How to Vlog with Great Sound and Video

Vlogging is a great way to share your personal story. People vlog for all sorts of reasons like about what you do, exciting trips or just vlogging for fun. 

 Whatever the reason may be, vlogging can be done with a few simple tips and tricks. Vlogs often have poor audio and video quality because many new vloggers don't know how to properly handle the camera. 

 This makes it difficult for viewers to hear and see what is going on in the video. In this blog post, we will discuss ways that you can vlog with great sound and video so that your vlog is clear and easy to understand!

You Don't Need Expensive Equipment to Get a Quality Vlog

 One of the most common vlogging mistakes is thinking that you need expensive equipment to get a good quality vlog. This isn't true! You can vlog with your smartphone or basic digital camera and still produce high-quality videos. 

 However, if you are looking to purchase some new equipment for vlogging, there are a few things you should consider. Firstly, make sure that whatever device you choose has a good microphone. Many smartphones have poor microphones which result in muffled or distorted audio. If possible, try to find a camera or microphone that has an external mic jack so you can use a better-quality microphone. 

 Another thing to keep in mind when purchasing equipment is video resolution. Higher resolutions will result in a sharper and cleaner image. However, you don't need to purchase the most expensive equipment to get a good vlogging experience.

Learn How to Use Your Equipment

 Once you have purchased some quality vlogging equipment, it is important that you learn how to use it properly. Many new vloggers make the mistake of not taking the time to learn how their equipment works. This can lead to poor sound and video quality in your vlogs. 

 If you are using a camera, make sure to read the manual or watch how to videos on YouTube so that you understand all the features and settings. Experiment with different shooting modes and settings until you find what works best for you. 

 With microphones, it is important to find the right placement. If the microphone is too close to the subject, it will pick up a lot of background noise. Try moving the microphone closer to the source of the sound or farther away from the subject to reduce noise. 

 If you are vlogging with your smartphone, there are a few things you can do to improve audio quality. One is to use an app like Audio Recorder Pro which allows you to adjust settings like gain and compression. You can also use headphones instead of the built-in speaker for better sound quality. 

Use Good Lighting

 Lighting is another important factor when vlogging. Poor lighting can make videos difficult to see and understand. Again, you don't need expensive equipment to get good lighting. You can use natural light or a simple lighting kit to get good results. 

 When filming indoors, try to position your subject near a window for natural light. If you are using artificial light, make sure that it is facing the subject and not behind or off to the side. This will create harsh shadows and unflattering lighting. 

Be Mindful of Your Background

 Your background is another important element of your vlogs. Busy or cluttered backgrounds can be distracting and take away from the focus of the video. Try to choose a background that is plain or has a solid colour so that it doesn't compete with your subject. 

 Keep in mind also what is going on in the background of your shots. Make sure that there is nothing in the background that could be considered a distraction or safety hazard. 

Edit Your Videos

 Once you have filmed your vlog, it is important to edit it properly. This can include things like removing unwanted footage, adding music or titles, but you can also improve your audio and video quality after it's already been filmed. 

 There are several video editing software programs that you can use, both free and paid. Experiment with different programs until you find one that works best for you. 

Brick Works Can Help

 Does your child love YouTube? Do they watch videos from their favourite vlogger and want to be like them? 

 Brick Works is excited about our upcoming YouTube Star camp. From uploading video to video editing and the proper ways to shoot, your kids can learn how they can upload quality videos on their way to becoming the next YouTube sensation.

 Learn more about our YouTube Star Camp by visiting our camps page

Best Video Editing Software for Kids in 2022

Video editing can be fun and allow everyone to flex their creative muscles with different ideas and editing styles. 

But the issue with video editing is it can be daunting to approach. When you open up video editing software, it can be scary to look at how many buttons there are. As a result, most people need to watch hours of YouTube videos just to learn how to do basic things.

We decided to look through many of the popular, easy-to-use programs currently available and give you insight into what video editing software is the best for kids and teens looking to learn about video editing.  

This post breaks down some of the top-rated, easy-to-use video editing programs on the market today! 

InVideo

Price: Free - $30 per month depending on features.

InVideo is an online video editor that makes it easy to create professional-quality videos without any prior experience.

With InVideo, you can choose from a library of over 6000+ templates, or create your own from scratch.

