover their potential in STEM. With experience coaching FIRST FTC and FLL robotics and teaching multiple engineering courses, John brings hands-on, project-based learning to life, guiding students through real-world challenges that build problem-solving skills, creativity, and confidence. Whether leading students through the engineering design process or mentoring them in teamwork and collaboration, John creates an engaging, supportive environment where curiosity thrives. He's passionate about making STEM accessible and exciting for all students, helping them see how science and technology can shape their futures.
Game Design: Principles | August 10-14 | Grades 5-12 (A.M. Session)
Grades 5–12
August 10-14
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Recommended for: New or beginner designers
Instructor: Troy Mundschenk, Albany Academy STEM Faculty
Fee: $245
Step into the world of game creation! In this hands‑on introductory workshop, students learn the core principles that make games fun, fair, and thoughtfully designed. Through a blend of digital tools and classic board/card game mechanics, campers explore topics such as player experience, storytelling, systems thinking, prototyping, and play-testing.
No prior experience is needed—just curiosity and imagination. By the end of the week, each designer will create at least one small, playable game concept and gain a strong foundation for future game development. Perfect for: Creative thinkers, problem-solvers, and students eager to learn how games really work.
About the Instructor
Troy Mundschenk is a professional game developer that founded and has been running his own studio in Troy, NY for the past 5 years. He has been a part of many different design teams, creating dozens of games. He studied Game Design and Storytelling at RPI, winning awards for his unique approach to accessibility and game communication during his time there. He is a published author, writing articles discussing accessibility work in the tabletop and digital game development communities, and reviewing games for their approachability to players from all different backgrounds. He has been the Lead Instructor of Game Design at 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy for the past 3 years, and a STEM teacher at Albany Academy for 2 years. A life-long lover of games of all kinds, Troy endeavors to guide the next generation of game designers into greatness and a more collaborative future for the industry!
Game Design: Jam | August 10-14 | Grades 5-8 (P.M. Session)
Grades 5–12
August 10-14
1 - 4 p.m.
Recommended for: New or beginner designers
Instructor: Troy Mundschenk, Albany Academy STEM Faculty
Fee: $245
Step into the world of game creation! In this hands‑on introductory workshop, students learn the core principles that make games fun, fair, and thoughtfully designed. Through a blend of digital tools and classic board/card game mechanics, campers explore topics such as player experience, storytelling, systems thinking, prototyping, and play-testing.
No prior experience is needed—just curiosity and imagination. By the end of the week, each designer will create at least one small, playable game concept and gain a strong foundation for future game development. Perfect for: Creative thinkers, problem-solvers, and students eager to learn how games really work.
About the Instructor
Troy Mundschenk is a professional game developer that founded and has been running his own studio in Troy, NY for the past 5 years. He has been a part of many different design teams, creating dozens of games. He studied Game Design and Storytelling at RPI, winning awards for his unique approach to accessibility and game communication during his time there. He is a published author, writing articles discussing accessibility work in the tabletop and digital game development communities, and reviewing games for their approachability to players from all different backgrounds. He has been the Lead Instructor of Game Design at 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy for the past 3 years, and a STEM teacher at Albany Academy for 2 years. A life-long lover of games of all kinds, Troy endeavors to guide the next generation of game designers into greatness and a more collaborative future for the industry!