Some young Yellowknifers spent the week at a Minecraft-themed spring break camp – an idea sparked by a nine-year-old.
Kiugaq Ashoona’s passing comment to his mother, Tiffany Kodakin-Yakeleya, set the foundation for a unique program blending digital creativity with real-world skills.
Kodakin-Yakeleya, who serves on the board of Makerspace YK, recalled the moment of inspiration.
“Kiugaq just said, ‘What if it was an epic adventure, maybe Minecraft?’ And that got me thinking. With the Minecraft movie coming out and so many kids loving the game, it seemed like the perfect theme,” she said.
The camp was a collaboration between Makerspace YK, the Aurora Research Institute and the Territorial Agrifood Association.
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Activities inspired by Minecraft included building controllers, creating paper circuits, and even constructing a large fortress out of cardboard.
Organizers emphasized that the camp was about more than gaming, seeking to foster science, technology, engineering and math skills, fine motor development and artistic expression.
“The most surprising part has been seeing how engaged the kids are in artistic creation,” Kodakin-Yakeleya said.
“This isn’t just about playing a game. It’s about learning, building and imagining new possibilities.”
