Looking for engaging enrichment programs for kids and teens that can provide some fun beyond their classroom studies? Without the traditional after-school clubs, sports, and in-person hangouts, we know that we need to find stimulating activities to help kids avoid endless hours of idle screen time where they can have fun interacting with friends in a productive way.

The Academy of Games offers a game design program to provide such an experience! This virtual after-school program teaches game design through play, focusing on analog games such as board games and roleplaying games, rather than video games. The Academy of Games believes learning should be fun. Designing a game is a launching pad for countless other skills, and a great way to develop socially.

Their experienced instructors believe that now, more than ever, kids need a break from screens. Although online instruction is critical during this pandemic, they are eager to pass on the skills to be creative without electronics, while providing a structured social, fun environment outside of the classroom.The team at The Academy of Games started this program because they believe games are social at their core and they wanted to create a communal space for children to play and design together. Games are a great way to make friends and learn new skills. The team believes…

• Games are both tools for learning and fun.
• We learn best through collaboration and play.
• Game design is a useful skill for all ages and across all disciplines.
• Structured play environments are critical for social and emotional growth.

Classes Grouped by Age: The Academy of Games offers virtual classes for ages 8 to 16. Sessions are organized by age and interest.

Variety of Class Times Offered: Classes are offered at several times to fit a variety of schedules — 12:30 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. These three times are offered Monday through Friday, and each session lasts two hours. If these times don’t work for your kids, they will happily accommodate other schedules.

One Session Per Week: Children who sign up for a semester will attend one session per week for the length of the semester.

Special Sessions on Saturdays: Saturdays are offered on a case-by-case basis for families and kids who would like one-off or campaign roleplaying game sessions. Kids are encouraged to sign up with their friends to lock in their group and to have an outlet to see friends they would normally want to see in person.

Choose From Two Different Classes — Board Game Design & Roleplaying Games:

• Board Game Design Classes are a mix of gameplay, seminar-style discussions of the game played (focused on deconstructing the elements of the game and the play experience), and instruction in game design.
• Roleplaying Game Classes are a mix of roleplaying, storytelling, and building social skills. The end of each session will feature a discussion about what happened during gameplay, decisions made by players, strategies for future adventures, and rules and world-building concepts.

Click here to learn more about each type of session.

Individual sessions are $35 each per child, but drop to $25 per child if you sign up for a four-month semester. The Academy of Games is offering Do512 readers a FREE trial session! Please contact [email protected] for more details and to register! You can also learn more by following on Facebook at Twitter.