ANIMATION - Commuter

Students in this program get to choose two animation related areas for their camp focus. Students will focus on one area during the mornings and one area during the afternoons. The four options are:

2D Animation (primarily using Adobe Animate software) 3D Animation (primarily using Maya software) Concept Art for Games & Animation (primarily using Blender, the Adobe Suite, and hand drawing). Stop Motion Animation (primarily using paper, modeling clay, light boxes, and cameras)

Students can select their preferences on the camp application. Most students receive their top two choices. Campers will also have the opportunity to change their selections on the first day of the camp.

In 2025, the animation camp classes will be taught by current CU Denver Visual Arts Department faculty members Brett Rutland and Charles Valsechi alongside recent CU Denver 3D Animation Program graduates Avery Buffington and Andy Yankovich.

Additionally, there were four current CU Denver Visual Arts students serving as camp teaching assistants. Camp students learned so much from this talented crew!

Our animation camp program is great for high school students of all ability levels. Most importantly, we want students who are eager to learn animation and improve their skills. Our camp instructors are great at bringing high school students who are newer to animation along at an appropriate pace, while also being able to challenge students with more advanced animation skills. In 10 years of running the camp, we've never had a student attend the camp who said the camp was too easy or basic for them. This camp really prepares students well to enter college animation programs.

During the evenings of the camp, we bring in animation guest artists to share their experiences as professional animators. Past guest artists have included Jeff Gibson (Disney), Richard Marrujo (Pixar), Jessica Smith (Bron Studios), and Michael Launder (Nickelodeon). All of these guest artists are alumni of our CU Denver animation program!

Commuter Student: $1,300 (includes weekday camp programming from 9:00-4:30 and their lunch provided by the City Heights Dining Hall.)

Application Opens - November 1, 2025 Priority Deadline​*- March 15, 2026 Final Deadline- May 15, 2026 (late applications will be considered through June 1st)

*Please note that some programs will fill up by the priority deadline. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. *Students who apply by the priority deadline receive priority for admission and scholarships.

It is free to apply to LYNX Camp! We also don't ask for any camp payments until April.