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Cape May Court House – Come build and play while learning computer science at the new club, Gaming Innovation Lab – a joint program offered by the Cape May County 4-H Youth Development Program and the Cape May County Library. The club meets the second and 4th Monday of the month at 6 p.m. at the Technology Learning Center at the Main Branch of the Cape May County Library, 30 W. Mechanic Street, CMCH, NJ 08210. This program is open to the public, so, you don’t have to be a 4-H member to participate, however, preregistration is requested.
Gaming Innovation Lab teaches computer science fundamentals, such as coding, through gaming. “While utilizing gaming as the program backbone, the club will dive into the science of software development, hardware, and infrastructure,” said Kim Germanio, club leader along with Eric Neeld. “This is a hands-on, project-based club for gamers, innovators and makers,” added Germanio.
Children in grades K-3rd meet the second Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. to focus on teamwork and problem solving in a digital environment. On Monday, February 13th, they will learn creative problem-solving by completing a Minecraft Challenge.
Youth in grades 4-13 meet the 4th Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. Their next meeting is Monday, February 27, 2023. This group will have a choice of creative problem solving in Minecraft, exploring Roblox Studio, and/or game storyboarding.
Each meeting starts with show and tell followed by a Minecraft challenge. The challenge carries over to project work that they can do at home and present to the group at the next meeting. One goal of the program is for kids to work together to develop a story and learn how to effectively share creative ideas.
“4-H is excited to partner with the Cape May County Library to offer this program to Cape May County Youth. Computer science is a constantly expanding field, and with this club, organized around gaming and esports, it is a fun and innovative way to learn,” said Linda Horner, Cape May County 4-H Program Coordinator. “We are lucky to have such knowledgeable, tech savvy club leaders who will challenge our youth to explore ideas and help them develop Maker Portfolios that can also be used for future college admissions,” added Horner.
Spaces are limited, so if you are interested in joining, please contact Ingrid at the 4-H office at Ingrid.biondi@co.cape-may.nj.us or call (609) 465-5115, ext. 3605.
For more information about the Cape May County 4-H Youth Development Program, please call 609-465-5115, ext. 3605, visit our website capemay.njaes.rutgers.edu and like us on Facebook at Cape May 4-H or Instagram at cape_may_4h.
