Educators say kids build valuable skills in Minecraft summer camp

DYERSBURG, Tenn. — One kids summer camp was in such high demand that a second class had to be added later in the summer.

Eager students filled the computer lab at Dyersburg State Community College for their weeklong exploration of the virtual world of Minecraft.

“This is actually our second offering of this course this summer,” Dyersburg State Community College Coordinator of Continuing Education Van Wylie said. “Our first session that we had back in June filled up in a matter of days.”

“We are doing something a little different here where we’re taking Minecraft and applying it to STEM — science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” said Todd Little, Minecraft Kids Camp instructor from Twin Oaks Technology.

While learning the basics of the game, students also learn crafting, problem solving, physics and logic.

“You get to have fun and you get to explore,” student Conner Helwege said.

“I’m looking forward to the activities like freeze tag,” student Olivia Byford said.

“My dad especially is excited about letting me come here because he too wants me to come back and tell him everything about Minecraft because we’re actually partners on the XBOX,” Rogers said.

Although the students may see Minecraft as just a game while building their own virtual world, the instructor says students take away more than they realize.

“They have a lot of fun doing it and they walk out not realizing the skills they’re taking with them,” Little said. “Things that they don’t realized they’ve learned.”

Although this is the last Minecraft course for the summer, Dyersburg State Community College plans to offer similar courses during fall and spring breaks during the school year.