PURCHASE, NY

Retro Video Game Creator Camp

at SUNY Purchase College

Ages 8+

August 10th through August 14th

2026 Registration is now OPEN!

ENROLL NOW

DESIGN AND CODE YOUR OWN CLASSICS

Future Stars Retro Video Game Creator Camp invites campers to code and design their own classic, retro-style video games using Microsoft MakeCode or Python. Campers customize sprites, sounds, and gameplay mechanics as they bring original ideas to life. Throughout the week, they build fully playable games that can be loaded onto a PyBadge handheld console, which they get to keep so the fun continues long after camp ends. Blending creativity, logic, and hands-on coding, this camp empowers students to turn their imagination into vibrant, pixel-perfect adventures.

Additional $35 materials fee applies.

Years in Operation

of parents would recommend Future Stars

of campers return each year

Skills That Last Beyond Retro Video Game Creator Camp

Game Coding Fundamentals – Learn core programming concepts using MakeCode or Python to build classic-style games
Sprite & Pixel Art Design – Create and customize characters, enemies, objects, and backgrounds using retro-inspired pixel art tools
Gameplay Mechanics – Design movement, collisions, scoring systems, and other interactive features that bring games to life
Sound & FX Integration – Add retro-style sound effects and music to enhance mood, action, and player experience
Game Testing & Iteration – Test games on the PyBadge handheld console, refine gameplay, and troubleshoot bugs
Creative Problem-Solving – Combine logic, imagination, and experimentation to transform ideas into fully playable games

2026 Dates & Rates

Find the camp week that fits your schedule.

Program

Date

Age

Weekly
Price

SAVE
3+weeks
(per wk)

Retro Video Game Creator

Aug 10 - Aug 14

$995

$945

Additional Services

Extended Day:
Early Drop-Off $50/wk, Late Pick-Up $85/wk

Transportation:
Westchester/CT - $270/wk, Manhattan - $290/wk

Sibling Discount:
Save $25/wk (after first child)

Easy Transportation to Westchester

We are proud to offer door-to-door transportation from Westchester, Greenwich, and most of Manhattan. All buses are air-conditioned and clearly labeled with the Future Stars logo. Drivers are certified by the bus company, and a camp counselor will be monitoring campers at all times.

Typical pick-up and drop-off times vary depending on your spot on the route. We will call the week before camp with your bus times, as the times change weekly. For campers who spend an extended time on the bus, we do our best to reverse the route. Our goal is to make the ride fair and comfortable for all, while maintaining a safe and efficient schedule.

Local Transportation (Westchester, Greenwich):
Pick-up times vary between 8:15 am and 8:45 am.
Drop-off times vary between 4:15 pm and 5:00 pm.

NYC Transportation:
Pick-up times vary between 7:30 am and 8:00 am.
(all buses should leave the city by 8:00 am).
Drop-off times vary between 4:45 pm and 5:30 pm.

Testimonials

“I can’t say enough good things about this camp! From the moment we arrived, everything felt organized, welcoming, and fun. The staff clearly care about the kids and create such a positive environment. My child came home every day full of stories and excitement.”

- Jessica V.

“From the very first day, the staff made my daughter feel welcomed, safe, and excited to come back each morning. The variety of activities offered kept her engaged and constantly trying new things!”

- Carolyn C.

“My children had a phenomenal experience. They looked forward to every day, made new friends and gained confidence in new skills. We know where we are going next summer and hope to see you there too!”

- Erin W.

Charlie VanDercook

Director of Operations and Director for Purchase College since 1993

Charlie co-founded Future Stars Camps and served as the very first Camp Director when the program launched in 1980. With more than four decades of experience leading camps, he has been shaping meaningful youth experiences from the very beginning.

A lifelong athlete, Charlie played tennis in high school, in college, and on the 1976 WATCH circuit before turning to coaching. He went on to serve as Director of Tennis at Banksville Racket Club, Westhampton Bath & Tennis, Hampton Athletic Club, and Green Hollow Tennis Club.

Today, as Director of Operations and Director for Purchase College, Charlie combines his collegiate athletic background, deep coaching expertise, and proven leadership to create a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment for every camper.