The first of three terms started in Novska Summer gaming camp which gathers students of higher grades of elementary schools from all over Croatia. During the seven-day stay in the center of the Croatian gaming industry, the first 37 participants create their own video game, acquire new knowledge and develop skills in a professional and stimulating environment.
The camp is intended for students from 4th to 8th grade and is organized through three levels - basic, advanced and advanced+, with work in Blender, Krita and Unity tools. The educational program is led by an expert team of mentors from the gaming industry, while the daily activities are carefully designed to encourage creativity, teamwork and the development of digital competences.
It is for the participants provided accommodation in a student dormitory, three meals a day, healthy snacks and 24-hour supervision. The day begins with exercise, followed by four hours of classes. The afternoon program includes gaming challenges, STEM workshops, VR, robotics, quizzes and fishing, while the evenings are reserved for socializing, stargazing and going to the cinema. A trip to Lonjsko Polje Nature Park. Special attention is paid to safety on the Internet, in cooperation with Center for a safer internet.
The camp, which is organized by the Entrepreneurial Incubator PISMO powered by A1, the Development Agency SIMORA, Sisak-Moslavina County and the City of Novska, with the support of partners A1 Croatia, the Center for a Safer Internet, White Shark and others, to date, it has gathered more than 300 students, and the interest is continuously growing.
"Every year, we increase the number of activities - we have additionally strengthened the part with games, quizzes and prizes, and for the first time former students are involved in the work, now as assistants to educators. This way we are building a camp that grows together with our community," point out from the PISMO powered by A1 Entrepreneurship Incubator.
Two more appointments will follow until the end of the summer - at the beginning of July and at the end of August - and it is expected that this year's camp will gather a total of more than 120 children. Due to great interest and full capacities, applications for 2025 are no longer possible.
Experiences of former and current participants
This year, through cooperation with the student service, for the work of the camp former students are also included – Petar and Roko, now as assistants to educators. They pass on their experiences and impressions to new generations of students.
Roko P. (16).: "I was at the camp for two years as an attendee, and now I am involved through the student service. The camp inspired me - that's why today I am a student of video game development technician in Novska. Working here is a new and interesting experience - I help students understand game development and I am very happy to be part of this team."
Petar B. (18): "Working at the camp is interesting, fun and I learn a lot. I am especially glad that I can contribute to the atmosphere in which I myself once was as a student."
Some of this year's participants shared their first impressions with us:
Marin A. (13): "The camp is a lot of fun, there are a lot of different activities and good teachers. This is the third time I am here because every year I like it more and more - education, society, activities, accommodation. Novska is a small town, but very technologically developed."
Helena T. (11): "It's great for me, this is the best camp I've been to because not a single topic is boring. It's my first year here, I'm coming from Zagreb and I plan to come back next year as well. Novska is a beautiful and peaceful place
