Esports–electronic sports– hits all three impact areas of the YMCA. That's right, organized competitive video gaming embodies the Y's pillars of Healthy Living, Youth Development and Social Responsibility. Hear all about it from Jill Moore, Group Vice President for the Y, and Kristel Tanzo, STEAM & Esports Coordinator. They join (Y) Connect today to talk about how a growing number of 8 to 12 year olds are building positive connections, self-esteem, and sportsmanship through the Y's new Esports and STEAM programs.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[04:50] Allison introduces Jill Moore and Kristel Tanza and shares how their backgrounds make them uniquely qualified for their positions at the Y
[08:00] Jill explains how her childhood has given her a passion for STEAM as play and explains how the program embraces Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math
[13:40] Kristel explains the STEAM lab and how it isn't just about technical skill, but it's character development and teaches responsibility at a very young age
[17:42] Jill dives into deeper detail about Esports and how they have partnered with Skill Shot and Ghost Gaming. That affiliation has opened the doors to allowing families of the Y to attend professional sports events
[24:50] Esports teaches a child critical thinking, decision-making, technical skills, and character development. Parents are reacting positively to the program
[30:56] Allison shares statistics from The Surprising Effects of Video Games on Children from Adam Grant's podcast called Rethinking, and Kristel promotes basic exercises and self-care in her teaching
[40:26] The costs of the programs and financial assistance explained
[43:02] Jill and Kristel relate how they each became familiar with the Y
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
STEAM is a program that teaches children as they learn the fundamentals and disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math without the child recognizing they are learning when they are having fun playing.
The Y is a forerunner in education, healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility. The Y continually outdoes itself in its programming and outreach into the community.
Playing video games is a genre that impacts 75% of our youth. Therefore, incorporating Esports with an already popular activity is a brilliant idea.
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