Community Education launches video game design class

A new class from Battle Ground Community Education (BGCE) could replace the video game controller in your child’s hand with a device that would help redirect this electronic enthusiasm into computer programming.

Code to the Future: Video Game Design is a new Community Ed offering for second through sixth graders that transitions students from being players to creators by teaching them computational thinking skills. The class begins Feb. 19 on the Lewisville campus. Students in the class will use kid-friendly programming applications like Scratch to make their own working video game design.

The class is an example of the new, unique kinds of classes that BGCE program lead Jude Blocker is working to add to the program’s menu of continuing education and recreation classes for children and adults.

“Our goal is to engage with the community and provide opportunities to explore an activity, learn a craft or find a fun way to get physical activity,” Blocker said. “If anyone has an idea for a class they’d like to teach, I’m always looking to integrate new classes into the program.”

Registration is currently open for Video Game Design, as well as piano, beginning guitar for adults, a study skills class for adults and high school students, snowshoe trips, indoor soccer for primary students, Lego engineering and Safe On My Own. Registration opened Feb. 8 for spring sports, middle school basketball and volleyball, and track for grades third through eighth. Be on the lookout for spring break camps. A course schedule and registration information is available on the BGCE website at http://bgce.battlegroundps.org/. Registration is also available 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. by phone at (360) 885-6584.

Code to the Future: Video Game Design is open to students in second through sixth grades. Two classes are available to choose from on Fridays beginning Feb. 19: 3:30-4:30 p.m. or 4:40-5:40 p.m. The class integrates both programming and game design to give students a fun and well-rounded understanding of how to use technology to create. The six-session class costs $105. Materials are provided. Check out a video on the class at www.CodeToTheFuture.com.

Battle Ground Community Education was established in 1975 as a partnership between the school district, city government and several other organizations to offer educational and recreational activities to adults and youth in the greater Battle Ground area. Today, the program is a department of Battle Ground Public Schools that is funded by the fees people pay to take classes.

Last year, Battle Ground Community Education had more than 9,300 registrants participate in 1,400 camps, classes and sports. The program makes it possible for people of all ages to explore lifelong learning, promote creativity, gain knowledge and lead healthy active lives.