Digital Media Academy

Digital Media Academy is a critically acclaimed computer and digital media camp and has been featured in the New York Times and Nintendo Power magazine. It is ranked by Worth.com as one of the ten best summer camps in the world.

THE DMA EXPERIENCE
Founded in 2002 by technology educators from Stanford University, and led by former Stanford educators and interactive education and entertainment creators from Apple and Walt Disney Studios - Digital Media Academy delivers a world-class digital learning experience.

Learn video game design, iPhone and iPad App development, Google Android app development, robotics, computer programming using Java or C+++, digital filmmaking, digital photography, website design, 3D modeling, animation and so much more.

Beginning to advanced student campers age 6-18 learn by doing with hands-on instruction from industry professionals, with real-world experience. DMA builds and develops STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) skills - many of DMA’s instructors have literally written the book on the subject that they teach. DMA Alumni include television and music producers, filmmakers, professional photographers as well as game and app developers.

At DMA, students experience life on the campus of a prestigious American university like Stanford, Harvard or UCLA (just to name a few) while making friends and learning with others who share the same interests. Small class sizes (8:1 max) guarantee a personalized experience. Students work on their own personal project in every class.*

*DMA Studios is a group based project learning experience.

WHY CHOOSE DMA?

• Stanford University Accreditation - get Stanford continuing studies credits to enhance a college portfolio or resume
• Separate teaching and activity staff
• The lowest student to staff ratio - ranges from 3:1 or 8:1 depending on classroom needs
• The latest software and hardware - Apple computers
• Balanced experiene for kids, including outdoor activities
• Optional residential program includes organized evening and weekend activities - video game competitions, movie premieres and more
• Family owned and operated - we're parents too!
• Our focus is on being the best, not the biggest – quality over quantity

If it involves creating digital media, we can teach you how to create the future at Digital Media Academy - the world’s best computer and digital arts summer camp.

For experiences beyond the traditional one-week camp, see our 2-week teen academies and immersive DMA Studios experiences below. 

DMA is an Apple Certified Training Center and teen camp/courses are accredited by Stanford University.


WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT DMA
"Vastly better than any of the other summer camps we've been to" -Glen Scott, Parent

"DMA is the best camp I have ever been to. I learned how to make iPhone apps in one week!" - Lewis, DMA App Development Student

"I knew absolutely nothing about Maya when I first signed up but now it feels like I could make anything I want with just a little practice" - Sawyer, DMA Maya Student

"The best 2 weeks of my life - I met great friends for life and I gained great filmmaking skills" - Caitlin, DMA Film Student

Camp Facilities

Living on Campus: The Pre-College Experience
Our programs are held on prestigious college campuses, including Stanford University, UCLA, UCSD, UC Irvine, UC Berkeley, University of British Columbia, University of Toronto, University of Texas at Austin, University of Chicago, Drexel University, Swarthmore College, Harvard University, Concordia College (NY), Marymount Manhattan, Yale University, Georgia Tech, and George Washington University. Students may commute or stay on campus in university housing. All DMA kids & teens are housed in doubles, separate from adult participants. A dedicated DMA staff team lives with the kids & teens in the dorm coordinating evening and weekend activities while ensuring a fun and safe experience for everyone.

Students living on campus receive breakfast, lunch and dinner in a university dining hall. Commuting students may purchase a dining hall lunch pass or buy their own lunch at one of several restaurants on campus.

Activities
Our programs provide an excellent opportunity for students to explore the campus and surrounding area while making new friends. In the evening, teens and kids can participate in organized activities. Organized activities include group sports, exploring the campus, video game tournaments, scavenger hunts, etc.

For those staying for more than one week, weekend packages include housing, dining and activities. Weekend activities vary depending upon the interests of students staying for the weekend. Possible activities include amusement parks, water parks, museums, touring nearby cities and more.

Camp Staff

Instructors
Our team of DMA instructors consists of nationally-known, award-winning, Apple and Adobe Certified professionals, who are experienced instructors and accomplished artists. Many of our instructors are published authors and considered gurus in their field. The level of instruction is unlike any other summer computer camp. Come learn from the best!

Live-in Youth Activities Coordinators/Counselors
DMA's goal is to provide a fun and safe environment for kids and teens who live on-campus while taking courses. DMA hires a staff of live-in youth activities coordinators and counselors who are dedicated to creating a fun and safe environment outside of classroom instruction. Our live-in counselors must be at least 21 years of age, are CPR certified and are carefully screened to ensure a safe environment for your kids and teens.

Camp FAQs

What kind of programs and courses do you offer?
We offer a wide range of courses in various digital art and media topics. We have separate programs for kids, teens and adult learners. In addition to our summer university programs, we offer onsite training for companies and schools throughout the year.

Will I have to share a computer with other students?
While we encourage collaboration, every attendee will have a dedicated computer.

What will I take home at the end of the week?
All DMA courses are hands-on and project-based. At the end of the week you will take home a completed project on a DVD.

What kind of computers and software do you use in your courses?
We use state-of-the-art, networked computers (typically new or only 1-year old) and the latest version of whatever software is being utilized in the course.

What risk-management precautions do you take to ensure the safety of your teen and youth attendees?
We employ a secure and strict check-in and check-out system for our youth. No one is allowed to pick up your child without proper identification and written authorization on file. All our counselors carry cell phones and can be easily reached at any time. In addition to being CPR Certified, DMA staff must pass a stringent background check and attend a thorough risk management and emergency procedures training. We use the common sense, no “one-on-one” rule and employ the “buddy system.” All our computers are protected with strict Internet content filtering software.

What if I have a medical emergency?
All staff members are First Aid and CPR Certified, so we are equipped to handle minor injuries ourselves. Emergency facilities are nearby in the rare instance that they are needed. Parents of teens and kids will be notified immediately whenever sickness or injury occurs.

Camp Sessions

Camp Season: June 17, 2013 to August 23, 2013
Multiple camper discounts available
Financial assistance available

• SessionDates# CampersTuition
• Weeklong Day Sessions
  MORE INFORMATION ▼6/17/2013 to 8/23/2013140 Campers$795.00
  • Courses are Monday through Friday, 9:00am - 5pm. Cost includes course fee. Commuter lunch plans are available at some locations for an additional fee.
• Weeklong Overnight Sessions
  MORE INFORMATION ▼6/17/2013 to 8/23/2013140 Campers$1,210.00
  • Overnight pricing includes cost of one course and housing/dining. Attendee overnight housing is offered at most universities. Kids and Teens are housed in their own university housing, separate from adult participants. Meals are provided in the student cafeteria. Evening activities include games and recreational activities. For those staying for more than one week, weekend activities include amusement parks, water parks, and more.