IDEA Junior Video Game & Animation Bootcamp

Our Video Games & Animation Summer Bootcamp is designed for young creatives aged 11–14 who are passionate about games, animation, drawing, and digital art. Through an exciting and supportive environment, students will develop creative confidence, learn new skills, and bring their ideas to life through hands-on projects.

Over two engaging weeks, students explore character design, concept art, game worlds, digital illustration, animation, and visual storytelling. Inspired by the processes used by professional artists and game studios, participants will discover how ideas are developed from early sketches and concepts into finished creative work.

Working alongside experienced artists, designers, and educators, students are encouraged to experiment, collaborate, and develop their own creative style. Through fun challenges, workshops, and project-based learning, they will build technical skills while learning how to think creatively, solve problems, and communicate ideas visually.

The bootcamp provides a welcoming studio environment where students can explore both traditional and digital art-making techniques, gain confidence in their abilities, and develop a collection of work they can be proud of. Whether they are complete beginners or already enjoy drawing and creating, the programme is designed to support different levels of experience and learning styles.

Whether you dream of designing characters for video games, creating animated stories, or simply want to spend your summer making exciting creative projects with like-minded young people, this bootcamp offers a unique opportunity to learn, create, and have fun while discovering the world of games and animation.

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Why IDEA Futures

Not every young person learns best in a traditional classroom. This programme is designed to support students who:

• Love drawing, creating, gaming, or storytelling
• Want to develop their artistic and digital skills
• Enjoy learning through practical, hands-on activities
• Think and work differently, including neurodivergent learners
• Are looking for a creative and supportive environment
• Want to meet like-minded young creatives and explore new interests

We focus on creativity, curiosity, and personal growth, helping students gain confidence in their ideas as well as their finished work.

What You'll Gain

• Greater confidence in your creativity
• New skills in digital art, animation, and design
• Experience creating characters, environments, and visual stories
• An understanding of how games and animations are developed
• Improved problem-solving and creative thinking skills
• A collection of artwork and projects to showcase your progress

IDEA Excellence Award

The £200 IDEA Excellence Award will be presented to the student who demonstrates exceptional creativity, commitment, and development throughout the programme.

The award recognises not only strong final outcomes, but also imagination, problem-solving, effort, collaboration, and enthusiasm for learning. The recipient will embody IDEA Futures' values of creativity, curiosity, and excellence.

Programme Completion Certificates

All students who successfully complete the programme will receive an official certificate of completion recognising their participation, achievements, and the skills developed during the bootcamp.

How It Works

• Studio-based, hands-on creative sessions
• Group projects and creative challenges
• Individual feedback and support
• A balance of traditional drawing and digital creativity
• Activities designed for different learning styles and experience levels

Who It's For

• Young people aged 11–14 with an interest in games, animation, art, or storytelling
• Students looking to develop creative and digital skills
• Beginners and experienced young creatives alike
• Anyone who enjoys making, designing, imagining, and creating

Programme Details

• Location: London, Hammersmith
• Duration: 2 weeks
• Schedule: 5 sessions per week

Outcome

Participants leave with:

• Original characters, artwork, and creative projects
• A stronger understanding of games and animation design
• Increased confidence in their creative abilities
• New skills in digital and traditional art-making
• Inspiration for future creative learning and development

Many programmes teach skills. IDEA Futures helps young people develop imagination, confidence, and creative thinking.

Through hands-on projects, expert guidance, and a supportive studio environment, students learn how to turn ideas into exciting visual experiences while discovering new possibilities in games, animation, and digital creativity.