What is STEMCraft?
The STEMCraft Event is a gaming event for fans of Minecraft (ages 17 and under) of all skill levels, even beginners! The event will support bringing hi-tech educational tools to Philadelphia public schools and raise funds for the most trusted advocacy organization for kids, Public Citizens for Children and Youth.
When are the Gaming Sessions?
There are three sessions on Saturday, October 6, 2018 for kids who want to play Minecraft! When you buy your ticket, you get to choose which session works best for you and your friends. Order your tickets soon before your first choice is sold out!
Gaming Sessions:
- Saturday, October 6th: 9:00am to 12:00pm
- Saturday, October 6th: 12:30pm to 3:30pm
- Saturday, October 6th: 4:00pm to 7:00pm
When is the STEM Fair?
The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Festival runs from 11am to 5pm on Saturday, October 6th. This is for kids and adults who do not want to play in any of the Minecraft gaming session but want to come and experience the fun events at the festival. When you order your tickets be sure to order “Non Gamer” tickets!
Where is it?
STEMCraft will be held on the campus of the School of the Future, 40th & Parkside Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104. It’s just around the corner from the Zoo and across from the Please Touch Museum. There is free parking (first come, first serve) on the campus and free street parking in the area.
What is Minecraft?
If you’re unfamiliar with Minecraft, all you need to know is that it’s a game that encourages creative thinking, exploration and collaborative play and has been embraced by educators all over the world as a new tool to engage with their students. How you play Minecraft is entirely up to who is playing, whether you want to build structures or sculptures using cube building blocks or explore the ‘open’ world and embark on adventures alone or with friends.
What can I expect to do there?
There are two parts to the event:
- First, there’s a Minecraft gaming event for fans ages 17 and under. The gaming event will take place across more than a dozen classrooms at the School of the Future. Gamers can choose to play in any one or all of three Minecraft challenges, each of which will last about 45 minutes. Work in teams to create really cool builds or work alone to design something new using any of Minecraft’s engineering tools. The challenges offered will highlight the best aspects of Minecraft and demonstrate why teachers, engaged parents, and millions of players around the world love this game. We can’t forget the many fun prizes for players of all skill levels.
- Second, while gamers are engaged in this first-of-its-kind fundraising gaming event, other guests (or gamers taking a break) can enjoy a plethora of Minecraft-themed festivities inside the spacious and comfortable facilities. Activities may include arts and crafts, Lego build challenges, Minecraft Karaoke, face painting, or check out some amazing vendors for a souvenir or two.
What is Minecraft Karaoke?
If you know a Minecrafter fan, you probably already know YouTube is full of Minecraft videos, including pop songs re-written with Minecraft lyrics. These videos have millions of views and kids love singing them and you will too! You already know the melody…won’t you step up to the microphone and entertain the “mobs” for fame and prizes?
Do I need to bring my own laptop or tablet?
NO. We will provide computers for each child at the event.
How much does the Block Party cost?
- Tickets for gamers 17 and under costs $35, and that includes one free general admission pass for an accompanying adult.
- Non-gaming siblings, friends or additional adults need their own general admission ticket. General admission tickets cost $15.
- There are no additional fees.
Will there be food available for purchase?
We are currently working on the food options.
What are we fundraising for?
The money raised will further PCCY’s mission to improve the life chances of children by advocating for adequate funding of public schools, affordable and better access to pre-k for working families, and making sure every child has health care coverage. PCCY is engaging young people from across our region to raise money so that other children can have better opportunities to learn in the science, technology, engineering and math fields. New STEM opportunities are emerging almost on a daily basis and this event will help raise awareness and understanding of those opportunities.
Who is PCCY?
Public Citizens for Children and Youth is a 38 year old nonprofit child advocacy that is dedicated to helping improve the lives and life chances of children, youth and families in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Childhood is fleeting and that there are no do-overs. Our job as parents, neighbors and members of society is to make sure every child has the fundamental building blocks for success including consistent health care, high-quality education from pre-k through high school, proper nutrition, and a dependable support network to help them grown into healthy, able and confident adults.
The tough challenges children face today do not lend themselves to simple solutions. PCCY combines direct service initiatives with comprehensive research and the tools of advocacy to mobilize citizens across the region to change the lives of children for the better. Time and time again, PCCY has demonstrated that we can create positive change for children to address their urgent needs.
Sounds amazing! Can I join the team?
YES!!! We really need volunteers to help make this event a success! If you can spare a few hours on Saturday, October 6, 2018, please consider SIGNING UP HERE.
We need help with:
How else can I help fundraise?
More information on the way…
How can my company help?
Become a partner! Join companies from across the region that are stepping forward to make sure children are eager to be part of emerging STEM opportunities. From health care, to communications, from financial services to logistics and shipping, our children must be prepared to take the helm in STEM professions. Your sponsorship will make this event more exciting, more hands on and make it possible for children who can’t afford the ticket price to participate.
What if I still have more questions?
You can reach us at stemcraft@childrenfirstpa.org or 215-563-5848 x40. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook! @pccystemcraft