METRO ESPORTS CAMP

Metro Esports partners with YMCA associations to offer cutting-edge esports and gaming programs that combine fun, education, and competition in a safe and structured environment. As a digital sports and media company, Metro Esports leverages the popularity of gaming to engage, educate, and inspire a diverse community of young gamers, helping them develop skills that extend far beyond the screen.

Our state-of-the-art esports facilities, across Pennsylvania and New York​​​​​​, are designed to provide next-level gaming experiences with high-performance gaming PCs, next-gen consoles, and dedicated team spaces for learning, competition, and creativity.

At Metro, we have two core goals: creating access and building bridges. We create access by designing inclusive experiences that welcome all players, regardless of skill level, and foster their passion for gaming. We build bridges by using esports to introduce campers to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) career pathways, equipping them with skills in game design, coding, digital content creation, and more.

By partnering with YMCAs across multiple regions, Metro Esports transforms gaming from a hobby into an opportunity for growth, learning, and future success, offering an unparalleled camp experience that blends fun, teamwork, and education.

Metro Esports Camp at the YMCA of Greater Rochester take place in state-of-the-art gaming and technology labs, located right inside the YMCA, offering campers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore gaming, competition, and digital skills development in a fun and structured environment. Both the Maplewood Family YMCA and Schottland Family YMCA host two engaging half-day camp experiences: Esports & Gaming Camp and Level Up! Tech Camp.

Level Up! Tech Camps 

• Monday-Friday; 9 am to Noon
• Ages 8-13
• Pricing: $225 per week

This camp invites young game enthusiasts to dive deep into the world of game creation, media, and tech skills. This isn’t your typical S.T.E.A.M. camp—each week focuses on a unique theme in the game and tech industry, from coding and computer-building to game design in some of today’s most popular platforms, like Roblox, Minecraft, and Unreal Engine. Kids won’t just play games; they’ll learn to build, design, and even create content around them! Through a mix of hands-on activities, creative projects, and teamwork, campers will gain valuable tech skills, explore potential career paths, and make lasting connections. Be sure to check out each week’s theme description to see what exciting new skills await your camper this summer! Whether they’re aspiring game developers, content creators, or tech enthusiasts, this camp is designed to help every young gamer turn their passion into a skill. 

Sessions & Themes:

• Session 1 (6/30-7/3, no camp on 7/4): Youtube Content Creators
• Session 2 (7/7-7/11): Game Building in Fortnite & Unreal Engine
• Session 3 (7/14-7/18): Youtube Content Creators
• Session 4 (7/21-7/25): Roblox Game Design
• Session 5 (7/28-8/1): Build-A-Computer
• Session 6 (8/4-8/8): Minecraft & Code
• Session 7 (8/11-8/15): Game Building in Fortnite & Unreal Engine 
• Session 8 (8/18-8/22): Unity Game Design
• Session 9 (8/25-8/29): Roblox Tech Adventures

Esports Camp

• Monday-Friday; 1-4 pm
• Ages 8-13
• Pricing: $179 per week

This half-day program at Schottland Family YMCA is perfect for gamers of all skill levels, from beginners to aspiring pros! Campers will face exciting challenges, engage in team-based activities, and guided free play across a variety of their favorite games. Each day also offers structured competitions and tournaments for the featured games of the week. This camp offers short daily lessons and a curriculum that combines teamwork, leadership, game mechanics, sports psychology, and best practices for healthy gaming. Our dedicated staff, top-tier gaming equipment, and immersive curriculum ensure an unparalleled experience. Parents love the Gaming & Esports Camp for its seamless integration of skill development, personal growth, and the campers’ passion for gaming. 

Sessions & Themes:

• Session 1 (6/30-7/3, no camp on 7/4): Sports Games
• Session 2 (7/7-7/11): Fortnite & Fall Guys
• Session 3 (7/14-7/18): MultiVersus, Smash & Brawlhalla
• Session 4 (7/21-7/25): Roblox & Rocket League
• Session 5 (7/28-8/1): Sports Games
• Session 6 (8/4-8/8): Minecraft & Mario Games
• Session 7 (8/11-8/15): Fortnite & Fall Guys
• Session 8 (8/18-8/22): Marvel Rivals, Smash & Brawlhalla 
• Session 9 (8/25-8/29): Roblox & Rocket League

