Students Gain Confidence, Have Fun Working Together in Minecraft Adventure Camps

There is nothing like a shared adventure, with its ups and downs, to bond people. We have seen this happen over and over in our online TechKnowHow Minecraft Adventure Camps. In these camps, students work in a group of 4 or 5, led by a teacher, to solve puzzles, design structures, and explore the mysteries of Minecraft. Each adventure takes place in a custom Minecraft world, lovingly created by TechKnowHow curriculum designers, featuring intricate stories, dangerous temples, timed events, and challenging puzzles to experience. A teacher introduces the students to the world and explains some general goals. Then, the students work together to move ahead toward their goals. When they work together in groups to solve large puzzles, participate in epic raids, and build elaborate structures, students learn social skills and practice critical thinking as a group. They learn to pose ideas and provide alternatives, how to compromise, and how to move forward with team consensus. And, even though it is a team experience, students also have time to work on their own, making their own paths in the grand adventure, creating unique structures and developing memories from overcoming challenges which will last for years to come. Since everyone is in a shared virtual Minecraft world as well as connected with video and audio through Zoom, students are constantly communicating - sharing ideas, successes, and asking for help when needed. The teachers are there to facilitate progress and make suggestions, but the students work with each other to accomplish missions and discover things about both the Minecraft world and themselves. This safe environment promotes healthy online social skills allowing students to make new friends and become leaders in their own adventures. What students mostly discover is that it is fun to work with others towards common goals. They also learn that they enjoy working in a group where they feel a sense of belonging and contribution. That's the true power of technology - bringing people together in positive, constructive experiences! For us at TechKnowHow, the virtual Minecraft survival adventure camps have been a wonderful outcome arising from the difficulties created by the covid pandemic. See our upcoming Minecraft camps. Currently, there are three themes with their own stories to explore. Survival Island encompasses classic Minecraft experiences, from finding secret dungeons to exploring the Nether to defeating the Ender Dragon. Castle Quest throws players in a magical world filled with runes and powers unique to this custom Minecraft world. The new Atlantis Adventure will have students go through dungeons and pirate raids in order to find the fabled lost city. We hope that your child will be able to participate in one of the upcoming adventure camps!