“My favorite part was making a demon bunny for a video game. I thought it was really fun making him from good and adorable to evil and scary. The challenge for me was to draw the back and front of him. I still can’t really get the arms right but it will work out. Throughout the day I had so much fun and I can’t wait to learn more tomorrow!!!”

 –Eliza, a Youth Participant

Youth working together to develop shared ideas and solutions in art and animation.

On July 27 and 28th, 38 youth between the ages of 9-17 jumped into Pixel Arts’ Youth Game Camp and explored games from multiple perspectives. As Eliza’s enthusiastic response shows, youth found their own confidence to try, fail and try again. Discovery and success through failure is an important opportunity that, when supported, can encourage newfound drive and enthusiasm.

Our volunteer community and Portland YouthBuilders acted as a tremendous support in the form of 30 volunteer mentors and program aides. We were able to provide 12 unique learning activities over the course of our two-day weekend. Learners were able to transition between the topics of art and animation, design, and computer programming and logic.  We also set up creative activities in the hallway and in the clay room in case they needed a break.

“I always wanted him to try coding, but he had never had a chance. He finally got to try it at the camp, and now he is hooked. That’s what he wants to do.” A Parent’s Thanks.

Based on our early assessment, the camp was a huge success! We created a safe, intergenerational learning environment where youth could try their hand at many different roles. These roles supported key 21st century skills in creative problem solving through collaboration and communication.  The success of the camp was reflected in the many thanks from youth and parents, and early assessment shows they want to see more opportunities for youth. To get an outside perspective on what took place during the camp, check out the articles covering our story in the Hillsboro Tribune, PSU Vanguard, and Oregon Ask.

So what comes next?  Over the upcoming weeks, we are assessing the camp to understand what worked and what to improve. By using pre- and post-camp surveys, we are gaining clear feedback about the learning needs of youth.  We are excited to share the results at our upcoming kid-friendly celebration, the Pixel Portrait Party at Cafe au Play.  Please join us in August to hear about future camps, play games and make art together!

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