Level Up! Tech Camps 

• Monday-Friday; 9 am to Noon
• Ages 8-13
• Pricing: $155 per week

This camp invites young game enthusiasts to dive deep into the world of game creation, media, and tech skills. This isn’t your typical S.T.E.A.M. camp—each week focuses on a unique theme in the game and tech industry, from coding and computer-building to game design in some of today’s most popular platforms, like Roblox, Minecraft, and Unreal Engine. Kids won’t just play games; they’ll learn to build, design, and even create content around them! Through a mix of hands-on activities, creative projects, and teamwork, campers will gain valuable tech skills, explore potential career paths, and make lasting connections. Be sure to check out each week’s theme description to see what exciting new skills await your camper this summer! Whether they’re aspiring game developers, content creators, or tech enthusiasts, this camp is designed to help every young gamer turn their passion into a skill. 

Sessions & Themes:

• Session 1 (6/30-7/3, no camp on 7/4): Roblox Tech Adventures
• Session 2 (7/7-7/11): Minecraft & Code
• Session 3 (7/14-7/18): Youtube Content Creators
• Session 4 (7/21-7/25): Game Building in Fortnite & Unreal Engine  
• Session 5 (7/28-8/1): Unity Game Design
• Session 6 (8/4-8/8): Roblox Game Design
• Session 7 (8/11-8/15): Build-A-Computer 
• Session 8 (8/18-8/22): Minecraft & Code
• Session 9 (8/25-8/29): Game Building in Fortnite & Unreal Engine   

Esports Camp

• Monday-Friday; 1-4 pm
• Ages 8-13
• Pricing: $125 per week

This half-day program at Maplewood Family YMCA is perfect for gamers of all skill levels, from beginners to aspiring pros! Campers will face exciting challenges, engage in team-based activities, and guided free play across a variety of their favorite games. Each day also offers structured competitions and tournaments for the featured games of the week. This camp offers short daily lessons and a curriculum that combines teamwork, leadership, game mechanics, sports psychology, and best practices for healthy gaming. Our dedicated staff, top-tier gaming equipment, and immersive curriculum ensure an unparalleled experience. Parents love the Gaming & Esports Camp for its seamless integration of skill development, personal growth, and the campers’ passion for gaming. 

Sessions & Themes:

• Session 1 (6/30-7/3, no camp on 7/4): Roblox & Rocket League 
• Session 2 (7/7-7/11): Minecraft & Mario Games 
• Session 3 (7/14-7/18): Sports Games 
• Session 4 (7/21-7/25): Fortnite & Fall Guys 
• Session 5 (7/28-8/1): Marvel Rivals, Smash & Brawlhalla
• Session 6 (8/4-8/8): Roblox & Rocket League
• Session 7 (8/11-8/15): Sports Games  
• Session 8 (8/18-8/22): Minecraft & Mario Games  
• Session 9 (8/25-8/29): Fortnite & Fall Guys 

Build-a-Computer 

Campers will dive into computer hardware and software by learning each component's role and how they work together. They will then work in teams to disassemble, reassemble, and test real computers. Alongside hands-on building, they’ll use a computer simulator to plan their dream PCs and enjoy a gaming session. This camp fosters problem-solving, tech skills, and a foundational understanding of computer engineering. 

Roblox Tech Adventures 

In Roblox Tech Adventures, campers explore technology and science concepts through the interactive world of Roblox, learning basic coding, game design, character creation, and animation. Each themed day introduces exciting topics like space exploration and biology, where campers design Mars rovers, build immersive worlds, and explore immune system mechanics through engaging Roblox games. This camp encourages creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving, helping campers develop digital literacy and foundational tech skills in a fun, hands-on environment. 

Minecraft & Code 

Through Minecraft, campers are introduced to JavaScript coding as they build and customize their virtual worlds. STEM-based projects guide them in applying programming fundamentals to create interactive experiences. This camp blends creativity with logical thinking, providing a foundational skill set in both coding and digital design. 

Roblox & Code 

This week, campers will be immersed in game development basics using Roblox Studio, where they’ll learn beginner coding skills to create and test mini-games. Campers engage in level design, game mechanics, and peer collaboration, gaining valuable insights into game structure and digital storytelling in a fun, interactive setting. By the end of this week, campers will have all the fundamental skills to build their very own Roblox map! 

