🎮 STEM Esports Camps: Turning Play Into Purpose at The Vault Gaming Center

🌟 What If Gaming Could Build Real-World Skills?

For most parents, the phrase “video games” might bring to mind hours on the couch or friendly debates over screen time. But what if that same screen time could actually teach teamwork, communication, and problem-solving?

At The Vault Gaming Center in Portsmouth, Ohio, that’s exactly what happens during their STEM Esports Camps — where play meets purpose, and every game becomes a lesson in leadership and learning.

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🎓 Learning Through the Games They Love

Kids don’t just play games at The Vault — they learn how they work.Each camp blends STEM education (science, technology, engineering, and math) with structured gaming activities. The result? Students are having fun while practicing skills like logic, strategy, creativity, and coding.

Dr. Brian James, AuD, co-owner of The Vault Gaming Center, says it best:

“We use gaming as a bridge. It’s not about screen time — it’s about skill time. Kids leave our camps with real confidence in how technology connects to their future.”

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🧩 The STEM + Esports Connection

Every great game is a blend of math, logic, and design — and every match is a live experiment in teamwork and problem-solving. When students compete in esports, they’re not just playing; they’re applying critical STEM principles in a practical, engaging way.

STEM Focus	How Students Apply It
Science	Experimenting with strategies, observing outcomes, and refining performance.
Technology	Learning about gaming hardware, streaming software, and computer systems.
Engineering	Building in Minecraft and Roblox, solving design challenges, and creating digital structures.
Math	Using data, scoring systems, and probability to make decisions and analyze outcomes.

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🏫 Inside the Camp Experience

Each 4-week camp runs three days per week and covers three focus areas designed to balance play and learning.

1️⃣ Week One: Coding and Game Design

Campers use Scratch, Minecraft Education, and Roblox Studio to design their own mini-games and interactive stories. It’s an exciting first look at programming — visual, creative, and rewarding.

2️⃣ Week Two: The Creator’s Studio

Students become content creators, learning the basics of lighting, audio, editing, and presentation. They record clips, create short videos, and understand the effort that goes into streaming responsibly.

3️⃣ Week Three: Esports Team Coaching

Here’s where teamwork comes alive. Kids compete in titles like Rocket League, Super Smash Bros, and Fortnite, learning how to strategize, communicate, and lead. Coaches emphasize collaboration and sportsmanship over winning.

4️⃣ Week Four: Showcase & Celebration

The camp wraps up with a Family & Friends Showcase, where students demonstrate their new skills — coding projects, video edits, and team gameplay. Every participant earns a STEM Esports Certificate of Completion.

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⚙️ What Students Take Away

Skill	How They Learn It	Why It Matters
Teamwork & Communication	Cooperative matches and coach-led strategy sessions	Builds soft skills for school and work
Problem Solving & Critical Thinking	In-game strategy and coding projects	Strengthens STEM reasoning
Technology & Digital Literacy	Hands-on use of hardware and software	Prepares for tech careers
Creativity & Design	Content creation and game modding	Encourages innovation
Confidence & Leadership	Public speaking and team roles	Builds self-esteem and responsibility

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🏙️ A Local Hub for Future Skills

The Vault Gaming Center sits at the heart of Portsmouth’s downtown revitalization — but it’s also at the heart of something bigger: digital inclusion.

By offering affordable camps (only $50 per month) with all equipment included, The Vault ensures that every student — regardless of background — has access to technology and mentorship.

It’s part of a broader mission to help young people in Southern Ohio explore career-ready skills through gaming and innovation.

“For many of our campers, this is their first time coding or using a VR headset,” Dr. James adds.“It opens doors they didn’t know existed.”

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🧭 How to Join the Next Camp

• Ages: 5–17

• Duration: 4 weeks (3 days/week)

• Times: Noon or 6 PM

• Cost: $50 per month (includes all materials)

• Location: 317 Chillicothe Street, Portsmouth, OH 45662

• Registration: www.thevaultohio.com/schools

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💬 Educator & Parent Perspectives

“The Vault’s STEM Esports Camps make technology approachable and exciting. Students gain confidence, creativity, and collaboration skills in every session.”— Local Educator

“My son learned teamwork, focus, and communication — all through gaming. He can’t wait to come back.”— Parent

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Q & A

What is a STEM Esports Camp?

A four-week learning program at The Vault Gaming Center combining STEM education with esports, VR, and content creation.

Who can attend?

All Students ages 5–17, with sessions designed for all experience levels.

What skills do students gain?

Coding, teamwork, communication, creativity, and digital literacy.

Are the camps safe and supervised?

Yes. All sessions are monitored by trained staff with age-appropriate content.

What makes The Vault’s program unique?

It’s one of Ohio’s only esports centers integrating STEM learning, VR, and team coaching under one roof.

How much does it cost?

$225 per camp per student per month, including all instruction and equipment.

What games are used?

Rocket League, Super Smash Bros, Minecraft, Fortnite, and other age-appropriate titles.

Do students need prior gaming experience?

No — beginners and experienced gamers are welcome.

What certificate do participants earn?

A STEM Esports Certificate of Completion recognizing their learning achievements.

How do schools or parents register?

Visit www.thevaultohio.com/schools or email info@thevaultohio.com.