InVideo also offers a variety of features to help you customize your videos, including text, images, videos, music, and animations. Once you’re finished editing, you can export your video in high quality formats for sharing on social media, YouTube, or your website.

Kinemaster Video Editor 

Price: Free 14-day trial - $45 per month after

One of the best editing software to use when you are just starting. It's easy to learn and has a clean interface that won't make you sweat bullets every time you open it up, especially if this is your first-time editing videos. 

Plus, there is a healthy online community of Kinemaster users that are always more than happy to help out a fellow editor in need - so you're never really alone when learning how to use this program!

The downside is the expensive monthly price tag. Still, if your child is serious about learning to video edit and you want to give them access to all of the features that Kinemaster offers, then it is definitely worth the investment.

VideoPad Video Editor

 Price: Free to use without all features - Full feature program costs $7 per month

VideoPad makes video editing easy and accessible. VideoPad is a Windows and Mac video editor that makes it easy to edit videos with drag-and-drop functionality. In addition, you can add your clips or media files to the timeline and start editing immediately!

VideoPad has multiple effects options (with more being added all of the time), giving anyone who uses this program a way to get the exact look they want for their videos. VideoPad is also a great option because it's cheap, uses little storage space and is easy to use!

VideoPad is also one of the cheapest monthly subscription rates on this list, so it's great for those just starting.

RoughAnimator

Price: $5.00 usd

Fully featured hand drawn animation application runs on iPad, Android, Mac, and Windows. Powerful enough for professional animators, simple enough for beginners. Everything you need to create traditional hand drawn animation, anywhere you go!

ShotCut

Price: Free

Get ready to make your videos, no matter the platform you are on.

With ShotCut, it’s biggest feature is the ability to allow cross-platform video editing, meaning no matter if your using Windows, Linux, or Mac you can edit without worrying about compatibility messing anything up.

ShotCut also gives you many of the tools found in some of the more expensive video editing programs. This includes features like wide formate support, 4K video rendering, and easy drag and drop editing so you can make videos fast.

ShotCut is perfect for those looking for a basic but powerful video editing tool, all for the price of free!

Powtoon Video

Price: Free to try - Range from $20-60 per month after

Powtoon is a great video editor for kids because it's easy to use and has a wide range of templates that are both animated and non-animated. It's also a prevalent option with kids because it has a built-in screen recorder that's easy to understand and can be used to give glass projects some extra polished touches with many of their cool effects. 

This program is perfect for those who want to make explainer videos, product demos, or have some fun with their editing! Powtoon also offers an online community forum where users can share tips, tricks and ideas about getting the most out of this program.

This is a great place to start if you want to start making your video edits and animations. The price can be steep but the lower $20 per month cost gives your child a chance to see if they like video editing without breaking the bank.

LumaFusion

Price: $39.99 plus optional in-app purchases

Need to edit on the go without sacrificing quality or the tools needed to make a great video? LumaFusion is what you need!

This iPad and iPhone app provides high-end video editing tools whenever and wherever you need them. With up 6 audio and video tracks supported, you might think you are using high end PC editing software.

This gives kids the ability to bring their videos on the go and if they are bored in the car, they can use that time to really learn new skills right from the iPad.

LumaFusion is also listed as one of Apple’s Editor’s Choice Award winners so expect a high quality experience if you purchase this app.  

Shadow Puppet Edu

 Price: Free

If you are looking for a way to make learning fun, Shadow Puppet Video is an excellent program that can help. This video editor for Mac and iPad uses the shadow puppet concept and allows users to chop their videos into pieces to animate them according to how they want it to look! 

This program is excellent because kids and teens who learn with visual aids like this will be able to get more out of what's on-screen. In addition, it makes it easier for everyone in your family or classroom to follow along and understand exactly what you're trying to teach them about.

And the best part? It's completely free, so your child can have hours of fun creating their Shadow Puppet movies. 

iMovie 

 Price: Free

iMovie is a video editing software that comes pre-installed on all Apple devices. So that means if you're someone who already has an iPhone, iPad or Mac computer - you have access to iMovie without downloading it! 

It's easy to use and navigate, perfect for those just starting in the world of video editing. iMovie also offers users a wide range of effects, filters, and titles that they can add onto their videos to give them that extra bit of pizzazz!

