By Dr. Maritony Jones

OAKLAND, Calif. — For more than a decade, Oakland-based nonprofit Gameheads has been transforming the lives of young people by turning a passion for video games into pathways toward careers in technology. This summer, the Black-led organization is expanding that mission by launching Gameheads KIDS, a new five-week program designed to inspire children ages 8 to 11.

Running July 13 through Aug. 13, the Kids summer program introduces children to coding, digital art, storytelling, animation, and game design through hands-on activities that encourage creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking.

Founded more than 12 years ago by Damon Packwood, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Gameheads was created to bridge the opportunity gap facing many Oakland youth despite living in the heart of the world’s technology capital. Mr. Packwood, whose background includes leadership roles with Juma Ventures, Hack the Hood, and Upward Bound, has dedicated his career to making technology education accessible to young people from underserved communities.

“Parents are using apps, tablets, and online games to provide children with digital literacy skills. But, some of these platforms have predatory models that are not in a child’s best interest,” said Packwood. “By combining analog and digital activities that are disconnected from the internet, we can provide that very same experience in a safe, child-friendly, and most of all fun environment.”

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Packwood’s vision has grown into a nationally recognized nonprofit that connects students with nearly 200 volunteer mentors from the gaming and technology industries, including professionals who have contributed to games like Minecraft and Marvel’s Spider-Man. Through partnerships with companies such as Sony PlayStation, Microsoft Xbox, Autodesk, and other industry leaders, Gameheads has helped prepare students for successful careers in technology, with many graduates earning $75,000 to more than $100,000 in entry-level positions.

Now, Gameheads is introducing those opportunities even earlier.

Learning Through Play

The new Gameheads KIDS program is built on the belief that children learn best through play. Instead of simply playing video games, campers will discover how games are imagined, designed, and created while developing skills that extend far beyond the screen.

Throughout the five-week experience, students will explore Scratch coding, digital illustration using drawing tablets, storytelling, technical art, animation, board games, arts and crafts, physical movement, and STEAM-based learning that encourages creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving.

No previous coding or gaming experience is required—just curiosity and a willingness to learn, organizers say.

Gameheads Program Manager Randi Dean says the program is about creating opportunities that can shape a child’s future.

“I believe in the mission of Gameheads, and that is what has drawn me to them,” Mrs. Dean said. “We give young people opportunities to change the trajectory of their lives and break away from predetermined narratives.”

Families interested in enrolling are encouraged to register soon, as space is limited.

Gameheads KIDS Summer Program (Pilot Program)

• Dates: July 13 – Aug.13/ Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

For registration and more information, visit GameHeadsOakland.org or email damon@gameheadsoakland.org

More than a summer camp, Gameheads KIDS is an investment in Oakland’s future—giving young minds the confidence, creativity, and technical skills to imagine new possibilities and become tomorrow’s innovators.

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