If you have a video game enthusiast in your life, then you already know Minecraft is a global phenomenon. The game has taken the virtual world and the real world by storm, particularly over the past two years when its popularity has grown to epic proportions. It is not surprising that the Science Museum of Long Island (SMLI) has caught on to this and started the Minecraft Club for kids passionate about the game.
SMLI decided to kick off the new club with a sleepover. “The first overnight is to introduce potential members to the club,” said Cara O’Donnell, executive secretary of the museum. “At this event, kids can sign up for club membership.”
“It’s a game where you build your own world,” 9-year-old Sean explained. He was one of seven local boys in third and fourth grade to attend the inaugural event. Minecraft is a computer game in which players are placed into a virtual world and must use available materials to build safe shelter, acquire food, fend off predators and much more.
Owen Correnti, or “Mr. Owen” as he goes by at the museum, got the idea to start a Minecraft club when he read an article about a Spanish teacher who used Minecraft in her classroom. Many teachers throughout the U.S. use Minecraft to supplement programs related to the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) initiative which is so in vogue in schools and camps today.
The evening began at 6 p.m. with a pizza party and an explanation of the rules—not the rules of the game, which the kids already knew, but the rules of behavior for the sleepover. The boys brought sleeping bags, toothbrushes and various Minecraft paraphernalia, including plush “creepers,” characters from the game, and handbooks, describing the virtual world in great detail.
During dinner, a friendly debate broke out about rules, strategies and game glitches. Owen’s assistant, and little brother, Brian helped settle the discussion.
After dinner, the kids were excited to start playing. They all moved upstairs to the computer lab, generously donated in 2014 by Sean Martens. Seven players and six computers meant there was a new “watcher” every 20 minutes on a rotating basis. Once logged on, the players all landed in the same world and began to work towards a collective goal to, “Survive. Mine. Craft.”
SMLI installed an educational version of Minecraft on the computers. “It encourages players to think outside the box,” Mr. Owen said. “Competition among players is lively, while instruction, although fun, definitely unleashes players’ survival skills, enhances creativity, [and] develops teamwork among them,” said O’Donnell.
When asked, “Is Minecraft your favorite game?” all seven boys shouted an overwhelming, “Yes!”
The first overnight was a great success. Future overnights will be held every few months. Regular club meetings will be held Mondays at 3:45 p.m. Visit www.smli.org for more details.
SMLI Kicks of Minecraft Club With Sleepover