Stop Motion Studio 

 Price: Free - $5 to unlock all features forever 

Stop Motion Studio is an app available on both Android and IOS devices. It's perfect for those who want to make animated videos because it lets users create their stop motion movies right from their phone or tablet! 

This app has a wide range of features, including adding sound effects, music and voiceovers to your videos. It also offers a wide range of frames and backgrounds for users to choose from so that their movies look as professional as possible! 

Stop Motion Studio is free to download on all devices - but some features are locked until you purchase the full version for $5. This is an excellent option for those who want to make stop motion movies but don't want to spend much money on software.

Final Thoughts 

Video editing is a great way to help kids learn new skills and express themselves creatively. So whether you're looking for an easy-to-use program that's perfect for beginners or something with more features for those who are more comfortable with the process, there's a video editor for you.

This list of Video Editing Software is just to get your children started. Many other programs include video editing capabilities, but this should be enough to help them make their first edit now! 

You can also visit Brick Work's camp page and learn more about our in-person YouTube Star camp, which brings your child together with video and sound experts to learn more about video editing and what goes into making a great YouTube video. 

We teach them the basics of video editing while creating their own YouTube video from scratch, all while having fun. So, if your kids want to be like their favourite YouTuber, this is the perfect camp for them.

What Skills Can Kids Learn Now About Video Game Design?

Sitting down to play your favourite video game alone or with friends is an experience many of us have come to love. Video games give us amazing stories in creative worlds with fun ways to explore all of them.

But making video games is also an entertaining and rewarding job. As a result, many of today's top video game developers started learning about game design as kids.

While in high demand, video game design also requires many skills. Video game designers must be skilled in the art of video games and have technical knowledge about how to program them.

Future designers can learn about these skills by attending video game camps. This blog post will discuss what skills are required for video game design and how many kids can start learning today.

What Makes You Love Games?

In order to become a video game designer, you need to start small. That starting point is to know what exactly you love so much about video games.

Do you love the worlds they create? The characters? Or is it simply the act of playing them?

Once you know what specifically interests you in video game design, it's time to think about the skills that go into making a video game. Teams of people create video games, so designers need to work with others and lead them.

Designer is a Broad Term

Video game design is a broad term that can include many different positions.

Creating a game from scratch requires many skill sets that match up with different positions. Some of the most prominent positions at a video game studio are:

Artist - This person is responsible for the look and feel of the game. They create the worlds, characters, and objects that players will interact with.

Programmer - This person makes sure that everything in the game works as it should. They are responsible for developing the code that makes video games run.

Audio Engineer - This person creates all of the sounds in the game. From footsteps to explosions, they make sure it all sounds good.

Business Developer - This person is in charge of making sure the video game studio can continue to make games by finding new investors and partners.

Tester - This person plays the game and looks for any errors. They make sure that everything works as it should and that players will have a good experience.

These are only a few of the many positions, and many jobs require you to have skills that bleed into many different job descriptions within the studio.

What Skills Can Your Child Learn Now?

Have a little one who loves playing games with their family or friends already?

Many kids start learning about game design at a young age, and by the time they reach high school, they have the skills to create a basic game.

There are many different ways to learn these skills. But one of the best ways is by enrolling them in a video game design camp. Video game design camps are an excellent way for kids to learn about the many different aspects that go into making video games.

The skills that come from these camps include:

Programing - Learning how to code with essential skills to create video games is the heart of making games.

Art - Creating art for video games will give your child the tools they need to create beautiful and exciting worlds.

Teamwork - Video games are created by teams, so learning how to work with others is a vital skill.

Level Building - This is creating a level or world for a video game. It teaches kids how to design an area that is fun and challenging to play in.

Sound Design - Making sure the sounds in a game are suitable is essential for creating an immersive experience.

Control - Giving players control over their game and what buttons need to be pressed is critical for a good video game design.

Final Thoughts

So, if your child loves video games and wants to learn more about how they are made, a Video Game Design Camp is the perfect way to start.

Lucky for you, Brick Works offers their video game design camp entirely virtually, meaning your child can be right at home while learning about what goes into creating their favourite game.

Brick Works puts your child in a class with some of the best and brightest game developers in the business. In addition, your child will have access to mentors and instructors who can answer any question they may have about video game design.

