Game Jam Winter Break Camp

 

Game Jam was a two-day long winter break STEM camp held on January 3rd and 4th at Pierce College Ft. Steilacoom. Girls in grades 8-12 worked in teams and attended breakout sessions to create a prototype of a physical or digital game with support from peer mentor volunteers and game design professionals.

There were seventeen girls who attended the camp from all different schools. The event fostered connections and relationships among girls across the county, with teams connecting over text or in person after Game Jam to work on their projects.

Throughout the development of their projects, participants demonstrated STEM and real-world skill-building:

  • Participants gained hands-on STEM experience in the application of logic, design, digital drawing, programming, and troubleshooting, and in the introduction of new technology and software.
  • Participants gained real-world experience in collaboration, communication, goal-setting, time management, and presentation skills.
  • Teams were proud of their games at the closing celebration and game demonstration.
  • Girls reported wanting a longer program and more events like this in the future.
  • Peer mentor volunteers reported a valuable experience in support of their education, work experience, and connection to industry professionals.

 

 

Highlights from the event included:

  • Game demos at the start of camp.
  • The IGNITE Panel discussion about women in STEM.

 

THANK YOU to all of the volunteers who made this event possible. We truly appreciate your dedication to supporting girls in STEM!

 

 

 

After attending this event:

83%

of girls/non-binary students are more interested in STEM

66%

of girls/non-binary students want to continue attending IGNITE events 

What the students enjoyed most:

“My main highlight about today’s event is learning how to code a simple game. One of us from our group went to the art event, and the other two of us learned to code. I’ve always wanted to learn to code and now knowing the basics inspires me to learn more.”

– 8th grade

 

“I enjoyed the access to different programs. I enjoyed the interactive sessions and skills that I learned.”

– 10th grade

 

“Learning Photoshop and Illustrator.”

– 7th grade

 

“The different women pursuing their dreams.”

– 9th grade