Clicking controllers, cheers after great plays, and groans after narrow defeats filled the room.
This week, Open Doors Academy middle school scholars spent part of their summer camp diving into the world of eSports. It’s one of several themed camps scholars rotate through over the course of the summer, each designed to explore a different interest while building new skills and experiences.
For ODA Coordinator Ben Senter, video games are the vehicle.
“Video games are such a big part of our scholars’ lives,” he said. “I really want them to be able to find something to connect with.”
Throughout the week, scholars not only played games but also learned to navigate frustration, celebrate success, and reflect on their reactions.
“It’s ok to want to win,” Ben explained, “but also remembering that you can still have fun even if you lose.”
Perhaps unsurprisingly, it took some effort to pull rising sixth grader Daejon B. away from a game of Madden long enough to ask what he thought of the camp.
“Yeah, I love it!” he said with a grin.
And immediately he was back in the game.
Like every ODA summer camp experience, eSports Camp is designed to help scholars discover new interests, build confidence, strengthen relationships, and practice the skills they’ll carry into the next school year.
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