End-of-Summer Esports & Gaming Camp

The Esports & Gaming Camp is designed specifically for children in grades 3-7 (8-13 years old) who are passionate about gaming. Located onsite here at GMercyU and powered by Metro Esports, this camp introduces participants to a structured blend of esports, creative game design, and teamwork.

The camp features a mix of teamwork, competitive play, creative learning, and insights into game design through Roblox Studio and Unreal Engine lessons. The goal is to foster appreciation, confidence, and skills in gaming and beyond.

Campers should bring a packed lunch, snacks for energy between activities, and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day. While all necessary gaming peripherals such as controllers, mice, and keyboards are provided by the camp, your child is welcome to bring their own if they prefer, though please note that the camp is not responsible for personal items. Personal items should be labeled with your child’s name.

Campers should also wear closed-toe shoes for outdoor fun, which may include physical activities.

Campers start their day with engaging icebreaker activities which will set a positive tone and foster a sense of community. Following a brief, interactive lesson focused on either game strategy or design, the morning progresses with esports activities where teamwork and competitive play come into focus. After a review session to consolidate learning, campers enjoy their packed lunches and unwind during the designated outdoor time, ensuring a healthy balance between screen time and physical activity.

The afternoon session kicks off with another insightful lesson, leading to further esports activities and culminating in a daily tournament where campers can put their new skills to the test. The day wraps up with free play, allowing campers to explore various games, followed by a structured pickup process ensuring every camper's safety.

Activities are centered around Fortnite, including gameplay, challenges, and team-based activities. Brief lessons in game design will use Roblox Studio and Unreal Engine, the platforms that power some favorite games. The curriculum promotes strategic communication and teamwork, with free play time allowing exploration of a broad game library.

Click the "Register here" button at the top of this page.

There is a registration form to enter the camper’s details and payment. Early registration is recommended as spots are limited and tend to fill up quickly. If you encounter any difficulties or have specific questions during the registration process, please email summercamps@gmercyu.edu.

To ensure a cohesive and engaging camp experience, participants are required to be within the specified age range of grades 3-7 (8-13 years old). Upon completing the online registration, parents or guardians will be prompted to sign a waiver form, acknowledging the camp's policies and granting permission for their child's participation in camp activities and photos.

The $399 camp fee includes all activities, use of gaming equipment, and educational materials. Importantly, campers should bring their own lunch, snacks, and drinks. There are refillable water bottle stations for campers to stay hydrated all day.

There is also a self-serve market – Merv’s Market – which will be available for purchasing snacks and drinks at designated times during the day, depending on the camp schedule. Merv’s Market purchases are by credit or debit card only (no cash).

Campers should be dropped off inside University Hall’s main entrance on the ground level. There will be a registration table in the Rotunda area for campers to check in each day.

Find directions here to the University, as well as this campus map (PDF). University Hall is # 27 on the map.

Pick-up is at 4:00 p.m. at the same location as drop-off. If campers are not picked up by 4:15 p.m., a late fee will be charged.

Parents will be asked to complete a health questionnaire at the point of registration. Campers may NOT carry medication at camp without a specific doctor’s order to do so (ex. inhalers, insulin, epinephrine, etc.) Camp leadership will hold all medication. Medication must contain the prescription label and doctors care plan if necessary.

The camp offers more than just gameplay; it's a comprehensive program that teaches game design basics, improves strategic thinking and communication, and introduces potential STEM and game design career paths. It’s an opportunity for growth, learning, and fun in a safe, social environment. Additional benefits of gaming include:

• Improved hand-eye coordination
• Improved attention & visual acuity
• Improved basic visual processing and executive function
• Problem-solving & strategy skill development
• Boosts self-confidence and player socialization
• Exposure to the growing field of esports and its many opportunities, e.g. college studies, extracurricular activities, careers in business, computer science, engineering, etc.

Yes, there is dedicated outdoor time every day for campers to enjoy physical activities and break from screen time, ensuring a balanced day.

The camp prioritizes safety with supervised activities, secure campus facilities, and staff who have undergone federal and state background checks and clearances. Additionally, health and safety protocols are in place, including emergency procedures and cleanliness standards. In addition to regular staff monitoring and coaching, the camp utilizes a combination of software and hardware to ensure the safest, most controlled, and toxicity-free atmosphere in and out of the game. Utilizing various applications and software, in-game voice and text are monitored with weekly reports summarizing children’s gaming activity and time spent playing, as well as notifications about threat exposures on PC games such as:

• online predators
• bullying
• hate speech
• sexual content
• scams

We understand the concerns about screen time and the perception of gaming as solely recreational. However, our esports and gaming camp offers a unique blend of structured learning, teamwork, and creativity that goes beyond casual gaming at home.

Here are some reasons why attending our camp is beneficial:

• Comprehensive Learning: Our camp curriculum includes game design basics, strategic thinking, and communication skills, fostering a holistic learning experience.
• STEM Exploration: Through activities like Roblox Studio and Unreal Engine lessons, we introduce potential STEM and game design career paths, opening doors to future opportunities.
• Social Interaction: Campers engage in teamwork, strategic communication, and socialization, enhancing their interpersonal skills and boosting self-confidence.
• Physical Activity: We incorporate outdoor time into our daily schedule to ensure a healthy balance between screen time and physical activity, promoting overall well-being.
• Safe and Supervised Environment: Our camp prioritizes safety with supervised activities, secure facilities, and staff who have undergone thorough background checks and clearances.

Campers will not only enjoy gaming but also gain valuable skills, experiences, and connections in a safe and enriching environment.

Metro Sports & Entertainment Group is a digital sports and entertainment media company with a focus on leveraging the viral popularity of gaming and esports to attract, engage, and educate a broad and diverse community of gaming and technology enthusiasts; while also connecting the brands and organizations that are desperate to reach them.

Metro Esports is partnered with some of the world’s most notable brands, such as Dell, Microsoft, Corsair, and T-Mobile. Metro has also built several esports and STEM centers in partnership with local YMCAs.

The cancellation policy is based on advance notice.

• If a request is made 60+ days before the start of camp, a full refund less a $25 administrative fee will be allowed.
• If a request is made 30-60 days before the start of camp, half of the cost of camp will be refunded.
• No refunds will be issued if there are less than 30 days before the start of camp.

Cancellation requests may be made by emailing: summercamps@gmercyu.edu.