Thursday Classes (3:30 - 5:30)

Brain Benders: (Grades K-1) This Mensa Select series is for children age 5 to 7 that have shown an interest in games that involve strategic thinking. Your gamers will be introduced to classic games and strategy basics all designed to promote linear mathematical concepts, working memory, and perceptual organization. Throughout the program, participants will focus on practicing good sportsmanship while simultaneously having fun trying to outwit and out-strategize their opponents. Game List may include: Mancala, Senet, Look Look, Mine Shift, Qwirkle, Dizios, Yikerz, Sleeping Queens, Gin Rummy, Chess, Bakers Dozen, Loot, Tsuro, Sushi Go, Carcassonne.

Mind Masters: (Grades 2-4) This problem-solving series is for children age 7 to 9 that have either completed Brain Benders or demonstrate an affinity for strategic thinking. We introdue these gamers to a wide range of game genres from ancient strategy to modern board games. Throughout the program players will explore deeper strategy elements and multidimensional thinking. As always, participants will also focus on issues of ‘good sportsmanship’ while simultaneously trying to outwit and out strategize their opponents. Games may include: 7 Wonders, Carcassonne, Settlers of Catan, Scrabble, Boggle, Sushi Go!, Splendor, Dragonwood, Machi Koro, Ticket to Ride, Small World.

Strategy Specialists: (Grades 4-6) This problem-solving series is for children age 9 to 11 that have either completed Mind Masters or demonstrate an affinity for strategic thinking. We introduce these gamers to a wide range of game genres from ancient strategy to modern board games. Throughout the program players will explore deeper strategy elements and multidimensional thinking. As always, participants will also focus on issues of ‘good sportsmanship’ while simultaneously trying to outwit and out strategize their opponents. Games may include: 7 Wonders, Carcassonne, Settlers of Catan, Sushi Go!, Splendor, Dragonwood, Machi Koro, Ticket to Ride, Strat-o-matic.

Chess I: Developing minds learn how pieces move and how to organize approach and defense in this introduction to chess and related abstract strategy games. No experience is necessary and time is dedicated to learning these games in small group play. Each class is spent playing both chess and games like Yn, Dvonn, Punct, Hive and Othello.

Intermediate RPGs: (Grades 3+) Roleplayers that have completed our introductory class are ready to set out on more in-depth adventures! We will explore a range of different RPGs in an effort to offer players a survey of popular RPG systems. Players will improve essential role-playing skills that include character development, embracing failure, and detailed narrative storytelling. All of our RPG classes stress cooperative decision making and good sportsmanship. Game systems may include Microscope, The Quiet Year, Dungeon Crawl Classics, Fiasco, Cypher System, Star Wars RPG, Dungeon World, and Dungeons & Dragons.