So keep an eye out on our virtual camps page for more information about our video game design camp.

Lego Robotics: What Do They Offer Kids at Camp?

Do your kids love playing with Lego? Building what the instructions say or using their imagination, there are many ways to play and learn using Lego blocks.

But expanding on how Lego can teach kids has been growing over the last decade, and Lego robotics is at the forefront of that.

There are some significant differences between regular Lego and Lego robotics sets. This blog post will discuss the main differences between the two and what your kids can learn attending a Lego Robotics camp.

What is Lego Robotics?

Lego robotics is a subset of Lego that uses motors and sensors to make robots move and react to their environment. Lego robotics kits come with instructions on building pre-determined robots, but there is also room for kids to use their creativity and develop their own designs.

Many of the Robotic Lego sets are sold directly to educational institutions and robotics clubs, but a few sets have been designed for the home consumer.

How is Lego Robotics Different from Regular Lego?

The most significant difference between the sets is the fairly obvious one of Lego Robotics moving independently. But there are a lot more than just moving pieces that make the robotics sets unique:

• Lego Robotics uses motors and sensors to make robots move and react to their environment.

• Kits come with USB cables that plug into the Lego set and allow children to program their robots using a computer.

• The Lego robotics sets are designed to teach kids about programming and engineering. The projects in the kits start simple but get progressively more challenging as kids learn more.

• Lego uses their software called Lego Mindstorms. This software can be installed on any computer or downloaded on IOS or Android devices.

• Most Lego Robotics sets come with rechargeable batteries that power the motors, while regular Lego blocks use standard AA or AAA batteries.

What Can Kids Learn at Lego Robotics Camp?

Brick Works is proud to bring back our Lego Robotics camp for both Jr campers and Sr.

Both camps put your child in front of the Lego Robotics sets that give creativity and imagination a new world to explore. The most significant difference between the Jr and Sr camps is the learning difficulty for programming the robots.

No matter the camp you choose, your child will learn valuable skills, including:

• How to build and program Lego robots using motors and sensors

• Teamwork skills as they work with other campers on their team's robot project

But that is not all. We have seen children as young as six enter our Jr Lego Robotics Camp and grasp some of the basic programming concepts.

With a bit of guidance from our instructors, these kids are well on their way to learning more complex coding at a later age. If you're looking for an opportunity for your child to get ahead in technology or even robotics, look no further than Brick Works Academy’s Lego Robotics camps!

Learn more about how you can sign your child up for our Lego Robotics camp by visiting our Camps page.

Lego Boost Robots VS Lego Robot Inventor Sets: What's the Difference?

Do you know the difference between LEGO Boost Robots and LEGO Robot Inventor sets?

If not, you're in for a treat! In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between the two sets and help you decide which one is right for your child. Both of these sets are a lot of fun, but they offer different learning experiences.

Let's take a closer look at each set.

What is Lego Boost Robots?

Lego Boost Robots is a set that includes everything your child needs to build five different robots. These robots can be controlled with an app on your phone or tablet. The set includes over 840 pieces, including motors, sensors, and a control panel.

The other big change from regular Lego sets is the ability for kids to learn to code with the Boost Robot. The app includes a programming interface that teaches kids the basics of coding and programming.

These sets are recommended for kids 7 to 12 years old, which is aimed at a slightly younger audience than the Lego Robot Inventor sets.

What is Lego Robot Inventor?

The LEGO Robot Inventor set is different from the Boost Robots set. It is more complicated and aimed at kids who are a bit older, aged 10 and up.

This set includes over 900 pieces and allows kids to really get fully involved in all the different STEM activities. The set includes a programmable brick, motors, sensors, and remote control.

Like the Boost Robot set, the LEGO Robot Inventor set allows kids to learn coding and programming. However, the Robot Inventor software in this set is much more advanced, giving kids the ability to create more complex programs.

There are over 50 different activities you can do within the set, including building and programming a robot that can walk, dance, and play games.

What Are the Biggest Differences Between the Sets?

There are a few key differences between the two sets.

Age Range

The first is the age range that they are aimed at. The Lego Boost Robots set is aimed at kids aged between 7 and 12, whereas the LEGO Robot Inventor set is for kids aged 10 and up.

