Exploring imagination through games, Portland Tribune, January 27th 2013
Sibling duo Alejandra and Zander Ortega, a sixth-grader at H.B. Lee Middle School and fourth-grader at Glenfair Elementary School respectively, had no previous game experience but loved their time at camp. They plan to attend more game-related events.
“Gresham area students brought games to life during the inaugural Rockwood Library Game Camp held Dec. 30-Jan 4.
‘This was a good entry point for learning about the gaming environment,’ said Megan Pixley, a senior at Reynolds High School who loves video games and aspires to become a video arts story writer. Pixley and friend Rachael Knudson, a Reynolds senior, also were impressed with the number of girls — about 20 percent of the group — participating in an often male-dominated subject. ‘I don’t think you should ever let your gender hold you back from what you really want to do,’ Pixley said. And game camp only further inspired her dreams.”
Youth Game Expos
10 Favorite Things at Portland’s Mini Maker Faire, Make Magazine, October 2013
“One of my favorites was PewPewPewPewPewPewPewPewPew, a game in which two players control the little astronaut using microphones. One player makes noises to turn on the jet pack (moving the astronaut up) while the other one can make ‘pew pew pew’ noises to fire the gun. The sounds were all modulated through the speakers so they sounded more like video game sounds, and it was pretty hilarious to watch. PIGSquad overlaps with Pixel Arts Game Education PDX, which is dedicated to creating maker-based learning using games.”
Good Day Oregon, Games at the OMSI Mini Maker Faire
Bored? Games! Portland Mercury
“Most intriguing are two events focused around using a simple desktop application called Twine to craft choose-your-own-adventure-style, text-based games. A Twine Workshop will walk participants through the basics of turning their stories into interactive experiences—and once they’ve figured that out, a Twine Jam will give Twine makers a prompt, then challenge them to create their own unique Twine stories from it.”
Game Camp Lets Kids Explore Computers, Hillsboro Tribune, August 2013
“An initiative to encourage youth to discover their skills in art animation, computer programing and design has been a rousing success this summer in Portland, but its creator says he’s looking to expand to Washington County in the future.”
Camp Teaches Kids the Art and Engineering Behind Video Games, The Oregonian, August 2013
A group of local video game developers have launched a program to get metro-area teens interested in the science and art of game-making. In addition to the technical aspects of game-making, participants learned communication, leadership, self-motivation skills in their small groups.
Portland Devs Hold ‘Youth Game Camp,’ More Planned. Polygon, August 9th 2013
Pixel Arts, a non-profit organization based in Portland, held its first Youth Game Camp July 27-28, during which about 25 volunteers helped 30 participants learn to make games. Campers chose areas of game development that interested them using three “pathways,” which included Art and Animation, Computer Science and Programming and Design and Game Play.
Faces & Places: All Access Pass to Technology, Oregon Ask, August 2013
“A group of 25 volunteers lead by Jeffrey Sens and Will Lewis, worked to breakdown barriers by exploring the components of video gaming, providing multiple pathways to engagement for youth in Portland.”
A Different Kind of Camp, PSU Vanguard, August 2013
“Kids are taught not only how to sculpt characters and design a level, but also how to communicate effectively within a group. Failure is a possibility, but one crux of the camp is to create a safe environment for failure and to temper its sting with encouragement.”
