ST. CLOUD — The Boys & Girls Club of Central Minnesota recently launched esports programming at its local clubs thanks to funding from Boys & Girls Clubs of America, according to a news release.
The program provides kids with a structured environment to engage in competitive and recreational gaming while developing teamwork, communication and strategic thinking skills, according to the release. It also fosters leadership skills and sportsmanship and provides STEM learning opportunities, according to a news release.
The program allows kids to participate in popular games like Madden, Fortnite, Pico Park, Rocket League and other approved games.
Esports programming is currently running out of the Southside Boys & Girls Club in St. Cloud, with an esports lounge in the
Esports lounges were also added at the Eastside Boys & Girls Club and the Little Falls Boys & Girls Club.
Geri Bechtold, vice president of operations for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota, said in a news release that the goal is to have an esports lounge and program at all five local clubs.
The nonprofit hopes to install lounges at the Roosevelt and Discovery clubs within the next year.
Features of the esports program:
- Competitive and recreational gaming to develop skills in popular games while learning healthy gaming habits.
- Teamwork and leadership development, emphasizing collaboration, strategic planning, communications, leadership and problem-solving skills.
- STEM and career exploration, introducing students to career paths in game design, coding, broadcasting and other technology-related fields.
- Positive digital citizenship, learning about online etiquette and sportsmanship as well as responsible, respectful and inclusive gaming.
