CompCADEMY, formerly known as Explorers Post 725, is an educational body dedicated to introducing computer science-related subject material not typically covered in a traditional high school classroom. We are recognized by the State of Illinois as a non-profit organization. This organization is devoted to the use of computers and now, by popular demand by our students, also focused on the design a
nd development of computer games. Using open-source software and selected freeware, we explore the worlds of video game design, web design, computer programming, and audio and video editing. Students with a penchant for playing games, drawing, composing music, and storytelling are encouraged to join us in developing their own games and software. In recent years we have placed greater emphasis on web design using HTML5 and CSS through the use of the free, open-source, and cross-platform Brackets source editor. Other fields of interest in this curriculum include programming with the Small Basic mini-language and, even more recently, languages of the Microsoft .NET family, such as Visual Basic and C#. We explore existing video games through multiplayer competitions using Nintendo 2DS and 3DS. We also hold lively discussions of our favorite video games, yielding better ideas and examples which we can build upon in our own projects. Our meetings take place at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, Illinois in Logan Hall room 1138. We meet on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays monthly throughout the school year, excluding national holiday weekends. We hold our meetings from 9AM to noon. More information including a calendar of meetings can be found on our website: https://compcademy.org