Minecraft Summer Camp in Rochester, NY — Build, Create, and Compete.
ArtsRoc partners with the National Esports Association for weekly Minecraft summer camps at our Pittsford studio — serving families across the Rochester, NY area. Our program is open to campers of all abilities, including students with special needs, with a 1:10 staff-to-student ratio.
Our Collaborators
National Esports Association
Proud partner of the Hands Across Minecraft initiative, bringing elite competitive standards and a positive, inclusive gaming culture to summer learning.
Inclusive Summer Camp · Rochester, NY
A Minecraft camp open to every kid in the Rochester area
Families from across Rochester, Pittsford, Brighton, Penfield, Fairport, Webster, and Henrietta come to ArtsRoc for a summer program that pairs creative Minecraft challenges with a calm, structured day. We're proud to be one of the few Minecraft camps in the Rochester, NY area built from the start to welcome neurodiverse kids and campers with special needs.
Our 1:10 adult staff-to-student ratio (with additional counselors available as needed), predictable daily routine, sensory-aware spaces, and individualized coaching help every camper find their footing — whether they're brand new to Minecraft or designing complex redstone contraptions.
How we support campers of all abilities
1:10 staff ratio
Additional counselors added as needed so every camper gets attention and support.
Predictable structure
The same daily rhythm every day — drop-off, huddle, build, lunch, team play, showcase — so kids always know what's next.
Quiet, sensory-aware space
A low-stimulation corner for breaks, noise-friendly seating, and headphones available on request.
Share what works for your camper
Registration includes a notes field for accommodations, IEP highlights, triggers, and strengths — we read every one.
Parent communication
Reach out before camp starts and we'll match your camper with the right instructor and group.
Questions about fit? Email info@nea.gg and we'll set up a quick call, or read our full inclusion & accommodations page →
Curriculum
A Week Inside Hands Across Minecraft
Every camper moves through three pillars across the week — designing their own character, taking part in instructor-led build challenges, and growing a shared community world that connects with kids across the country through the National Esports Association's Hands Across Minecraft initiative.
Pillar 01
Design your Minecraft character
Campers start the week by creating a personal skin and identity — choosing colors, gear, and signature touches that show up in every shared build for the rest of camp.
Pillar 02
Participate in build challenges
Each day instructors set a themed challenge — survival shelters, redstone contraptions, esports arenas — with constraints, a time box, and a peer showcase at the end.
Pillar 03
Build your community
Individual builds get linked into one shared server world that joins the Hands Across Minecraft network — campers see their work alongside builders from other ArtsROC / NEA camps.
A day at camp
- 9:00 AM
Curbside drop-off
Greet instructors, log in, and check yesterday's build progress.
- 9:15 AM
Morning huddle
Daily theme reveal, skill mini-lesson (redstone, command blocks, design), and challenge brief.
- 10:30 AM
Build challenge — round 1
Solo or pair builds against the day's constraints. Instructors coach 1:10 on the floor.
- 12:00 PM
Lunch & outdoor break
Screen-off time — yard games, snacks, and conversation.
- 1:00 PM
Esports & team play
Cooperative multiplayer rounds and NEA-aligned positive-play coaching.
- 2:00 PM
Community build
Each camper's piece is added to the shared Hands Across Minecraft world.
- 2:30 PM
Showcase & wrap-up
Walkthrough of the day's builds, peer feedback, and tomorrow's preview.
- 3:00 PM
Curbside pickup
Staff walk campers to vehicles in the pickup line.
How build challenges work
Themed prompt
Instructors set the day's prompt — e.g. "floating sky base," "working redstone door," or "arena for 4 players."
Constraints
Limited block palette, plot size, or time window. Constraints push creative problem-solving instead of copying.
Coaching, not solving
Staff (1:10 ratio) coach technique — redstone logic, structure, lighting — without building it for the camper.
Showcase & vote
End-of-day walkthrough of every build. Campers give peer feedback using the NEA positive-play language.
Stitched into the community world
Winning builds are placed into the shared Hands Across Minecraft world so they live on past the day.
Skills campers grow
- Computer literacy
- Programming basics
- Creativity
- Collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Teamwork
- Communication
Weekly Sessions
Week 1
July 6 — July 10
Week 2
July 13 — July 17
Week 3
July 20 — July 24
Week 4
July 27 — July 31
Week 5
August 3 — August 7
Week 6
August 10 — August 14
Week 7
August 17 — August 21
Week 8
August 24 — August 28
Daily Schedule
- 09:00 AMMorning Kickoff & Drop-off
- 10:30 AMBuild Challenge
- 12:00 PMLunch & Outdoor Break
- 01:00 PMEsports & Team Play
- 02:30 PMShowcase & Wrap-up
- 03:00 PMDismissal
Investment
Flexible options for full camp weeks with professional supervision and a structured curriculum designed for skill growth.
Summer Camp
Monday through Friday
- 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM daily
- NEA-aligned curriculum
- Professional coaching
- Equipment provided
Aftercare
Available until 5:30 PM
Or $40 / day as needed.
- Supervised free play
- Flexible pickup until 5:30 PM
Reserve a Week
Space is limited each week to keep instruction personal. Reach out to lock in your preferred session — we'll confirm availability and send enrollment details.
Email · info@nea.gg
Studio · 3462 Monroe Ave, Pittsford, NY 14534