Complexity

The Boost Robot set is much simpler than the LEGO Robot Inventor set, which includes more complex pieces and allows for a wider variety of activities.

The Boost set provides simple icons to give kids an easier ability to follow instructions while coding. The Inventor set introduces more coding language used by regular computer coders.

Introducing regular coding language gives kids a starting point if they decide to try their hands at programming computer programs when they get older.

Software

Boost uses a fully integrated app from a tablet for all instructions and coding ability. This gives kids an easier way to see results and control their robots.

LEGO Robot Inventor set uses software that needs to be installed on your computer because of the intelligent Lego Brick that you use for coding the robot.

The Inventor set, while more versatile and dynamic in the ways your child can code the robot, takes more effort to install and get started. Either of these sets will get kids coding and into robotics, but the Inventor set might be a better long-term investment.

Price

The LEGO Boost set retails for around $200, whereas the Inventor Robots set is much more expensive, starting at around $400.

This can definitely be a hurdle for most parents wanting to invest in their children's education. But, with the Inventor set, you are getting a lot more robot pieces and a wide range of activities to do.

Which Set is Better for My Child?

Now that we have looked at the differences between these two sets, it can be tricky to decide which one is better for your child.

Your child can design and code to their hearts content!

Both of these sets are excellent for teaching kids about robotics and coding, but there are a few things you should consider before making your purchase.

If you want to buy your child their first set, the Boost Robots set is probably the best option. It is simpler, more affordable, and still allows kids to learn about coding and programming.

If your child is already familiar with coding and programming, or you want to buy them a more advanced set, the LEGO Robot Inventor set is a better option. It includes more pieces and allows for a wider range of activities, which can keep kids engaged for longer periods of time.

The bottom line is that both of these sets are great for teaching kids about robotics and coding, but the LEGO Robot Inventor set is better for children who are already familiar with those concepts.

No matter the set, you can see if your kids are interested in coding before shelling out money by signing them up for Brickworks Robotics Camps.

We use similar LEGO systems for our Jr and Sr robotics camps, and the kids always have a blast with them!

If you want more information on our Robotics camps, visit our day camps page right here.

Top 9 Minecraft Blocks for New Map Builders in 2022

Minecraft Camp is one of the most popular camps offered by Brick Works. 

Build by Minecraft fans for Minecraft fans; it puts your kids right next to some of the best and brightest Minecraft builders who have spent hours in the game building to their heart's content. 

The best part of the game is figuring out what each block does. This allows map builders to go above and beyond standard Minecraft mechanics and create some stunning worlds. But which blocks are best used to make some of these great maps, and what do they allow you to accomplish? 

We've got you covered in this blog post with 9 Minecraft Blocks for Map Builders in 2022!

Stone

 One of the most versatile blocks in Minecraft, Stone is a crucial block for map builders. It can be used for walls, stairs, and even ceilings. In addition, since the stone has a neutral colour and can easily be dyed, it can be used to create a variety of different textures for your map.

Gold Ore

Gold ore is another fundamental block for map builders as it can be used to create some fantastic-looking walls and floors. It has a great texture, but it also has a shiny golden colour that will stand out on your map.

Water

Water is an essential block for map builders as it can be used to create oceans, rivers, and waterfalls. It can also be used to make mist and clouds.

The water block also has its own physics that can be used to create some amazing effects on your map.

Glass

Glass is a crucial block for map builders as it can be used to create windows, skylights, and even glass floors. It also has a transparency that can be used to create some stunning visual effects on your map.

Some of the most outstanding Minecraft maps ever built use glass as more than just a simple window block.

Redstone

Redstone is used as an energy source in many different items.

 Redstone has some remarkable properties that make it well worth using on your next project!​ ​​​​The biggest one is using it to make electrical circuits. This gives you the freedom to create experiences that can be triggered by pulling levers, opening doors and much more!

Redstone is also used to create Redstone torches. These help you see where your circuit is at a glance and can even be turned off or on with the push of a button. It will save you time, effort, and frustration when building large circuits with multiple components.

Brewing Stand

Used in the Brewing process, the Brewing Stand is a block that allows players to create potions using ingredients found throughout the world. Potions can give players special abilities such as resistance against fire or water breathing.

