Creative technology, game design and community for neurodivergent youth
Camp Level Up ++ is a summer learning experience for teens on the autism spectrum and neurodivergent young people who are interested in game design, coding, digital media and emerging technology.
Today, the program is led by Arizona State University’s Endless Games & Learning Lab and hosted at the ASU MIX Center in downtown Mesa. Through hands-on instruction, mentorship and collaborative projects, participants build technical skills, explore future opportunities and connect with peers who share similar interests.
The Story of Camp Level Up
Camp Level Up was created in 2022 through a collaboration between the Mesa For All Foundation, Arizona State University and community partners who shared a vision for a summer program designed around the strengths, talents and interests of neurodivergent youth.
What began as an opportunity for young people to explore game development has grown into a broader creative technology experience that combines education, mentorship, social connection and career exploration.
As the program has evolved, Arizona State University has taken the lead in developing and delivering the camp through the Endless Games & Learning Lab and the ASU MIX Center. Mesa For All Foundation is proud to have helped establish Camp Level Up and continues to celebrate its growth and impact in the Mesa community.
What Campers Experience
Participants learn directly from instructors, mentors and professionals working in game development and creative technology. Camp activities may include:
- Game development using platforms such as Unity and Unreal Engine
- Immersive storytelling and digital media
- Hands-on projects in the ASU Fabrication Lab
- Game design and playtesting with Endless Studios
- Dive into immersive storytelling with Dreamscape from DreamWorks Entertainment
- Creative technology challenges
- Collaborative activities and social experiences
- Earn official ASU micro-credentials in game design and creative technology
- A final showcase celebration for friends, family & ASU faculty
In addition to developing technical skills, Camp Level Up provides a welcoming environment where participants can build confidence, express their creativity and develop meaningful connections.
This year we are offering 3 one-week courses! The same curriculum for Endstar, Unity and Unreal Engine will be offered each week. Participants can sign up for camp on a week by week basis. If they would like, they can sign up for one, two or all three weeks! The cost is $100 per week.
Scholarship Opportunity:
A scholarship option is available, but must be done BEFORE registering. To apply for a scholarship, each participant must answer the question below in 200 words and email it to me (Kenya Thompson) at kthom146@asu.edu:
Scholarship Question: How would attending Camp Level Up change your skills, confidence, or future opportunities?
Program Partners
Camp Level Up is made possible through the leadership and support of:
Arizona State University MIX Center
ASU Endless Games & Learning Lab
Abbett Family Foundation
Mesa For All Foundation
Additional support from the Meta Data Center Community Action Grant, Bregman Cares, Cubs Charities and Mesa Hohokams for their generous donations.