Unity Game Design 

Campers explore the essentials of game creation using Unity, working on animated projects and game elements to build their own portfolio. Guided by instructors, they’ll develop skills in animation, character creation, and environment design, gaining hands-on experience with professional tools and techniques used in the gaming industry. 

Game Building in Fortnite & Unreal Engine 

Using Unreal Engine and Fortnite map builder, campers will learn the fundamentals of 3D game design, from character development to level creation. This camp encourages creativity and collaboration as campers work on real-world game mechanics, gaining insights into 3D design and the game production process. 

YouTube Content Creators 

Campers will explore digital media skills by learning the basics of filming, editing, and storytelling for online platforms like YouTube. They’ll create their own video content, practicing internet safety and responsible sharing. This camp offers a creative introduction to video production and digital literacy in today’s online world. 

Yes, each week of camp is unique and features new and exciting lessons, activities, tournaments, and friends! You do not need to complete one week of camp to sign up for another week. Parents are encouraged to sign up for multiple weeks, knowing their kids will have a different experience each week. Weekly themes and featured game titles keep the experience fresh and exciting, while guided open-play sessions each week allow campers to enjoy their favorite games with friends.

Esports & Gaming Camp: Each day begins with engaging icebreakers and team-building activities, followed by a brief lesson covering esports strategy, teamwork, game mechanics, and industry insights. Campers then participate in structured gaming challenges, team-based activities, and skill-building exercises across a variety of popular titles. The day concludes with a friendly tournament in the Weekly Featured Game, allowing campers to put their new skills to the test in a supportive and competitive environment.

Level Up! Tech Camp: Campers kick off the day with creative warm-up activities before diving into an interactive lesson tailored to that week’s focus, such as game design, coding, computer building, or content creation. Guided by instructors, they engage in hands-on projects using platforms like Roblox Studio, Minecraft Education, Unreal Engine, and more. The day wraps up with a collaborative showcase, where campers present their work, followed by open-play gaming time to explore new concepts and reinforce their learning.

Software and Hardware Safety: We utilize a combination of software and hardware for 24/7 in-game voice and text monitoring, daily activity reports, and threat notifications for issues like online predators, bullying, hate speech, sexual content, and scams. Our software will immediately remedy detected concerns by muting, kicking, or banning individuals or voice chats.

Staff Supervision: Constant staff supervision and coaching ensure a safe environment for everyone, free of toxic language, bullying, predatory action, etc.

Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day. All necessary gaming peripherals such as controllers, mice, and keyboards are provided by the camp. Members may bring their own controllers or peripherals if preferred, but please note that neither the YMCA of Greater Rochester nor Metro Esports is responsible for any damaged, lost, or stolen items. Labeling personal items with your child’s name is highly recommended to avoid any mix-ups. If your child wishes to use their own game accounts, please consider sending them with their login information on a notecard. This preparation will ensure your child is ready to enjoy a day full of camp!

Esports is more than just playing video games—it's a structured, competitive, and rapidly growing field that develops real-world skills applicable across education, careers, and personal growth. At Metro Esports Camps, we create a safe, structured, and engaging environment where gaming is leveraged as a tool for learning, collaboration, and personal development.

Gaming requires critical thinking, strategic problem-solving, and teamwork, skills that translate directly to academics and future careers. Studies have shown that competitive gaming enhances cognitive flexibility, reaction time, spatial awareness, and multi-tasking abilities, all of which are essential in today’s digital economy. Esports also fosters resilience, communication, and leadership, as players must analyze situations, adapt strategies, and collaborate with teammates to succeed.

Beyond skill development, esports is a legitimate career pathway. The industry has exploded into a multi-billion-dollar market, spanning game design, cybersecurity, broadcasting, streaming, marketing, and professional competition. Over 300 colleges and universities now offer scholarships and varsity programs for esports, and companies worldwide seek talent with gaming-related skills in software development, networking, and digital media.

Metro Esports Camps introduce kids to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) fields, providing hands-on lessons in game design, coding, and digital content creation. Unlike unstructured gaming at home, our camps provide guided learning, social interaction, and mentorship from trained instructors, ensuring that screen time is both productive and beneficial.

Yes, all camps enforce regular breaks from screen time throughout the camp day.

Games are age-specific based on the participant’s date of birth and the game’s rating. The minimum age requirement for participating in esports is eight years old; anyone younger is not permitted in the esports lounge.

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