While this might not help a builder create, it's perfect for allowing players on your finished maps to craft stronger armour or weapons if you are building a map around fighting other creatures as players explore it. 

BedRock

A lot of Minecraft maps are built on top of the bedrock layer. The Bedrock block is used as a keystone for many different designs in Minecraft, allowing players to build structures that reach far above even the highest tree and into space itself! 

You can only access the Bed Rock block in building mode, and keep in mind players cannot destroy this rock, so it's perfect for creating boundaries in your map where you want to keep players enclosed

Spawn Eggs

Spawn Eggs allow players to spawn mobs that they have collected in the game. This is a perfect block for map builders as you can decide exactly where and when particular creatures will appear on your map.

Mobs are used by Minecraft fans worldwide, so this is a must-have item for any serious builder!​ ​​​​

Beds

The bed block acts as a checkpoint for players' health and hunger status whenever they log out of the game or if their character dies while playing. 

This block gives you the ability the create longer playable maps but not force the player to complete your world in 1 play session. You can also use the bed block to create an area where players need to rest and regain health before continuing their journey.

End Portals 

The End Portals block is used to create the Nether Portal, which leads you into The End dimension of Minecraft. ​

This means that map builders will be able to link their worlds together, allowing players to meet up no matter what world they are playing! It also gives them access to all new mob enemies such as Endermen or Pigman, so it's well worth using if you're looking for exciting gameplay options!​

Learning From Playing

Brick Works Minecraft Camp isn't just about playing a video game but learning the basics of how to create more difficult maps within Minecraft. Kids learn about technology, design, problem-solving, and presentation skills using one of the world's most popular games.

Becoming a Minecraft map builder takes a lot of work and deep knowledge of the game's mechanics to be successful.

If your child loves to build, head over to our in-person camps page and learn more about Brick Work's Minecraft Camp

-The Brick Works Team-

Dungeons & Dragons: Why Should Kid Learn to Play It?

Dungeons and Dragons is a tabletop role-playing game that has been around for years. 

 Since its creation in the 1970s, Dungeons and Dragons or more commonly known as D&D, has been a favourite pastime for people of all ages. It combines storytelling, creativity, and strategy and can be a great asset for kids to learn life skills. 

 But you might be saying, how can kids learn about a game from the 1970s with so many rules and can be pretty tricky to play. But don't worry; we will give you a few ways to introduce your child to the incredible game of D&D and some of the fantastic skills they can gain while playing.

Background on D&D 

 D&D is set in the medieval age with many monsters, magic, weapons, armour, and other items. 

 As the name states, there are dungeons in the game, which your players will explore. The game comprises three parts: the player's handbook, the monster manual, and the dungeon master's guide. 

 Players start by creating a character. A player can create as many characters as they want to, but if it is their first-time playing D&D, we recommend limiting yourself to one or two players per game master. 

 A Dungeon Master (DM) will read the rules for Dungeons & Dragons and run the adventure with other players. The DM is part of Dungeons & Dragons, but there are many ways that they can be their character in the game.

Skills Learned from D&D 

 Now let's get into some helpful tips to teach your child Dungeons and Dragon, so they have a great time learning valuable life skills!

 Language Arts Skills: There is nothing better than reading a good book, and Dungeons & Dragons is no exception. Players will have to read a lot of material to understand the game. Not only that, but they also need to be able to communicate with their fellow players during the game itself. 

 Math Skills: This should be no surprise as Dungeons & Dragons are all about numbers. There are many calculations that players need to do to figure out their armour class, hit points, and other statistics. 

 Critical Thinking Skills: Dungeons & Dragons is all about problem-solving. Players will often find themselves in difficult situations where they have to think outside the box to survive. 

Social Skills: Dungeons & Dragons is a social game that requires players to work together as a team. Dungeons & Dragons can be played online, in person, or over the phone, so it's so good for kids who don't like to play with others because they too will have to talk and interact with other people when playing Dungeons & Dragons. 

Teamwork Skills: Dungeons & Dragons also teaches teamwork skills. Players need to work together to complete quests and defeat monsters. 

Creativity: Dungeons & Dragons is all about creativity. Players can be creative with their characters, weapons, and spells. 

Planning Skills: Dungeons & Dragons also require good planning skills. Players must plan ahead before exploring a dungeon in order to survive. 

