VIZ Summer Camp
The Art of Science and the Science of Art
About the VIZ Summer Camp
The Texas A&M Collegiate VIZ Summer Camp provides interested high school students ages 15 and up with the opportunity to prepare for a future in visualization.
The Visualization program at Texas A&M University focuses on the creation, design and development of the visual experience by teaching students the equal importance of art, technology, science and design. The program is ranked No. 1 in Texas and No. 2 among public animation schools nationwide by Animation Career Review.
During the week, students will gain insight into campus life and the Visualization program at Texas A&M University. There will be four session options: Intro to Animation, Advanced Animation, Game Design and Virtual Production. Please see below for a description of the learning outcomes for each session.
*Session topics are subject to change slightly, but final details will come in early spring.
Students will stay in university dormitories, walk our beautiful campus and work closely with the Visualization faculty and students. Each day will include a variety of studio classes and activities. The classes will be hands-on and project-based. There will be an informal project presentation on the last day of the camp to which parents are invited.
VIZ Summer Camp Details
Eligibility
Participants must be high school students ages 15 to 18. Age is determined by the first day of the camp.
Session Topics
Intro to Animation
Start your journey into animation by exploring foundational concepts in 3D motion. This hands-on course introduces essential principles, 3D software and simple character movement — perfect for beginners eager to unleash their creativity and discover new tools within the world of visualization.
Students in this session may walk away with the following learning outcomes:
- Learn basic principles of 3D animation
- Gain introductory experience with animation software
- Complete a simple animated project or exercise
- Explore concepts of visual storytelling
- Build creative confidence in the digital world
Advanced Animation
Expand your creative boundaries with advanced animation. Campers dive deeper into industry-standard software, learning sophisticated techniques in 3D character animation, modeling and rendering. Guided by experienced faculty, students craft compelling animated stories and build portfolio pieces to showcase their talents. Campers will be expected to have first-hand experience with 3D animation software such as Maya, Blender or Unreal Engine, and have modeled and animated a project before.
Students in this session may walk away with the following learning outcomes:
- Gain hands-on experience with industry-standard animation software
- Create a short 3D animated sequence using a digital character rig
- Learn advanced animation techniques such as timing, physics and secondary motion
- Receive directed feedback from instructors on how to improve your skills
- Start, document and showcase your project to include in a portfolio
Game Design
Experience the excitement of designing and developing interactive games. Students will learn both analog and technical aspects of game design — from concept and storytelling to coding basics. Through collaboration and mentorship, campers will prototype playable games and gain insight into careers in game development and digital media.
Students in this session may walk away with the following learning outcomes:
- Discover foundational game design concepts
- Experiment with basic game development tools
- Create a simple, playable game or level prototype
- Collaborate with peers on idea generation
- Understand the steps from concept to creation in game development
Virtual Production
Explore cutting-edge techniques in virtual production, where digital environments blend seamlessly with live action. Campers work with emerging technologies such as real-time rendering and ICVFX (in-camera visual effects) to create innovative short films and media projects, preparing themselves for the future of film and interactive storytelling.
Students in this session may walk away with the following learning outcomes:
- Hands-on experience with real-time rendering and digital filmmaking tools
- Understanding of how digital and live-action media can be combined
- A completed short film or project demonstrating virtual production techniques
- Exposure to new industry technologies used in movies and media
- Insights into emerging careers in virtual production and visualization
Deadlines
The registration deadline is May 1. All fees are due at this time.
Cost and Fees
Cost of each session is $1,400. The cost will include tuition; on-campus housing for five nights; a meal plan that includes breakfast, lunch and dinner; additional snacks and drinks throughout the sessions; a T-shirt; a USB drive; and essential camp supplies.
Payment Schedule
A $500 nonrefundable deposit is due at the time of registration.
The remaining balance ($900) is due no later than May 1.
The student’s registration and place in the camp are not final until this payment has been made. All fees will be due when registration ends (May 1).
Scholarships
We are exploring opportunities to offer scholarships to students in the coming summer. While details are not yet finalized, we encourage you to stay tuned for updates regarding eligibility and application information. Please email jhoneycutt@tamu.edu with questions.
Cancellation Policy
The $500 deposit is nonrefundable. The remaining tuition is refundable until May 1. After May 1, no refunds are issued for housing and dining fees.
Facilities
The VIZ Summer Camp will be hosted in the Visualization program’s facilities in the Liberal Arts and Arts & Humanities Building (LAAH) on the Texas A&M University campus.
Additional facility tours include:
- Virtual Production Institute stage
- VIRL Lab
- LIVE Lab
Meals
Students will eat at on-campus dining facilities that offer menu selections including homestyle fare and more, with gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options.
Housing
All students are required to stay on campus in dorms to fully experience Aggie student life. Students will be housed in a campus residence hall in either double or single rooms. Students will need to bring their own linens (twin XL and a towel) for their stay during the camp.
Supervision
A staff of counselors will supervise the students during their stay and are accountable for all students daily. Counselors will be composed of Visualization students who have undergone a background check through Texas A&M University and completed child protection training.
Students are required to attend all classes by walking as a group with the counselors from dorms/meals to classes each day.
How to Apply
The VIZ Summer Camp registration link will open on Feb. 27 for general applications. Once opened, you will be able to register and pay your deposit. You will be guided through a portal to input the necessary registration information via a platform called Circuitree.
Our medical, media and other release forms will be embedded in the registration. A $500 nonrefundable deposit will be required at the time of registration. The remaining balance ($900) will be due at the end of registration (May 1).
We will make every effort to honor roommate requests.
Contact
For more information, please email Jill Honeycutt, Visualization undergraduate program director, at jhoneycutt@tamu.edu.