Minecraft programs near you
Kids after-class or after-school Minecraft programs are found in cities across the country. Find yours in the list below and discover after-school and weekend programs near you, with Minecraft-focused programs at the top of the linked lists and programs where it's an activity further down each.
Search all MINECRAFT PROGRAMS
The benefits of Minecraft programs
Far from just a game, Minecraft makes learning fun for kids, and parents are well-advised to leverage kids’ love of this game to encourage this. Look closer:
Practical learning benefits
Minecraft introduces numerous math concepts and develops kids’ interests in this area. This understanding is core to programming, engineering, and numerous other
career paths that will be in-demand and lucrative for decades to come. Skills kids develop include analysis, computer literacy, and spatial literacy. While your son or daughter might not likely be concerned about this, they will find math class easier and more enjoyable. These skills acquired in regular Minecraft play are enhanced in the formalized instructional environment of an afterschool program.
Social and personal benefits
Minecraft game play tends to be isolationist but at an afterschool program kids work with others who share their love of Minecraft. It’s an easy way to make friends and have fun building together. Programs like those above encourage interaction and collaboration, and kids gain social confidence as well.
In addition, observers praise Minecraft for the sense of control and mastery kids gain through the platform. They build and manipulate structures, creatures, and characters. This self-determination is all-too-often a respite from the role they play in the real world. This can be especially helpful for kids who deal with any kind of stress (from family turmoil to bullying and/or self esteem issues).
Other benefits
Attending an afterschool program has other benefits as well. Programs offer a mix of coding with crafts and other activities. The simple act of attending a program gives kids a measure of independence. A number of programs and educators use Minecraft to work with kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and kids on the spectrum tend to love the game.
More programs and camps you may also like
Minecraft kids camps are obviously interesting for kids who love the game (and you’ll find many great camps on the page just linked to). As we list many thousands of camps and programs there are more types that you might find interesting. Here’s a quick glance, with links to more information.
After school Lego and Lego camps for kids are perfect for kids in the same age group who enjoy building and learning. Through activities centered around this respected building toy, kids indulge in imaginative world-creation, explore planning and design, and interact with others in an enjoyable learning setting.
Avengers camp is focused on fun related to Marvel Universe characters and other superheroes. Kids in this age group are sure to find these fascinating.
Kids' robotics programs are a good transition to more practical tools as kids mature and learn. These are ideal for older kids and teens with an ability to grasp electronics concepts and series circuitry. Along with robotics camps for kids, these are eminently practical.
Afterschool Makerspace programs offer engaging activities encouraging kids to creatively use and work with a variety of materials. As well as Makerspace camps, these are an ideal next step from Minecraft's virtual space to real-world creation. Maker programs encourage creativity, collaborative problem-solving, and many other skills.
STEAM camp and STEM camp apply a curriculum combining science, technology, engineering and math (as well as arts, in the case of STEAM). Camps present this at the level of kids’ understanding, starting as young as 7. These camps, as well as after school programs for STEM and STEAM, apply a curriculum that combines science, technology, engineering and math (as well as arts, in the case of STEAM). Camps and programs present this at a level kids understand, starting as young as the age of seven.
As kids mature out of an interest in Minecraft, there are more camps and programs that will further their intellectual development in practical pursuits, including everything from engineering camp to coding class to math camp, and many other education and technology programs.
Sources and further reading:
10 reasons Minecraft is beneficial for kids. Lifehack.org.
A Parent’s Guide to Minecraft. Webwise.
How I use Minecraft to help kids with autism. Stuart Duncan. Ted Talks video.
Tips and advice for keeping children safe on Minecraft. Nspcc.org.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many After school Minecraft programs are there?
There are 2 programs offering minecraft as an activity. Use the filters to narrow by age and program type, then click on matched programs to see daily activities, dates, rates and registration information.
What are the fees to attend After school Minecraft programs?
Fees for programs offering minecraft as an activity range from $299 to $349 per program (program types and lengths vary). Use the filters here to narrow programs by age and type.
Where can parents meet with After school Minecraft programs?
Meet with program directors and staff at the Our Kids Camp & Program Expo. The Expo is held annually in February, and is a fun and informative day for parents, kids, and teens. Find event details and free tickets here.