The Most Important Part

All of these skills mentioned above are amazing for a child's development and while developing those is a big reason why D&D is so popular for kids and adults alike, the main reason you should have your child learn about D&D is...

It's Fun!

Dungeons and Dragons is an enjoyable time. It combines storytelling, creativity, and strategy into something that feels like a video game but without the screens.

D&D can be played with friends and complete strangers, and by the end of your child's game, they will have created new bonds with other kids and will be chatting about the game for months after it is all over.  

Every game of D&D is entirely different as rules, players and situations change. It encourages imagination which is why D&D should be on the agenda for your kids!

If you want your child to learn about the fun and excitement, they can have playing Dungeons and Dragons, visit the Brick Works virtual camp section in our camps menu and sign them up for virtual Dungeons and Dragons camp this year.

Coding: A Guide for Parents (2022 Edition)

If you're a parent then there's a good chance you'll be looking for ways to get your kids interested in a few different activities that provide life skills.

It's important in today's world that kids try a variety of sports, hobbies and fun activities to expand their interests because unless they try, they won't know what they like.

The perfect example for trying something new is coding. If your kids already love video games, learning how those games are made and making their own basic games is what they learn with coding!

In this blog, we'll give you some tips on how to get your kids interested in coding and the skills they can learn while having fun.

What is Coding?

Coding is a process of telling a computer what to do by using a specific set of instructions written in what is called 'code'. Just like spoken language, code can be used to communicate with others. In the coding world, this other person is a computer.

When we write code, we're giving instructions to the computer on how it should behave. We can make our lives easier by writing code that tells the computer what to do instead of doing everything ourselves. For example, if you want your website's visitors to be able to sign up for your email list, you can use coding to create a form and manage all the submissions yourself – or you could have someone else write the code for you that will automatically add new subscribers to your

Learning About Coding Can Be Fun

One of the best things about coding is that kids can start learning at a young age and it's really fun for them! With games, puzzles and activities designed specifically for children, they'll be able to learn the basics while playing.

There are many different websites and programs where your kids can learn what coding is in an interactive and fun way. Many Interactive Coding Websites

One of the best ways to get kids coding is by providing them with a range of different activities that can keep their attention. If you're looking for websites that will do just that, take a look at some of these coding websites for kids!:

Scratch: A programming language created by MIT which allows users to create interactive stories, games and animations.

Code Academy: One of the most popular online courses teaching people how to code, it offers exercises and quizzes in various programming languages.

Tynker: With over 50 million users, this website provides puzzles, challenges and games for children to learn how to code while having fun.

It's important that when your child is using one of these websites or any website for that matter, you are there to help them. If they get stuck on something, don't be afraid to ask a friend or family member for help. That's what they're there for!

Coding Can Lead To Jobs In The Future

While learning how to code is important and can provide your children with essential life skills, it can also lead to great jobs in the future.

With technology becoming more and more important in our society, the demand for people who know how to code is rising.

Many new school curriculums include coding classes that are required for students to take. The benefit of your kids learning now is they can be ahead when they start learning about this in school and be able to help their fellow classmates if they get stuck.

Coding Teaches Many Skills

In addition to learning how to write code, it also teaches them many additional skills that are great for many other aspects of their life. These skills include:

Problem-solving: This is one of the most important skills that coding teaches. Kids learn how to break down a problem, find a solution and then code it into a program.

Critical thinking: Coding also helps kids develop their critical thinking skills as they need to think about how to solve problems in different ways.

Creativity: With coding, kids are able to be creative and come up with their own ideas for games, websites and more.

Teamwork: Coding is a great way for kids to learn how to work together as they need to communicate with each other in order to create programs or solve problems.

As you can see, there are many benefits for your kids when it comes to learning how to code.

Brick Works Video Game Design Camp Teaches Coding in an Exciting and Fun Way

At Brick Works, we teach kids how to code in a fun and exciting way through our video game design camps. We believe that it's important for kids to learn about coding at a young age and have created a program that is both educational and engaging.

Our camps are offered this upcoming summer so be sure to visit our camps page to learn more details.

Your child will be able to create their own video games while learning essential coding skills that they can use in the future.

We hope this simple guide gives you a great look at what coding can give your child and they can have fun learning about it too.